Every company relies on its Human Resources (HR) professionals to keep things running smoothly. They're the ones who handle everything from recruitment, onboarding, to employee benefits and compliance. However, the people who are there to support the workforce can find themselves in a tough spot, where they are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. This experience is most commonly known as "burnout".
This issue is growing, and it's not hard to see why. A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 42% of teams are currently struggling with burnout. This has consequences, including the fact that HR had the highest turnover rate (14.6%) of all job roles last year, according to LinkedIn. This isn't much of a surprise, considering that as many as 88% of HR workers openly admit they "dread" their work.
What is burnout?
Burnout is a state of being where you constantly feel physically and emotionally exhausted. You might become more negative about your job, feel detached from it, and feel like you're not accomplishing much.
Signs of Burnout
Recognizing the signs of burnout is crucial for both HR professionals and companies to address this issue effectively. Here are some key indicators that individuals may be experiencing employee burnout:
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Persistent Feelings of Exhaustion. One of the primary signs of burnout is a persistent and overwhelming sense of physical and emotional exhaustion. HR professionals may find themselves constantly fatigued, regardless of adequate rest.
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Decreased Energy Levels. Burnout can result in a noticeable decline in energy levels. Employees may struggle to find motivation to complete tasks that were once manageable, leading to a decrease in overall productivity.
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Negative Outlook & Decreased Sense of Accomplishment. Those experiencing burnout may develop a negative outlook on their work, focusing on more challenges than achievements. A decreased sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in their professional role is a common aspect of burnout.
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Increased Irritability and Impatience. Dealing with burnout can lead to heightened levels of irritability and impatience. HR professionals may find themselves reacting more negatively to workplace stressors and personal life changes.
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Sleep Disturbances. Dealing with burnout can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, possibly from working long hours. Sleep disturbances impact work-life balance
Many reasons contribute to this, from heavy workloads to high-pressure responsibilities and dealing with conflicts among employees. In short, HR leaders face a unique set of challenges that can lead to burnout.
1. Implications for Organizations
When HR professionals are experiencing burnout, the impact ripples throughout the entire company, affecting its overall effectiveness and stability. This isn't just a challenge for the HR department, it's a concern for the entire company. Here's why:
Burnout can lead to reduced effectiveness of HR professionals.
As HR professionals experience burnout, their ability to respond promptly decreases, leading to increased errors and less attention to detail. This reduced effectiveness can put the quality of HR services at risk. For instance, when HR staff takes more time to respond to employee concerns or process requests, it can leave employees frustrated and dissatisfied. This isn't good for the overall morale of the company.
Work overload and burnout among HR professionals can create a vicious cycle.
When HR staff are overwhelmed and struggle to manage their workload, it can trigger a harmful cycle. High turnover rates within the HR department may increase as employees seek less stressful work environments. This results in an increased workload for the remaining HR professionals, intensifying the burnout problem. The company may struggle to maintain staffing levels in HR, thereby prolonging this cycle.
Burnout within the HR function can expose the entire organization to various employment-related risks.
When burnout affects the HR team, it doesn't just stay within their department. It creates a ripple effect throughout the entire company. This introduces a range of employment-related risks.
Firstly, there's the challenge of meeting staffing needs. If the HR team is overwhelmed, finding and securing the right talent becomes a significant hurdle. This could result in crucial positions remaining unfilled, affecting the company's operational efficiency.
Then, there's the issue of compliance vulnerabilities. When burnout sets in, staying up-to-date with regulatory changes becomes a complex task for HR teams. This can expose the company to potential legal risks and financial consequences.
Moreover, there's a risk of having disengaged employees. Burnout can impact the HR team's ability to provide the level of service needed to keep employees satisfied and engaged. When employees feel dissatisfied with HR services, it can lead to a decline in overall engagement, affecting the company culture and productivity.
2. Addressing HR Burnout
When it comes to tackling HR burnout and its negative effects, it looks a lot like promoting engagement and wellness for the entire workforce. It's about creating a workplace where everyone not only enjoys their work but is also part of a thriving environment for the entire workforce. Let's explore some strategies that companies can embrace to cultivate a healthier and more supportive working atmosphere:
Workload Management:
Ensure a balanced distribution of HR tasks by considering outsourcing HR functions like benefits administration or payroll processing to external experts. This not only lightens the workload for in-house HR professionals but also ensures tasks are handled efficiently and accurately.
Mental Health Support:
Promoting mental health is crucial. Encourage HR staff to seek mental health support when needed and provide access to counseling services. Establish a culture that encourages seeking help. This helps employees feel supported and promotes a resilient and engaged workforce.
Training and Development:
Invest in the ongoing professional development of HR professionals. Offer opportunities for skill enhancement and knowledge growth. This can boost their confidence and job satisfaction, contributing to a more motivated and capable HR team.
Outsourcing HR Functions:
Consider outsourcing specific HR functions to specialized providers. Some common outsourced functions are payroll processing or benefits administration. This strategic move allows in-house HR teams to focus on more core business tasks, reducing their workload and minimizing the risk of burnout. It's a win-win, improving efficiency and supporting the well-being of HR professionals.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, addressing employee burnout is crucial for the well-being of both HR professionals and the overall company. The statistics reveal that 42% of teams are currently dealing with burnout, highlighting the urgency of tackling this challenge.
As we discussed burnout, understanding it as constant physical and emotional exhaustion, we saw its significant implications. Recognizing signs like persistent fatigue, decreased energy levels, and a negative outlook provides essential insights for early detection.
To effectively address employee burnout, we highlighted practical strategies such as workload management, mental health support, ongoing training, and strategic outsourcing of HR functions. These initiatives not only lift the burden of HR professionals but also contribute to a healthier and more supportive work environment for the entire workforce.
Dealing with the challenges of employee burnout emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps to build a resilient, engaged, and thriving workplace. Fostering a culture that values employee well-being and taking strategic actions allows companies to minimize risks associated with burnout, ensuring the sustained success of both HR professionals and the broader company.
At CoAdvantage, a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO), we specialize in delivering tailored HR solutions for small to mid-size businesses. Our services encompass HR administration, employee benefits, payroll processing, and more. Contact us today to discover how we can assist you in building a strategic HR framework that not only fosters employee engagement but also unlocks significant business growth potential.