Despite being a core function in most organisations, human resource management (HRM) is often met with scepticism regarding its actual impact on performance and business outcomes. This scepticism raises concerns about the necessity of HR departments and whether their contributions translate into measurable benefits for businesses. This evidence review uses a rapid evidence assessment (REA) of the scientific literature to discover whether HR practices meaningfully influence organisational performance or key workplace outcomes such as turnover, absenteeism and employee engagement.

Impact of human resource management | Scientific summary

Download the scientific summary
PDF document 579.4 KB

Key insights

  • HR practices are positively associated with a wide range of performance outcomes.
  • The association between HR practices and workplace and organisational outcomes is stronger for bundles of practices (systems) than for individual practices.
  • The relationship between HRM practices and workplace outcomes are affected by employees’ perceptions.
  • High-performance work practices may decrease employee wellbeing.
  • There is limited evidence on variables that moderate or mediate the relationship between HR practice bundles and workplace and organisational outcomes.

As noted in the scientific summary, given the limitations around some of the research reviewed, care should be taken not to present the findings in this review as conclusive. We will continue to examine research as it evolves and inform the profession of the latest developments. 

  • Podcast

    HR People Pod

    Listen to episodes of HR People Pod, the CIPD’s fortnightly podcast providing expert insights from HR leaders discussing the topical issues impacting the world of work.

    Listen now
  • Bitesize research

    Leading an agile workforce – lessons from the NHS

    Katie Stickland, CIPD Knowledge Exchange Manager, reviews research examining how strategies around agile working were utilised within the NHS and distils the lessons for HR professionals, line managers and organisations

    For Members
  • Evidence review

    Productive meetings: An evidence review

    This evidence review summarises the latest research on the effective management of meetings and offers recommendations to get the most out of them

    For Members
    • All evidence reviews