2021 Paychex Pulse of HR Report: Leading in a New Era

A dramatic shift is underway in the structure and management of the workplace - and HR professionals are at the forefront of this evolution. Some of the factors shaping this seismic change include transitions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasingly diverse workforce, and recruiting and retaining talent in a uniquely challenging labor market. Furthermore, the increased adoption of HR technology and ongoing innovation in the market continues to drive change for the role of HR.

The fifth annual Paychex Pulse of HR Report provides an in-depth look at how HR professionals are contributing to the success of the companies they serve. Despite the fact that seven in 10 HR leaders say this has been one of the most challenging years in their career, HR professionals are still integral to the strategic decision-making in their organizations. Nearly eight in 10 HR leaders say they are a strategic partner within their company and continue to be involved in C-suite conversations about new business initiatives.

The 2021 Paychex Pulse of HR Report uncovers how HR professionals are:

• Engaging HR technology to reach company goals
• Leaning on training and development to build and retain their workforce
• Evaluating and improving employee benefits to remain competitive
• Keeping pace with new and evolving laws and regulations
• Prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
• Planning for and managing the return to the workplace

As businesses approach a new way of working in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, revised priorities for HR professionals are clear. For the first time ever, HR technology has emerged as a leading focus, just ahead of an emphasis on productivity. Team training and development holds steady as the number three HR priority, while new work arrangements edged out program development and company culture as additional topics on the minds of HR leaders.