Impact of HR Burnout: The Pandemic Effect

Burnout is a ‘burning’ issue in today's dynamic work environment, profoundly impacting employee well-being and organizational productivity. Burnout is a state of chronic physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwork, often leading to decreased productivity, cynicism, and a sense of detachment from one's job. Economic uncertainties, job insecurity, and the continuous need to adapt to changing conditions have heightened the risk of burnout. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the existing and introduced new stress levels. 

The Impact of Burnout on HR Professionals 

The pandemic took a toll on employees' health worldwide, and HR was no exception. HR departments experienced this twice as hard. From coordinating large-scale digitalization and ensuring the well-being of colleagues to being the bearers of bad news for laid-off employees, HR staff had to manage several workplace transformations. HR personnel had to demonstrate unusual resilience during an unprecedented time. It took all their strength to juggle keeping people safe, delivering the necessary technology to connect everyone under adverse conditions, and providing psychological safety and mental health support. They had to continually ensure employee wellbeing was intact and look for signs of burnout. 

The Role of HR During the Pandemic 

HR occasionally served as cheerleaders and therapists to boost morale in their organizations and perform routine tasks like recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retaining employees. Was that a part of their job as the pandemic unfolded? Yes! Did it take a toll? One would be lying if they said no. HR professionals demonstrated remarkable resilience, but burnout took a toll on them substantially despite their efforts. One could also shrug off the consequences, saying it is what it is, but burnout among HR staff is a tangible consequence.