Top 10 reasons why people like working in HR

Top 10 reasons why people like working in HR

Helping employees, improving productivity and supporting good employment practices are just some of the many reasons why HR professionals like their jobs, according to new research by HR, payroll and benefits software provider Ciphr.

This infographic (below) shows what people like most about working in HR, based on a survey of 300 HR decision makers.


Top 10 reasons why people like working in HR

Read our press release with the full results: Supporting employees is what HR professionals most like about their jobs.

T
o find out how closely these findings reflect the experiences of Ciphr’s HR experts, we asked our people team to tell us more about what motivates them and the favourite aspects of their jobs.

Here’s what they said:

Claire Williams, chief people and operations officer

Claire Williams“I’ve worked in the people profession for 20 years and I still love it to this day because 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.

“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

Karen Lough“With my background in learning and development (L&D), it’s the real impact we can make on people’s work lives and long-term growth that I love. 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. It has nothing to do with training or ticking boxes – it’s about empowering people, unlocking potential, and making work a more fulfilling place to be. 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 L&D.”

Zoe Bloomfield, learning & development business partner

Zoe Bloomfield“I’ve worked in HR for over 20 years and now specialise in my passion – learning and development! It’s incredibly rewarding to support individual and organisational growth by empowering people with the skills they need to excel.

“Every day is different, from designing bespoke programmes and delivering training to leveraging new learning technologies. I use both analytical and creative skills to craft engaging and impactful learning experiences.

“I shape company culture by promoting continuous learning, boosting engagement, and driving business performance. Partnering with stakeholders, I align learning solutions with commercial goals, creating measurable and accessible solutions.

“Beyond strategy, the real reward is seeing people grow in confidence and competence. Whether upskilling teams, fostering leadership, or driving change, working in L&D makes a meaningful impact – and that’s what makes it such a fantastic field!”

Tony Campbell, recruitment lead

Tony Campbell“I love working in HR because it directly shapes the employee experience and genuinely impacts people's lives. Every day, I get to connect with a diverse range of people and help them navigate different challenges – and it’s incredibly rewarding.

“HR is always evolving. There are always new obstacles to tackle and fresh opportunities to explore. As a business, we have the software and solutions to help our clients refine the way they work and build stronger, more positive cultures within their teams.

“What I love most about this industry is that it’s both forward-thinking and reflective. We’re always preparing for what’s next, but we can also look back and see the real, positive change we’ve helped to create.”

Katie Allen, senior people partner

Katie Allen“As an HR professional, what I love most is the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the role. No two days are ever the same, which keeps things exciting and allows me to constantly learn and adapt. I thrive on variety – whether it’s collaborating with leadership on strategy, supporting employees and managers through complex employee relations (ER) cases, or navigating the complexities of change.

“My work is always rooted in helping people, and that’s incredibly rewarding. The opportunity to make a difference in employees’ careers, providing guidance and fostering a positive work environment, is what I value most. I get to be both a strategic partner and a trusted advisor, balancing day-to-day people challenges with long-term people initiatives. It’s this blend of fast-paced problem-solving and meaningful support that makes my role so fulfilling and motivates me to continue growing in this field.”

Jessica Scully, people partner

Jessica Scully“I started in the recruitment and talent space and always enjoyed the people element of the role. I love working in HR, as it's all about helping and supporting people and making their working lives better. At Ciphr, I get to help shape an environment where people feel valued, heard, and motivated to do their best work. It's really rewarding knowing that I'm doing something that is making such a positive difference to people.

“It’s great to be part of the people team at Ciphr. We all have different specialist skills that we can utilise, and we work so well together. Plus, no day is ever the same. HR is always evolving – whether that be new technology or new legislation to get up to speed with – there is always something new. This ensures I get the chance to be challenged to grow and learn along the way. I'm currently doing my CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma and loving it!”

Mandee Gill, people administrator

Mandee Gill"I really enjoy working in HR. Being part of Ciphr’s people team makes me happy because I get to play a small but meaningful role in helping to create a positive culture where everyone feels supported. Whether I’m answering an employee’s question or simply offering a kind word, it feels great to know I’ve made a positive impact.

“It’s rewarding to see Ciphr continue to grow and our colleagues succeed. Every day, I feel like I’m helping to make our workplace better and that makes me proud.

“Ciphr is all about people and I get to help everyone feel more comfortable and valued. It’s a great feeling to know that I’m part of a team that’s making a real difference."

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Thinking about a career in HR?

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View Ciphr’s current vacancies at https://www.ciphr.com/careers-at-ciphr.