More than half (55%) of UK HR professionals believe that advancing technology is transforming the way HR teams operate and deliver in their role, according to research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
The professional body for HR and people development’s People profession 2023: UK and Ireland survey report, which surveyed 1,456 UK people professionals, also found that technology and hybrid working has had a significant impact on the role of people professionals and that job roles are evolving alongside the impact of digital transformation.
Of those surveyed, 42% believe their role is changing significantly due to technology, and 41% find supporting employees’ mental health and wellbeing more difficult because of hybrid working. Two-fifths (40%) felt hybrid working made building organisational culture and values more challenging.
In addition, 32% said their job has a positive or very positive impact on their mental health, compared to 31% in 2022, while 20% found their role to have had a positive or very positive impact on their physical health, compared to 16% in 2022.
Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, said: “People professionals continue to play a pivotal role in every organisation especially as they navigate the complex and changing world of work. Rapidly evolving technology and the continued adoption of hybrid and flexible-working practices are critical areas of focus, and present significant opportunities for the profession to be at the heart of business and change, supporting people and organisations to adapt and thrive.
“This year’s report shows that people professionals are learning, innovating and adapting quicker than ever and understand the benefits and risks for both employees and organisations alike when driving changes forward. The strategic importance of people teams and the central role they play is being increasingly recognised. It seems that the profession is united, not only by the challenges they face, but also by the opportunities they have to have to push for positive change in the world of work.”