I reviewed with interest the results of the 2007 HR Executive Census Survey (February, 2007 - http://www.ercdataplus.com/hrexecutive/results/feb2007/main_pg.htm).

What I found noteworthy about our top HR leaders was the following:

45% have earned post graduate degree(s)

42% have spent their entire career in HR

Median number of years working in HR field is 19

Median number of years working for current employer in HR area is 6

49% of respondents were female and 51% male

90% were white or Caucasian, 5% African-American or Black

Over 50% report directly to the President, CEO or Chairman of the Board

55% are members of their organization’s executive committee

62% interact at the Board level at least once per year

82% are married - 84% have an employed spouse

79% cite that maintaining a good work/life balance is an important personal issue

88% spend less than 25% of their time on business travel (61% less than 10%)

Median range of compensation was between $100K – 149,999

Talent acquisition, talent retention and healthcare cost containment are top three challenges

86% said if they had a chance to start over again, they would choose HR as their career direction.

So what does this tell us? Actually I find the results bode well for the quality, commitment, and connection levels of our HR leaders. Clearly they are well educated, experienced and compensated. I am pleased that so many have direct access and influence at the top levels of their organization. They enjoy and find satisfaction in what they do. There is equity at the executive level between male and females. 82% have an employed spouse so they understand the challenge of balancing a hectic professional and home life. Most are at the office each day and stay connected to the needs and issues of the workplace rather than being on the road traveling. Where improvement can be made is reducing the significant ethnic disparity of Caucasian male and females holding top posts.