More than half (56%) of C-suite executives below the rank of CEO, excluding CHROs, are likely or extremely likely to leave their current role in the next two years, Gartner Inc. predicts.

The October 2024 Gartner survey of 200 CxOs – defined as C-suite leaders reporting to the CEO, revealed that over a quarter (27%) are likely or extremely likely to leave in the next six months.

The survey also found that executives are reporting an increase in workload compared to two years ago, with two thirds (67%) agreed they are asked to do more in their role.

Over half (58%) agreed their organisation relies more heavily on their function or business uni, with 44% agreeing they are more stressed by their work responsibilities.

“Heightened executive turnover is a challenge for organizations as a less-tenured executive team typically means lower enterprise growth, which is the most important metric organizations rely on to track enterprise performance,” said Alexander Kirss, senior principal in the Gartner HR practice. “Compounding the issue, more tenured executives are more likely to leave within the next two years than executives who are newer in their roles.”

Companies where executives have an average tenure of five years or more outperformed on revenue, customer experience and other key metrics, compared to companies with executive teams that have less than five years average tenure, according to the Gartner survey.

“CHROs have a key role in mitigating CxO attrition, however they face headwinds,” continued Kirss. “Fewer than one in four CxOs say their CHRO is effective at strengthening the C-suite’s ability to function as a cohesive team. On top of that, just 23% of CxOs report their CHRO is effective at managing tension between C-suite members.”

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Gartner has provided a range of recommendations for CHROS to mitigate attrition. This includes taking on the role of a career coach for c-suite leaders, with a focus on learning and development.

CHROs should also focus on building trust with CEOs by ensuring executives understand the CEO’s priorities and regularly engage in candid communication with the CEO, including opportunities to showcase their expertise.

Gartner also says that CHROs should also serve as executive mental health champions, helping peers identify sources of work stress, and provide coaching to improve work-life balance.