Soaring job responsibilities in HR departments pose a challenge - it's now management's duty to show effective leadership, according to recent survey findings.
In a survey conducted among 302 senior HR professionals, it has been revealed that the evolving role of HR offers immense potential, but the teams are struggling to balance their new responsibilities with their day-to-day operations.
The findings suggest that nearly two-thirds (64%) of HR teams surveyed feel they are working beyond their limits, and more than half (53%) report increased stress levels. Moreover, 88% of HR teams admit that at least one area of their role has suffered as a result of their heavy workload.
One of the initiatives that suffer when HR teams' workloads become unmanageable is mental health support, with 28% of teams reporting this. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and employee experience and engagement are also areas that are impacted, with 25% of teams reporting difficulties in each category.
The survey also highlighted that HR teams have taken on new responsibilities in the past year, with 98% of teams surveyed by PayFit reporting this. However, only 31% of leaders have increased HR headcount, and 30% have provided extra budget for technology to handle core operations.
At the current rate, something or someone might suffer unless the right resources and support are given to HR teams. Marie-Alice Tantardini, Chief People and Fulfilment Officer at PayFit, suggests leaders should help ease the strain on HR teams.
To better support their teams and prevent burnout amid new responsibilities, HR leadership can consider the following strategies:
- Provide clear communication and role clarity so employees understand expectations and priorities.
- Offer resources and training to build capacity for handling new tasks.
- Encourage regular feedback and open dialogue to identify stress points early.
- Promote work-life balance through flexible work arrangements and reasonable workloads.
- Recognize and reward efforts to boost morale and motivation.
- Implement mental health and wellness programs to support emotional resilience.
The survey results do not contain specific information about how HR leadership can better support their teams in managing new responsibilities and avoiding burnout. For more insights from the PayFit survey, please provide access to the data or direct excerpts.
Despite the challenges, HR teams have earned a seat at the table, driving meaningful changes in business. The search results do not contain information specifically from the PayFit survey about how HR leadership can better support their teams in managing new responsibilities and avoiding burnout. However, it is clear that with the right resources and support, HR teams can continue to make a significant impact in the workplace.
HR teams, challenged by heavy workloads and new responsibilities, are struggling to prioritize mental health support and other areas related to health and wellness, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion. To address these issues and prevent burnout, HR leadership can employ strategies that encourage clear communication, offer resources and training, promote work-life balance, recognize and reward efforts, and implement mental health and wellness programs.
