6 HR stocks to watch

The best human resources (HR) stocks depend on your portfolio and investment goals — while volatility can be ideal for day traders, long-term investors will want to look to stocks with steadier gains over time.

6 popular HR stocks to watch

We round up a selection of stocks in or related to the staffing industry, weighting the list more heavily towards popular mid- and large-cap stocks.

1. Kelly Services A (KELYA)
2. Insperity (NSP)
3. Kforce (KFRC)
4. Korn Ferry (KFY)
5. Upwork (UPWK)
6. Freelancer (FLN)

Compare investment accounts that help you research stocks

The HR stocks industry is affected by a range of complex factors such as trade policies, regulations, and fluctuating supply and demand. So when considering HR stocks to buy, it's important that you have access to vital information about a company's financial health, leadership team, and market positioning.

Our picks for platforms with research tools

How to invest in HR stocks

1. Choose an online stock trading platform. Choose from our Top Picks above, use our comparison table below or jump straight to the best stock trading apps in Canada.
2. Sign up for an account. Provide your personal information and sign up.
3. Set up a funding method to pay for the transaction. Deposit funds into your account by linking your banking information.
4. Choose the stocks you want to buy. Search for the stock by name or ticker symbol like KELYA or NSP.
5. Place your order. Buy the stock. It's that simple.

Learn more about popular HR stocks

We round up a selection of stocks in or related to the staffing industry, weighting the list more heavily towards popular mid- and large-cap US stocks.

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1. Kelly Services A (KELYA)

Kelly Services, Inc. , together with its subsidiaries, provides workforce solutions to various industries. The company operates through five segments: Professional & Industrial; Science, Engineering & Technology; Education; Outsourcing & Consulting; and International.

• Previous close price: $22.65
• Market capitalization: $790,531,584
• 1 year performance: 30.45%
• P/E ratio: 15.9784

Buy KELYA stock on Interactive Brokers

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2. Insperity (NSP)

Insperity, Inc. engages in the provision of human resources (HR) and business solutions to improve business performance for small and medium-sized businesses primarily in the United States. It offers its HR services through its workforce optimization and workforce synchronization solutions that include a range of human resources functions, such as payroll and employment administration, employee benefits, workers' compensation, government compliance, performance management, and training and development services.

• Previous close price: $99.16
• Market capitalization: $3,778,352,640
• 1 year performance: -16.69%
• P/E ratio: 24.4732

Buy NSP stock on Interactive Brokers

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3. Kforce (KFRC)

Kforce Inc. provides professional staffing services and solutions in the United States. It operates through two segments, Technology, and Finance and Accounting (FA).

• Previous close price: $66.67
• Market capitalization: $1,294,982,144
• 1 year performance: 5.66%
• P/E ratio: 22.9896

Buy KFRC stock on Interactive Brokers

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4. Korn Ferry (KFY)

Korn Ferry, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of organizational consulting services worldwide. The company offers consulting services for organizational structure, culture, performance, development, and people; and builds, sells, and delivers Digital talent technology products, including a talent suite that enables clients to make critical talent decisions in the flow of work across talent acquisition and talent development. It also provides executive search services that helps organizations to recruit board level, chief executive, and other C-suite/senior executive, as well as general management talent; enterprise talent acquisition solutions for permanent and interim placements at the professional level middle and upper management, as well as senior executives; and recruitment outsourcing and projects solutions for clients' recruitment requirements.

• Previous close price: $70.65
• Market capitalization: $3,632,258,816
• 1 year performance: 33.13%
• P/E ratio: 21.7059

Buy KFY stock on Interactive Brokers

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5. Upwork (UPWK)

Upwork Inc. , together with its subsidiaries, operates a work marketplace that connects businesses with various independent professionals and agencies in the United States, India, the Philippines, and internationally. The company's work marketplace provides access to talent with various skills across a range of categories, including administrative support, sales and marketing, design and creative, and customer service, as well as web, mobile, and software development.

• Previous close price: $11.43
• Market capitalization: $1,516,749,440
• 1 year performance: 13.51%
• P/E ratio: 33.6471

Buy UPWK stock on Interactive Brokers

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6. Freelancer (FLN)

Freelancer Limited operates a freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace in Australia. The company operates in two segments, Online Marketplace and Online Payment Services. Its marketplace allows employers to hire freelancers in the field of software development, writing, data entry and design, engineering, sciences, sales and marketing, and accounting and legal services.

• Previous close price: A$0.19
• Market capitalization: $87,951,824
• 1 year performance: -25.49%
• P/E ratio: 0

Buy FLN stock on Interactive Brokers

Buy HR stocks from these online trading platforms

Compare special offers, low fees and a wide range of investment options among top trading platforms.

Note: The dollar amounts in the table below are in Canadian dollars.

Bottom line

While it's possible to turn a profit investing in HR stocks, keep in mind that—like any investment—HR stocks are not immune to risk. These stocks are subject to fluctuating conditions both in the market and in the staffing industry, so carefully vet your picks before you invest. If you're new to investing or if it's been a while since you've taken a critical look at your investment accounts, compare brokers to make sure you're getting the best trading features for your needs.

Related: How to buy stocks in Canada

Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as investment advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for all investors. Trading forex on leverage comes with a higher risk of losing money rapidly. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before making any trades.