You know as well as we do, the workplace is evolving at a dizzying pace. Remote work, hybrid teams, RTO, shifting employer/employee expectations, skyrocketing healthcare costs, and the ongoing challenges of attracting and retaining talent. It’s all redefined how organizations operate. And at the heart of these changes? HR leaders and benefits professionals.
For years, you’ve guided organizations through uncertainty, provided support for employees, and solved complex workforce challenges. But the demands of your role have ramifications. Long hours, ever-increasing/shifting responsibilities, and the emotional labor required to care for others stretch the modern HR professional thin.
Heavy is the crown that HR wears 👑
The stress and emotional demands of HR roles are unique. It’s a team that often has the fewest members in an organization or no one else who can replicate functions or provide support.
SHRM’s 2023-2024 State of the Workplace report highlights that 57% of HR pros work beyond their normal capacity, with over half feeling understaffed. These challenges contribute significantly to burnout and stress in the profession. The constant need to be “on” for others while balancing organizational demands can make it difficult to prioritize personal well-being.
This kind of chronic stress doesn’t just impact mental health—it also harms your physical health. We’re sure you don’t need reminding, but we will anyway, stress can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system, among other conditions. Left unchecked, the burnout cycle can diminish your ability to show up for both work and life.
The unseen toll of always saying “yes”
If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking a break or saying “no,” you’re not alone. During a recent customer community event, many HR pros said they had trouble unplugging.
HR pros are the caregivers of their organizations, and that comes with an unspoken pressure to always put others first. The very skills that make you great at your job—your empathy, problem-solving ability, and dedication—are often the ones that leave you most vulnerable to burnout. And while social media has turned “self-care” and “boundaries” into some of the buzziest buzzwords, they’re still invaluable and very much needed.
Setting boundaries and taking time for self-care will significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being. By carving out space for yourself, you’ll not only feel better—you’ll also be more effective in your role.
We know it’s easier said than done, so that’s why we created the Boundaries and Balance Workbook, a 10-minute self-led workshop with step-by-step instructions. This quick yet powerful resource is designed to help you reflect, reset, and regain control of your time and energy.
Permission to pause: granted 🪄
HR professionals are the unsung heroes of the modern workplace, but that doesn’t mean you have to carry the weight of your company and all of its team members on your shoulders. The past few years have been challenging, but they’ve also shown us the importance of adaptability, resilience, and community.
As you continue to navigate the complexities of your role, remember this: Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. You can’t be everything to everyone if you’re not taking time to care for yourself.
So, pause for a moment. Give yourself permission to focus inward. Start with the Boundaries and Balance Workbook and take 10 minutes to reset. It’s a small investment of time that could make a big difference in your life.
Yes, the workforce is changing. Yes, we’ve had a heavy few years. But you’ve got this. And we’re here to cheer you on every step of the way!
