Why HR Needs Support Too: Dr. Jo Burrell on Burnout and Organisational Change

Episode 9: Can We Have a Word?

In this episode of “Can We Have a Word?” podcast, Dr. Jo Burrell joins host Tobba Vigfúsdóttir for a thoughtful exploration of workplace wellbeing, centered on the mental health of HR professionals.

Jo brings over two decades of clinical experience and is co-founder of Ultimate Resilience, a company focused on evidence-based resilience and burnout prevention at work.

During the discussion, Jo shares insights from the UK’s largest survey into HR mental health, talks about her motivations, and discusses practical approaches to supporting those who are supporting everyone else in the organization.

Key topics discussed in the episode include:

• Jo Burrell’s shift from NHS clinician to workplace mental health advocate, and what drove the change.
• Why HR professionals’ wellbeing is often overlooked in research, policy, and internal support structures.
• Alarming findings from The Age of Mental Wellbeing Report, revealing high burnout and low support.
• How organizational support (or lack of it) directly affects HR wellbeing, retention, and performance outcomes.
• The growing emotional demands of HR roles, without matching increases in resources or recognition.
• Supervision as a tool to support HR resilience, offering confidential space to process emotional strain.
• Balancing personal boundaries with systemic change, and the role of leadership and professional bodies.
• Practical steps HR professionals can take to protect their wellbeing and normalize open conversations.

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.