The biggest challenges facing HR revealed

A new survey has shed light on the top challenges set to impact HR professionals.

The changing face of HR in 2024 report, commissioned by Sage, surveyed 1,022 senior HR leaders and C-suite executives in medium and small businesses to understand changing perceptions and expectations both now and looking ahead.

According to the findings, 91 per cent of HR leaders believe the scope of their role has changed significantly and is likely to continue to change further in the next five years.

When asked what the top challenges are going to be for HR in 2024 and beyond, a whopping 92 per cent selected the sheer amount of work expected.

Continued uncertainty surrounding the future, as well as the perceived value of HR’s worth in the organisation was also selected as a big challenge for 91 per cent and 90 per cent of respondents, respectively.

Meanwhile, limited budget was identified as a big challenge by 90 per cent of HR respondents, as was lack of resources (89 per cent), low morale/burnout (84 per cent) and a lack of leadership support (83 per cent).

Despite the challenges, the report showed HR professionals are confident that the pressures faced within their roles can be mitigated.

When asked what the profession would need to be successful, 42 per cent selected a boost in HR skills. Meanwhile, 37 per cent said increased investment in HR specialisms, for example, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) specialists. 

A further 34 per cent want an increase in wellbeing initiatives to prevent burnout, 33 per cent want better peer-to-peer support networks in HR, and 29 per cent want better support from senior leaders.

“HR leaders are often the unsung heroes of an organisation but over the last few years have demonstrated their influence, visibility, agility and impact more than ever,” said Amanda Cusdin, chief people officer at Sage.

“Considering the acute shortage of talent, the great resignation, and the quiet-quitting phenomenon that a lot of organisations are facing, business leaders need to prioritise investment in technology, and increase upskilling the HR department.”