A third of business leaders want HR to present programmes or initiatives as a business plan, according to research from jobsite CareerBuilder.co.uk.

The research also shows 16% want to see a projected return on investment for each HR initiative.

Meanwhile, almost a quarter of business leaders (22%) claim HR is failing to communicate effectively, while 25% say HR ‘over communicates’.

Tony Roy, president of CareerBuilder EMEA, says: “While business acumen has long been part of the HR job description, the financial hit companies took in the latest downturn has amplified the emphasis CEOs are placing in this area. They’re paying closer attention to the return on investment for HR initiatives and how that return ultimately impacts the bottom line.”