87% of HR professionals lack support at work – Towergate Employee Benefits

87% of HR professionals did not feel they were getting enough support at work, a report from Towergate Employee Benefits and Ultimate Resilience found.

Burnout was very likely for 63% of those surveyed, with another 15% at risk. 

Over three-quarters of HR professionals were close to not being able to continue in their roles.

Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Towergate Employee Benefits, said: “We hope that this report will lead to more support for the 87% of HR professionals who feel it is lacking and who are the backbone of support for all other employees in a business. 

“It must not be a one-way approach, and businesses must make sure that the HR function can continue to do just that – function.

“HR professionals face huge challenges, from managing redundancies to leading culture change and supporting others in crisis. 

“With all this to contend with, often on decreasing budgets, it is not surprising that burnout is rife.”

Clark added: “However, it should be borne in mind that it is easier and cheaper to provide prevention rather than cure for burnout. 

“Employers need to take action to ensure that HR receives the support it needs and doesn’t reach the critical stage.”

The report found 42% were considering leaving the HR profession. 

There was also a clear link between low wellbeing and dissatisfaction, with low levels of wellbeing seen in 67% of HR professionals.

Symptoms of low mood and depression affected 73%. 

44% met the criteria for clinically significant symptoms of depression, compared with 16% of the general population. 

HR professionals were often the ones providing support to others, but the report found it was essential they felt supported too. 

The report suggested resilience training, mental health coaching, health screenings and risk assessments as ways to help manage stress and prevent mental health problems.

Clark said: “HR professionals are implementing wellbeing strategies for employees all the time, yet only 13% of respondents say that feel ‘very’ supported in relation to their own mental health and wellbeing. 

“It is vital that HR professionals are encouraged to ‘put on their own oxygen mask first’. If the support team is not supported, then the whole structure will collapse. 

“But the support is available, HR just needs to put itself first for once.”