Podcast 216: Selfish to be selfless - Why people professionals must prioritise their wellbeing
Mar 4, 2025
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Join award-winning health strategist Amy McKeown and Rachel Suff, a senior policy adviser, as they delve into the often-overlooked emotional strain faced by HR professionals. They discuss the pressing need for boundaries to safeguard personal well-being amidst organizational pressures. The conversation highlights creative outlets like knitting and yoga for stress relief, as well as the vital role of self-care in navigating employee advocacy versus management mandates. Ultimately, they stress the interconnectedness of individual resilience and supportive workplace culture.
HR professionals must prioritize their own well-being by adopting self-care strategies to prevent burnout amidst high workplace demands.
Balancing the ethical dilemmas of organizational needs and employee support requires HR to set boundaries and advocate for mental health.
Deep dives
The Personal Toll of HR Roles
The demands placed on human resources (HR) professionals can severely impact their mental and physical health. A significant portion of HR personnel has reported experiencing stress that has led them to consider leaving their positions. This strain often arises from dealing with challenging situations such as layoffs and grievances, forcing them to balance their responsibilities towards employees with organizational demands. The irony lies in advocating for employee well-being while neglecting their own health, which can lead to burnout.
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in HR
HR professionals often find themselves in morally complex situations, balancing the needs of individuals against organizational decisions that may conflict with their personal ethics. Decisions made by senior management can present ethical dilemmas that require HR to implement policies they may not personally agree with. This reality creates considerable stress for HR practitioners, as they strive to advocate for employees while still fulfilling their role within the company. The need for HR to act with integrity becomes crucial when dealing with difficult situations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism amidst personal convictions.
The Importance of Self-Care Strategies
The conversation highlights the necessity for HR professionals to adopt self-care strategies to manage stress and enhance their resilience. Engaging in personal activities, such as yoga or crafting, can provide a mental retreat from the high demands of the workplace. Self-awareness is crucial; recognizing triggers that lead to stress can help HR personnel implement necessary boundaries between work and personal life. Additionally, seeking support from peers and practicing self-reflection can enhance their ability to handle the pressures of their roles effectively.
Building a Supportive Work Environment
Creating a supportive atmosphere in which HR professionals can thrive is essential for their well-being. The discussion emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in a culture that often demands continuous availability. Organizations should implement policies that reinforce mental health support, enabling HR professionals to navigate their responsibilities without compromising their personal well-being. Ultimately, fostering an environment that encourages self-care and open communication can help mitigate the pressures faced by HR and promote a healthier workplace overall.
HR professionals play a unique role within organisations but often find themselves in morally challenging or conflicting situations. These challenges may include balancing business needs—such as managing large-scale redundancies—while also supporting individuals through deeply personal difficulties and absorbing the emotional weight that entails. Over time, this toll can increase the risk of exhaustion, ultimately leading to burnout.
Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests—Amy McKeown, an award-winning health, mental health, and wellbeing strategist and consultant, and Rachel Suff, Senior Policy and Practice Adviser for Employee Relations at the CIPD—as we explore the often-hidden emotional burden of working in HR and why setting boundaries is essential for maintaining wellbeing in the profession.
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