HR Magazine: The business cost of ignoring HR’s wellbeing

In this article in People Management Magazine, Dr Felicity Baker explores the growing psychological strain facing HR professionals, and the wider organisational impact and business cost of unsupported HR teams.

Drawing on findings from the HR Mental Wellbeing Survey 2026, the piece highlights persistently high levels of anxiety, depression and burnout within the profession, alongside strikingly low levels of meaningful workplace support. Felicity argues that when HR professionals are emotionally depleted, the business cost ripples across organisations through reduced capacity, impaired decision-making, increased absence and the loss of experienced practitioners.

The article focuses on the business case for investing in psychologically informed support for HR teams. It examines why traditional wellbeing initiatives often fall short for people professionals whose roles involve high levels of emotional labour, ethical tension and organisational pressure.

Dr Baker explores the growing role of reflective HR supervision as a structured space for reflection, support and professional resilience, arguing that organisations cannot continue expecting HR to support everyone else while neglecting the wellbeing of HR themselves.

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