Solving Burnout: An Urgent Human Imperative
Enrique Rubio (he/him)
Top 100 HR Global HR Influencer | HRE's 2024 Top 100 HR Tech Influencers | Speaker | Future of HR
Forbes recently published an article saying that 98% of HR professionals have experienced burnout [1], and I am beyond alarmed and deeply preoccupied.
As an HR leader myself, this devastates me. My friends and colleagues are suffering, while trying to keep their own teams afloat.
And burnout can become a trainwreck. First, for the personal suffering from it. Then to his or her immediate personal circle (family and friends). And, lastly, but equally important, to colleagues and the organization.
In today’s newsletter, I’m going to discuss ways to heal from burnout as an HR professional.
At this point, we will assume that you already have had burnout or continue to suffer from it. Maybe you’re struggling with it right now. Data seems to suggest so. And I want to begin by encouraging you to check the signs of burnout, because you may not even know you are suffering from it.
Years ago, in one of my previous jobs, one of friends and colleagues came over to me to say that something was happening with me. She mentioned that I wasn’t smiling as much, or as bubbly as I always was and, sometimes, more irritable. It was shocking to hear. I reflected and realized that I was either suffering from burnout or on the path to it!
I realized that, like science has appropriately taught us, healing from burnout doesn’t take one evening, weekend, or vacation. It can take weeks or even months to feel fully like yourself again.
For most people, though, taking that amount of time off to recover isn’t an option. You have bills, families, people who rely on you.
You can’t fast track recovery. However, by really focusing on your wellbeing, you can heal more effectively and prevent burnout in the future.
Here are some ways to heal.
Admit to the Problem
The Alcoholics Anonymous program uses a 12-step method for recovery from alcoholism. [2] This 12-step method has been modified to fit many different problems – and help millions of people heal.
In the 12-step problem, the first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem. This is self-awareness. “Know thyself” if we want to get more philosophical.
The same can be said for burnout and become self-aware.
You cannot heal if you don't acknowledge that you have it. And to acknowledge it you need to know the signs. ?
It can be hard to admit that you are overwhelmed, stressed out, and need a break. Workplace culture praises a lack of boundaries; replying at all hours of the night, going above and beyond, helping everyone, all the time, always. Saying that the stress has gotten to you can feel like weakness or defeat.
This is exactly why admitting that you are burned out is so brave. It is not a sign of weakness; in fact, it is just the opposite. Being open about your own struggles removes the stigma across the board. It lets your team know that it is okay to talk about it.
In fact, and perhaps more importantly, it lets YOU know that it is okay to talk about it.
Start by admitting it to yourself. Maybe even right now, where you're sitting, reading this article. Say the words “I am burned out. I have extended myself too far, and I am experiencing an emotional crisis because of it. I am still a good employee and a good leader, I deliver, but I am not ok and need to do something about it”.
Once you’ve admitted to having a problem, you can get to the root of it. Burnout is a symptom. What is actually causing it?
Usually, time off is recommended to help you properly answer that question. It’s not totally necessary, but it can be helpful to get your mind off your stress and get away.
If you can’t use some PTO, try taking a drive out of town on your next day off. Get a babysitter, a dog-sitter, whatever you need to do. Try a new restaurant. Find something out of your normal routine to clear your mind.
Often, we can’t see what the problem is when we’re standing right in front of it.
Admit that you’re struggling. Then take a step back to gain some perspective – whether this means taking a cruise to the Galapagos Islands or simply turning your phone off for a few days.
Take Care of Yourself
Burnout is a full-on emotional crisis. It can be as devastating as grief or illness. Recovery should be treated the same way.
When you start getting overwhelmed, priorities start to shift, and things slip through the cracks. Interestingly, our own selves are often at their very bottom of our to-do lists.
Make time for yourself.
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Be committed to it. Whether you have to wake up an hour earlier every day, pay a babysitter on Friday night, or ask someone for help, dedicate yourself to finding time for you…. or simply email me and let’s chat. Or someone in your community. The helpers are out there and they are willing to go beyond the limits for you.
People often picture self-care as massages, candles, or a marketing scheme (directed mostly at women). I confess that I hate the commoditization of pain for financial gain. It is irresponsible and it doesn’t solve the problem, and instead perpetuates “solutions” that really don’t work.
Ultimately, what matters and is important is to do what makes YOU feel good.
Do you like building houses in video games? Do that! Enjoy hiking along the scenic route? Grab your shoes! Just want to veg out on the couch with the newest season of your favorite show? That sounds great too.
Or, like me, I run. I run a lot. Hours a day. It is my medicine to treat depression and burn out!
Physically taking care of yourself can make a difference, though. It’s true that sleep deprivation has similar effects to getting drunk. [3] Exercise, regular haircuts, clean clothes that make you feel good, and tasty, fulfilling meals can make dramatically change your mindset.
The main goal is here is still to answer that big “why?” – why are you feeling burnt out in the first place? Doing things you enjoy, that make you feel like you, can help you reach that answer.
Get Help
If you’re an HR professional, you’re an important "resource" for many other people. You are their helper.
When articles like these say to “seek support” – often, that support is you!
It’s rewarding. It’s also extremely exhausting. Physically and emotionally.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. To help others, you must help yourself.
If you’re truly struggling with burnout and managing your stress, it can be well worth it to get professional help. Talk therapy is great. So is medication, if that’s what you feel like you need it.
It is our job to remove the shame and stigma around asking for help. Take your own advice.
You also need a support system. Preferably, one outside of work.
Do you have family or friends who can check in on you? Can you ask your partner for help establishing work-life boundaries? Is there anyone that you can vent to about your boss?
HR has this rep of being “perfect” – following all the rules and always reminding everyone else to. Being the entire office’s sounding board. It’s exhausting.
You need to shake off that image, at least outside of the office. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to get tired. It’s okay to need help.
It’s okay to put the human in human resources.
It’s okay to be human.
It’s easier to prevent burnout that it is to recover from it. Once you’ve suffered once, you’re more likely to struggle with burnout again.
Be a role model. Stop the cycle. Heal yourself so that you can heal your team.
Human Resources Specialist | Talent Management, Talent Development
2 年Excellent article! ????
Culture & Revenue Connector | Strategic HR Advisor | Speaker
2 年It's hard to realize when we are in burnout mode. We are trying so hard to make things work, being frontline workers to care and help others, and /or trying to fit into somewhere our values don't align. There is only so long that you can continue to say no to yourself and yes to everyone else. Your body starts to throw up signals and signs and then starts to run out of energy, and while you may be doing some things to care for yourself and release stress in healthy ways, it is not enough. This article resonates with me. It is not easy to realize and admit when you are burned out. It feels like you failed. It was such a relief when I finally put on the oxygen mask and realized I was burning out and hitting my head against a wall. My body was in great need of attention. I was able to see things from a more holistic perspective, and by saying yes to myself, I found better solutions and next steps. I was able to truly prioritize and care for myself, which resulted in my having a more significant impact and being fully me.
Executive Coach | Team Coach | Former CHRO | Change Management Expert | Keynote Speaker | HeartMath? Resilience Trainer | I help executive leaders become sharper, faster, better AND sleep well at night.
2 年Beautiful Enrique. I am so glad you mentioned "Know Thyself" as one of the prerequisites for combating burnout. It's not enough to just know the signs and symptoms, or add a vacation day or two. It's also not enough to change policies. It's equally, if not MORE important that each and every individual leader is gifted with the knowledge and application of understanding human behaviour, that of themselves and of others. As a former HR Executive who coaches HR Executives, we still have a long way to go. I dropped the link here to a blog (hope that's okay) I write just today to illustrate and drive home your well stated arguments. The inconvenient truth is that it is through sharing and changing our lived experiences that we can move this conversation from a report card approach to a values approach. https://teresavozza.ca/the-real-solution-to-addressing-burnout-that-nobody-talks-much-about/
HR Business Partner Facebook Artificial Intelligence
2 年Hi there. Thank you for this post. I’ve worked in HR for the past 20 years and the past few years have been beyond hard, with no sight of relief. During 2020 I created a program to help HR professionals deal with burn out. I used my background in Wellnes and Executive Coaching. I ran a few 8- week sessions with colleagues and it received great feedback. I’d love to try to extend the program to more HR Professionals. Please message me if you, or someone you know may be interested. It’s such important work so that we can continue to do our best work in the world.
Experienced Recruiter | HR Manager | People-oriented
2 年Totally agreed!