If you’re in HR, you're front and center for every crisis, celebration, and company-wide change — navigating the planning, the emotions, and the aftermath. But here's the question: Who's checking in on you?

The emotional burden of managing people operations is taking a toll. Many HR professionals have reported high rates of burnout and have considered leaving the field altogether. While you’re helping others, it can feel hard to take time for yourself.

The Humans in HR Are Hurting

Human resources leaders are often tasked with managing the mental health of the entire organization — a responsibility that can add to their own emotional strain. Among HR professionals:

• Over 75% show signs of burnout or are at significant risk.
• Nearly 50% are thinking of leaving their profession.
• 25% have taken time off work in the past year due to stress or mental health issues.
• 24% reported feeling uncomfortable being honest about mental health challenges with their work supervisor.

Care for Yourself, Lead by Example

When you take care of yourself, you're able to bring your best to work. And when you show up for your own mental health, you give your team permission to do the same. Small actions can help create a culture of well-being.

Talk about how you manage stress

Share what’s helping you, whether that's stepping away for a walk, saying no to non-urgent tasks, accessing company wellness benefits, using mental health days, or seeking support from a health care provider.

Set boundaries and respect your team’s

Normalize healthy boundaries by blocking lunch time on your calendar and stepping away from email and messaging apps after hours. Respect your team members' time by not expecting immediate responses during off-hours.

Encourage breaks

Take your own breaks visibly and use your paid time off without guilt. Remind your team that breaks are not only OK, they’re necessary. Rest supports focus, energy, and long-term performance.

Get support when you need it

Talk to your own manager if you’re feeling stretched. You don’t have to carry everything alone; get support from your mental health provider, connect with trusted coworkers, or seek out peer support networks for HR leaders. Finding spaces where you can talk openly and share experiences can make a big difference.

Easy-To-Use Tools To Help You Support Mental Health at Work

Whether you’re looking for general mental health tips, resources on creating a recovery-ready workplace, or finding ways to share your mental health story, there’s a chance we’ve put out a free resource to help create better mental health policies in your workplace today.

Here’s a selection of some of our most popular mental health resources:

Workplace Mental Health Playbook

Wherever your company is on its mental health journey, this playbook can help you take action. Explore ways to:

• Create a psychologically healthy culture
• Center equity in your mental health strategy
• Improve access to treatment options

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Workplace Mental Health: Tips for Sharing Your Story

You can set a tone of compassion and care for employees experiencing mental health challenges. Over 75% of employees appreciate their leaders discussing emotional and mental health. If you’re ready to share — and it’s OK if you aren't — follow the tips inside.

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Belonging in the Workplace: A Guide for Employers

In our increasingly divided society, many people today feel disconnected — from their communities, their coworkers, and even themselves. This sense of isolation can lead to more stress, lower engagement, and missed work.

But the workplace can be part of the solution. Employers have a powerful opportunity to build a culture of belonging where every employee feels valued, respected, and connected. This guide can help you take the first step.