75 Critical HR Statistics For 2023

2023 is underway, and by the end of the year, the HR landscape will undoubtedly see significant change.

With so much on HR’s plate, it’s critical to stay well-informed of current trends to remain competitive and make the most of what technology has to offer. Here are 75 important statistics that can help inform you as an HR leader making decisions today – giving you a wide-lens view into where we are right now and where we might be headed in the coming year!

Recruiting Statistics

As recruiting trends continue to shift, it’s becoming important for companies to view these strategies as marketing tactics. A recent survey of HR professionals revealed that 86% believe recruiting is increasingly looking more and more like traditional marketing functions. Recruiters are moving from just filtering candidates to actively engaging potential applicants through social and marketing-driven channels and using personalized messaging. As job seekers better understand the recruiting process and capitalize on opportunities by having a strong personal brand, HR professionals must also be adept at understanding how new recruiting methods will shape the future of their company’s recruiting initiatives.

What to Know About Recruiting in 2023

1. 45% of companies are experiencing labor shortages. (CGS)
2. Structured interviews are the most popular technique used by 74% of HR professionals, followed by behavioral interviews (73%), phone screening (57%), and panel interviews (48%). (Zety)
3. 45% of Millennials prioritize jobs that accelerate their professional or career development, compared to 31% of Gen Xers and 18% of Baby Boomers. (Zoomshift)
4. AI is expected to be a major trend in 2023 recruiting (iSmartRecruit)
5. 10% of job seekers see it as a red flag when a company describes its culture as “fun” or like a family. (JobSage)
6. 86% of job seekers say their biggest pet peeve is when a job listing doesn’t include salary info. (JobSage)

Onboarding Statistics

Onboarding can be overwhelming for new hires – with, on average, 54 onboarding activities to complete! That’s a lot of paperwork, forms, and onboarding training to get through, and it’s no wonder that many organizations are turning to onboarding technology solutions. Automated onboarding through software enables faster onboarding and can help streamline the onboarding process for new employees. As onboarding statistics show that a successful onboarding program reduces employee turnover by up to 25%, it’s clear why businesses are taking onboarding seriously, and looking for more efficient solutions.

What to Know About Onboarding in 2023

1. It costs an average of $4,000 to hire and onboard a new employee (Glassdoor)
2. Employees integrated with effective onboarding programs are 69% more likely to stay for three years. (FolksHR)
3. 78% of employees would stay with an employer if they saw a career path during onboarding. (Shortlister)
4. 93% of organizations have some type of new-employee orientation, virtual or in-person. (SHRM)
5. 30% of organizations are involved in “passive onboarding,” where compliance issues are covered, but not culture or connection-related topics. (SHRM)
6. Managers are 20% more satisfied with employees who have received formal onboarding training. (SHRM)
7. Each year, at least 25% of the US working population experiences a career transition. (SHRM)

Benefits Statistics

It’s hard enough finding an employer whose culture fits, let alone trying to figure out the benefits they offer. Employee benefits have become increasingly important when it comes to employee satisfaction and retention. Data from employee surveys has revealed that nearly half of employees will be considering changing jobs in the next twelve months due to unsatisfactory employee benefits. Not providing your staff with decent medical plans, retirement options, and other employee perks may cost you more than money – it could cost you your most valuable resource: your people! Companies should keep this in mind if they want to keep their team members happy and loyal.

What to Know About Employee Benefits in 2023

1. Benefits like flexible hours and healthcare have led to a 10-year-high job satisfaction rate of 57%. (People Managing People).
2. 8% of job postings offered tuition assistance in 2022, up from 7% in 2021. This upward trend is expected to continue. (Bloomberg)
3. Inflation and other factors will result in higher healthcare premiums for employees in 2023. (BenefitsPRO)
4. 70% of large businesses plan to enhance their employee benefits. (Cloudpay)
5. Personal identity/password protection programs could be offered in as many as 31% of benefits packages (Resourceful Finance Pro)

Payroll Statistics

It’s no surprise that payroll trends have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a quarter of all workers experiencing payroll errors, payroll departments have had to rush to find new ways to accurately update payroll information without error. Despite their best efforts, payroll phone lines have seen an influx of calls from workers seeking help in addressing payroll discrepancies as many find themselves underpaid or overpaid. This unplanned shake-up of payroll systems has caused strain on both employers and employees, leading some people to take a payroll dispute into their own hands. Unfortunately, this isn’t always effective when it comes to getting paid what you’re rightfully owed. If payroll errors are left unresolved, the implications can be long-term and disastrous for anyone involved.

What to Know About Payroll in 2023

1. 34% of surveyed HR professionals’ companies have delayed pay increases and bonuses in preparation for a recession. (GoCo)
2. Healthcare employees could see up to 21% wage growth in 2023 (USI).
3. Payroll taxes will increase from 12.4% in 2022 to 16.1% in 2023. (Vested HR)
4. 30% of businesses have misclassified employees. (ThriveMyWay)
5. 45% of small businesses outsource payroll. (ThriveMyWay)
6. 78% of workers have recently experienced an increased workload without additional compensation. (JobSage)

Time Tracking and PTO Statistics

Statistics show that 52% of people work during their “time off”. That’s astonishing! Working during PTO may pay some short-term gains like meeting tough deadlines or filling in gaps in staffing, but it could end up doing more harm than good. All too often the blurring of PTO, vacation time, and personal work time all become one and the same. Such a hyperconnected world makes it hard to truly disconnect from our professional lives; however, it’s important to remember the importance of taking mental health days off, as well as scheduling proper time for relaxation!

What to Know About PTO and Time Tracking in 2023

1. The average number of PTO days for private sector employees who have completed one year of service is 10-14 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
2. 9% of employees have unlimited PTO. (What to Become)
3. Unlimited PTO is the most-valued emerging employee benefit (MetLife)
4. 17% of people actively track their time. (TechJury)
5. Multitasking without time tracking decreases productivity by up to 45%. (Tempo)
6. The average employee spends 28% of their work day on emails. (Harvard Business Review)
7. 15% of the average company’s time is spent in meetings. (Tameday)
8. Government workplaces tend to offer more PTO days than private-sector workplaces. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

HR Compliance Statistics

Compliance can be a tricky area for HR departments to navigate. It’s no surprise, then, that HR platforms have been growing in popularity in recent years – and the trend is only escalating. According to industry analysts, 46% of companies are now implementing HR platforms for compliance support, a dramatic 20% increase compared to the adoption rate seen just last year. HR technologies offer an invaluable modern tool to help HR departments streamline their compliance processes with ease. The benefits are too good to pass up!

What to Know About Compliance in 2023

1. 50% of HR professionals lack confidence in their ability to keep up with compliance laws. (UpCounsel)
2. 64% of HR managers lack the time and resources to meet HR compliance challenges. (UpCounsel)
3. Non-compliance often results in hefty fines, and employment lawsuits have increased by 400% over the past 20 years. (UpCounsel)
4. In 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration set fines for willful and repeat violations at $129,336 per violation. (OSHA)
5. Serious, other-than-serious, and posting requirements fines are set at $14,502 per violation. (OSHA)
6. Top HR compliance issues include wage and hour regulations, workplace safety, diversity and inclusion initiatives, data privacy regulations, employee benefits administration (CPAPA)

Performance Management Statistics

Performance management can make a world of difference in how employees feel about their job and organization. Studies have shown that giving daily feedback to employees, as opposed to annual feedback, increases engagement by up to three times. Managers should take the time each day to respond openly and honestly with constructive criticism, advice, and commendation when necessary. Doing so will help foster productive relationships between employers and employees that can drive the success of any business forward.

What to Know About Performance Management in 2023

1. 63% of employers continue to utilize annual feedback as a performance management method (What To Become)
2. 18% of employers have adopted a biannual review system and 8% do quarterly evaluations (What To Become)
3. 95% of managers report they are “unhappy” with traditional performance reviews. (Pavestep)
4. 92% of employees want feedback more than once a year. (ClearCompany)
5. 86% of professionals would switch jobs if they were offered more chances for professional development. (ClearCompany)

Employee Engagement Statistics

Employee engagement has a huge impact on business success and it’s not something to be taken lightly. Companies that focus on employee engagement see huge rewards, with a potential 23% increase in profitability. That kind of financial benefit can start the snowball effect – employee engagement leads to increased profits and that increased money goes right back into employee engagement efforts leading to even more success. It’s clear then why employee engagement is so important for businesses; it’s an investment well spent.

What to Know About Employee Engagement in 2023

1. 38% of HRs who say that leadership won’t give them a seat at the leadership table also say that their job satisfaction has gotten worse in the past year. (GoCo)
2. Only 10% of Americans are working their dream job, with 70% say they’re not on track to get their dream job. (JobSage)
3. Up to 70% of workers consider workplace friendships crucial to happiness. (HubSpot)
4. As many as 66% of remote workers have not made a work friend since starting their job. (JobSage)
5. 43% of highly engaged employees receive feedback weekly. (ClearCompany)

Employee Retention Statistics

Employee retention is critical in today’s competitive market. Studies have found that more than 25% of employees are at high risk of leaving their current employer. This is a concerning figure and indicates that something needs to be done in order to retain the best talent. Employers need to take a proactive approach by understanding employee motivations and seeking feedback on company culture in order to better engage staff. Investing time, energy, and resources into employee retention can pay tremendous dividends; from employee job satisfaction and well-being to boosting employee morale, productivity, and ultimately organizational success.

What to Know About Employee Retention in 2023

1. 52% of HRs say that resignation rates were higher in 2022 than in 2021. (GoCo)
2. The industries that reported the highest percentage of resignations included Healthcare (57.84%), Education (56.76%), and Software and IT (65.31%). (GoCo) 
3. 31% of employees have quit a job within 6 months of starting. (Springworks)
4. 28% of workers say they have quit a job for mental health reasons. (JobSage)
5. 72% of employees have left a job because of a toxic workplace. (CareerPlug)
6. Replacing an employee can cost 6 to 9 months of their salary. (PeopleKeep)

Work-Life Balance Statistics

It might come as no surprise that work consumes a large portion of our lives, but the sheer amount of time we dedicate to work on an annual basis is astounding. On average, a person spends around one-third of their life at work. It goes without saying that having a work-life balance is incredibly important to lead a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. It’s important to remember that our time on this earth shouldn’t be spent entirely focusing on work-related matters. Each of us needs to find ways to make work productive yet enjoyable so that we can continue satisfying work commitments while also taking much-needed time for ourselves.

What to Know About Work-Life Balance in 2023

1. 70% of employees attribute their work-life balance challenges to personal perfectionism, company culture, or burnout. (rand Canyon University)
2. Almost half of all workers say their relationships with friends and family have suffered due to poor work-life balance. (Grand Canyon University)
3. 10% of employees work in a setting where stress has led to violence. (CompareCamp)
4. Remote employees average 1.4 more work days per month compared to in-office team members. (CompareCamp)
5. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ranks the US 29th for work-life balance out of its 41 member countries. (OECD Better Life Index)
6. 10% of American employees work longer hours than the OECD average. (OECD Better Life Index)

Health and Safety Statistics

A culture of safety in the workplace is a critical factor for any successful and thriving business. Not only does it protect employees on the job, but it also lowers turnover, increases workforce engagement, and contributes to a positive brand reputation. In order for an organization’s safety culture to be effective, it should be part of the daily routine and involve everyone from top-level management to entry-level employees. Safety initiatives such as safety audits, safety training, and safety procedures need to be regularly implemented to ensure everyone is playing their part. Additionally, rewarding those who commit to safety protocols can play a key role in reinforcing a safety culture and promoting employee morale. With proper leadership and management support, businesses can create a safe yet enjoyable work environment for all of their employees and ultimately enjoy the economic benefits of a successful safety culture.

What to Know About Employee Health and Safety in 2023

1. 97% of employees say that safety is important when considering where they work. (AlertMedia)
2. 89% of HR professionals are involved in health and safety at their company. (GoCo)
3. HR is solely responsible for managing health and safety at 56% of those companies. (GoCo)
4. 24% of HR professionals would like more involvement in health and safety processes at work. (GoCo)
5. 81% of HRs in hybrid workplaces see an increase in employee desire for safety standards. (GoCo)
6. Only 39% of HRs feel health and safety are top priorities for their leaders. (GoCo)
7. 24% of HR pros feel unprepared or unsure of their ability to deal with emotional & psychological safety issues. (GoCo)
8. 1 in 5 workers say their employer doesn’t support their mental health needs (JobSage)

HR Technology Statistics

It’s hard to believe, but 36% of HR professionals are still missing out on the tech they need to make their job easier! A toolset tailored specifically for HR tasks can be a game changer when it comes to efficiency and effectiveness. A streamlined hr tech set should include centralized document management, payroll processing capabilities, performance management systems, and much more. With such resources in place at an organization’s fingertips, hr teams can ensure employees’ career growth is properly tracked and supported. That level of optimization is instrumental in helping organizations build great company culture – something that’s well worth investing in.

What to Know About HR Tech in 2023

1. Using the right HR technology can result in up to 15% Improved retention rate. (GoCo)
2. HR software can provide up to 10% reduction in HR admin overhead tasks. (GoCo)
3. On average, HR saves up to 7 hours per new hire when using automation software. (GoCo)
4. HR tech can save employees up to 15 hours each year. (GoCo)
5. The calculated annual ROI for companies using GoCo is up to $185,000. (GoCo)
6. The global employee onboarding software market is expected to grow significantly by 2023 (MarketWatch)
7. The global time-tracking market is expected to reach over $5 billion by 2027 (Yahoo Finance)

Final Thoughts

As we move further into 2023 and beyond, HR departments need to stay informed on emerging trends so they can make data-driven decisions about hiring practices and other personnel matters moving forward. By keeping these important HR stats in mind HR leaders can ensure success now and well into the future.

Companies should consider investing in solutions tailored specifically for their HR needs so that their employees can benefit from these advantages now and into the future. With advances in tech continuing to rise over the next few years, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve when managing the employee experience. Take a tour of GoCo to learn how we can help you stay ahead of the curve in 2023 and beyond!