5 Professional Organizations for HR Managers

5 Professional Human Resource Organizations for HR Managers

  • Society for Human Resource Management
  • International Association for Human Resource Information Management
  • International Public Management Association for Human Resources
  • National Human Resources Association
  • Professionals in Human Resources Association

Professional human resource organizations focus on developing HR professionals for the unique challenges found in the human resource industry. In addition to traditional HR functions like hiring, training, and maintaining employee morale, human resources managers may be called upon to facilitate mergers, improve productivity, or manage company branding. This vast array of skill sets is primarily developed through education and experience. Established HR associations can help individuals prepare for and respond to these growing challenges. Below are 5 established organizations for HR professionals.

See our list of 20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Human Resources Degree (Bachelor’s).

1. Society for Human Resource Management

With over 285,000 members in more than 165 countries, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest HR professional society. SHRM has over 575 affiliated chapters in the United States alone. Membership benefits include personalized content; U.S. federal, state, and local compliance resources; HR magazine and newsletter; free webcasts; online member community, discounts on SHRM educational offerings; and “Ask An HR,” a service that allows you to call, chat, or email with an HR expert.

2. International Association for Human Resource Information Management

The International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM) is an organization that prides itself on being a unique community offering education, collaboration, and professional certification. IHRIM provides education through its conferences, courses, and webinars while its LinkedIn community connects over 4100 HR professionals who share articles, HR technology solutions, and post comments. The Human Resource Information Professional (HRIP) is a certification program that recognizes knowledgeable professionals experienced with HR information systems

3. International Public Management Association for Human Resources

The International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA) represents the public sector human resource management profession. The organization focuses on 13 areas of HR knowledge: budget outlooks/compensation; branding/marketing; healthcare/wellness; employee morale/retention; labor relations; information technology/social media; background checks/onboarding; organizational culture/change management; pensions/early retirement incentives; performance management; recruitment, outreach and assessment; workforce and succession planning/diversity; and respectful work environment. Conferences, courses, and certifications help professionals network and develop their skills nationally and internationally.

4. National Human Resources Association

Established in 1951, the National Human Resources Association (NHRA) strives to help HR professionals at all levels of their career, from intern to executive, through nationwide professional networking programs and developmental services. Its career services platform lists open HR positions from across the country. The NHRA prides itself on its smaller more intimate events that allow participants to interact more and develop lasting relationships.

5. Professionals in Human Resources Association

The Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA) is a California based organization with 17 chapters in the state. Its online career center lists HR jobs in the California area. The PIHRA represents over 4,000 members and spearheads a program of networking, learning, and advocacy. PIHRA hosts an annual conference and the website allows members to build a profile to build and enhance relationships.

With several organizations to choose from, professional development is easier than ever. Professional Organizations for HR Managers allow new and experienced industry professionals to network, present, and exchange ideas, improving their professional and organizational standing.

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