HR confronted with escalating duties - time for leadership to take charge, reveals recent poll
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the modern workplace, Human Resources (HR) teams are shouldering an increasing burden. According to a recent survey conducted by Research Without Barriers between 17th and 26th June 2025, nearly two-thirds (64%) of HR teams are working beyond their limits, leading to increased stress levels (53%) and declining job satisfaction (29%).
The survey, involving 302 senior HR professionals, also revealed that more than a quarter (25%) of HR teams report that employee experience and engagement, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and mental health support are the first initiatives to suffer when workloads become unmanageable. This situation, in turn, contributes to the growing phenomenon of "quiet quitting," a costly issue for businesses in 2025.
The survey findings underscore the need for leaders to support HR teams and prevent burnout. PayFit's research suggests that implementing strategies such as designing burnout prevention policies, providing manager training focused on healthy performance, and creating a supportive environment that addresses employee exhaustion and disengagement can help HR teams shift towards burnout prevention and promote sustainable work practices.
A key aspect of this approach involves HR teams crafting clear policies and training managers to recognise signs of burnout and manage workload effectively. This proactive approach can mitigate issues linked to employee disengagement and quiet quitting.
Digitisation is common in HR operations, with 62% of teams using it for payroll, 44% for time and attendance tracking, 42% for recruitment and applicant tracking, and 39% for benefits administration. However, only 30% of leaders have provided extra budget for technology to handle core operations, and only 31% have increased HR headcount. This discrepancy between the increasing workload and the resources available is a significant concern.
Furthermore, 42% of HR teams report that their managers expect them to handle new responsibilities without additional resources. This expectation, combined with the lack of support, is leading to a reduced work-life balance for almost a third (32%) of HR teams, and 88% admit at least one area of their role has suffered due to overwork.
Alarmingly, one in five (20%) of the HR teams surveyed are considering leaving the profession. This statistic underscores the urgent need for leaders to address the challenges facing HR teams and implement strategies to prevent burnout and promote sustainable work practices.
References: [1] PayFit. (2025). The Modern HR Challenge: Managing Overwhelming Workloads and Preventing Burnout. Retrieved from www.payfit.com/modernhrchallenge [2] Gallup. (2025). State of the Global Workplace Report. Retrieved from www.gallup.com/workplace/255021/state-global-workplace-report.aspx
- In the dynamic business world, the importance of workplace wellness, including mental health, health and wellness, and employee engagement, is increasingly recognized.
- Leaders in various businesses should prioritize implementing strategies such as burnout prevention policies, leader training, and supportive work environments to alleviate HR teams' stress and promote sustainable practices.
- The financial aspect is crucial in this regard, with the need for leaders to provide necessary resources, including technology and HR headcount, to handle the growing workloads and responsibilities.
- The neglect of these issues can lead to significant consequences, including the "quiet quitting" phenomenon, burnout among HR teams, and even the departure of HR professionals from their roles.
