HR Uprising: Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental Health Challenges in HR with Dr Jo Burrell

Lucinda Carney welcomes Dr. Jo Burrell to discuss breaking the silence and addressing mental health challenges in HR. They delve into the alarming findings of the latest HR Wellbeing Report. This reveals that nearly half of HR professionals are experiencing clinical levels of depression, significantly higher than the general population.

With over 1,400 respondents, the report highlights a stark disparity between the mental health struggles faced by HR professionals and the support they receive. Jo discusses the importance of open conversations about mental wellbeing in the HR field, the need for systemic support such as supervision, and practical tips for building resilience.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The recent HR wellbeing report revealed that 44% of HR professionals meet the threshold for clinical levels of depression, which is 2.5 times higher than the general population. Additionally, 63% are likely experiencing significant symptoms of burnout.

• Despite the high levels of suffering, only 13% of HR professionals reported feeling very supported at work regarding their mental wellbeing. This indicates a significant gap between the mental health challenges faced and the support available.

• There is a “conspiracy of silence” surrounding HR wellbeing, where professionals feel they cannot express their struggles. Encouraging open discussions about mental health and creating a supportive environment is crucial for addressing these issues.

• Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential for preventing burnout. HR professionals need to be assertive in protecting their time and wellbeing, which includes disconnecting from work after hours.

Find out more about about how our HR Supervision and Resilience Coaching services can benefit HR mental health and wellbeing