By Maureen Campbell

According to a recent study, it’s a great time to be in HR – and an even better time to hold the Canadian Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation.

Conducted by PayScale and the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario, (HRPA), the study shows that CHRPs are promoted faster, hired by larger companies and earn more than their non-CHRP counterparts. Herein lies the tangible proof of CHRP difference – and affirmation for all those whose dedication, passion, and resources have been directed towards promoting and elevating the HR profession.

More and more, research is confirming that a highly-engaged workforce leads to greater customer satisfaction and better business results. In fact, research is now indicating that senior management teams are really seeing the value in HR. While almost all corporate vision statements state that ‘people are our most important asset’, in this era, organizations big and small actually mean it. HR is now being viewed as a strategic partner to senior management.

Findings from research conducted in 2011 by Knightsbridge and HRPA stated that organizations’ rely on HR’s critical contributions. The scope of that contribution is considerable: from managing workforce levels and effectiveness to engaging with the latest technologies to effectively communicate to their target audiences. Moreover, HR is a critical component and contributor in strategic areas like talent management, succession planning, engagement, recruitment and retention.

Research Weighs In on Demand, Earnings, Advancement

Now, the PayScale research is confirming that those HR professionals that have earned their CHRP designation are earning more than their non-CHRP counterparts. The statistics prove it. According to Hire Authority (the largest HR-specific job board website in Canada) shows that there has an increase in demand for CHRPs by 86 per cent between 2007 and 2011. In addition, the research asserts that 45 percents of HR generalists with CHRPs became HR mangers in five years, whereas only 21 per cent of HR generalists without CHRPs accomplished the same. The bottom line impact of the designation is similarly revealing, with research indicating that CHRPs can earn up to 16 per cent more than their non-CHRPs counterparts.
This is the living legacy of those who have contributed in raising the bar in the HR profession. Staff and volunteers alike have collaborated and diligently worked to create a robust and solid foundation in HR.

Continued Collaboration Key to CHRP Success

As a national standard, the CHRP designation is clearly coming into its own, capturing attention and gaining the respect and momentum that it merits. This was accomplished by working closely with management and leadership teams, listening to their needs and by applying the knowledge and experience of HR professionals to create sound, lasting solutions. However, it is not the designation alone, but the people applying the knowledge it represents, that have provide the requisite proof of the CHRPs value to organization.  With hard won respect on its side, the CHRP continues to allow HR teams to advance the aptitude of their organizations, at the provincial, national and even the international level.

The future of HR hinges on our continued collaboration as we face a variety of challenges, including the impact of stress in our workplaces, levels of productivity, the integration of diverse workforces to find new ways to work together effectively, how to respond to social media and how to deal with the motivation and engagement of people with have vastly different learning experiences and expectations. The list of challenges is significant, but not insurmountable when met with combined and organized efforts.

William Shakespeare said, “There is a history in all men’s lives,” and there is a famous proverb that states “Live today for tomorrow – it will all be history.” It is pretty amazing to be able to watch the future unfold and history take place within the HR profession. Think of the last 70 years and how HR has transformed from the role of managing forms and process to managing a far bigger picture today.

It is the commitment and passion from volunteers and staff that have enabled the HR profession to grow into what it is today, and it is this continued support and talent that will shape what it will be in years to come. The tangible proof is there for all to see, and it is the shared effort that allowed this to happen. These are the fundaments that CCHRA stands upon as it wouldn’t exist without the support, effort and contributions of the provincial associations.

Together @Conference 2012

As such, it was both a pleasure and an honour for CCHRA to articipate in the recent 50th Annual BC HRMA Conference and Tradeshow in Vancouver. Partick Hartling, chair of CCHRA had the opportunity to address the CHRP Breakfast crowd and his words on standing together inspired.  Fortunately, we saved you a seat and have a clip to share with you.