HR teams worldwide are facing increasing pressure to balance wellbeing and work-life challenges amidst rising demands.
- A Culture Amp study reveals less than half of global HR professionals feel equipped to manage organisational needs.
- In the UK, only 36% of HR practitioners feel able to meet their organisations’ demands.
- Despite a global rise in perceived resilience, it fell to 45% in 2024, highlighting ongoing pressures.
- UK HR professionals show a growth in resilience, contrasting with global trends, according to the research.
HR teams around the world are navigating significant challenges as they endeavour to manage wellbeing and work-life balance amid mounting expectations. A comprehensive study conducted by Culture Amp highlights that less than half (47%) of HR professionals globally feel their teams are capable of meeting the organisation’s needs effectively. This sentiment is even more pronounced in the UK, where only 36% of HR practitioners share this confidence.
Despite a noticeable global improvement in HR professionals’ perceived resilience from 2022 to 2023, rising from 46% to 57%, this trend did not maintain its momentum. In 2024, resilience levels experienced a slight decrease to 45%. This reflects the enduring pressures on HR teams, despite initial beliefs that the post-pandemic era might alleviate some of their burdens.
Interestingly, UK HR professionals have defied this global trend. The resilience among UK practitioners improved from 58% in 2023 to 64% in 2024. This increase indicates a unique regional adaptation, perhaps influenced by localised strategies or support systems that bolster their capacity to manage ongoing challenges.
The research further uncovers that fewer than half (48%) of HR personnel globally can effectively disconnect from work, which is crucial for ensuring adequate rest and recovery. UK figures underscore this challenge, with only 41% reporting the ability to switch off successfully, despite a significant 73% acknowledging support from their colleagues.
Importantly, the survey reveals that despite the obstacles they encounter, a majority of HR professionals globally maintain their conviction in their role’s positive impact. Approximately sixty percent believe they contribute significantly to their organisations, a sentiment echoed closely in the UK, with 59% affirming this belief.
The ongoing demands on HR teams necessitate robust support systems to sustain their wellbeing and effectiveness in the workplace.
