If your Business as Usual (BAU) is making people cry, then your BAU is broken. Full stop.
I could leave it there, but let’s dig into why I feel so strongly about this.
Lately, I’ve been having conversations with HR professionals who are overwhelmed. They’re stretched too thin, struggling to keep up, and when they ask for help, the response they get is:
“It’s just BAU. You’ve got to crack on.”
“You just have to suck it up.”
“Get on with it.”
And honestly? That’s not acceptable.
When BAU Pushes People to the Breaking Point
If your BAU is causing people to cry, lose sleep, work excessive hours, and have no life outside of work, then your BAU isn’t just demanding, it’s destructive.
How loud do I need to say that? Maybe I should stand in a field and shout it (which, by the way, I highly recommend, very therapeutic).
The real issue is that when HR professionals reach out for support, they’re often met with indifference. Worse, they’re made to feel like they’re the problem. But they’re not. The real problem is the relentless workload, the shifting expectations, and the ever-increasing demands placed on them.
People have limits. And as employers, leaders, and organisations, we are responsible for acknowledging those limits, not pushing people past them. When someone raises concerns about workload or burnout, the solution isn’t to tell them to “be more available” or “just work harder.” That kind of thinking isn’t just flawed, it’s harmful.
The Emotional Toll of HR Work
HR is not just policy and paperwork. Even a so-called “simple” disciplinary action carries an emotional toll. HR professionals navigate sensitive situations, mediate conflicts, and support employees through some of the most challenging moments of their careers. This work is not transactional; it is deeply human, and it cannot be dismissed as just another task on a to-do list.
Yet, despite the weight of their responsibilities, HR teams are constantly being asked to do more. More change management. More crisis response. More strategic initiatives – on top of their already overwhelming workload.
It’s Time to Do Better
So here’s my challenge to HR leaders: Stop pushing the narrative that this is “just BAU.” We know HR work is tough. The real question is, what are we doing about it? Instead of telling people to “suck it up,” ask yourself:
- What support systems are in place for HR professionals?
- How can we better manage workloads?
- Are we setting realistic expectations?
- Would I tolerate this level of pressure for myself?
And to the HR professionals who are struggling: Keep asking for help. Keep pushing for change. You deserve better.
So, the next time you’re about to dismiss someone’s concerns with “it’s just BAU,” pause for a moment. Ask yourself: Is this the kind of workplace I truly want to be a part of? Because if BAU is breaking people, it’s not BAU—it’s a crisis.
