People Profession Survey: 2020 global results

In 2020, the CIPD invited the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) to join our ongoing assessment of the state of the people profession.

Covering 12 regions, the People Profession Survey: 2020 global results report provides benchmarking data for the development of the profession across the globe and insights on the modern career trajectory and alternative pathways. The report supports the professionalisation of HR practice across different markets and guides global associations in their continued efforts to develop and support the profession to champion better work and working lives.

The past year’s events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread economic and political turmoil and the worldwide call for inclusion and diversity, have brought the importance of flexibility and agility within the people profession into sharp focus. While the impact of these events was yet to be fully realised at the time of data collection, our report delivers several key findings that are critical to understanding the challenges ahead. By gathering data and insight around the current state of the profession, we can equip and invest effectively for the future.

As the report shows, the unique knowledge, networks and passion that people professionals possess will be vital as businesses, governments and economies work to recover from the pandemic and build back better.

Download the report:

In this presentation, filmed at ACE 2020, SHRM's Chief Knowledge Office Alexander Alonso, WFPMA President Bob Morton, and the CIPD's Rebecca Peters and Wilson Wong reveal some of the highlights of the report.