At the same time, HR’s attention is being pulled multiple different directions: More than half, 57%, of HR pros said they are working beyond normal capacity right now, and 56% said they lack sufficient staff to cover the workload, according to SHRM’s 2023-2024 State of the Workplace report. One in three HR professionals in understaffed departments are looking for a new job.

“There’s a lot on HR’s plate right now,” Nelson said, outlining the topics HR professionals are focused on, and what they can do to meet these goals.