A new report from Cezanne reveals the alarming level of stress and burnout that HR professionals are experiencing in the UK.
The HR Ninjas Community Under Pressure is a report that, after a survey conducted with over 500 members, presents a disturbing picture of the challenges faced by HR Ninjas in managing workplace well-being.
In the report, it was revealed that 64% HR professionals experience near-constant anxiety. A shocking 93 % admitted to burnout in their career. Burnout is so bad for some, that 83% respondents said they took time off in the past year because of stress-related conditions.
Why do HR teams struggle?
A perfect storm of problems has led to the rise in stress levels. Unmanageable workloads, and lack of resources are the top stressors. HR professionals wear many hats, including conflict resolution, compliance and employee morale.
We are under-resourced and overworked, but we are expected to keep going and not show any signs of weakness. One respondent said, “It’s unsustainable but [business leaders] do not care – irony for a “people function”!”
Stress is also exacerbated by the constant changes in the regulatory environment and the effects of economic uncertainty. Many HR teams have been asked to do more work with less resources, pushing their capacities to the limit.
Human Cost of Neglect
The report also highlights the cascading effect of this stress. Burnout not only affects the mental and physically health of HR professionals, it also impacts their ability to effectively support employees, creating ripple effects throughout the organization.
According to Paul Bauer, Cezanne’s Head of Content, “Burnout is not just a personal problem – it has become a business issue.” When HR professionals are on the verge of burnout, the entire organisation is affected. This report is a call to action for companies to prioritize the well-being of their HR departments. It’s not just compassionate to support the supporters – it is essential for sustainable business growth. Without this support, HR faces a real threat of becoming a profession in danger .”
Business leaders: A call to Action
The report urges organisations and their leaders take immediate action in order to relieve the pressure on HR teams. The report includes recommendations such as increasing investment in human resources, offering opportunities for professional growth, and providing meaningful support to HR departments.
By tackling these challenges, organisations can not only protect the well-being of their HR team but also improve their overall resilience. As the report highlights: when HR thrives so does their business.
Visit Cezanne HR to download the complete report.
