According to a survey, the most popular reason people give for working in HR is the ability to support employees. Recruiting new employees and growing a business are close behind.
According to a new study by the HR, payroll, and benefits software company Ciphr (50%) half of HR decision makers agree that supporting their employees is a key factor in their job satisfaction. A further 47% chose hiring new employees or growing their business as their favorite aspect.
Two-fifths (40%) of respondents also cited the importance of working with friendly colleagues and improving workplace productivity.
The survey also revealed that other popular aspects of a job were those which prioritized making work better. These included supporting good employment practices, ensuring compliance with the law (37%), solving issues (36%), or helping to create a positive working culture (34%).
Ciphr found that the majority of HR professionals enjoy their important jobs. Only one person in 300 who were consulted chose “none” when asked which aspect of working in HR they enjoyed the most. 90% of respondents were able to name at least three things they liked about their role (on average six).
About one-third of respondents said that they were most satisfied with the feeling of accomplishment and job satisfaction their work brought them (35%). They also liked a good balance between work and life (33%). Another similar number of respondents (32%) was most pleased to learn that their work had contributed to the success of businesses.
Interesting, opinions on the pay of HR are more mixed. Around a quarter of respondents (28%) cited competitive pay or a high salary as a reason they enjoy working in HR.
Ciphr surveyed HR professionals to find out what the 10 most important reasons they enjoy their job.
* 50% of HR professionals say they support employees.
* Growing the business and hiring new employees: 47%
* Improving workplace productivity and efficiency: 40%
* The people with whom they work: 39%
* Ensure legal compliance and support good employment practices: 37%
* Solving problems 36%
The majority of respondents (35%) say that it gives them a sense of job satisfaction.
* Contributing to a positive, inclusive work culture: 34%
* Good work-life integration: 33%
* Supporting the success of business: 32%
The top 15 job aspects, besides the pay, were the versatility or variety of the HR role (28%) and the ability to transform business processes (26%).
Claire Williams, Chief People and Operations Officer at Ciphr said that the poll highlighted the importance of human resources to organizations: “You don’t need the best products or strategy if you have engaged, high performing people. Success is not sustainable without them.” HR is at the core of all this, shaping cultures, enabling leaders, and driving talent strategies that unlock potential.
Karen Lough is Ciphr’s director of People. She said: “There’s a powerful thing about how one learning moment, new skill or well-timed conversation with a coach can change someone’s perspective or boost their confidence or even alter the trajectory of their careers. What drives me to work every day is knowing that I can make someone feel more confident, inspired or supported in their job.
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