Self-care for the HR professional: Take care of yourself too
Human resource professionals are heroes. You play a crucial role in fostering a positive work environment, managing employee relations, handling recruitment, ensuring compliance with labour laws, and implementing company policies. An HR professional is a caretaker of an organisation’s valuable asset (its people). Who even takes care of you? Self-care for the HR professional is a necessity.
There are times when you face an overwhelming workload. From dealing with complex employee issues to navigating the intricacies of employment law and organisational changes, your responsibilities are vast and varied. The pressure to be constantly available and responsive leads to high levels of stress and burnout. 95% of HR leaders find the work overwhelming due to the excessive workload. While you are dedicated to taking care of others, you may struggle to find time to take care of yourself. This is the point where self-care becomes crucial.
The nature of this job requires you to be an empathetic listener, problem-solver, and often the mediator in difficult situations. Also, you handle sensitive and distressing information, which can take an emotional toll. Additionally, the need to remain impartial and maintain confidentiality adds another layer of complexity. All hope is not lost. You can adjust to take care of yourself and meet the people’s expectations.
Tips for self-care for the HR professional
Set boundaries
One of the most important aspects of self-care for HR professionals is setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. It is tempting to stay connected and responsive at all times due to the nature of the job. Establish specific work hours and communicate these boundaries to colleagues. Take regular breaks during the workday and disconnect from work-related communications after hours. I love to use the stairs to stretch my muscles during break time, and I do not respond to work messages after work (unless very urgent). This helps me to focus on my personal life.
Develop time management skills
Effective time management helps HR professionals handle workloads more efficiently and reduce stress. Prioritise tasks and delegate responsibilities when possible. Use productivity tools to reduce the time in performing some tasks, especially administrative tasks. ChatGPT is a common tool that can save you time. Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes both work tasks and personal activities to ensure a balanced approach to managing time. I love the weekly schedule.
Seek support
While HR professionals are often the go-to support system for others, it is equally important for you to seek support when needed. This can include talking to a trusted colleague, seeking guidance from a mentor, or joining a professional network or support group for HR professionals. Sharing experiences and challenges with others who understand the unique demands of the HR role can provide valuable insights and emotional support.
Prioritise physical health
Maintaining physical health is a fundamental aspect of self-care for HR professionals. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are essential for overall well-being. Incorporating physical activity into the daily routine, whether it’s a morning jog or a breaktime walk reduces stress and improves energy levels. I do a lot of sitting at work. The best I do to reduce its impact is to avoid heavy eating at night and walk more.
Practise what you preach
You advocate for a supportive work environment, not only for employees but also for yourself. Promote a culture of well-being within the organisation to benefit everyone. This might include implementing wellness programs, encouraging regular breaks, and fostering open communication about mental health. Do it yourself while you encourage others to do it. Leading by example creates a workplace where self-care is valued and practised by all.
Self-care for the HR professional is not just a luxury. It is a necessity. You play a key role in supporting and nurturing employees. It is imperative to prioritise your well-being. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Equip yourself to take care of others.
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