New report

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

Read the report