Survey analysis

Expert interpretation of HR and employer survey results, on topics ranging from pay and benefits to training and development.

Articles within this tool:

  • Set out the main findings and key data from the survey.
  • Explain the implications for employers of the survey findings.

Learn more

Latest items in Survey analysis

  • Managing poor performance survey 2026

    Date:
    24 July 2026

    Many organisations report that poor performance is acted on too late, after performance issues have persisted and become more challenging to resolve. Our latest research explores how organisations manage poor performance, the outcomes of performance management processes, as well as exploring how HR are preparing for the impact of upcoming changes to the unfair dismissal qualifying period.

  • Pay trends July 2026: Pay settlements remain on a steady 3.3% footing

    Date:
    22 July 2026

    Pay settlement levels remained stable in the second quarter of 2026, with the median basic pay award holding at 3.3% for the third consecutive revised rolling quarter amid continued stability across both the public and private sectors.

  • Wellbeing research 2026

    Date:
    9 July 2026

    Employee wellbeing remains firmly on the HR agenda, yet many organisations are still refining how they deliver and measure meaningful support. We examine how UK employers are embedding wellbeing, the challenges they face in delivering effective support and the role of line managers in turning wellbeing strategies into meaningful experiences for employees.

  • Pay trends June 2026: Settlements stabilising at 3.2%

    Date:
    24 June 2026

    The pay award landscape continues to evolve as more 2026 deals are agreed. At the midpoint of the year, the median pay settlement stands at 3.2%, while a first look at predictions for 2027 indicate there may be a small downward shift next year.

  • Pay trends May 2026: Median award returns to 2025 level

    Date:
    20 May 2026

    For the first time this year, the median basic pay award has returned to 3% - the pay rise level that was predicted in the Brightmine pay forecasts 2026 survey and the median level recorded for 2025.

  • Recruitment research 2026

    Date:
    6 May 2026

    For many UK employers in 2026, headcount is holding steady. But among those planning to grow, hiring is appearing targeted and deliberate. The Brightmine recruitment research explores hiring intentions, workforce priorities and the challenges facing recruitment in 2026.

  • Sickness absence rates and management research 2026

    Date:
    23 April 2026

    Sickness absence is a key workforce metric, providing insight into employee health, organisational pressures and the effectiveness of absence management practices. We present the latest data on absence rates and underlying drivers, alongside insight into absence management practices and employer responses to statutory sick pay reform.

  • Pay trends April 2026: Median pay award reaches 3.5% in the first quarter

    Date:
    22 April 2026

    Pay settlements edged up slightly in the first quarter of 2026, as attention turns to the April pay review period.

  • Pay trends March 2026: Pay awards edge up in early 2026 but outlook remains cautious

    Date:
    18 March 2026

    The UK median pay award for the three months to February 2026 edged up slightly to 3.3%, although this level of pay growth is not expected to be sustained across the year.

  • Pay award forecasts for 2026

    Date:
    18 March 2026

    The first pay awards of 2026 have shown some growth compared with 2025, but is this new year boost likely to last the year? We look in detail at organisations' pay award plans for the coming 12 months.

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Take part in our research

Brightmine research surveys cover all aspects of HR practice - see the full list of topics covered here. Our survey programme includes a mix of annual surveys on key HR metrics (eg absence, labour turnover, benefits and allowances, etc) and timely surveys on topics where HR practice changes more gradually. Each survey is open to all UK HR professionals with practical experience of the topic covered by that survey.

The Brightmine Survey research centre tells you more about our research programme and allows you to submit your suggestions for future surveys.

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