HR staff are keen to move to new industry - DBM survey

Such employees are taking advantage of an "in-demand, highly transferable skill-set," commented DBM.

The financial services industry witnessed a 7% loss of HR professionals in 2001, most of whom went into consulting and professional services firms.

The survey, released this week, questioned over 500 HR professionals in 23 countries in 2001. DBM said it found that HR is taking on an increasingly high-level strategic role in organisations as businesses recognise the importance of managing their people well.

Catherine Gilbert, corporate services director at DBM said: "Today's restructuring of many global industries is leading to diverse workforces and organisational cultures......it's indicative of how valued 'human capital' now is that the top HR players are increasingly sought after for board positions and even, in some cases, CEO roles."

About 6% of those surveyed left HR to become CEOs. Consulting and professional services firms were the most popular destination for those changing industry, with 15% moving into this area. An even greater number, 16%, chose self-employment, according to the survey.

Networking was considered the most effective way of securing a new position and was used by 60% of respondents. The majority - 54% - of those who switched industries achieved the same, or increased, salaries.

DBM, formerly known as Drake Beam Morin, has used the outcome of the research to produce a career management guide aimed at HR professionals, at www.dbm.com.