HR was often seen as a non-revenue-generating part of the business, or simply overhead

As technology advances, the role or the HR team is continuously evolving. Employee benefits, training, performance reviews and personal records are now mostly located online or on servers. The HR department is the administrator over this information and must ensure its accuracy and security to prevent possible lawsuits if information is leaked.

Historically, the HR department was known to not be a revenue generator and was considered overhead. Today, the modern HR department can be considered a means of profit loss prevention. As we become more socially responsible, there are instances where employees could be mistreated, resulting in lawsuits against the company. The progressive HR departments of corporations are usually ahead of such mistreatment and harassment through the use of corporate online surveys, providing a means to compile complaints and to be a safe place for employees to express their concerns and vent before such actions take place.

With the amount of information on the internet, most HR departments conduct their own criminal background checks for potential new employees. They also develop or find surveys for potential new employees that can determine if an individual has a personality that is not the right fit for the company. This would eliminate hiring someone who will not work well with other employees, causing distractions within the business and possible litigation.

The modern, progressive HR department should no longer be considered overhead, it is a profit retention ambassador.