Expect to pay more for HR professionals

Why are HR salaries rising?

In this period of social and economic uncertainty, HR talent is in demand. HR professionals have never worked harder within organisations, and as a result are struggling to find the time to invest in their own career aspirations outside of their own company. Many are staying in their current role rather than looking for greener pastures elsewhere as they are unwilling to risk the uncertainty of changing jobs. 

Jobseekers are invariably assessing the culture of an organisation, and looking to join industries that are growing and can offer career advancement and competitive salaries with bonus opportunities. The preference is for security, which creates a dearth of talent available for the market generally, but particularly in the contract market. Add to this a lack of international migration and you are left with a very small pool of active jobseekers.

Simply putting up a job ad or doing searches on LinkedIn isn’t enough to find good people for the positions currently being advertised. In this climate advocacy of roles is really important to get HR professionals to engage with opportunity.

High-quality HR professionals are moving quickly in market so fast recruitment processes are essential. They currently have their pick of roles and are often getting multiple job offers. This is where renumeration becomes an important differentiator.



Since the start of 2021, we have seen HR salaries increase by an average of around 10%. Some of the remuneration data that businesses are utilising is becoming outdated very quickly. 

More than money

Even with a good salary offer on the table alone is not enough to attract the right person to the role. Here’s how to make your job-offer more appealing:

• Security – People are looking to work for a stable business with deep pockets and the ability to ride-out the COVID storm. They want to feel confident that next year, no matter what happens, their job will be safe.

• Development – Mentoring and structured professional development are a great way to differentiate your employment brand. Strong leadership and development opportunities are just as important as the right pay.

• Value – HR professionals are drawn to businesses that genuinely believe-in the importance of the Human Resource function. They are looking for environments where they will be valued and supported.

• Opportunity – HR professionals ideally want to work in growth industries where there is the potential to hire people, influence direction and grow professionally.



How we can help

We are finding that some of the remuneration data that customers are utilising is becoming rapidly outdated. As we are working with jobseekers to understand their skills and motivations, we are well placed to advise organisations about how to position a role in order to attract top HR talent. If you are looking for support in this area, please feel free to give us at The Next Step a call to discuss.

Merridy Thomas is Director of The Next Step, NSW. She specialises in senior HR talent acquisition across generalist and specialist streams. She supports Executive HR professionals in finding the best opportunities across Sydney and NSW with a particular focus on change and transformation roles.



Looking to BUILD or BORROW HR capability for your team? 

Contact Merridy or your Next Step consultant for assistance.