Payroll has long been treated as a back-office necessity: essential, but not something that shapes culture or drives engagement. This no longer stands.
The CIPD has unveiled its HR30 list for 2026, recognising senior people leaders whose work has delivered measurable impact across organisations and workforces.
Office culture has changed considerably in recent years with a shift in lifestyles, rising expectations and a move in people’s needs and values all contributing to a significantly different workplace than ten or even five years ago. To take one example, two thirds of UK employees today claim they would change jobs to increase their job satisfaction, while fewer than half see pay as a primary motivator.