Key Takeaways:
- Transformation of HR Roles: Human resources job titles are evolving significantly, mirroring changes in workplace dynamics such as remote work and digitally savvy employees.
- Emerging Titles and Their Functions: New HR-related titles such as "People Operations," "Employee Experience," and "Employee Success" emphasize a more holistic approach to workforce management.
- Innovative Organizational Language: Companies are adopting creative job titles for HR roles, such as "Chief People Person" and "Employee Happiness Cultivator," showcasing a shift away from conventional terminology.
Job titles are having a moment. Business analysts call themselves "data wranglers." Marketers are "brand defenders" and "growth hackers." Salespeople are "customer success managers" — the list goes on. But what about human resources job titles?
Human resources professions are no exception to this new-title takeover — and for good reason. HR roles are drastically different from what they were even 10 years ago, thanks to remote workforces, digitally savvy job applicants and constant connectivity. Maybe it's time we sunset the term "HR" altogether.
But, to borrow from Shakespeare: Would HR by any other name function as well?
Many companies and employees believe it would — and have changed their HR titles accordingly. Here's a look at some trending HR job titles that are replacing Human Resources:
1) People Operations
It doesn't get much simpler than this. The term has gained popularity among tech companies, including Google, Slack, Uber, Instacart and Square. "Find them, grow them, and keep them" — that's the motto Google uses to describe PO's function.
2) People@
Facebook uses this term to describe the team that focuses on three HR goals: "Hire the best people, foster continuous personal growth and enrich the overall Facebook experience."
3) Employee Experience
At Airbnb, roles that impact employee health and happiness fall into this category. Open positions in the department include Head of Diversity and Belonging and Internal Events Coordinator.
4) Employee Success
This department at Salesforce includes traditional HR roles like Recruiters, but also incorporates some newer positions like Business Analysts, who work with IT to build and manage internal HR apps.
5) Partner Resources
So Starbucks hasn't totally made the switch, but it's clear that the coffee retailer is moving "human" out of the spotlight. This department includes positions from Diversity and Inclusion Manager to Senior Business Systems Analyst.
As some HR departments get a name change, so do the individuals who work in it. Employee communications platform GuideSpark has a VP of People and Culture; Pley ("Netflix for LEGOS") employs a Chief People Person; and healthcare provider CVHCare has an Employee Happiness Cultivator on the payroll.
Whether or not these human resources job titles will stick is up for debate, but there's no doubt that technology will continue to push HR in new directions.
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