Supporting employees is the most rewarding aspect of working in HR, according to new research. The study, by HR software provider Ciphr surveyed 300 HR professionals, finding that half (50%) of respondents cited employee support as the most enjoyable part of their job.
Hiring new employees and contributing to business growth ranked closely behind, with 47 percent selecting it as a key reason they enjoy working in HR. Helping to improve workplace productivity and efficiency was also a major factor, identified by 40 percent of those surveyed.
Other aspects that contribute to job satisfaction include working with supportive colleagues (39%), ensuring legal compliance and good employment practices (37%) and solving workplace challenges (36%). Creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture was also a priority, with 34 percent of HR professionals highlighting this as a key part of their role.
Job satisfaction and work-life balance matter more than salary
The survey indicates that most HR professionals find their roles fulfilling, with 90 percent able to name at least three aspects they enjoy about their job. Around 35 percent said their work provides a strong sense of achievement, while 33 percent value the work-life balance HR offers. A further 32 percent take pride in knowing their contributions support business success.
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Pay, however, was not a primary factor in job satisfaction. Only 28 percent of respondents cited competitive pay as one of the reasons they like working in HR, ranking salary satisfaction lower than other aspects of the job.
HR’s role in driving business success
Claire Williams, chief people and operations officer at Ciphr, spoke of HR’s impact on business performance.
“I truly believe that company performance is a direct reflection of its peoples’ performance. You can have the best strategy, products or technology but without engaged, high-performing people, success is never sustainable. And HR sits at the heart of this – shaping cultures, enabling leadership and driving the right talent strategies to unlock potential.”
Williams added that the influence HR professionals have in their organisations, from improving employee engagement to strategic workforce planning. She noted that HR’s role goes beyond policies and processes, saying, “HR isn’t just about policies and processes. It’s about unlocking human potential to drive lasting business success, and that’s why I love it.”
The impact of HR and learning and development
Karen Lough, Ciphr’s director of people, spoke about the influence HR and learning and development (L&D) can have on employees’ careers.
“There’s something incredibly powerful about how a single learning moment, a new skill or a well-timed coaching conversation can shift someone’s perspective, boost their confidence or even change the trajectory of their career,” she said.
Lough explained that small interactions in HR can have a great impact on employees’ experiences.
“Whether it’s helping someone navigate a challenge, grow into a new role or simply feel heard and valued, those small moments add up to something big. For me, that’s the most rewarding part of working in HR and learning and development,” she added.
