Refuelling the HR Profession: Why Women in HR Need Space to Rebalance

Introduction

When I talk to women working in HR, a common theme emerges: they’re the ones everyone else turns to for support but rarely the ones who pause to ask what they need.  They’re the calm in the storm when conflict arises, the voice of reason in restructures, and the glue that holds culture and communication together. But the cost of being the constant “steady one” can be high.

Behind the professional composure, many describe feeling emotionally depleted, reactive rather than strategic, and unsure where to focus their energy next. It’s something I hear often in my work with HR professionals and it’s exactly why I created a reflective coaching space called Refuel and Rebalance. The aim is simple: help women in HR reconnect with confidence, clarify where their energy goes, and strengthen their impact.

The Hidden Weight of HR

HR is a profession built on empathy, yet often lacking in self-compassion. Many describe juggling multiple demands: leading people initiatives, firefighting day-to-day issues, supporting senior leaders, and trying to carve out time for strategic thinking.

In the middle of it all, their own development slips down the list. There’s a quiet expectation from others and often from themselves to hold everything together, to stay calm and professional even when capacity is stretched.

If this sounds familiar, pause and ask:

  • Where am I giving most of my energy?
  • Is that where I make the biggest impact?
  • What would change if I focused on what matters most?

Creating a Space to Refuel

One HR professional who joined the pilot described the programme as “Supportive, Practical, Empowering.” Each session had a clear focus  from time management to communicating HR’s value and space to explore what mattered most to her.

She realised how much time went to responding to others’ needs rather than leading from her own priorities. She began carving out focus time in her diary, creating room for strategic thinking instead of back-to-back meetings.

This isn’t about saying no for the sake of it, it’s about saying yes to what truly adds value.

From Overload to Intention

As the sessions progressed, she became more intentional in both communication and energy investment.

“I feel much more confident in my role and clearer about the value HR brings to the organisation. I’ve become more thoughtful in how I communicate with the senior leadership team, ensuring I frame discussions around the impact and value of our work.”

Strengthening boundaries helped her and her team. By delegating more effectively and providing clear direction, she created growth for a colleague while freeing herself to focus on higher-value work.

That’s the ripple effect of refuelling: when you feel balanced and purposeful, others benefit too.

Confidence, Clarity and Connection

Her biggest takeaway was confidence and clarity.

“I know I’m in the right role, and I’ve gained practical ways to make a stronger impact.”

Women in HR are already skilled and capable; they rarely have time to step back and see it. When they do, results follow renewed energy, stronger presence, and a clearer sense of identity as an HR leader.

You don’t need to do more to have more impact. You need to focus your energy on what truly matters.

Try This Week: Refuel & Rebalance

 

1) Protect your energy (calendar gatekeeping)

  • Block one 60-minute Thinking Time slot.
  • Ask: Does this need me, or would a summary do?
  • Script: “I’m at capacity this week, could you send bullet points and I’ll respond by Friday?”

Reflection: Where did “not now” create the most value?

 

2) Reframe HR’s value (leadership language)

  • Start with: “Business impact… Risk if we don’t… Recommended next step…”
  • Tie initiatives to revenue, risk, cost, or capability.
Reflection: Which activity moved a business metric?

 

3) Create space to think (weekly reset)

  • Pick three priorities; park the rest.
  • 5-minute Stop / Start / Continue.
  • Quick energy audit.
Reflection: What one tweak will I carry into next week?

 

Looking Ahead

If you’re in HR, take a few minutes this week to ask:

  • Where am I running on empty?
  • What small change would help me refuel?
  • What would it look like to lead with intention, not depletion?

Because when women in HR feel grounded, confident, and energised, the entire organisation benefits.

I love supporting women in HR and am currently working with a small number of professionals in this space. If the themes in this blog resonate, I’d love to help support you too.  Get in touch for a no obligation conversation here.