HR Satisfaction Survey 2013

A Deep Dive into the State of HR Practices, Culture, and Strategic Alignment Across Indian Organizations

Purpose of the Report

The HR Satisfaction Survey 2013, conducted by HRhelpdesk.in, is a comprehensive diagnostic of how HR professionals perceive their roles, organizational culture, leadership support, and strategic alignment across 679 companies. It evaluates the maturity of HR systems, the effectiveness of people processes, and the extent to which HR contributes to business outcomes.

This report is essential for HR leaders, CEOs, and organizational development professionals seeking to benchmark their HR practices, identify gaps, and drive transformation in their people agenda.

Survey Scope & Methodology

  • Survey Period: February 15 – March 31, 2013
  • Qualified Responses: 679 companies
  • Geographic Reach: 70 Indian cities + 10 international locations
  • Industry Coverage: 22 sectors including IT, Manufacturing, Retail, Real Estate, Education, Healthcare, Hospitality, and more
  • Company Types: Pvt Ltd (India & Overseas), Public Ltd, Partnerships, NGOs

Key Dimensions Assessed

The survey evaluates HR satisfaction across three core dimensions:

1. Basic Framework & Foundation

  • Career advancement parity
  • Work schedule balance
  • Recognition of HR’s role
  • Policy enforcement and compliance

2. Organizational Culture & Motivation

  • Leadership attitude
  • Work profile satisfaction
  • Training environment
  • Career development opportunities
  • Compensation fairness
  • Respect from line managers
  • Team skills and collaboration

3. Strategic Alignment & Business Objectives

  • Clarity of business goals
  • Communication of objectives
  • HR’s role in achieving business outcomes
  • Awareness of HR goals and vision

Major Findings

Positive Trends

  • 66% of HR professionals found their work profile motivating
  • 57% felt respected by line managers
  • 65% were aware of HR goals and vision
  • Utilities, Hospitality, and Professional Services showed the highest alignment between HR and business strategy

Areas of Concern

  • Only 26% viewed HR as a value-add business partner
  • 41% of companies lacked clarity on HR’s role in achieving business objectives
  • 61% of respondents did not receive business objectives in written format
  • Training environments were demotivating in 18% of companies
  • Compensation was neutral for 52%, and demotivating for 18%

Sectoral Red Flags

  • Real Estate, E-Commerce, and Education consistently ranked lowest across most parameters
  • E-Commerce showed poor scores in leadership attitude, compensation, team skills, and clarity of objectives
  • Agro and Manufacturing sectors struggled with line managers’ people orientation

Industry Rankings

Most Mature & Aligned HR Practices:

  • Utilities/Oil & Gas/Mining
  • Training & Hiring Consultants
  • Professional Services
  • Hospitality
  • Automobile

Least Mature & Aligned HR Practices:

  • Transportation/Shipping/Logistics
  • Information Technology
  • Education
  • Real Estate
  • E-Commerce

Strategic Recommendations

  • Elevate HR’s role from operational to strategic by aligning goals with business outcomes
  • Invest in training environments to boost motivation and retention
  • Ensure parity in recognition and rewards for HR professionals
  • Improve communication of business objectives through written formats and goal sheets
  • Empower HR to enforce policies, even at leadership levels
  • Focus on leadership development to foster a culture of respect and collaboration

Why Download the Full Report?

The full report includes:

  • Detailed industry-wise breakdowns
  • Comparative analysis across company types
  • Sector-specific insights and recommendations
  • Data-driven strategies for HR transformation

Download Report

About Author

Mandeep Singh