HR 'not as soft as it appears'

HR 'not as soft as it appears'

12.8.2008

Despite human resources (HR) being seen as a largely female-dominated sector, the skills required for the job are far from 'soft', an expert has said.

Human resources' feminine associations may have emerged from it previously being labeled 'personnel', according to Karen Sadler, a diversity expert at leadership learning solutions company Academme.

Another reason discussed is the increasing number of male candidates entering the role from other sectors, rather than straight from higher education, HRzone.co.uk reported.

Ms Sadler said: "The notion that HR is a fluffy job is outdated and more people recognise that there is a harder side to the profession."

She added that essential skills for HR employees to possess are "negotiation, conflict resolution and data management".

Despite 72 per cent of Chartered Management Institute members being female, there is still a significant pay gap between the sexes in the field of HR management, according to personneltoday.com.

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