Best HR online communities to join

When you work in HR, you’re constantly surrounded by opportunities to shape culture, guide growth, and help people thrive. But even the most experienced professionals benefit from spaces where they can exchange ideas, broaden their perspective, and learn from others facing similar challenges.

With more than 280,000 HR managers across the United States alone, thousands of professionals are navigating the same complexities—and many have valuable insights to share or gain.

That’s where HR communities come in. These spaces bring people together to explore everything from people strategy and company culture to the latest in HR tech and trends. They create room for real conversations that move the profession forward.

This guide explores the top online HR communities where you can connect with peers, spark new ideas, and build relationships that strengthen your impact—and your career.

Why HR online communities matter

As an HR leader, you spend much of your time focused on others: supporting managers, guiding teams, and navigating sensitive conversations that aren’t always easy to share internally. HR communities create space to connect with peers who understand that balance and offer fresh ideas for managing it.

These networks go beyond advice-sharing. They’re where HR professionals learn from one another’s experiences, explore new tools and strategies, and stay current with the trends shaping the future of work.

At their core, these communities offer something deeper. Psychologists McMillan and Chavis define community as “a feeling that members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members’ needs will be met through their commitment to be together.” It’s this sense of belonging that makes HR communities such a powerful resource.

These networks can make your role easier to manage by:

• Accelerating professional growth: Learn directly from peers who’ve already built the systems or programs you’re planning. This can be learning about a new human resource information system (HRIS), how to best help Gen Z in the workplace, or a career development framework. Many communities share real examples, templates, and lessons learned to help you move faster.
• Testing ideas with trusted peers: Before you invest time or budget into a new HR program, communities let you analyze feedback from people who’ve tried similar approaches. You’ll get honest, experience-based input on what worked, what didn’t, and what to watch out for. It’s similar to having a focus group made up of fellow HR leaders.
• Expanding your strategic perspective: When you’re deep in the daily HR functions of your company, it’s easy to develop tunnel vision. Communities expose you to other industries, business models, and cultures. You’ll see how other teams handle issues like engagement or retention differently, and that often sparks new, creative solutions for your own team.
• Finding mentorship or meaningful connections: Many HR networks pair emerging leaders with experienced mentors or simply create space for informal guidance. These relationships spark new ways of thinking and help build confidence in your own leadership style.
• Staying ahead of change: HR AI software tools, policy shifts, or team member expectations are constantly changing. Being part of an active community helps you keep up with emerging trends and prepare your organization for what’s next.
• Strengthening your leadership mindset: Beyond resources and advice, HR communities help leaders build up their confidence and resilience to navigate complex people challenges. Sharing experiences with others in similar roles reminds you that you’re part of a profession that thrives on collaboration and trust.

Top HR online communities to join this year 

There’s no shortage of places where HR leaders connect, but a few stand out for the quality of their conversations and members. These communities bring together people who care deeply about culture, people strategy, and progress. 

In Good Company

In Good Company is HiBob’s global HR community built for people-first leaders. It’s a space where HR professionals connect with peers and industry voices to share what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next because work should work for everyone.

In Good Company is HiBob’s global HR community built for people-first leaders. It’s a space where HR professionals connect with peers and industry voices to share what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next because work should work for everyone.

Inside, you’ll find six interest spaces designed around the conversations HR leaders are actually having:

• Culture & Belonging: Where inclusive workplaces start
• Decode the AI Shift: Making sense of AI in HR
• From Hiring to Thriving: Talent strategies that stick
• The Future of Work: What’s changing and what it means
• HR Excellence: Practical skills for everyday challenges
• C-Suite Strategy: Aligning people and business goals

The community runs on real conversations. You’ll see posts from featured contributors like Jessica Zwaan on operating principles, Kyle Lagunas on AI momentum, and Adam Weber on gratitude in leadership. You’ll also find HR leaders swapping advice, asking honest questions, and sharing what’s actually happening in their organizations.

Beyond the feed, members connect through regional chapters and community events like dinners, happy hours, and live discussions that go deeper than a Slack thread ever could.

Whether you’re troubleshooting a tricky people issue, trying to figure out this whole AI thing, or just looking for others who get it, In Good Company is where those conversations happen.

Join In Good Company today and connect with people-first leaders around the world.

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the United Kingdom’s professional body for HR and people development with more than 160,000 members worldwide. Its online community connects HR professionals through discussion forums, policy insights, and member-only resources that focus on ethics, labor law, and HR leadership. 

Members can access research libraries, webinars, and peer discussions about workforce planning, inclusion, and organizational learning. CIPD also hosts in-person and virtual events, linking practitioners to policy leaders and academic experts shaping the future of work.

Hacking HR

Hacking HR is a global learning community that focuses on innovation in people strategy, technology, and culture. Members participate in webinars, online conferences, and local chapter meetups that explore topics like HR analytics, leadership development, and workplace trends. 

The platform also runs an annual Hacking HR Global Conference with panels that feature HR executives, researchers, and thought leaders from around the world. Their online hub houses hundreds of recorded sessions and resources that help HR professionals with trends and technologies.

HIGHER Leaders Network

The HIGHER Leaders Network is a professional community for senior HR executives focused on strategic leadership and organizational transformation. Members engage through private forums, virtual roundtables, and live events that cover executive-level challenges like talent strategy, business alignment, and digital HR. 

The network focuses on peer exchange and thought leadership, offering members curated insights from leading CHROs and people operations experts. They also train and support HR teams to develop their personal brand.

HR Advisory

HR Advisory is a professional network and membership organization for senior HR, people, and talent executives. The community connects more than 5,000 global members through closed roundtables, webinars, and curated discussions on leadership, networking opportunities, and career development.

Members gain access to HR benchmarking data, executive insights, and peer collaboration on various topics. The network’s focus is to provide HR leaders with a confidential, executive-level forum for sharing strategies and building their people ops.

HR Exchange

HR Exchange Network is a digital media and event platform reaching over 270,000 HR professionals worldwide. Its community offers industry news, webinars, and conferences that cover employee experience, talent management, and HR tech. Members can access thought-leadership articles, attend virtual summits, and participate in regional events that bring together practitioners, vendors, and researchers. 

HR Leaders

HR Leaders is a global network and media platform followed by more than 200,000 HR professionals worldwide. The platform produces daily podcasts, webinars, and in-person roundtables that explore HR and business leadership. 

People can participate in leadership panels and live events that spotlight practical approaches to culture transformation, analytics, and organizational growth. HR Leaders can be accessed via mobile apps on both the Android Store and the App Store.

HRtoHR

HRtoHR is a peer-learning community built for senior HR professionals. The network’s mission is to “connect the connectors” by bringing together leaders who design, influence, and guide strategy in their organizations. Its private membership forum centers on candid conversations about the realities of modern HR work. 

Members also gain access to curated roundtables, leadership programs, and networking events to foster relationships between HR executives.

HR.com

HR.com is one of the largest networks of human resources professionals worldwide. They currently have more than 2 million members globally. The platform offers learning opportunities, certifications, and peer connection through online communities, webcasts, and micro-communities focused on HR specialties like analytics, compensation, or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 

Members can earn continuing education credits, attend virtual conferences, and participate in research projects that shape industry benchmarks. HR.com’s overarching goal is to give professionals access to education, data, and each other.

Offbeat

Offbeat is a learning and development platform and community built for L&D and people professionals. Members engage through cohort-based programs, mentorship, live “Sparks” meetups—local in-person or virtual—and peer-supported content sharing. Offbeat offers practical tools, case studies, and structured learning as well as a weekly newsletter sharing articles, podcasts, and insights. 

Its Offbeat Fellowship offers biweekly workshops and peer discussions to deepen skills across talent, training, and leadership.

PeopleOps

PeopleOps is a practitioner community rooted in British Columbia for HR and People Ops professionals, built primarily around a Slack workspace. Members collaborate on day-to-day operational issues, exchange templates and advice, and organize virtual and local events. The group also schedules regular events like case study discussions and networking workshops. 

They restrict Slack membership to PeopleOps professionals—excluding most service providers—and many core members are located in Victoria and across BC.

PeoplePeople

PeoplePeople is a Slack-based forum for HR, recruiting, and people ops professionals to ask questions, share best practices, and learn from peers. It hosts channels on topics like recruiting, DEI, people analytics, and team member experience. 

Membership requires being in HR, People Ops, or recruiting roles to maintain the peer environment of practitioners. The group currently has over 10,000 members and is growing.

RecruiterSlack

RecruiterSlack is an invite-only Slack community for recruitment and talent acquisition professionals to connect and troubleshoot daily challenges. Members share sourcing strategies, job-posting templates, interview techniques, and industry updates across six dedicated channels. 

It remains small and focused with just about 290 members. The limited size encourages tight peer interaction and reduces input on unrelated topics.

Reddit HR Community (r/humanresources)

r/humanresources is a subreddit where HR professionals and practitioners ask questions, share experiences, and comment on policies or workplace issues. The community has over 121,000 subscribers who participate in threads spanning topics like compliance, employee relations, HR tech, and career advice. Because it’s open access, posts range from high-level strategy to very practical “in the weeds” problem-solving.

Secret HR Society

The Secret HR Society is a selective, referral-only network of HR leaders, launched in October 2015. It maintains over 1,700 members engaging via Slack and through virtual and in-person workshop meetups. Meetings occur roughly every six to eight  weeks across hub cities like Berlin, and members may propose small workshops tied to specific HR topics. 

Membership typically requires four to five years of HR experience and an invitation from an existing member.

The Talent Community 

The Talent Community is a global, inclusive network for talent acquisition and HR professionals, built around Slack, meetups, and content sharing. Members access a private Slack channel with 4,000+ participants, attend regional events, and receive curated content, mentoring, and vendor discounts. The broader community now exceeds 15,000 total members, supporting professionals from in-house talent acquisition, agency, recruitment process outsourcing, HR, and recruiting backgrounds. Its membership includes vetted recruiters across most sectors to encourage cross-disciplinary learning and referrals.

What to consider when choosing an HR online community 

Every HR online community offers something a little different. Some are informal spaces for casual discussions, while others bring together thousands of members to share templates, tools, and insights. When choosing where to spend your time, consider these factors:

1. Networking and career development

A strong HR community builds relationships that support both your current role and long-term career growth. As Judith Germain, HRZone’s leadership columnist, puts it, “Those that only network with those that they believe will be useful may gain some short-term benefits, but in the long term may find themselves short of advocates.” The most impactful networking happens when it’s authentic, value-driven, and focused on helping others succeed. That’s where strong reputations—and lasting connections—are built.

Look for groups that offer mentorship, peer coaching, or access to experienced HR leaders who can help you sharpen your leadership skills. Many also provide certification programs, workshops, or live learning sessions to help you keep growing while expanding your network. 

2. Community size

Size can influence the kind of community experience you’ll have. Smaller communities can feel more personal, where members recognize each other and share openly about sensitive topics like compensation or layoffs. Larger groups, on the other hand, may provide a wider range of perspectives and industries.

3. Format

The right community format depends on how you prefer to connect. Some HR communities live on Slack or Discord, with live sessions and casual collaboration. Others run on LinkedIn or private forums where you can engage on your own schedule. Many also include in-person options like local meetups, conferences, or retreats so you can deepen relationships beyond the screen. Think about whether you prefer mostly virtual discussions or opportunities to connect face-to-face.

4. Learning opportunities

One of the biggest advantages of an active community is access to shared experience and advice. When you’re facing a new challenge—like a tricky team member clash or a last-minute audit—you can get quick, practical input from peers who’ve done it before. These exchanges help you learn in real time, find new ideas, and make more confident decisions.

Discover the right HR community 

HR work becomes easier when you don’t do it alone. Joining the right community gives you access to the kind of fresh ideas, shared experiences, and perspectives that make you a stronger leader.

That’s exactly why HR leaders love the In Good Company HR community. It’s a space where HR and people leaders connect to exchange ideas, discuss real challenges, and explore the future of work together. Members share experiences, swap strategies, and support one another in building workplaces that put people first.

Join In Good Company to connect with peers around the world.

HR communities FAQs

Why are HR communities helpful for HR personnel?  

HR communities give HR personnel a space to exchange knowledge, share resources, and find support from peers who understand the realities of the role. They allow you to connect with others solving similar challenges. They’re also great for expanding your professional network and opening up opportunities for career growth.

How do I determine which HR online community is best for my team?  

Start by clarifying what you want from the experience, such as professional networking, quick answers, or thought leadership. Then, look for platforms whose focus aligns with your goals. It also helps to sample a few communities that offer free trials or public channels so you can gauge how active and useful the discussions really are.

Which challenges do HR communities help solve? 

HR communities give you practical answers and emotional support for nearly every aspect of your role. The most active ones help HR teams:

• Tackle complex people issues like conflict resolution, policy design, and change management, with advice from peers who’ve done it before
• Navigate new tools and tech by comparing HR software, sharing implementation tips, and learning from real user experiences
• Stay compliant and informed through shared updates on labor laws, reporting requirements, and best practices from around the world
• Promote engagement and a strong company culture with examples of recognition programs, onboarding flows, and wellness initiatives that worked
• Prevent burnout by providing a space to vent, reflect, and recharge alongside others who understand the pressures of HR work