In this special episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott interviews Dr Jo Burrell, clinical psychologist and founder of Ultimate Resilience. She's also HR Magazine's number 11 most influential thinker!
Jo shares groundbreaking research that exposes the hidden mental health crisis in HR. Drawing from a survey of over 1,400 HR professionals, she reveals how the expansion of HR responsibilities - from pandemic management to being the emotional dumping ground for workplace issues - has created unprecedented pressure without corresponding support systems.
The mental wellbeing of HR professionals has reached crisis levels, with nearly half experiencing clinical depression and over 60% suffering from burnout. But who supports the supporters?
"Everyone expects them to just cope," Jo explains, highlighting how HR professionals absorb distressing situations while maintaining the appearance of having all the answers. This expectation creates barriers to seeking help, with only 13% of respondents feeling adequately supported in their workplace.
The solution may lie in clinical supervision—a structured support approach standard in psychology but revolutionary for HR. This regular, ongoing support provides a space for professionals to process the emotional toll of their work while developing skills and preventing burnout. Organisations implementing this approach are seeing it become their "fastest-selling service," suggesting a desperate need for this type of support.
Beyond individual interventions, Jo advocates for a systematic, strategic approach to workplace wellbeing rather than "piecemeal, ad hoc" initiatives. She encourages HR professionals to connect with peers, emphasising the power of normalisation: "It's so powerful when you meet someone else experiencing something you might feel shame about."
For leaders and organisations, the business case is clear: well-supported HR professionals demonstrate better mental health, reduced burnout, fewer absences, and greater retention. The question isn't whether you can afford to invest in HR wellbeing, but whether you can afford not to.
Download the full HR Mental Wellbeing Survey at HR Mental Wellbeing Report | Ultimate Resilience.
Find out more about HR Supervision services at HR Supervision | Ultimate Resilience | UK.
Supplier shout out: Gethin Nadin | LinkedIn
Jo’s LinkedIn: Dr Jo Burrell| LinkedIn
Nic’s LinkedIn: Nic Elliott | LinkedIn
We hope you enjoy this episode!
The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.
