Retention is an increasing challenge for HR, even, it turns out that in their own teams. New research by the HR software provider and Payroll Ciphr noted that two thirds (65%) of HR professionals plan to leave their organization during the coming year. Many will already actively seek their next position.
Of the 300 UK HR HR decision -makers interviewed, only a third party (35%) said they were not currently looking for a job or any imminent plan to do so. In particular, those who support the most important staff, of 1,500 or more employees, seem to be the most likely to be ready to leave, with only a quarter (27%) of HR professionals in large happy organizations to stay in their existing role (at least at least).
For those who intend to change jobs, the most frequently quoted reason is to acquire new knowledge and skills (33%) – suggesting that many want more development opportunities they are offered.
Winning more money is another large driver, with approximately a quarter (24%) would feel underpaid and seek to increase their salary with another employer.
A fifth (20%) is considering a decision to find a more rewarding or fulfilling job, while a similar number (19%) wishes to improve their work / life balance.
And, proving that a strong offer of employees' benefits is not only a “beautiful to have”, but a real added value, up to one (16%) HR professionals who seek to change employers for a greater choice of advantages and awards.
Other popular reasons for finding employment elsewhere include the reduction in stress and the workload (15%), the increase in employment safety (15%) and work less than hours (14%). For others, it is just time to move on to new opportunities (13%).
A bad direction, which can have a significant impact on performance, morale and commitment, was also a concern for one in eight (13%) of those who plan to leave their HR employment.
Top 10 reasons why human resources professionals seek to move jobs::
- To acquire new knowledge and skills: 33% of respondents who are currently looking for a job or who plan to come during the coming year
- They want a higher salary (they feel underpaid): 24%
- They want a more rewarding / fulfilling job: 20%
- To improve their work-life balance: 19%
- They want a better choice of benefits / more employees: 16%
- They want less stressful work / a more manageable workload: 15%
- They want more job security: 15%
- To reduce their working hours: 14%
- It's just time to move on: 13%
- Lack of well / effective leadership in their current organization: 13%
The complete results of this survey are available to https://www.ciphr.com/infographics/15-reasons-Why-hr-professionals-want-to-leave-their-jobs.
Claire Hawes, responsible for people and operations at CIPHR, said: “Most employers are very aware that retention continues to be a challenge, but they may not expect to see figures so high of dissatisfaction and risk of attrition among their own HR teams.
“Part of the HR role is to understand what could stimulate employee turnover, especially if it is higher than the market average, and to work with leadership to help create strategies to reduce it. Because if people feel valued and supported and invest, it is likely that they will want to stay with your organization longer.
“If the people of your HR team feel neglected because they do not have clearly defined training and development paths. Or maybe they do not feel adequately rewarded for the skills and the experience they bring. Then it is very likely that other employees of the company feel exactly the same. And, if you don't do what you can meet their needs and priorities, another organization.
“Of course, not all organizations cannot always offer vertical career progression, especially for small HR teams. But employers must prioritize training and update, and give people the time they need to focus on their own development. The structuring of teams in a way that allows cross -learning, to help RR professionals to obtain more commercial departments and a broader understanding of the organization.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to grow in their role and acquire new knowledge and skills to help them reach their potential, and improve their HR capacity in the longer term. Otherwise, who can blame them to consider going to work for another company that will respect and appreciate its vital role? ”
The results of the survey also revealed that 1 in 10 of those who are looking for other roles plan to go entirely to a different career.
Ciphr instructed OnePoll to conduct an independent survey of 300 UK HR decision -makers in July 2025. The complete results are available in https://www.ciphr.com/infographics/15-reasons-Why-hr-professionals-want-to-leave-their-jobs.
The CIPHR is the partner of HR software and solutions for average and large organizations in the United Kingdom. Its HR, its pay, its benefits, its software, its services and its integrated content provides invaluable information to the HR teams, helping to inform their strategy of people and to develop and develop their organizations. Based on reading, the CIPHR is on a mission to amplify the voice and the value of HR thanks to intelligent data solutions that help HR be heard – in the conference room and through the company.
For more information, please visit www.ciphr.com.
