Demand for workers with data analysis skills is expected to continue growing during the next five to 10 years, according to research released today by the Society for Human Resource Management. The “Jobs of the Future: Data Analysis Skills” report found that 59% of US organizations expect to increase the number of positions requiring data analysis skills in the next five years. Released by SHRM, the report was sponsored by the American Statistical Association.

The SHRM survey examined the supply of and demand for data analysis skills, the types of employees needed for these jobs, and the skill and education requirements. It found 82% of responding organizations have or plan to have positions that require data analysis skills in 2016. Additionally, 78% of respondents reported difficulty recruiting for data analysis positions in the last 12 months.

“It is valuable for organizations to engage in workforce planning to define future business needs, identify gaps between the existing and future workforce, and to develop strategies to meet these needs, especially for in-demand skills,” said Evren Esen, director of workforce analytics at SHRM.

Survey respondents reported data analyst positions are most often found in accounting and finance departments, noted by 71% of respondents. Human resources and business administration departments followed at 54% and 50% respectively.

Moderate data analysis skill levels are most commonly required for these types of positions, according to 83% of respondents, for which organizations typically require a bachelor’s degree. At least one-third of these organizations prefer a degree in analytics, computer science or statistics. 

“Growing complexity in the use of data analytics could lead to organizations seeking out talent with these highly specialized skills,” Esen said. “If this happens, HR may be faced with recruitment and retention difficulties. To deal with these potential skill shortages, HR needs to prepare for its current and future workforce needs, including justifying investments in employee training and development.”

 The survey was conducted in August and September, 2016, and polled almost 400 randomly selected SHRM members who work at organizations of 25 or more employees.