Ultimate Resilience Study: 44% of HR Professionals Show Symptoms of Depression, 62% Are Close to Burnout

According to the HR Mental Wellbeing Report 2026, 44% of surveyed HR professionals exhibited clinically significant symptoms of depression. In comparison, this figure is 18% among the general population in the UK. These results pertain to the assessment of symptoms rather than confirmed medical diagnoses.

The study was conducted by Ultimate Resilience and Everywhen. From January 23 to February 28, 2026, 1,447 HR professionals participated in the survey. Nearly 3,000 responses were collected over three years of observations. Meanwhile, 62% of respondents rated the likelihood of burnout as very high, and another 12% reported being at risk.

Overload and Lack of Support

The main sources of work-related stress identified by participants were excessive workload (52%), ineffective leadership (40%), and lack of support (25%). Only 13% of respondents believe their employer supports their mental well-being well. Another 21% feel no such support at all, and 38% are considering leaving the profession.

The study's authors found a link between workplace support and employee well-being. Among HR professionals who felt no support, 66% considered leaving the profession. Among those who rated support highly, this figure was 7%. However, the survey data does not prove a direct causal relationship.

What Was Discussed at the Gaming Industry Summit

At the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit held on October 1 in London, Sarah Venables, a specialist with 25 years of experience, spoke about her own professional crisis. After a change in leadership and increased work pressure in 2018, her condition worsened. In 2019, she was diagnosed with severe depression and spent four months on medical leave.

Sarah Brewster, Managing Director of the consulting company Fresh Seed, emphasized that HR teams in gaming studios handle not only hiring and firing but also conflicts, employee inquiries, and the aftermath of restructuring. Experts suggested expanding support for HR professionals, including professional consultations and training.

The study's authors believe that individual ways of coping with stress are insufficient without revising workload and work organization.