The third year of the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, and with it, what may be the end of an era for the HR profession.

Navigating the changes that accompanied the sudden fall and steady rise of the global economy elevated the industry’s role. Organizational leaders turned to HR departments to find and keep talent, establish cultural norms in an unprecedented era of flexibility and ensure the well-being of employees facing uncertainty in both their personal and professional lives.

HR Dive captured these sentiments and others in our first two Identity of HR surveys, but this year’s edition provides a slightly different outlook on the industry than in years past.

A new picture has emerged, one in which departments have lost some of the connections made with leadership while hiring plans have become uncertain. Those trends are forcing HR teams to regroup, with many shifting to a more budget-conscious approach. New concerns, like the role of remote and hybrid work, have blended into ongoing issues such as employee mental health and well-being.

In the below series of stories, HR Dive has taken a deeper dive into our survey results with the help of industry executives, analysts and stakeholders. Readers will find a variety of actionable insights and context that aim to assist them in planning for the months ahead.