THE STATE OF HR REPORT

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The State of HR Report

What HR Professionals Are Really Experiencing in 2026

340 HR professionals. One honest picture of the profession.

HR teams are being asked to do more than ever before.
Support organisational change. Drive culture. Navigate employee relations. Influence leadership. Improve engagement. Retain talent.

But who is supporting HR?

The State of HR report explores the real experiences of HR professionals across the UK from workload and burnout to meaning, motivation, support, and strategic influence.

This report doesn’t rely on assumptions or opinion pieces.
It’s built on real data, real experiences, and honest insight from 340 HR professionals working across multiple industries.

Inside the report, you’ll discover:

  • Why HR professionals still care deeply about the work they do, despite growing pressure

  • The biggest challenges affecting HR teams right now

  • The disconnect between commitment and day-to-day experience

  • What HR professionals say would most improve their working lives

  • The impact workload and under-resourcing are having across the profession

  • How the HR experience differs by industry, seniority, age, and region

  • What organisations need to change to create more sustainable HR functions

Key findings include:

73% of HR professionals do not feel they have sufficient resources and support to carry out their role effectively.

Only 32% say their workload is manageable within contracted hours.

Yet 61% remain committed to HR as a long-term career.

This is a profession full of committed people working under increasing pressure.

Why this report matters

HR sits at the centre of organisational performance.
When HR is stretched, unsupported, or constantly reactive, the impact is felt across leadership, culture, retention, and employee experience.

This report gives HR professionals a voice — while also helping organisations better understand the conditions their people teams are operating within.

Whether you work in HR yourself, lead a people function, or support organisational strategy, this report offers valuable insight into the current reality of the profession.

Who is this report for?

  • HR Advisors

  • HR Managers

  • HR Business Partners

  • Heads of HR & People Directors

  • Senior Leaders

  • Business Owners

  • Consultants & Coaches

  • Anyone interested in the future of work and people strategy

Download the Report

Get instant access to The State of HR: A View from Within and explore the findings shaping conversations across the HR profession.