Mental Health Awareness Week: Why Recruiters Need to Prioritise Their Own Wellbeing Too
Let’s be honest recruitment is intense. Targets, KPIs, constant communication, long hours, and the emotional highs and lows of helping people land jobs (or not). It’s a fast-paced, people-first industry that demands a lot from those of us in it. So, this Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re turning the focus to recruiters themselves.
Because while we spend our days helping others find the right work environment, sometimes we forget to check in on our own.
The Mental Load of Being a Recruiter
Recruitment isn’t just about finding CVs and ticking boxes. It’s about people. And people bring emotions, expectations, and sometimes stress.
You could have five offers go out in a day… and five candidates pull out the next morning. You might work flat out to fill a role, only to have it cancelled last minute. It’s a rollercoaster, and it takes resilience. But resilience doesn’t mean ignoring the pressure. It means acknowledging it, addressing it, and having the tools in place to manage it.
Burnout Is Real - And Common
Let’s call it what it is: burnout. Recruiters are some of the hardest working professionals out there. We multitask like pros, juggle hundreds of conversations, and stay “on” even when we log off.
But we’re human. And when you combine high stress, tight deadlines, and the pressure to perform, it can all stack up.
In fact, research shows at least one in six workers is experiencing a common mental health problem, like anxiety or depression, at any given time. For recruiters, who often deal with high expectations, rapid decision-making, and emotional ups and downs, those numbers feel very real in day-to-day life.
Mental Health in the Workplace: It Starts with Culture
At Priority Recruitment, we’re big believers in creating a respectful, enjoyable, and supportive workplace culture. We don’t just want our consultants to hit their targets - we want them to enjoy coming to work.
It starts with conversations. Being open about mental health and normalising the ups and downs helps create a space where people feel safe to speak up. Whether that’s saying “I’m not OK today” or asking for a breather when things get too much. We also believe in flexibility. Hybrid working, clear boundaries on work hours, and encouraging proper breaks all go a long way in protecting our mental health.
Mental health is a huge priority for us. This is why we have been partnered with Manchester Mind since 2023. Focussing on providing support for over 7,000 children, young people and adults each year, Manchester Mind is a local charity that promotes positive attitudes towards mental health in an aim to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
Tips for Recruiters to Protect Their Mental Health
Whether you’re new to recruitment or have been in the game for years, here are a few tips to help you manage the mental load:
- Set Clear Boundaries: It’s tempting to reply to that late-night candidate message, but your time off is just as important as your time on.
- Celebrate the Wins: Recruitment can be thankless at times. Make sure to celebrate every placement, every good interview, and every happy client. Those moments matter.
- Talk to Your Team: Don’t carry stress alone. Whether it’s a manager, a teammate, or even someone outside of work, sharing how you’re feeling makes a difference.
- Move Your Body: Whether it’s walking to work, stretching at your desk, or a full-on gym session, physical movement is proven to reduce stress.
- Seek Support if You Need It: There’s no shame in needing help. Whether that’s talking to a therapist, using an employee assistance programme, or simply taking a mental health day—do what’s right for you.
We're All in This Together
Mental Health Awareness Week is about more than a hashtag. It’s about checking in. On us, our teammates, and the people we work with every day.
Recruiters play a huge role in people’s lives. We help shape careers, boost confidence, and open doors. But we can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of our own mental health isn’t just important, it’s essential.
So, this week, let’s be a little more honest, a little more human, and a lot more supportive.
If you’re struggling right now, you’re not alone. Whether you’re part of our team, a fellow recruiter, or just someone who needed to read this today, reach out, speak up, and look after yourself. You deserve it.
