By Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD

While wellbeing has become a mainstream conversation in the workplace, the wellbeing of HR professionals themselves is still largely overlooked.

In my latest podcast episode, I explore the rising crisis of burnout in HR – especially among those who’ve left corporate life to run their own businesses. The data is clear: burnout is not just common, it’s become dangerously normalised.

Entrepreneurs at Breaking Point
Running a business brings freedom but also intense pressure. Recent stats show:

• 42% of US small-business owners have experienced burnout
  
  

• 37% of UK founders say work has harmed their health
  
  

• Nearly 50% of Canadian entrepreneurs face ongoing mental health issues
  
  

We often swap corporate stress for entrepreneurial stress – and it’s taking a toll.

HR Professionals: Supporting Everyone but Themselves

According to the HR Wellbeing Survey 2024:

• 74% have experienced burnout at least once
  
  

• Over 60% report multiple episodes
  
  

• 91% feel lonely in their role
  
  

• Half are considering leaving within a year
  
  

• A third have taken stress-related sick leave
  
  

• Over half have had no recent performance feedback
  
  

These figures reflect a sector in crisis, and for HR consultants juggling both people and business demands, the impact can be even more intense.

What’s Driving the Burnout?

The causes are layered: unrealistic expectations, emotional labour without support, lack of visibility or boundaries, and little opportunity for feedback or reflection. Many feel constantly "on" and professionally isolated.

How We Start to Recover
Burnout is not a badge of honour. It’s a red flag. Here's what can help:

• Setting and maintaining boundaries
  
  

• Seeking support through coaching or peer networks
  
  

• Creating time for personal reflection
  
  

• Saying no when necessary
  
  

• Joining communities designed to support HR professionals – like the HR Consultancy Academy
  
  

This episode is an invitation to start taking our own well being seriously. The calm exterior so often expected of HR masks a growing internal crisis – and it’s time we addressed it.

Listen to the full podcast for the full conversation and practical ways forward.

#LeapIntoHRConsulting #TheHRConsultancyAcademy #HRBurnout #MentalHealthInHR #EntrepreneurWellbeing #WellbeingAtWork #BoundariesInBusiness