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The HR and Payroll Leaders’ Report

Discover key insights from 1,000 HR and payroll leaders on workload, skills gaps and AI. Read our latest report to explore the reality behind the optimism and what leaders can do next.
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Energised yet under pressure

HR and payroll leaders care deeply about their people and the impact they make. But rising workloads, skills gaps, and constant change are testing capacity and confidence. The report reveals a profession at a turning point—optimistic about what’s possible, yet realistic about the challenges ahead.
 
believe AI will transform HR and payroll within five years.
feel a sense of burnout in their current role.

feel more stretched than they did two years ago.

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AI in HR and payroll

AI is seen as a powerful enabler that frees time, improves accuracy and supports better decision-making. But concerns around skills, compliance and data security remain.
 

Closing the skills gap

HR skill requirements are changing fast. Leaders are being asked to build capability in technology, data and AI, while managing widening workforce skills gaps.

Employee experience and culture

HR leaders are motivated by making a meaningful difference to people’s lives, yet burnout and wellbeing challenges persist across organisations.

Managers under pressure

As HR leaders become more stretched, they are also expected to support line managers dealing with growing complexity and wellbeing pressures.

Remote and hybrid work

Flexible work is now the norm, but ensuring fairness, consistency and compliance across working practices is a growing challenge.

HR and payroll teams are energised yet under pressure

HR and payroll leaders care deeply about their people and the impact they make. But rising workloads, skills gaps, and constant change are testing capacity and confidence. The report reveals a profession at a turning point—optimistic about what’s possible, yet realistic about the challenges ahead.
Read the report

What can HR and payroll leaders do next?

The report highlights challenges and solutions, offering practical frameworks, checklists and action plans to help HR and payroll leaders:

  • Adopt AI responsibly and with confidence
  • Reclaim time from admin and refocus on people
  • Build fair, future-ready hybrid working models
  • Tackle skills gaps with data-led workforce planning
  • Support managers without burning out themselves
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The HR and Payroll Leaders' Report

Discover the data behind today’s biggest HR and payroll challenges, what’s putting pressure on leaders, and how technology and AI are shaping the future of work. 
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Further HR research reports from Sage

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Discover the potential of AI and prepare yourself with 9 tangible tips for a more human-centred approach.
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The future of performance management

It's time to put current performance management strategies on review, Sage's research found. Find out why 89% of HR leaders believe that feedback will be fully automated in the future.
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HR in 2030

Get insights from 17 HR and People experts on what HR will look like in 2030 and what HR leaders need to do to prepare today.
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HR in the moment: What next for HR?

Get the last research report in the ‘HR in the moment’ series to learn how HR can get ahead in the new working world.
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HR in the moment research report: Impact through insights

New research reveals how HR can create more value and increase business impact through actionable insights. 

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HR in the moment: changing expectations of HR

Discover how 1500 HR execs, C-suite leaders and employees are challenging expectations and perceptions of HR today.
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I want to create an HR function that empowers employees, supports leaders, and drives business success—without being held back by administrative or technological barriers.


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