Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) are playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping business success, according to a study of more than 500 CHRO leaders in the UK by International Workplace Group.
The overwhelming majority of CHROs - 88% - interviewed for the research say that their influence is at an all-time high, while 82% are working more closely with the C-suite of their company than ever before.
This shift reflects the evolving business landscape, where priorities such as employee wellbeing and happiness (68%), attracting top talent (66%), boosting productivity (63%), and retaining talent (60%) have become critical areas of focus for business leaders.
International Workplace Group's research underscores the indispensable role of CHROs in today's corporate environment. Nine out of ten (91%) CHROs consider themselves trusted senior advisers to their CEOs or business leaders and a similar proportion (96%) claim that their role strongly influences profitability, productivity, and talent recruitment, as well as long-term employee retention and culture (both 95%) - all driving factors to creating and maintaining a successful business.
With workforce wellbeing (60%), quality candidate recruitment (58%), and long-term talent retention (53%) becoming increasingly important objectives for the C-suite, it is evident that CHROs' top priorities are directly linked to business goals.
Flexible Working essential for a productive workforce
CHROs also clearly believe that flexible working has a significant role in creating a productive and loyal workforce, with 83% saying that flexible working is key to retaining top talent. Previous research by International Workplace Group supports this, with 69% of company executives who offer flexible working seeing productivity increases in 2024.
Without flexible working options, 69% of CHROs predict a significant decline in talent retention, with 54% identifying flexibility as the most important factor in building a productive and profitable workforce. Conversely, organisations that embrace greater flexibility anticipate uplifts on talent retention, with 72% expecting improvements in this area.
Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group Plc, commented: "Hybrid working is no longer just a perk - it is a strategic necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in today's competitive landscape. By embracing flexible working models, companies can unlock greater productivity, attract and retain top talent, ultimately building a happier workforce. CHROs are at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that hybrid working not only supports employee wellbeing and progress, but also drives long-term business success."
