HR, we need to talk!

You can't carry on like this.

For 10 years I've worked with you on transformation, change, your own wellbeing and Burnout prevention.

I didn't set out to work with Burnout.

I was perfectly happy running my award winning People and Change Consultancy and helping you all to Burn The Handbook and Change the World of Work.

And then I received the phonecall that changed it all.

My replacement had died whilst away on a leadership residential.

Two days later another call came. I wasn't the first HRD to have become seriously ill in that organisation. I had been the fourth.

I reached out to the CIPD to ask how they were helping HR Leaders and was told to contact my EAP.

So I trained, and studied and qualified in therapies, and Neuroscience and Mental Health. I wanted to know how to help my Coaching clients more.

I created the world's first Mental Wellbeing for HR Programme.

I started sharing my story on stages around the world.

I was writing books.

And more of you began to share your stories with me.

I started receiving messages daily about your Burnout, your exhaustion and your lack of support.

And I listened.

And I helped.

And I saw more HR Leaders leave the profession and start to focus on HR. On your wellbeing. On your support.

And yet, despite all of this support and all of this help, you're still not helping yourselves.

You still think you can do it all.

You think you're unstoppable, invincible, and able to just keep on going.

But you're struggling.

I see it.

Your leaders and your people see it.

Your family and friends see it.

Even Brené Brown sees it.

She told the audience at Workhuman that she saw how much you've been pushing, and asked you all to get the help you needed. And you nodded, and you shared her picture on your socials, and then you carried on, changing nothing.

Secondary trauma in HR is real.

Trauma in HR is real.

Burnout in HR is real.

Exhaustion in HR is real.

These are conversations that I have everyday, every week, every month, and every year.

Yet the majority of you are STILL refusing to get help, seek support, invest in yourselves or ask for financial investment from your CEO’s.

When it comes to learning, courses, and programmes to help you to DO HR, you’re there like a shot.

When it comes to learning, courses, and programmes to help you to BE human, you don’t think you’re worthy of the investment, you don’t want to ask for help and you don’t want anyone to know that you need help.

Listen, I’ve been where you are.

I got sucked into the lie too that told me “You’re supposed to do it all, it’s your job”

Except that's all it is, a lie.

You don't need to do it all.

You can't do it all.

Not alone. And certainly not without support.

The role of HR is HUGE, and as more managers and leaders live in fear of having conversations, you’re doing more and more, and it’s taking its toll on you.

You need support.

You need a coach.

You all need a mentor.

You need to stop pretending that you’re ok, admit you’re not, and demand the financial investment, the time, the space and the support to help you to recover from the last few years and get you back on track.

Because you can’t carry on like this.

And waiting for the change isn't working.

The change needs to start with you.

If you're happy being on the brink of Burnout, exhausted and running on empty, then by all means carry on.

But if you're ready for change, take the first step today and get the support you need, my DMs are open for you.

My first Burnout made me seriously ill. My second Burnout nearly killed me.

Don't do what I did.

Get the help you need.

Kelly

P.S If you don't know your Burnout risk factors, here's the HR Burnout Assessment, this could be the reality check you've been waiting for

Hi, I'm Kelly ...

...?I'm a leading voice and expert in the world of work, a Burnout Expert, and?the?Executive Coach for Senior HR and People Leaders who are done with running on empty

Clients?hire me to help them do things differently, so they can regain control of their busy lives and have more time and energy for the things that matter

My first Burnout made me seriously ill and my second almost killed me.

When I left my in-house corporate career my replacement died in her sleep whilst away on a leadership residential.

My work here at Kelly Swingler Ltd exists because no other Leader will experience Burnout or jeopardise their health for their career, and no other Leader will die.