Zarah ChoudharyHalf of 300 HR decision makers agreed that supporting employees was a key element in enjoying their jobs, according to research by Ciphr.
A further 47% cited hiring new employees and growing the business as their favourite aspect of the job.
Helping to improve workplace productivity and efficiency, and working with nice colleagues, were also important factors for two-fifths of respondents (selected by 40% and 39% respectively).
Other popular aspects of the job included tasks that improve the workplace, like supporting good employment practices and ensuring legal compliance (37%), solving problems (36%), and helping to create a good working culture (34%).
Opinions on HR pay were a bit more mixed.
Only around a quarter (28%) of respondents selected competitive pay or a good salary as one of the main reasons why they like working in HR, ranking it in 16th place.
Job aspects that didn’t quite make the top 15, besides pay, included the variety or versatility of the HR role (28%), transforming business processes (26%), and informing strategic decision-making (25%).
Claire Williams, chief people and operations officer at Ciphr, said: “I truly believe that company performance is a direct reflection of its peoples’ performance.
“You can have the best strategy, products, or technology but without engaged, high-performing people, success is never sustainable.
“And HR sits at the heart of this – shaping cultures, enabling leadership, and driving the right talent strategies to unlock potential.”
“She added: “What has always excited me is the unique position that HR holds in organisations.
“They have a front-row seat to seeing the tangible impact of influencing and supporting people to perform at their best.
“Whether it’s developing leaders, improving employee engagement, or driving strategic workforce planning, every initiative has a direct link to business outcomes.
“HR isn’t just about policies and processes. It’s about unlocking human potential to drive lasting business success, and that’s why I love it.”
Karen Lough, director of people at Ciphr, added: “There’s something incredibly powerful about how a single learning moment, a new skill, or a well-timed coaching conversation can shift someone’s perspective, boost their confidence, or even change the trajectory of their career.
“Knowing that what I do can help someone feel more capable, inspired, or supported in their role is what drives me every day.
“Whether it’s helping someone navigate a challenge, grow into a new role, or simply feel heard and valued, those small moments add up to something big.
“For me, that’s the most rewarding part of working in HR and learning and development (L&D).”
