Nurturing the Nurturers: A Call to Prioritize HR Well-being

I spent 15 minutes on the phone with a former colleague who was having some issues at work and wanted to talk some things through and ask for some advice. The thing that jumped out at me from the conversation was that he was running himself into the ground. It's so easy to do.

In the world of HR, it's all too common to overlook the importance of self-care. We dedicate our days to serving the needs of our organizations and employees, often forgetting to tend to our own well-being. The truth is, even HR needs HR.

Recent findings from a Gartner survey reveal that a staggering 71% of HR leaders have identified burnout as a growing challenge within HR teams. Burnout is not merely a buzzword; it's a real and pressing concern. Research has linked burnout to a range of detrimental physical and mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and heart conditions.

The challenges faced by HR professionals can go beyond their job description. A study by Workvivo, as reported in Forbes, found that a crazily high 94% of HR professionals felt overwhelmed, 88% dreaded work, 83% were affected by office politics, and 97% experienced emotional fatigue in the past six months.

A couple of key points from the survey that I found interesting:

? 98% of HR professionals reported experiencing burnout.

? 83% of HR professionals say that office politics have further exacerbated workplace stress, making 78% of respondents open to exploring new job opportunities this year.

For me, the most disheartening statistic is that only 29% of HR professionals feel that their work is genuinely valued by their organizations. It is time for a paradigm shift. HR deserves recognition, support, and a prominent role in decision-making. We have evolved from just planning parties, hiring, and firing; we offer unique insights into the business from a people-centric perspective.

I consider myself fortunate not to be part of these statistics, not because my role is without its challenges, but because I am prepared and determined to face them head-on. HR is here to guide, support, and ensure compliance. While our advice may occasionally go ignored or even not asked for, we can say, "I told you so" when necessary or even halt processes that pose litigation risks.

Together, let's nurture the nurturers because HR is more than just a cost center; it is a vital force shaping the future of organizations. It's time to care for those who care for everyone else.