Burnout Blues: A CHRO’s Guide to Sustainable Leadership

#DBVisions

American entrepreneur and author, James Rohn once said, “The challenge of leadership is to be strong but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly”. Ask any CHRO or HR Leader and they will agree with this quote. From keeping employees engaged, managing talent, and shaping company culture to steering them toward growth, we have to perform every day and how!?

Even the best CHRO out there is susceptible to modern-day high-pressure work and burnout. Today’s piece is for all my contemporaries who are guardians of workplace culture, organizational health, and employee well-being. Here’s how we can prevent and manage burnout!

?Why CHROs are prone to burnout?

?The intensifying room of responsibilities

Gone are the days when HR leaders were only concerned with admin tasks. They are now expected to outperform in a host of areas. From change management, and inclusion initiatives to strategic planning, diversity, crisis management, and obviously payroll and benefits, the scope of responsibilities has expanded.

?Empathy fatigue

From minor issues to serious complaints, employees come to us with all their concerns. Therefore, the constant need to be supportive and empathetic takes a toll on our emotions too!

?High-stakes decision-making

Daily, CHROs have to make certain decisions that can have a far-reaching and significant impact on the organization. Whether navigating legal issues, handling layoffs, managing employee relations, or caring for clients and stakeholders, the stakes are incredibly high! The decision-making process can contribute to stress and burnout.

?Navigating Endless Change

CHROs remain at the forefront while navigating changes like managing organizational restructuring, responding to global crises, or adapting to new tech. In a world where change is the only constant with a relentless pace and no time to recover between challenges, tests, and trials, burnout occurs!

?What are the signs of burnout in CHROs?

It’s crucial to understand that burnout doesn’t happen in one work day but it’s a gradual process. If you identify with any of the following symptoms, you must be aware:

?? Emotional and physical exhaustion: Feeling drained, sleep disturbances, and persistent fatigue.

?? Detachment and pessimism: A more negative outlook on work coupled with detached feelings from colleagues.

?? Reduced performance: Lack of motivation, decreased productivity, or difficulty concentrating.

?? Health problems: It's proven! Burnout manifests physically, leading to sleep disorders, headaches, digestive issues, and even deterioration of existing health conditions.

?? Emotional outbursts: Increased frustration or irritability.

?How CHROs can prevent and manage burnout?

??????? Prioritize self-care: How many times you have asked other employees to do this? It’s time to start with some practices of self-care like exercising, journaling, healthy eating, deep breathing, reading, gardening…. the list goes on. Take time for things you love.

??????? Set boundaries: I know it’s tempting to show up 24/7! But try to set strict boundaries and refrain from overloading your schedule.

??????? Delegate, delegate, delegate: Do you also feel the need to be present and involved in the minutest of HR operations, well this micromanagement is overwhelming. Empower your team by delegating ownership of their expertise.

??????? Let go of what you can’t control: Several tasks fall beyond our direct control. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, we must accept it and focus our energies on achievable and effective tasks.

??????? Re-evaluate your role: Take some time to evaluate whether your job and profile are sustainable. If you think it’s time for a change, maybe it just is!

We are so involved in taking care of everyone around us at the workplace that we forget to address our burnout. To keep up with the positivity and healthy workplace it is vital to bounce back from this silent strain.

Comment and let us know how you battle burnout as a CHRO.

#HRLeadership #CHROBurnout #HRChallenges #BurnoutRecovery #SustainableLeadership #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkplaceWellbeing #HR #CEOs #CHROs #Modernworkplace

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