71% of HR professionals report lack of adequate training, survey reveals

A recent survey conducted by Michael Page has brought to light a concerning issue: 71% of HR professionals in the UK feel they are not receiving adequate training and support from their employers. This survey, which collected responses from 2,000 workers, also delved into how the landscape of people management has evolved, with 15% of HR professionals acknowledging an increase in responsibilities compared to their predecessors.

Katy Foster, director of people strategy at Cream HR, commented on the findings, stating: “HR professionals can often be the catch-all for various situations – if it involves people, it tends to end up with HR.” She further elaborated on the necessity for HR professionals to receive more support and to feel empowered to direct employees to the appropriate external resources when needed.

Additional insights from the survey include:

• A significant 75% of HR professionals have not received specific training on neurodiversity in the past 12 months.
• Four out of five HR professionals experience ‘impostor syndrome’, especially when providing advice or consultation.
• The pandemic has prompted a third of HR professionals to seek additional skills.

Bryony Williams, coach and HR consultant at The Glass Female, shared her thoughts on the survey, saying: “The survey findings truly resonate with me.” She questioned whether the focus on ‘training and support’ might be diverting attention from a more significant shift in the expectations of HR’s role and its commercial impact.

The move towards hybrid working patterns has added complexity to team management, as noted by 23% of the respondents. Similarly, 23% believe that a better understanding of neurodiversity is becoming increasingly critical, with 26% advocating for greater sensitivity within the profession.

Lisa Murphy, CEO of Limelite HR, reflected on the changing scope of HR responsibilities, particularly in the wake of recent global events and technological advancements. “The remit for HR has evolved at a rapid pace in recent years,” Murphy stated, highlighting the broadened scope of challenges HR professionals face today.