73% of HR teams are under-resourced

Burnout is a major theme of pandemic working. Employees are working longer hours than ever before, and they are struggling to switch off from work during their downtime.

Heightened stress and burnout are major causes of high attrition rates employers are seeing at the moment. This so-called ‘Great Resignation’ has seen millions of workers across the world seek new jobs that prioritize their wellbeing.

This, in turn, is putting pressure on over-worked HR teams. A study of more than 500 US and UK HR professionals by Workvivo found that 95% were burnt out and 94% felt overwhelmed in the last six months.

In addition, Workvivo’s survey found that 88% dread work and 97% felt emotionally fatigued by work.

The main problem is that they are under-resourced (73%), and feel under-valued by their employer (only 29% said they felt valued). One in two didn’t feel like their organization supports HR and its functions.

As a result, it is no surprise that the ‘Great Resignation’ is also affecting HR teams – 78% told Workvivo they were open to new job opportunities.

What must employers do?

A high attrition rate of HR professionals would be a recipe for disaster for many organizations.

Who is going to recruit new talent to replace those leaving in the ‘Great Resignation’? Who is going to ensure employees have a great experience at work and want to stay in their jobs long term? Who is going to make sure that workers get paid on time? This has never been more important with inflation skyrocketing at the moment.

Managers can take on some of the load but as Workvivo’s expert-in-residence in employee experience Gillian French notes:

“HR and people officers have been the invisible first responders for two years, supporting employees through crisis after crisis – but how can they do this when they themselves are being neglected?”

Gillian French

Success in the future of work requires HR teams to be supported. Make sure you are investing in growing this team, as well as providing them with top-notch tools that will make their lives easier.

In this day and age, HR teams should not be wasting time on data input – freeing them up to speak to employees and solve their problems could be one way to reduce burnout.

French recommends that leaders think “outside the box and experiment with new workplace norms – both operational and cultural – to navigate this talent landscape.

“Companies that recognize this and place emphasis and importance on people management will be the ones that future-proof their own skills while steering the organization forward.”