The Psychosocial Impact of Uncertain Times
Many of us are soaking in the signs of spring—buds blooming, sunlight stretching longer into the day, and a sense of renewal in the air. But just as we settle into that warmth, a shadow can suddenly pass overhead, reminding us how unsettled the season still is.
In many ways, this mirrors what it feels like to work in HR right now—hopeful on the surface, but with an undercurrent we can’t ignore. I was reminded of this on a recent call from an HRBP looking for support. She was struggling because she felt she couldn’t properly support the team. “I can’t tell them things are going to be ok because I don’t know if they will be. It all feels like too much to handle, and I feel like I am failing them,” she said. Another talent executive shared, “I am seeing people break down in tears, unable to keep things together when they don’t understand why decisions are being made and have no idea if they will be the next to go.”
No matter your stance on the current state of the U.S., there is no denying we are in changing times, with many of us deeply concerned about the future. These external stressors have a lasting effect, deeply rooting themselves into the psyche of our workforce.
Healthy Tools for Healthier Workplaces
Just as it is with newly blossoming gardens, we in HR have a responsibility to cultivate and rejuvenate our workplaces. But we can’t do so without healthy tools.
This work starts with us.
So, what can we do as HR professionals to make sure we are ok? The answers that have been most highly researched as impactful are both obvious and simple:
Mindfulness: Observing our reactions, emotions, and thoughts without judgement and with caring inquiry.
Acceptance: Recognizing what we can and cannot control and focusing on where we can take action.
Self-Compassion: Speaking to ourselves with kindness and treating ourselves as we would a loved one.
Barriers to Self-Care
The question isn’t what we can do; the question is why don’t we do it? Here are a few reasons we may skip out on self-care:
Caretaker Mentality: HR is wired to support others. They’re constantly putting out fires, managing crises, and holding space for employee needs. Self-care often feels like a luxury, not a priority.
Invisible Labor: Much of HR’s emotional and strategic work goes unseen or underappreciated, making it harder to justify taking a break when no one’s “watching.”
Boundary Blurring: The line between personal time and professional obligation can get fuzzy, especially when HR is expected to be “always available.”
Pressure to Model Resilience: There’s an internal pressure to seem calm and composed, even when they’re overwhelmed. Asking for help or slowing down can feel like failing.
Constant Context Switching: HR is pulled in many directions—legal issues, emotional conversations, training, planning. That mental load often leaves no room for pause.
If these sound familiar to you, you are not alone. Many in HR struggle with balancing what they know they need with what they feel comfortable providing for themselves. As a former CPO myself, I am personally aware of how challenging it can be to “find the time” without feeling selfish or silly.
Ways to Integrate Self-Care into Daily Work Routines
Here are four creative ways to carve out time for your well-being:
Calendar a 15-Minute Daily Reset: Block 15 minutes a day to pause—no emails, no meetings. Use it to breathe, journal, or take a quick walk. Name it something like “Personal Audit” or “Strategic Review” to give it weight and have it look legit to others who may try to book over it.
Stack Mental Health with Something You Already Do: Pair a well-being practice with a routine habit—like doing a quick gratitude check while brushing your teeth, taking three deep breaths before every meeting, or practicing mindfulness whenever you pour or drink your coffee or refill your water.
Bookend Your Day with Boundaries: Design a 10-minute opening and closing ritual for your workday. No screens—just a grounding activity like stretching, setting intentions, writing down wins, capturing gratitudes, reading empowering quotes or sayings, enjoying some aromatherapy, or listening to empowering/relaxing music.
Default to “Not Right Now” Instead of “Yes”: Practice saying, “Let me look at my bandwidth” before committing. It buys you time and sets a boundary without guilt while showing you’re being thoughtful—not dismissive. Over time, this default helps rewire your response from reactive to intentional, so you can make smarter choices that support your energy, focus, and well-being.
Embracing Renewal in HR Practices
It’s crucial to remember that just like a garden, fostering a thriving workplace begins with nurturing ourselves. By embracing mindfulness, setting healthy boundaries, and acknowledging our self-worth, we pave the way for a resilient HR community that can face challenges with strength and grace. Let this spring be a reminder that growth starts within, and as we tend to our own needs, we empower ourselves to better support those around us.
