Introduction
Leaders in the field of Human Resources (HR) face a constant challenge: they are responsible for managing talent, building organizational culture, and promoting employee well-being while simultaneously juggling their personal lives, emotions, and mental health. This creates a paradox where those entrusted with ensuring the well-being of others often neglect their own.
The Growing Recognition of Self-Care
However, a growing number of voices within the corporate world now agree on the fundamental principle that “to care for others, one must first take care of themselves.” This shift in mindset is crucial for HR leaders to maintain their emotional stability and lead authentically.
Insights from HR Leaders
A Vice President of HR at a technology company emphasized, “My days are filled with urgent decisions. Therefore, creating an intentional routine around mental well-being is crucial.” This perspective resonates with many leaders who have realized that their ability to lead depends significantly on their emotional and mental stability.
Mauricio Reynoso, General Director of the Mexican Association for Human Resources Management (Amedirh), echoed this sentiment during a book presentation. He referenced the well-known phrase for frequent travelers: “Put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.” Reynoso believes that prioritizing one’s well-being is not egoism but a prerequisite for authentic leadership, enabling clear communication, expectation management, and equitable performance.
Strategies for Maintaining Mental Health
HR leaders are increasingly adopting various strategies to maintain their mental health:
- Intentional Start to the Workday: Begin with a moment of reflection, preparing ideas, and anticipating daily challenges. This practice can foster clarity and calm.
- Physical Well-being: Short daily exercise routines, calisthenics, or using stairs instead of elevators can serve as mental resets, allowing the mind to unwind and reconnect with oneself.
- Setting Clear Boundaries: Managing personal and professional schedules with equal rigor enables full engagement in work or family life, guilt-free.
- Nature Connection: Spending time in nature, whether through hiking, visiting mountains or fields, or simply being outdoors, is becoming increasingly popular for rejuvenation.
Importance of Human Connections
Beyond personal strategies, fostering human connections is vital. Authentic conversations with colleagues, humor, and vulnerability help HR leaders understand their coworkers, share experiences, and maintain perspective. This human connection is integral to the Employee Value Proposition (EVP), which emphasizes feeling valued and respected within the organization.
Creating Dialogue Spaces
HR leaders can benefit from creating spaces for honest dialogue with peers and middle management, addressing shared concerns rather than individual issues.
Key Questions and Answers
- Why is self-care important for HR leaders? Self-care is not a luxury but a strategic necessity for HR leaders. It’s also an act of coherence and responsibility, as they must first support themselves to effectively support others.
- What strategies can HR leaders use to maintain mental health? Strategies include intentionally starting the workday, prioritizing physical well-being, setting clear boundaries, and connecting with nature. Human connections and creating dialogue spaces are also crucial.
