The Self-Care Challenges of Human Resource Professionals

An organization's human resources professionals are the people you email or call when things go wrong—whether it’s a conflict between employees, a crisis requiring immediate attention, or even a personal issue affecting a person’s performance. They are often the first point of contact when employees need help or when the organization faces internal challenges. Many HR professionals are not trained as social workers, human rights lawyers, or therapists, yet on any given day, they are called upon to support people who very well might need that type of professional. Because they handle many high-stakes issues that affect people’s lives, HR professionals could be thought of as organizational first responders (without the intensive training on how to handle being on the frontline).

HR Professionals Are Vital to Organizational Success

In their 2023-24 State of the Workplace Report, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) highlighted the notably positive attitudes HR professionals have towards their organizations and roles, with 89 percent of those surveyed reporting immense pride in the work they do.

In my own experience working with HR professionals across industries, this strong sense of pride they hold in their roles has been clear. These individuals have also shared with me how their role can feel invisible at times, as much of their work involves behind-the-scenes efforts to ensure the smooth running of the team or organization. The needs of companies and employees have also become more complex in recent years (more than contracts, payroll, and managing schedules).

Here are some examples of how the role and responsibilities of HR professionals have radically and rapidly evolved over the last decade:

Remote Work and Flexibility: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote work. HR now focuses on creating flexible work environments, supporting hybrid models, and fostering remote team culture.

Employee Experience and Well-Being: There’s a stronger emphasis on employee experience, including mental health support, work-life balance, and professional development. Companies are investing more in wellness programs and initiatives that promote overall employee satisfaction.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: DEI has become a priority, with organizations actively seeking to create diverse workforces and inclusive cultures. HR plays a critical role in developing policies and programs that support these initiatives.

Learning and Development: Continuous learning has gained importance, with HR emphasizing upskilling and reskilling employees to keep pace with changing industry demands.

This is not an exhaustive list by any means, yet it sheds some light on the dynamic and ever-evolving role of HR professionals. The demands and weight of this work can accumulate and lead to exhaustion on a physical, mental, and emotional level if self-care is not prioritized.

Managing One’s Own Well-Being and That of the Team

According to research from the SHRM, approximately 47 percent of HR professionals surveyed reported that working in HR has hurt their mental health and well-being. The emotional labour that comes with being an HR professional can be significant. These individuals are often in the position of providing support and guidance when others are struggling, even when they may be feeling drained and depleted themselves.

All too often, people in these types of roles may neglect their self-care and only tend to their own needs after everyone else’s needs have been met. Yet, to be of service to others, we need to take care of ourselves. In my post, “10 Simple Habits to Support Your Well-Being,” I shared simple and sustainable habits and practices for doing just that.

Having organizational leaders who ensure that their people have the resources and emotional support required is also important for all team members, including HR. Additionally, knowing who to turn to for support—whether that is a colleague, a professional coach, or a mentor—can be incredibly valuable.

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You can feel emboldened and empowered to prioritize your wellness while doing good work and understand that prioritizing self-care is not selfish—it’s essential.

Strategies for Letting Go of a Difficult Workday

You may already know that certain interactions, days, and moments in this field of work can present unique challenges. What can you do to ‘care deeply’ but not carry it home with you?

Here are some research-informed strategies for letting go of a difficult workday:

Transition Ritual: Develop a specific routine to signal the end of your workday. This could include going for a walk, making a cup of tea, listening to an ‘end-of-day anthem’, changing your clothes, or anything that supports the shift to home and family responsibilities.

Gratitude Reflection: At the end of each day, list three things you’re grateful for. Cultivating gratitude can help us shift our perspective and hold an appreciation of what went right while acknowledging the challenges.

Physical Release: Engage in activities like stretching, dancing, jumping, or progressive muscle relaxation to release built-up tension and stress.

Mindful Walk: Take an end-of-workday walk, paying attention to outdoor surroundings. If you walk the same route every day, can you challenge yourself to see something new?

Disconnect: Step away from work-related emails and notifications after work hours. Set boundaries to protect your personal time.

Creative Expression: Try drawing, writing poetry, or crafting. Expressing yourself creatively can be a great way to process emotions.

Guided Visualization: Use apps or videos to guide you through a visualization exercise, imagining a peaceful place or scenario to help you unwind.

Talk It Out: Consider discussing your day with a trusted colleague or friend. Sometimes, just verbalizing your emotions can provide relief.

As you navigate the challenges, practice extending the same compassion you show to others to yourself. Recognize that you are doing the best you can with the tools, resources, and energy available to you at any given moment. Try taking a moment to celebrate, each day, at least one thing—a response, an interaction, or even a reaction—that you managed better than you would have before.

Final Thoughts

The dual responsibility of ensuring both your own well-being and that of the team you support is a complex ask for any HR professional.

Know that your role is vital in shaping the culture, well-being, and success of your organization; but always remember that you are more than your role. You matter, and so does your well-being.

Taking care of yourself enables you to continue showing up as the capable, compassionate professional that you are, while also ensuring that you have the energy and resources to support those around you.