Table of Contents

• 1. Methodology
• 2. Key Insights
• 3. Summary (TL; DR)
• 4. Conclusion: Investing in HR—The Key to Organizational Success

Methodology

The “greytHR Survey on HR Challenges and Well-Being” was conducted in September 2024, capturing insights from over 380 HR professionals. These participants represented organizations employing a diverse workforce, with a significant presence in knowledge-based and service sectors such as IT, ITES, banking/financial services, consulting, and technology. The survey’s focus on these sectors provides valuable insights into the challenges and well-being of HR professionals in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven environment.

The respondents were asked a series of questions regarding their work arrangements, challenges, experience with stress and burnout, and the types of support that would most benefit their well-being and work-life balance. The data was then analyzed to identify key trends and insights, which are presented in this report.

Key Insights

A Majority Return to the Office

More than two-thirds (68.5%) of the workforce is now back in the office, signaling a clear shift toward in-office work arrangements. This trend is particularly notable in sectors like IT, where major firms are calling employees back to physical workspaces.

Meanwhile, 24.5% of employees are working in hybrid models, and 7% are fully remote. This return to the office challenges HR to manage reintegration while still meeting the demand for flexibility.

The Quiet Strength of HR: Navigating Challenges with Resilience

HR professionals are tackling significant challenges in 2024—from employee engagement and retention to adapting to new technologies. Let's explore how they manage these issues and what support they need to continue thriving.

Tackling Engagement and Retention Challenges

In 2024, HR teams are navigating a range of key challenges, with engagement ‒ encompassing both employee motivation and talent retention ‒ topping the list. 34% of HR professionals cite keeping employees engaged as their most pressing issue. Close behind, 27% are specifically focused on retaining top talent, a challenge that has grown in complexity in today’s competitive job market.

Additionally, 16% are dealing with layoffs and restructuring, while 12% work to adapt to AI and new technologies. 11% of respondents highlight compliance with evolving labor laws as a critical concern.

Managing Stress While Supporting Teams

The pressures on today’s HR professionals are significant. Our survey reveals that around 69% of HR professionals have faced stress at some point in their roles. 45% of them experience occasional stress, while 24% frequently feel the demands of their positions.

Yet, they continue to support their teams and organizations, demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication despite the pressures they face.

What’s encouraging is how well they are handling these challenges. When asked how equipped they feel to address these challenges: 41% reported feeling somewhat equipped, 25% felt well-prepared, and 18% felt very well-equipped. While the stress is real, their confidence in handling these demands underscores their capability. So far, they are dealing with it well.

Supporting the Supporters: What HR Needs Most

When asked what would most improve their well-being and work-life balance, HR professionals were clear: 23% of respondents cited professional development and training as the top priority, identifying it as essential for their growth.

Close behind, 20% emphasized the need for recognition and appreciation, while 18% highlighted the importance of flexibility in working hours or remote options.

Summary (TL; DR)

Key findings from the survey include:

1. Work Arrangements: More than two-thirds (68.5%) of the workforce is back in the office, with 24.5% in hybrid models and 7% fully remote.
2. Stress Levels: Stress continues to be a major concern, with 69% of HR professionals feeling its impact - 45% occasionally and 24% frequently being under pressure.
3. Preparedness: 41% of HR professionals feel somewhat equipped to handle their challenges, while 25% feel well-prepared and 18% very well-equipped.
4. Key Challenges: Engagement (34%) and retention (27%) are the top concerns, followed by managing layoffs (16%), adapting to new technologies (12%), and ensuring compliance (11%).
5. Support Needs: HR professionals prioritize professional development and training (23%), recognition and appreciation (20%), and flexibility (18%) to improve well-being and work-life balance.

Conclusion: Investing in HR—The Key to Organizational Success

As we celebrate Human Resource Professional Day, it’s important to recognize the vital role HR professionals play in our organizations. In 2024, they are managing the complexities of returning to the office, fostering engagement, and adapting to new technologies ‒ all while facing significant stress. The greytHR Survey on HR Challenges and Well-Being highlights their resilience: despite 69% experiencing stress, most feel equipped to handle their roles effectively.

However, resilience needs support. The survey underscores the importance of ongoing professional development, recognition, and flexibility for HR teams. As we honor HR professionals today, let’s commit to providing the resources they need to continue thriving and leading us through the challenges ahead.

By empowering HR professionals now, we lay the foundation for a more resilient and successful future for everyone. Investing in their well-being isn't just a gesture of goodwill—it's a strategic move that benefits the entire organization.

For practical advice on maintaining mental health, you can check out our greytInsights video here.

Disclaimer

The findings presented in this data story are based on a specific and limited data set. While the survey provides robust insights, readers should note that the findings may be more reflective of knowledge and service sectors due to their higher representation. The perspectives from other industries may require further exploration in future studies to provide a more comprehensive view of those specific sectors.

It is important to exercise discretion when applying these findings to other sectors or business contexts. We encourage readers to interpret and apply the data thoughtfully, considering their organizational context and consulting additional resources or experts as needed.

About greytHR

greytHR is a full-suite HRMS, with the most advanced Payroll and Workforce Management in India and the Middle East region.

greytHR simplifies, expedites, and even automates complex, recurring, and yet critical functions of HR and Payroll, in a compliant and secure way. greytHR offers productivity tools for better people management, simpler HR processes, and professional delivery of HR and Payroll services.

With a broad range of HR products, greytHR is particularly strong in Administrative HR, Payroll, Workforce Management, and Employee Engagement. The platform also offers an app marketplace (to enable affinity use cases), mobile ESS, and lossless implementation. While other HR products barely scratch the surface, greytHR has productized deep and complex HR tasks.

Currently, greytHR is trusted by over 23,000 organizations and 2.3 million users across more than 25 countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, highlighting its global reliability and effectiveness.

How greytHR Can Help with Employee Engagement

greytHR’s Engage module, part of its robust HRMS, empowers organizations to elevate employee engagement. With dynamic features like Polls, Kudos, and real-time Feedback, Engage helps create a vibrant, connected workplace where every voice is heard and appreciated.