HR Burnout is Real – And It’s Costing Businesses More Than You Think
HR professionals are the backbone of every organization. They manage recruitment, handle workplace conflicts, ensure compliance, and, most importantly, take care of employee well-being. But here’s the catch—who is looking after HR?
A study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that 39% of HR professionals feel undervalued, leading to burnout, disengagement, and even high turnover rates within HR teams. Despite advocating for employee well-being, HR leaders often neglect their own.
If HR is constantly burned out, how can they be expected to create a thriving workplace for everyone else?
The Silent Burnout Epidemic in HR
It’s easy to assume HR professionals are equipped to handle workplace stress better than others. After all, they create mental health programs, flexible work policies, and wellness initiatives for employees. But what happens when HR doesn’t receive the same level of support?
The Numbers Speak Volumes
🔴 73% of HR professionals feel emotionally exhausted, according to a Workvivo study.
🔴 70% of HR leaders say 2023 was one of the most stressful years of their careers (HR Executive).
🔴 48% of HR professionals are considering leaving the field due to overwhelming pressure.
Clearly, HR teams are running on empty, and businesses are paying the price through lower engagement, higher turnover, and weakened company culture.
Introducing the People Well-being Compass by Keka HR
To address this crisis, Keka HR developed the People Well-being Compass, a framework designed to measure and enhance well-being across four essential areas:
1. Emotional Well-being: Feeling Valued & Safe
✅ Psychological Safety – HR needs to feel secure in their roles, free from toxic work environments and excessive criticism.
✅ Recognition & Value – HR professionals should receive the same appreciation they ensure for other employees.
✅ Stress Management Support – Tools and policies that reduce work stress should include HR teams, too.
🔹 Example: A mid-sized tech company in the U.S. introduced monthly HR appreciation sessions where employees highlight how HR has helped them. Within six months, HR burnout decreased by 18%.
2. Social Well-being: Connections & Belonging
✅ Support Networks – HR needs peer support and mentorship just like any other department.
✅ Collaborative Culture – Encourage open discussions about HR challenges instead of isolating the department.
✅ Team Bonding – HR should be included in company-wide retreats, wellness days, and celebrations.
🔹 Example: A Fortune 500 company established HR peer mentoring circles, leading to 32% improvement in HR retention and a stronger sense of belonging.
3. Physical Well-being: Sustainable Workloads & Health Resources
✅ Realistic Workloads – HR professionals should not be expected to handle unrealistic hiring quotas and endless compliance work alone.
✅ Health Benefits – Organizations must ensure that HR teams have access to wellness programs, gym memberships, and healthcare just like everyone else.
✅ Work-Life Balance – Encouraging flexible work arrangements for HR professionals ensures they don’t burn out while managing others’ work-life balance.
🔹 Example: A retail company introduced ‘HR Wellness Hours’, allowing HR staff to take breaks when needed. Employee satisfaction in the HR team jumped by 40% in just four months.
4. Mental Well-being: Autonomy & Flexibility
✅ Flexible Work Policies – HR teams should have the freedom to work remotely when needed.
✅ Decision-Making Autonomy – Empower HR to implement policies without micromanagement from executives.
✅ Mental Health Support – Therapy and wellness sessions should be accessible to HR, too.
🔹 Example: A healthcare company added mental health check-ins for HR staff. After a year, burnout rates dropped by 25%.
Why the People Well-being Compass Matters
HR professionals don’t need another survey—they need real, actionable solutions. The People Well-being Compass helps businesses:
📌 Identify Problem Areas – Pinpoint which aspects of HR well-being need urgent attention.
📌 Customize Wellness Programs – Tailor initiatives that address HR’s unique stressors.
📌 Boost Retention – A healthier HR team means lower turnover rates.
📌 Improve Organizational Culture – When HR thrives, they create a workplace where everyone thrives.
The best part? HR teams can take the assessment individually or as a team—no specialist is needed.
Final Thoughts: HR Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup
HR professionals take care of everyone else, but it’s time they receive the same level of care. Investing in HR well-being isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a business necessity. Companies that fail to support HR risk losing not only top talent but also the very foundation that keeps their workforce engaged and productive.
🚀 It’s time for organizations to step up. The People Well-being Compass is the first step toward a healthier, happier HR team—and, ultimately, a thriving workplace for all.
How is your company supporting HR well-being? Drop a comment below! 👇
Darren Trumbler is a versatile content writer specializing in B2B technology, marketing strategies, and wellness. With a knack for breaking down complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand narratives, Darren helps businesses communicate effectively with their audiences.
Over the years, Darren has crafted high-impact content for diverse industries, from tech startups to established enterprises, focusing on thought leadership articles, blog posts, and marketing collateral that drive results. Beyond his professional expertise, he is passionate about wellness and enjoys writing about strategies for achieving balance in work and life.
When he’s not creating compelling content, Darren can be found exploring the latest tech innovations, reading up on marketing trends, or advocating for a healthier lifestyle.