Are you looking to leave your job this year? If so, you are not alone.
A recent survey conducted by HR software provider Ciphr has shed light on the intentions of HR professionals in the UK job market.
The research highlights that approximately 22% of HR workers in the country are contemplating leaving their current employer within the next year. The study also explores the key factors influencing their decision and provides valuable insights into the current mindset of HR professionals.
Here are the key points that the survey established:
High Attrition Rate among HR Professionals
The survey, which involved 163 HR professionals mainly occupying administrative or middle-management positions, found that one in 10 individuals were actively seeking new employment opportunities. Additionally, 12% of respondents expressed their intention to seek alternative positions.
Reasons for Considering a Job Change
Among those likely or very likely to change employers, the most common reason cited was the lack of job growth.
Approximately 42% of HR workers expressed their desire for more career progression, management responsibilities, or promotion opportunities. Improving work-life balance ranked as the second most significant factor, with 39% seeking a change for this reason. Surprisingly, seeking a higher salary ranked third, indicating that HR professionals value other aspects of their work environment.
Impact of Poor Leadership
Poor leadership emerged as a critical concern, influencing a quarter of HR professionals contemplating leaving their jobs. Ineffective leadership can adversely affect individual and team performance, morale, and engagement within an organisation.
Discontentment Across Age Groups
Statistically, HR professionals between the ages of 35 and 44 were the most likely to express discontent with their current roles. Nearly 30% of this age group were likely or very likely to seek alternative employment, compared to 15% of those aged 25 to 34 and 20% of those over 45.
Addressing HR Professionals’ Needs:
According to Claire Williams, Chief People Officer at Ciphr, employers should prioritise supporting the career aspirations and development needs of their HR teams to increase retention rates.
HR professionals often dedicate their time to focusing on the rest of the business, resulting in their own needs being overlooked. Employers should provide training and development opportunities, as well as clearly defined routes for career progression and promotion across the organisation, not just the ones that shout loudest.
Overcoming Career Development Challenges
Offering opportunities for career development can be challenging, particularly for businesses with small HR teams.
Employers and HR leaders can overcome this by encouraging cross-specialist learning, upskilling, and involvement in broader business projects. Initiatives like this can enrich HR professionals’ roles, enhance their HR capabilities, and improve job satisfaction in the long term.
There’s Value in Exit Interviews
The survey conducted by Ciphr underscores the significant proportion of HR professionals in the UK considering a job change within the next year.
Organisations should take note of the key factors influencing their decision, this can easily be established in an exit interview procedure. It can establish key reasons for people leaving, such as the lack of job growth, work-life balance concerns, poor leadership, and the desire for a more rewarding and fulfilling career.
By addressing these needs and providing ample opportunities for career development, employers can enhance their chances of retaining valuable HR talent and promoting a positive work environment.
I want to hear from you!
What do you think of these findings? Are they surprising or do you resonate with the points? Let me know in the comments below!
Work with me!
Need support in your HR team? I work with HR departments to help them get the most from their people and to get the company working in the right ways when it comes to people management! Contact me via my website http://www.reboxhr.co.uk or call 01327 640070.
Natalie Ellis HR 