Head of Marketing
4 Minutes Read
This post draws on a conversation from Kara Connect with Dr. Jo Burrell, co-founder of Ultimate Resilience, in discussion with host Tobba Vigfusdottir. A clinical psychologist with decades of NHS experience, Dr. Burrell has become a leading advocate for supporting mental wellbeing in HR—especially those quietly struggling while supporting everyone else.
Dr. Burrell’s recent research brings fresh clarity to a pressing but under-recognized workplace challenge: HR professionals are at high risk of burnout, anxiety, and depression, and organizational support is often lacking. The findings and solutions she shares will be eye-opening, whether you’re in HR, management, or care about workplace wellbeing.
Here are five practical takeaways from Dr. Jo Burrell’s insights.
1. HR Professionals Are in a Mental Health Crisis. And the Numbers Prove It
“We found 44% of our respondents were in the clinical range for depression… almost half with significant symptoms of depression. That’s two and a half times higher than in the general population in the UK.”
Dr. Burrell’s recent UK survey—nearly 1,500 responses strong—paints a stark picture. Levels of depression, anxiety, and burnout among HR professionals are far higher than national averages. Yet only 13% say they feel well supported at work. Support isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s essential protection for those handling complex, emotionally demanding work.
2. Recognition Is the First Step to Meaningful Change
“The place to start for organizations is acknowledgement and recognition, simple as that. We need organisations to acknowledge and recognize what it is—the depth of difficulty and complexity HR professionals are facing.”
Support begins with leaders understanding the unique pressures that HR faces—often being both the bearer of bad news and the organisation’s emotional caretakers. Simply recognizing the emotional labor involved in HR is a powerful culture shift. Without it, too many HR professionals internalize blame, remain silent, or quietly burn out.
3. HR Needs Structured Support, Not Just Another Workshop
“There wasn’t a system of support in place. I realized that was a massive lack, a massive gap… Supervision is something we’re now offering both individuals and to teams.”
Dr. Burrell highlights a key solution: supervision. Unlike ad hoc wellbeing sessions or short courses, regular supervision—much like that which is standard for clinical psychologists—provides an ongoing confidential space for HR professionals to process tough experiences, decompress, and get peer support. Investing in this kind of support reduces absence, turnover, and creates healthier workplaces.
4. Professional Bodies and Senior Leaders Play a Critical Role
“That’s why in our report we talk about three levels: individual, organisational, and professional. Professional bodies need to be championing and driving this… but it’s shared responsibility.”
Professional networks and bodies like CIPD should champion mental health support, set best practice, and clarify HR’s evolving role. Equally, senior leaders need to be visible in backing these efforts, not just leaving them to chance or individual initiative. Shared responsibility means meaningful advocacy from the top and practical support at every level.
5. Talking About Struggles Isn’t Weakness. It’s the Path to Recovery
“A small thing is just talk to someone else about your mental wellbeing. When we connect, that has this really important normalizing effect… it relieves a load of pressure.”
Dr. Burrell reminds us that connection—not isolation—is key to resilience. Many HR professionals assume “it’s just me” who is struggling. Regularly talking with trusted colleagues, peers, or within structured supervision, helps to normalize challenges and ease the self-blame that keeps so many suffering in silence.
Conclusion
Dr. Jo Burrell’s work highlights a hidden crisis—and a clear opportunity. HR professionals are often the backbone of organisational wellbeing, but their own needs have gone unacknowledged for too long. Recognition, structured support, and open conversation are vital steps for organisations that want to retain and empower this key workforce.
Listen to the full Kara Connect episode with Dr. Jo Burrell for more on building resilience in HR.
Feeling inspired to start the conversation at your workplace? Download the Age of Mental Wellbeing Report from Ultimate Resilience or contact their team for guidance on HR supervision and support.
