A quarter of recruiters are struggling to cope with their stress levels, according to a new survey by Tribepad.

The survey shows the impact that the global talent crisis is having on those tasked with filling roles in a market where candidates are in control, vacancies have reached record highs, and one-click applications are overwhelming. 

Alongside those who are struggling to cope with stress levels, the survey found that 39 percent of respondents admit to having stressful days. 

However, perhaps more worrying, is the fact that just 6 percent of those questioned admitted that their work-life is currently manageable. 

 

Causes of workplace stress

The changing job landscape is not just adding to recruiters’ workloads however. It is also taking its toll on their teams. 

When asked, the biggest cause of work-related stress among respondents was staffing issues within their own teams (25%). That was followed by tight deadlines (10%) and pressure to recruit the right people (12%).

We are living in a candidate driven market, which has its benefits for job seekers. But the other side of this is an area rarely explored – the impact it has on those people tasked with filling those roles,” said Tribepad CEO, Dean Sadler. 

“Our survey reveals the impact that the talent crisis is taking on those working on the frontlines of recruitment. Burnout, a lack of recognition, and mounting pressures are placing a toll on those on the frontline. Companies need to invest in their HR teams, providing them with the support and tools they need to meet the exceptional demands that are currently being placed upon them.” 

 

Stress among HR professionals

A lack of suitable talent applying for roles (13%) also featured among the reasons for increased stress among HR professionals. Indeed, more than half (59%) of those questioned revealed that they had seen a noticeable decrease in the quality of applications within the past year. 

Those numbers were even more pronounced in regions such as the East of England (74%) North West (70%), Scotland (69%) and Yorkshire and Humberside (67%)  – suggesting that the UK is experiencing a clear regional divide when it comes to application quality in the current market. 

“Companies simply must recognise how important HR and talent acquisition teams are, and act now to ease their workload. Business and society needs recruiters who are top of their game, and there is a real risk of this generation burning out as a result of the strain that’s being put on them. Without good people being recruited, businesses will simply collapse. So we need good people to bring those candidates in – and we need to look after them with good support and good tools.” 

 

 

 

 

Amelia Brand
Amelia Brand

Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.