Ciphr: 94% of HR leaders are stressed – but what are the leading causes?

Ciphr, a HR, payroll and benefits software provider, has released new research showcasing the biggest stressors for HR professionals.

The survey, which polled over 270 UK HR decision-makers, found that only 6% never experience stress at work, with 94% admitting they find at least one aspect of their job stressful.

UNLEASH spoke exclusively with Ciphr’s Director of People, Karen Lough, to discover what these stressors are, and how businesses can work to combat them.

The top stressors for HR leaders

Of the factors found to cause stress to HR professionals, colleagues (7.4%), commuting (10%), supporting employees and hybrid/ remote working models (11%) were found to be the least stress inducing components.

Lack of clarity over organizational goals and strategies (12%), new employment legislation and reforms (13%) and job security (13%) followed closely behind, highlighting the need for greater transparency.

In comparison, workload (29%), rising costs (26%), and employee retention and turnover (24%) were found to be the biggest stressors, with managing budgets (24%), and recruitment and skills shortages (23%) were also high on the list.

This research really reflects what so many of us in HR feel day to day – the pace, the pressure, and the growing complexity of our roles,” Lough explains. “HR teams are often expected to be everything to everyone, yet their own wellbeing can slip down the priority list.”

However, one of the most alarming findings was that 23% of HR professionals feel stressed due to burnout. 

This rises to 35% when HR leaders work in an organization of 1,500 employees or more, due to the added pressure from excessive or unnecessary workloads, highlighting a possible link between workforce size and chronic stress. 

Additionally, 34% HR leaders in larger organizations are stressed about workload, compared to those in smaller businesses of 50 to 1,499 employees (27%).

To overcome this, Lough highlights simple steps that can be taken to reduce stress. She says: “Employers have a real opportunity here to support their HR professionals more by reviewing workloads, encouraging boundaries, and investing in the right tools and tech to ease the burden. 

“A simple first step is to make space for open conversations – HR teams need just as much support as the people they look after.

Concluding, Lough adds: “By creating the right environment, we can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and build more sustainable, high-performing HR functions.”