Breaking the Silence: Empowering HR Voices Against Burnout

I read an amazing article "HR for HR" about burnout and well-being in HR and it hit me. In today's newsletter, I'd like to dive into an incredibly important topic that's close to my heart—taking care of our caretakers in the HR world. AIHR | Academy to Innovate HR recently shed light on this, emphasizing how HR's role has evolved beyond administrative tasks to becoming a strategic partner in achieving business goals. But, amidst all this evolution, one question looms large: Who's looking after our HR professionals? Additionally, I will be sharing my burnout story for the first time.

The Burnout Crisis in HR

It's no secret that HR professionals are feeling the heat. With studies indicating a staggering 98% of HR folks are experiencing burnout, it's high time we addressed this elephant in the room. My own journey with burnout taught me the hard lesson that to care for others, we must first care for ourselves. The constant juggling act between administrative duties and strategic initiatives, pandemic challenges, and the pressure to handle sensitive employee issues can take a toll on even the most resilient among us.

"Lack of support and unappreciation" is a sentiment echoed by many in the HR world. A staggering 63% of C-suite leaders still perceive HR merely as an administrative function, leaving HR professionals feeling undervalued. What's more, 8 out of 10 HR leaders anticipate that this lack of leadership support will persist as a challenge in the years ahead. Here's a "fun" fact to ponder: Despite the strategic role HR plays in shaping the future of work, the appreciation and support from top leadership often lag.

Why HR Professionals Are Exhausted

The reasons behind HR exhaustion are multifaceted. From the overwhelming demands of navigating a workforce through a pandemic to the societal and economic upheavals impacting our workplaces, HR professionals have been at the epicenter of change. Add to this the chronic understaffing and the lack of recognition for the strategic role HR plays, and it's clear why many are feeling overwhelmed.

It's crucial for HR professionals to see the value in seeking help and implementing strategies for self-care. The concept of SAFE HR, introduced by Julie Turney, offers a practical framework:

1. Self-awareness: Begin with a deep understanding of your strengths and areas for improvement. This self-knowledge is the foundation for personal and professional growth.

2. Act: Don't hesitate to have those challenging conversations with your leaders about your needs. If your needs are not met, be prepared to reassess your situation and take necessary actions to protect your well-being.

3. Forgive: Not every initiative will pan out as expected. Learn to forgive yourself for setbacks and focus on the successes and learning opportunities they bring.

4. Educate: Commit to your continuous development, both in skillset and understanding of relevant technologies and resources that can aid your team

Tips for HR Well-Being

In the spirit of putting on our own oxygen masks first, here are a few nuggets of wisdom for my fellow HR professionals:

1. Acknowledge the Need for Support: Recognizing that it's okay to ask for help is the first step towards well-being.

2. Be Transparent and Take Action: Communicate your needs clearly and advocate for the support you require, whether it's additional resources or mental health support.

3. Build Resilience: Embrace the SAFE HR practices by fostering self-awareness, taking action when needed, forgiving yourself for setbacks, and continuously educating yourself.

4. Establish Healthy Boundaries: Learn to say no and delegate tasks to manage your workload effectively.

5. Understand Your Stressors: Identify what stresses you out and find strategies to mitigate these stressors.

6. Focus on Total Well-Being: Remember, well-being encompasses physical, mental, financial, and career aspects. Make time for activities that nourish each of these areas.

7. Rely on Your Team: Don't hesitate to lean on your team for support and collaboration.

8. Find Your HR Community: Engage with HR communities for support, knowledge sharing, and a bit of camaraderie.

9. Celebrate Wins: Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements and those of your team.

My Story

Reflecting on my journey through burnout, I've come to deeply appreciate the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. It's a story I share not for sympathy, but in hopes it might illuminate the often subtle path to burnout that many of us tread, sometimes unknowingly.

My story begins with a passion for my work, particularly in cultivating a vibrant company culture. This passion, while initially a source of energy and creativity, slowly morphed into an all-consuming force. My days stretched from 10 to 13 hours, bleeding into weekends from 6 to 8 hours and hours of work during holidays and so-called vacations. In pursuit of excellence, I unknowingly sidelined the very essence of my well-being, along with moments with family and friends.

The autonomy to innovate and lead projects was both a blessing and a curse. The more I achieved, the higher I set the bar. This relentless drive was my double-edged sword; it brought about remarkable outcomes but at a cost I hadn't anticipated.

Warnings from peers about potential burnout were brushed aside. I was in uncharted waters, having never faced burnout before. Their concerns seemed distant, especially when contrasted with the positive feedback and visible results of our collective efforts. However, a turning point came when a respected colleague, seasoned with over a decade in HR, confessed she was struggling to keep pace with my relentless energy. That was a wake-up call as I had a huge amount of respect for her. She was my P&C star.

By this stage, the signs of burnout were undeniable. My usual positivity and mental agility were fading. Simple conversations became hard, with words escaping from me in both my native language and English. My mood crashed, and despite my best efforts to 'push through,' I was a shadow of my former self.

Acknowledging my burnout didn't come easily. I convinced myself that a brief respite would suffice. However, a trip to Miami over the New Year laid bare the extent of my disconnection. There I was, on the vibrant shores of Miami Beach, feeling nothing but emptiness, a stark contrast to my husband's joy - that was my first trip to the US.

It was only after finding an incredible therapist that the journey back to myself began. Through therapy, I rediscovered my voice and learned the critical importance of self-care. Establishing boundaries and leaning on the support of my husband were pivotal steps toward recovery. This experience, though challenging, has been a profound lesson in the delicate balance between professional passion and personal well-being.

In Conclusion

As we navigate the complexities of our roles, let's remember to take care of ourselves. By embracing HR for HR, we not only enhance our well-being but also set a powerful example for the organizations we serve. Let's lead the charge in building a more resilient, compassionate, and effective HR community.

Remember, it's not just about surviving; it's about thriving. Let's make HR well-being a priority, not just for ourselves but for the future of our profession.