HR professionals cite burnout, politics

Nearly half of HR professionals across the United States have considered leaving the field in the last year. The 2026 State of People Strategy Report says primary drivers include the emotional toll of managing employee issues, feeling undervalued and work-life challenges. The report notes a “frantic retreat” from DEIB initiatives as well as pushback from employees on pay transparency. One in four HR managers also say cultural and political polarization in the workplace has become a significant problem. “These days, everything seems political,” the report says, “and HR is stuck with a whistle, playing referee.” About 75% of HR managers across the U.S. are women.