'We're overwhelmed' | Are high workloads stopping HR from tackling staff burnout?

Tackling burnout and wellbeing has been at the top of the HR agenda since the start of the pandemic in 2020. But new research has revealed that many within the people function are struggling to look after their staff due to tackling burnout among themselves.

The research, from Wellbeing Partners, showed that the most cited issue preventing HR from providing better burnout support to employees is their own workload, with 32% of HR managers saying this is a problem. 31% also struggle to recognise signs of burnout in employees.

The survey of 200 UK HR managers also found that while six in ten (59%) said they’ve seen an increase in employee burnout in the last six months, 26% admitted to having limited understanding of how to deal with it, and more than one in five (23%) don’t understand the exact protocols to take when employees show deteriorating signs of mental health. Unsurprisingly, 17% don’t know when it’s appropriate to refer employees’ on to mental health professionals.

HR is burnt out too