Everywhen: Only 13% of HR professionals feel their own mental wellbeing is well supported at work

Everywhen’s news release on the HR Mental Wellbeing Report 2026 highlights the growing psychological strain facing HR professionals and the urgent need for better support within the profession.

Drawing on findings from almost 3,000 HR professionals across three years of research, the report reveals that only 13% feel their own mental wellbeing is well supported at work. Symptoms of low mood and depression were reported by 74% of respondents, with 44% meeting the threshold for clinically significant depression — more than double the rate seen in the general population. Anxiety and burnout also remained alarmingly high, with 73% reporting symptoms of anxiety and 62% considered at very high risk of burnout.

The release places particular emphasis on the role of support as a protective factor, with Dr Jo Burrell describing the findings as evidence of a “sustained pattern of psychological strain” rather than a temporary post-pandemic issue.

Burrell argues that HR professionals are increasingly expected to manage emotionally complex situations without the level of support their roles now require. Importantly, the report also offers a hopeful message: HR professionals who feel well supported are significantly less likely to experience burnout, anxiety, depression or stress-related absence. The release calls on organisations to move beyond simple self-care messaging and instead invest in psychologically informed, evidence-based support systems — including reflective spaces such as HR supervision — to help HR professionals mental wellbeing through providing opportunity to process complexity and sustain wellbeing over time.

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