A recent survey conducted by Ciphr, an HR software provider, reveals that only 42 percent of HR professionals would recommend their employer to others.
The survey, which included 300 HR decision-makers, highlighted several areas of dissatisfaction.
Notably, 37 percent of respondents reported feeling overworked most or all the time, and 28 percent frequently considered leaving their jobs.
Also, only 48 percent of HR professionals receive regular or ongoing training, and a mere 34 percent are satisfied with their salary. Furthermore, only 27 percent believe there are career progression opportunities at their organisations.
A majority of HR professionals find their work fulfilling
Despite these challenges, the survey also found that a majority of HR professionals find their work fulfilling and engaging. Nearly two-thirds (64%) reported feeling fulfilled and engaged most or all the time, and 56 percent felt valued and appreciated for their work. Additionally, 61 percent believe their skills and experience are fully utilised.
Ciphr’s data indicates that HR professionals’ willingness to recommend their employers is closely linked to their sense of being valued, fulfilled, and well-compensated. Among those who would recommend their employers, 79 percent felt engaged by their work, and 71 percent felt appreciated. In contrast, only 53 percent of those who wouldn’t recommend their employer felt engaged, and just 45 percent felt appreciated.
Other key findings include:
- 48% receive regular training and development.
- 45% have friends at work.
- 44% report having a good work/life balance.
- 39% believe the HR team has a good working relationship with the wider business.
- 37% feel their organisation supports employees’ mental health and well-being.
- 34% think the HR team is well-respected and valued.
- 30% have clear objectives and receive meaningful feedback.
- 18% feel the HR team has the authority to enact change.
Claire Williams, Chief People and Operations Officer at Ciphr, commented on the survey findings, highlighting the unique position HR professionals occupy within organisations. She noted that HR’s close collaboration with management provides them with a distinct perspective on how employee priorities are addressed, which can influence their job satisfaction and willingness to recommend their employer.
Williams emphasised the need for organisations to support their HR teams better, suggesting steps such as aligning HR objectives with company goals, integrating HR more with other departments, and enhancing communication about HR activities and successes. She also pointed out the critical need to address burnout and ensure a better work/life balance for HR professionals, who often bear the emotional burdens of the workforce.
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.
