HR is Not Okay - 5 Tips to Get Back on Track

In times of crisis, stress, and uncertainty, who do employees normally turn to for help and support? Human Resources! But what about HR professionals? Who can we turn to? We usually suck it up and keep going, focusing on others rather than ourselves.

Think about all the things that we have had to deal with since the pandemic emerged. COVID alone has been huge with exposures, quarantines, isolations, fear, immunizations, and social distancing, Additional issues include remote work, return to the office plans, employee stress/burnout, concerns about racial injustice, recruiting challenges, the turnover tsunami, etc. And then we still have to do the usual HR stuff. I’m getting tired just thinking through the list. The effects of dealing with all of this have left HR teams feeling stressed, fatigued, and burned out.

Culture Amp did an HR for HR survey and only 34% of HR respondents said that they can switch off from work to make time for rest (as compared to 50% of the general employee population). Of the HR folks surveyed, only 41% said they feel that they can bounce back as quickly as they normally would and 57% said their current stress levels are not manageable.

Here are five ways that we, as HR professionals, can nurture ourselves – so that we can care for others.

1. Prioritize healthy habits

Healthy habits include eating healthy, exercising most days, incorporating movement during the day, staying hydrated, and getting a good night's sleep. You know what to do! If you are like me, you just don’t always do it.

Mindfulness is a great healthy habit that helps mitigate stress. It is paying attention to the present moment in an accepting, nonjudgmental way. Conscious breathing, meditation, yoga, and spending time in nature are all good mindfulness practices.

2.?Set boundaries

Many of us seem to feel like they have to be available 24/7 and that we must further take on superhero status, handling everything for everyone! It’s no surprise but this can quickly lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout. Be reasonable about the priorities and problems you are facing. You don’t have to – and probably can’t - handle everything right away. Set boundaries on your time and unplug in the evenings and/or when you are on PTO. Bonus - when you model work/life balance, others may follow!

Set clear boundaries with colleagues by sharing the support you can provide and the amount of time you can allot to their issue or problem. Then, by using coaching techniques, encourage them to take responsibility for their next steps. Maybe it will stick!

3.?Take regular breaks to recharge

Take short breaks to reset and recharge during the day. Step away from your keyboard and eat lunch away from your desk. Take short walks, do some deep breathing, and do some stretching. You will be more productive and will likely feel better as a result.

4. Get help

Connect with your leader or other leaders in your organization for support or assistance. If it’s reasonable, ask for an extension on deadlines. Maybe even ask for additional staff. Can't hurt to try! With the additional work that you and the department have likely taken on, outsourcing projects or other HR functions could also be a valid consideration.

Tap into your community of HR peers for mutual support. You can check on one another, share resources, bounce ideas off one another, and show each other empathy and understanding.

Last but not least, know when you need to seek outside help. You are probably suggesting resources such as the Employee Assistance Program to others. Use them yourself!

5.?Practice self-care

HR Professionals need to follow their own advice and practice self-care.?Develop a self-care checklist that has a list of options tailored just for you. Suggestions include calling a friend, taking a nature walk, meditating, reading, volunteering, getting a massage, taking a nap, practicing yoga, or praying. Once you have your checklist, make sure that you are practicing at least one or two of the activities each day.

While some of these tips may seem obvious, I’m pretty sure that many of us aren’t using them. Keep in mind that to do your job most effectively and continue to help others, you must nurture yourself! You won't be any good for anyone else if you are emotionally drained, stressed out, or burned out.

Are you struggling and need to get back on track? Contact Leslie Speas at [email protected] for coaching or additional resources.