HR Burnout: What is it, and how can we stop it?

We all know HR professionals play a vital role in any organisation. However, the demanding nature of the job can often lead to burnout. Here, we explore the factors contributing to HR burnout and consider how companies can support their HR teams to promote their wellbeing.

So, what leads to HR burnout?

• Increased workload
  HR professionals often handle a wide range of responsibilities, including managing employee grievances, handling administrative tasks, ensuring legal compliance, and providing support to management. As organisations grow or face challenging situations, HR workloads tend to increase, leading to exhaustion and burnout.

• Emotional labour and high-stress interactions
  HR professionals frequently deal with sensitive and emotionally charged situations, such as terminations, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution. Consistently managing these high-stress interactions can take a toll on HR employees’ emotional wellbeing.

• Lack of resources and support
  In some organisations, HR departments may be understaffed or lack adequate resources to handle the workload effectively. Limited support from management or a lack of investment in HR tools and technology can contribute to increased stress and burnout.
• Role ambiguity
  HR roles often require juggling multiple responsibilities, sometimes without clearly defined boundaries. The lack of clarity regarding job expectations and role definition can lead to confusion, stress, and eventual burnout.

More importantly, how can employers help?

• Foster a supportive organisational culture
  Create an organisational culture that values work-life balance, promotes open communication, and emphasises employee wellbeing. Encourage a supportive and collaborative work environment where HR professionals feel comfortable seeking help and support from colleagues and superiors.
• Clarify job roles and expectations
  Clearly define HR roles, responsibilities, and expectations, and ensure that HR professionals have a clear understanding of their job requirements. Provide them with the necessary training and resources to perform their tasks effectively.
• Allocate resources appropriately
  Evaluate the HR workload and consider allocating additional resources, such as hiring more HR personnel or investing in HR technology platforms. Providing adequate resources helps alleviate the burden on HR professionals and allows them to focus on strategic initiatives.
• Encourage self-care and work-life balance
  Promote work-life balance by encouraging HR professionals to take regular breaks, use their holiday time, and prioritise self-care. Provide flexibility in work schedules whenever possible to support wellbeing.
• Offer professional development opportunities
  Invest in the professional development of HR professionals by providing training programs, conferences, and workshops. This investment not only enhances skills but also demonstrates that you value your employees’ growth and development.
• Implement stress management initiatives
  Introduce stress management initiatives, such as wellness programs, mindfulness sessions, or access to employee assistance programs (EAPs). These initiatives can help HR professionals cope with the demands of their roles and reduce burnout.
• Regularly check in and provide feedback
  Regularly communicate with your team, providing feedback on performance and acknowledging contributions. This open dialogue can help identify potential issues early on and provide opportunities for support and improvement.

Recognising and addressing HR burnout is crucial for the well-being of HR professionals and the overall success of an organisation. By understanding the factors contributing to burnout and implementing strategies to support HR professionals, companies can create a healthier work environment, enhance employee retention, and ensure that HR teams can effectively carry out their vital responsibilities. Remember, investing in the well-being of HR professionals is an investment in the organisation’s long-term success.

Are you doing enough to support your HR departments?

See how our resources can help improve employee burnout by booking a demo with SupportRoom now!