[Canada] 70% of SMBs’ HR time spent on administrative tasks

In Canada, new research has revealed the significant amount of time HR professionals in small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are spending on administrative and operational tasks, HR Tech Series reports.

In its 2026 State of HR survey, the Canadian HR software solution provider Folks found that 70 per cent of HR time is still dedicated to these tasks, occupying time and talent that could be used for the strategic priorities that drive business performance.

The most time-consuming processes reportedly included managing employee files and HR administration (37 per cent), recruiting and onboarding (32 per cent), and internal communication and coordination (12 per cent). Leaving higher-value activities, such as performance management and workforce planning, to take a back seat.

With the majority of HR bandwidth consumed by repetitive processes, organisations risk falling behind on the priorities that matter most to employees and business leaders. The same survey found that 60 per cent of Canadian SMBs rank organisational culture as their top HR priority for 2026, while 57 per cent want to invest in professional development. 

Technology adoption is a potential path forward, but progress reportedly remains uneven. Only 18 per cent of surveyed SMBs currently have a fully integrated HR management system, and nearly 8 in 10 operate with technological silos. 

The survey found that implementing an HRIS can save organisations more than 800 hours per year. Approximately $25,000 in reallocated salary value.

Responding to the survey’s findings, Jimmy De Santis - Director of Customer Operations at Folks - emphasised the importance of adopting innovative HR solutions. He said, “Centralising and democratizing HR information allows HR professionals to become strategic partners rather than administrative processors, empowering them to have a real impact on the organization.”

Source: HR Tech Series

(Quote via original reporting)

In Canada, new research has revealed the significant amount of time HR professionals in small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are spending on administrative and operational tasks, HR Tech Series reports.

In its 2026 State of HR survey, the Canadian HR software solution provider Folks found that 70 per cent of HR time is still dedicated to these tasks, occupying time and talent that could be used for the strategic priorities that drive business performance.

The most time-consuming processes reportedly included managing employee files and HR administration (37 per cent), recruiting and onboarding (32 per cent), and internal communication and coordination (12 per cent). Leaving higher-value activities, such as performance management and workforce planning, to take a back seat.

With the majority of HR bandwidth consumed by repetitive processes, organisations risk falling behind on the priorities that matter most to employees and business leaders. The same survey found that 60 per cent of Canadian SMBs rank organisational culture as their top HR priority for 2026, while 57 per cent want to invest in professional development. 

Technology adoption is a potential path forward, but progress reportedly remains uneven. Only 18 per cent of surveyed SMBs currently have a fully integrated HR management system, and nearly 8 in 10 operate with technological silos. 

The survey found that implementing an HRIS can save organisations more than 800 hours per year. Approximately $25,000 in reallocated salary value.

Responding to the survey’s findings, Jimmy De Santis - Director of Customer Operations at Folks - emphasised the importance of adopting innovative HR solutions. He said, “Centralising and democratizing HR information allows HR professionals to become strategic partners rather than administrative processors, empowering them to have a real impact on the organization.”

Source: HR Tech Series

(Quote via original reporting)