Human resource (HR) professionals are facing unprecedented challenges as companies adapt to rapidly changing work environments. With technological advancements, rising employee expectations, and a sometimes uncivil work culture, HR teams are under immense pressure to address these complexities. To gain deeper insights into these issues, isolved partnered with Talker Research to survey 1,000 HR professionals across the U.S. The findings reveal significant frustrations within the workforce and the overwhelming demands placed on HR departments.
Key Insights from the Survey
Kyle Lagunas, head of strategy at Aptitude Research, emphasizes the importance of understanding these challenges. “The state of morale in HR organizations is a real risk—especially as it coincides with the dawn of a truly AI-enabled age of work. While navigating innovation is important, today’s HR transformation leaders must also ensure their teams are supported and empowered during the waves of change ahead.”
The Tough Realities of HR Work
HR professionals are frequently tasked with addressing a variety of employee frustrations. According to the survey, the top concerns include:
- Dissatisfaction with Salary: 29%
- Feeling Underappreciated: 26%
- Poor Work-Life Balance: 25%
- Dissatisfaction with Benefits: 23%
Underlying these issues are factors such as poor communication (44%), rule violations (40%), workplace negativity (38%), and office gossip (37%). Additionally, recruitment and ongoing training pose challenges, with 39% of respondents struggling to upskill talent and 36% facing difficulties in finding the right talent.
HR professionals also deal with interpersonal challenges, with 31% frequently addressing workplace etiquette issues and 20% mediating conflicts related to office romances. Despite their critical role in keeping operations running smoothly, many HR teams find the demands overwhelming; only 9% report consistently completing their daily tasks, while 42% work outside regular business hours. Nearly one-third (28%) feel overwhelmed and estimate they would need to outsource 31% of their tasks to manage effectively.
The Growing Role of AI in HR
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into HR workflows to alleviate the burden of rising responsibilities. A remarkable 77% of HR professionals believe AI training is essential for enhancing their roles, and 81% of those at companies that have adopted AI report using it in their daily tasks. On average, AI manages 34% of HR-related tasks in these organizations.
The advantages of AI are evident: 81% of HR professionals using AI state that automating routine tasks enables them to focus more on building meaningful connections with employees. Opal Wagnac, senior vice president of market and solutions strategy at isolved, notes, “This survey shows just how much HR professionals are expected to handle—especially when it comes to resolving interpersonal issues.”
Surprising Stories from HR’s Frontlines
Some challenges faced by HR professionals go beyond typical workplace issues. A surprising 41% of respondents shared that many interpersonal problems they address would astonish the average person. Some unusual anecdotes include HR professionals stopping unexpected rituals in offices and managing unconventional pets like snakes and large reptiles brought to work without permission. There were even reports of workplace hauntings, prompting some employees to request an exorcism for the office.
A Stressed and Stretched Workforce
The emotional toll on HR professionals is significant. The survey reveals that 30% feel mentally drained, 24% report experiencing burnout, and 34% are contemplating a career change. Wagnac adds, “HR teams are stretched thin, but advancements in AI and better resources can help relieve some of this strain, enabling HR professionals to focus on more strategic work.”
Finally, when asked what they wish corporate America understood about their work, 57% of HR professionals expressed a desire for people to remember, “We’re people too. We have feelings and tough days, just like everyone else.”
As HR professionals navigate a landscape filled with challenges and opportunities, leveraging AI and innovative resources can help them effectively manage their responsibilities while fostering employee productivity and happiness. Recognizing the human element of HR is essential in supporting these dedicated professionals.
