HR professionals are over-worked and unhappy, according to new research.

The Employment Attitudes survey by Hydrogen, a group of specialist recruitment consultancies, examined demand and supply pressures affecting recruitment markets across a range of industries, including financial, legal, HR, and IT.

It found that just 40 per cent of the HR professionals surveyed believed they had a good work/life balance, compared to an average of 52 per cent across other professions.

Those in HR are also the most likely to be unhappy in their current job, and the most likely to struggle for acknowledgement for their role within their business. In addition, 72 per cent stated that they were looking to move jobs in the near future.

The report, based on a survey of 1,800 companies and employees, also found that 60 per cent of employers are finding it extremely difficult to recruit the right staff in this buoyant labour market, with factors such as a mobile workforce and a skills shortage to blame.

Ian Temple, executive chairman of the Hydrogen Group, said: “We’re in a situation where wages are increasing across the board for mid to senior level positions. This is encouraging a greater level of churn in the market with 60 per cent of employees surveyed admitting they will change jobs within the next six months to seek greater challenges and reward.

“However, with increasing interest rates, wages can’t increase forever; and a shortage of talent means that people will have to accept a work-heavy work/life balance for a while longer. It is conceivable that there will be a correction in the market, and candidates will have to lower their expectations.”