Not just a buzz kill | From fun police to 'head of vibe' - how is the HR function changing?

The Human Resources function has seen some significant shifts.

Emerging in the early 1900s, HR has always been the first port of call for any internal business crisis, but the function is often overlooked as an integral aspect of business success.

Out of all departments, HR is one of the most stereotyped. Historically dubbed ‘the fun police’, HR has been labelled the company buzz kill, mostly because they are made responsible for upholding company policies. To some, the function has existed to serve the agenda of the organisation over the employees in it. But whether spectators like it or not, this perception is changing. And with the emergence of HR-focused technology, the overall function is altering rapidly, as AI threatens the role altogether.

A female-lead function

One unique aspect of HR is its female-dominated characteristic. According to Namely’s HR Careers Report, 71% of those in the industry are women. But why is this? Beyond the implementation of policies and the law, over time the HR has departed from the stereotype of serving primarily the business to serving employees as one of its most important functions.