People Management: Three quarters of HR professionals report symptoms of depression

In article for People Management, Islam Soliman highlights the latest findings from the HR Mental Wellbeing Report 2026, produced by Ultimate Resilience and Everywhen, which paint a concerning picture of the psychological strain facing HR professionals.

Drawing on data from nearly 3,000 participants over three years, the report found that almost three quarters (74%) of HR professionals report symptoms of depression and low mood, with 44% meeting the threshold for clinically significant depression — far higher than rates seen in the general population.

Anxiety and burnout were also widespread, with 73% experiencing anxiety symptoms and 62% identified as being at high risk of burnout. Excessive workload remained the biggest source of stress, followed by poor management and lack of support. The findings also suggest the impact is affecting workforce sustainability, with more than a third considering leaving the profession and almost a quarter taking time off due to stress or mental health difficulties.

Dr Jo Burrell highlighted that the data does not reflect a profession recovering from recent pressures, but one operating under “sustained psychological strain.” She noted that HR professionals are routinely expected to support others through crisis, conflict and organisational change while simultaneously carrying the emotional weight of decisions affecting people’s livelihoods.

Jo also emphasised that support appears to be one of the strongest protective factors in the data, with HR professionals who feel supported significantly less likely to experience burnout, anxiety and depression.

The article concludes that organisations need to move beyond expecting HR teams to simply be more resilient and instead provide realistic workloads, stronger support structures, psychologically safe leadership and access to supervision and mental health support.

To find out more about our specialist HR Supervision services which aim to fill the gap in mental health support for HR professionals, get in touch.

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