+
survey answers collected
PeopleHR
HR insights: UK statistics from real workplaces
Gain access to a growing collection of HR reports, original research and survey findings, bringing together the latest insights into the people, trends and challenges shaping today's workplace.
Updated regularly, our Data Hub combines expert analysis with rich data visualisations, charts and tables, helping HR professionals turn evidence into action and make more informed business decisions.
+
contributors
HR Pulse Survey 2026
We asked 564 HR professionals what's keeping them up at night heading into 2027. Three themes came back louder than everything else: a compliance load that won't slow down, a retention challenge that's become the defining people priority, and an AI moment that most HR teams are watching from the sidelines.
What's had the biggest impact on HR in the past 12 months?
Source: HR Pulse 2027 Survey · Access PeopleHR · September 2026 · n=564
Explore earlier reports
Our reports on time off, pay and workforce trends are shared below. Browse the cards to find the research most relevant to your team.
Future-Ready HR Report 2026
YouGov survey of 171 HR professionals across 9 industries, covering technology maturity, analytics adoption, retention strategies, and AI readiness.
Payslip Anxiety Report 2026
Our survey of 650 UK workers shows which groups are most likely to receive late or incorrect payslips, and why it matters for wellbeing.
Annual Leave Report 2024
Data from 3,000+ companies across 18 industries. Key findings: annual leave taken dropped 7.67% from 2022–2023; down nearly 12% since 2020 (38 days → 34 days per employee).
Sick Leave Report 2024
Data from 1,775+ SMBs tracking sickness absence across UK industries. Key findings: sickness absence has risen 55% since 2019; companies averaged 128 sick days in 2023, up 6% on 2022.
Frequently asked questions
How can I use this research to benchmark my organisation?
Our reports give you a benchmark. Compare your absence and leave figures with the sector in each report to see whether your rates are typical or a warning sign. Then take the findings to your leadership team to decide what they mean for your organisation.
How were the reports researched?
Methodology for each report is set out in its full download, so you can check the sample and approach before you rely on the findings.
Why does pay matter for wellbeing?
Pay problems are rarely just admin. In our Payslip Anxiety Report, nearly half of the UK workers surveyed said a late or incorrect payslip made them anxious about money. Spotting these risks early is part of looking after your people.
How common is spreadsheet use in HR?
Our Future-Ready HR 2026 research, carried out with YouGov, found that 49% of organisations still rely on spreadsheets to run HR. The full report looks at what separates digital leaders from those still working this way.
How many HR teams are comfortable using AI?
The HR Pulse 2027 report found that 76% of the 410 HR professionals who answered said their HR team is at least fairly comfortable with AI tools day to day. Fewer have made AI routine, with 15% saying their team already uses these tools regularly. The full report sets out how the question was asked and who took part.
Learn more about HR Software
How does PeopleHR compare against other HR software suppliers?
Best HR Software List For 2026: A Small Business Guide
A guide to successful HR software implementation
7 ways HR software saves you time
HR software feature list for SMBs: A comparison table
HR Software vs Excel spreadsheets: An honest comparison
How HR software can reduce business costs and support employees: An honest look
Watch our demo
Our 4 minute video tour will guide you through some of the most powerful and useful features of the software and mobile app.
Ready to book a call?
Book in a 15 minute call at a time that works for you with one of our sales specialists.
We are trusted by experts
