Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Career Guide

What is a chief human resources officer?

A chief human resources officer (CHRO) is a top boss in charge of all the important stuff related to managing people at a company. Their job is to help shape the company’s culture, develop strategies for hiring and growing talent, and make sure that HR policies match up with what the company wants to achieve.

Duties and responsibilities

A CHRO’s job involves creating and running a big plan that fits with the company’s goals. They handle everything from hiring new people, training employees, managing pay and benefits, keeping employees happy, and making sure the workplace is diverse and inclusive.

They also look after the structure of the organization and plan for the workforce’s future. They keep an eye on trends in managing talent and update HR rules as needed to follow the law and stay current. CHROs work closely with other big bosses to make sure HR stuff is part of the company’s overall strategy.

Work environment

CHROs usually work at the main office of the company. They spend a lot of time working with other top managers and HR people. They also go to big meetings about the company’s strategy. With many companies working globally and more people working from home, these execs might also deal with HR issues from different places or online.

Typical work hours

CHROs often work more than the usual 40 hours a week. They need to be ready to deal with important stuff even outside of normal work hours and might have to travel for work, especially if the company has offices in different places or countries. They are really dedicated to their job and put in the time needed to lead the HR side of the company well.

---

How to become a chief human resources officer

Becoming a CHRO requires education, experience in human resources, and strong leadership skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree

Start by getting a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or something similar. This will teach you the basics of business and HR.

Step 2: Gain HR experience

After college, start working in HR roles like HR assistant or HR specialist. This job experience helps you learn about hiring, training, managing benefits, and following labor laws. You can also boost your skills with online courses like:

• Recruiting for Diversity and Inclusion on Coursera to understand the value of a diverse workforce.
• Managing Employee Performance for skills on developing employees to meet business goals.
• Delivering Performance Feedback Like a World-Class Leader on Skillshare focuses on using emotional intelligence in feedback.
• Employee Training: Your Rapid Roadmap to Classroom Success on Udemy helps you plan and create training programs.
• The Human Resources Certification Program’s PHR/SPHR exam prep course for a deep dive into HR concepts and practices.

Step 3: Get a master’s degree (recommended)

Enhance your skills with a master’s in business administration (MBA), human resources, or labor relations. These programs focus on leadership and managing an organization.

Step 4: Move into managerial roles

With years of HR experience, you can start moving up to roles like HR manager or director. These positions involve more leadership and strategic planning.

Step 5: Obtain HR certifications

Consider getting certifications like the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). These can boost your professional image and show your dedication.

Step 6: Gain executive-level experience

Before you can be a CHRO, you’ll need to work in a senior role like VP of HR. This is where you’ll really start shaping strategies and making big decisions.

Step 7: Apply for CHRO positions

With lots of senior leadership experience and a proven ability to make strategic decisions, you’re ready to apply for CHRO jobs. Highlight your experience with leading HR projects and understanding business strategies in your applications.

---

How much do chief human resources officers make?

Several key factors can significantly influence the salary of a CHRO. One of the most significant factors is an organization’s size, as large companies with more employees generally offer a higher wage than smaller companies.

The industry can also impact their pay. For instance, those in tech or finance may earn more due to HR’s complexity and critical importance.

Experience and education also play vital roles in determining compensation. Execs with extensive leadership experience and advanced degrees in HR management, business administration, or industrial-organizational psychology often command higher salaries.

Browse CHRO salary data by market

---

Types of chief human resources officers

CHROs can have different focuses and responsibilities based on the industry and company they work for. Here’s a look at some common types:

Corporate CHRO

These CHROs work at big companies, including international and Fortune 500 firms. They manage a large HR team and handle global strategies, keeping employees engaged, developing leaders, and overseeing labor relations.

Nonprofit CHRO

These CHROs work for charities, foundations, and schools. They’re all about managing volunteers, planning for workforce needs, and creating a workplace culture that matches the organization’s mission and values.

Healthcare CHRO

CHROs in healthcare, like in hospitals or clinic networks, focus on hiring and keeping medical staff, looking after employee health, and making sure they follow healthcare laws.

Public sector CHRO

These CHROs work for government agencies and need to make sure their HR strategies help the organization serve the public. They deal with a lot of rules about employment and labor.

Tech industry CHRO

CHROs in the tech world work on HR strategies that fit the unique needs of tech companies. This might include managing people who work from home, creating a culture that supports innovation, hiring in a competitive market, and handling fast changes or growth.

---

Top skills for chief human resources officers

To succeed as a CHRO, certain skills and traits are essential. Here’s what you need to focus on:

Strategic thinking

CHROs need to be strategic thinkers. They align HR strategies with company policies and develop programs to attract and keep the best people. This involves managing the workforce effectively and using it to drive the company’s goals.

Leadership

As the head of HR, a CHRO must lead their team, make important policy decisions, and shape the way the company manages its employees. Strong leadership skills can improve how the HR department works, boost employee happiness, and create a better workplace culture.

Communication

Effective communication is crucial for a CHRO. They need to explain HR policies, talk with union reps, and discuss strategies with the CEO clearly and persuasively. Good listening skills are also important for understanding the needs and concerns of employees, which helps to make the workplace more inclusive and harmonious.

Expertise in HR Practices

A CHRO must have a deep knowledge of HR functions like hiring, setting pay, training, and developing employees. They also need to understand employment laws and regulations to make sure the company’s HR practices are fair, effective, and legal. This knowledge helps ensure that the company follows anti-discrimination laws and labor standards, protecting both the organization and its employees.

---

Chief human resources officer career path

To become a CHRO, you’ll start at an entry-level HR job and work your way up. Here’s a typical path:

Start as an HR assistant or coordinator

Begin your career in a role where you learn the basics of HR, such as recruiting, onboarding, handling benefits, and managing employee relations. This foundational experience is crucial for understanding how HR impacts an organization.

Move to an HR generalist or specialist role

After gaining some experience and showing you’re good at your job, you might move into a generalist role where you handle a variety of HR tasks. Alternatively, you could specialize in a specific area like compensation and benefits or training and development.

Advance to a manager position

With more experience and a solid understanding of HR strategies, you could become an HR manager. This is your first leadership role where you’ll oversee HR operations within a department or perhaps the entire company, depending on its size.

Become an HR director

As you gain leadership experience, you could step up to become an HR director. In this role, you manage larger teams and play a strategic role in shaping the organization’s policies and initiatives.

Rise to a CHRO

With extensive leadership experience, strategic expertise, and a proven track record of aligning HR initiatives with business goals, you could be promoted to a CHRO role. As a CHRO, you oversee all HR strategies, including workforce planning, talent management, and organizational development. This is the top job in HR, where you make significant decisions that affect the entire organization.

---

Similar job titles

• Chief Executive Officer
• Chief of Staff
• Chief Operating Officer
• HR Director
• HR Generalist
• HR Manager
• HR Specialist
• Vice President of Administration

---

Chief human resources officer position trends and outlook

The role of CHROs is evolving rapidly, influenced by several key trends:

• Increasing role of tech: These execs are leading the adoption of tech solutions that help with hiring, employee engagement, performance tracking, and analyzing data. They manage the rollout of digital tools and platforms that boost the employee experience and make HR processes more efficient.
• Focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion: There’s a strong emphasis on integrating DEI principles into all HR activities. This ensures a workplace culture that values diversity, builds diverse teams, and promotes fairness in HR practices.
• Rise of remote and hybrid work: With remote and hybrid work models becoming more common, CHROs are also reshaping policies to support these setups. This includes enhancing remote collaboration and ensuring the well-being of remote employees.

Employment projections

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics categorizes CHROs under “Top Executives,” predicting a 6% job growth through 2031. As HR becomes more integral to strategic decision-making in companies and as leadership increasingly focuses on people-centric approaches, the demand for skilled CHROs is expected to remain strong.

---

Chief human resources officer career tips

Cultivate a strategic mindset

Develop the ability to align HR strategies with the broader organizational goals. This strategic mindset will help leverage HR practices to support the company’s growth and success.

Understand business operations

Gain a thorough understanding of your business operations, industry, and the competitive landscape. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring HR strategies effectively support business goals.

Enhance leadership skills

As the top HR executive, excellent leadership skills are critical. Work on leading and inspiring teams, fostering a positive work culture, and championing initiatives that promote employee growth and well-being.

Build a professional network

Networking with other HR professionals can open doors to new collaborations, learning opportunities, and career advancement. Consider joining professional organizations such as:

• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
• National Human Resources Association (NHRA)
• International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM)

Commit to continuous learning

The HR field is always evolving. Stay current with the latest changes in labor laws, best practices, and emerging trends by:

• Attending HR conferences and seminars
• Pursuing further certifications or degrees, like the Senior Certified Professional (SCP) from SHRM
• Keeping up with industry publications

Improve your conflict resolution skills

CHROs often deal with conflicts within their organizations. Enhancing your conflict resolution skills can help you manage these situations effectively, ensuring fairness and maintaining harmony.

Develop strong communication skills

Effective communication is essential for a CHRO. Work on being an active listener and clearly and efficiently conveying complex HR policies and strategies to all stakeholders.

Focus on diversity and inclusion

Emphasize creating and implementing policies that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. These initiatives not only enhance creativity and performance but also help attract top talent.

Understand and comply with employment laws

Ensure that all HR practices comply with relevant employment laws to avoid legal issues and ensure fair treatment of employees. Familiarize yourself with laws related to employment discrimination, workplace safety, and labor relations.

Prioritize employee engagement and well-being

Employee engagement and well-being are crucial for maintaining productivity and retention. Focus on creating a work environment where employees feel valued and motivated, which in turn can enhance overall company performance.

---

FAQs