The second most sexy profession - Blair McPherson

I misread the head line it was in fact HR the second most sexist profession. Which explains why the article referred to the high percentage of women interviewed who reported being spoken over by male colleagues, experiencing appearance based scrutiny and feeling pressure to suppress their feminism at work. I was surprised at these findings in what is traditionally a female dominated profession. I was less surprised more intrigued to think HR was the second most sexy profession. This would be news worthy. 

 

According to Google, “ The most frequently cited "sexy" professions in recent surveys and studies are those in healthcare, particularly doctors and nurses, followed by teachers and those in the education sector.Other professions often mentioned include lawyers, engineers, and those in finance. Ultimately, what is considered sexy is subjective and varies from person to person” . On the same page under the heading Hottest Jobs number 2 was IT manager!

 

I think there is a case for making HR if not the sexiest profession then a strong second. Ok HR hasn’t always been sexy but perceptions are changing as the role, especially at a senior level,  becomes less about admin and more about strategy and influence. 

Status , influence and a human touch now that’s what I call sexy. 

 

I am not alone in thinking this. In fact the title of a recent book says it HR Is Sexy! The Truth about Human Resources and Why It’s Necessary for Your Business, by  Delmar Johnson, an HR consultant and specialist. Increasingly HR are at the top table in recognition that to be competitive an organisation needs to be agile. Agile organisations have managers with transferable skills able to move from one area of business to another smoothly and quickly as the fast moving environment demands.

 

 One of the most important transferable skills is people management because an agile organisation needs a flexible workforce where employees are open to changing working practices and learning new skills. An agile organisation also requires a workforce that is engaged and empowered because then it is able to take advantage of the creativity, inventiveness and experience of employees and managers. Research indicates that a further business advantage can be achieved by having a diverse workforce within an inclusive work place culture. 

 

If these are the elements of a successful organisation then it’s easy to see why the status of HR is on the up. It’s clear why an organisation needs a workforce strategy that promotes a compassionate  management culture, develops and encourages transferable skills and delivers on EDI. 

 

No wonder HR is the second most sexy profession how long before it’s number one? 

 

Blair McPherson former Director, author and blogger www.blairmcpherson.co.uk