Employers urged to go beyond lip service in supporting HR professionals
A mass exodus among HR professionals is on the horizon as their mental health declines due to high levels of stress at work, according to a new report.
Findings from HiBob's recent report revealed that 73% of them are already considering leaving the profession because of the stress they've experienced in the past 12 months.
"The timing is critical for Aussie businesses. They're staring in the face of a mass exodus that can fundamentally fold their structure," said Kaitlyn Hannan, customer success director, HiBob, in a statement.
"Executives need to ensure HR professionals can strike the balance they're promised, equal parts human and resources."
High levels of stress in HR
HiBob's report, which polled 519 senior HR professionals in Australia, attributed the ongoing mental health decline to the emotional toll of the HR profession's changing nature of work.
It comes as HR leaders in Australia deal with decisions around retention, redundancies, pay, culture, and hiring. Previous research has also underscored that HR leaders play an essential role in AI adoption in the workplace.
According to HiBob's findings, 81% admit that they are struggling to balance the financial goals of executives and the wellbeing of employees.
These challenges kept 72% of employees from disconnecting from their work over the past 12 months, while another 72% said they felt increasing isolation in the role.
"The role of HR has categorically changed, revealing a critical and unsustainable reality," Hannan said.
Additionally, HR leaders said they are carrying the mental health burdens of employees.
Around three in four HR leaders said they are dealing with declining employee morale (72%) and are absorbing the emotional stress of employees without having anyone to turn to themselves over the past 12 months (75%).
"The very people tasked with supporting employees are suffering a major mental health crisis — and they need more than lip service to counteract this," Hannan said.
"Tangible resources and executive support to help HR professionals manage the pressure are so important."
