Purpose is your fuel, not a luxury. Taking time to reconnect with your “why” can restore clarity, motivation, and a sense of impact—especially during transition or burnout.
Leadership is empathy in action. Communication that prioritizes human connection over information alone strengthens trust, builds culture, and supports team resilience.
Well-being drives performance. Creating space for healing and hope isn’t a detour from the mission—it’s a strategic investment in sustainable service and stronger teams.
Here we are—halfway through 2025. And for many, especially those in human resources, this year hasn’t just been busy—it’s been weighty.
From workforce upheaval and shifting workplace mandates to reorganizations and layoffs, those who support the workforce have endured a relentless series of storms.
And yet, for those who remain in public service, despite the challenges, you continue to show up, to serve, and to make a difference.
That’s not just resilience. That’s purpose in motion.
So, what do we do with this mid-year moment? We pause, we honor, and we realign—with ourselves, our values, our teams, and the mission that brought us here in the first place.
In the face of burnout and bureaucracy, it’s easy to forget why we started, and where we started from. Even the most passionate professionals can feel disconnected at times, this isn’t failure, it’s proof that you care. But purpose isn’t a luxury—it’s fuel.
Take a moment to reflect: What impact have I made this year? Whose life is better because I showed up, even through the painful and challenging times?
If broad reflection feels overwhelming, anchor yourself in one specific moment—big or small—when you knew your work mattered. Maybe it was a conversation, a policy shift, or even just showing up for a struggling colleague. That moment is proof of your purpose.
If you feel stuck, try setting aside just 10-15 minutes to jot down your motivations, small wins, or positive changes you’ve facilitated—even if it’s simply how you weathered or overcame a challenge. Then, take it a step further: share your reflections with a colleague, friend, or loved one to spark meaningful dialogue or strengthen connections within your team.
And let this reflection lead to a next step—whether it’s deepening a connection, advocating for a needed change, or simply approaching your work with fresh clarity. Reconnecting with your “why” isn’t about looking back—it’s about moving forward with renewed purpose.
Whether you manage people or policies, your communication shapes culture. Be clear. Be kind. Be consistent. Strategic communication isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about fostering connection, especially when people are struggling with uncertainty or difficult changes. In challenging moments, people don’t just need updates—they need understanding.
Try implementing a more connected communication style: Host a weekly virtual “open door” check-in with your team—not just to discuss projects, but to focus on personal well-being and mutual support. Ask open-ended questions that spark reflection and deeper conversations.
You might also try asking a “Hero” question such as:
“What have you done to restore your own spark?”
“How are you finding ways to stay motivated?”
Encouraging this kind of dialogue helps strengthen connections across teams. When people share openly, it builds trust, fosters support during difficult times, and creates space to celebrate wins together.
Communication isn’t just about words—it’s about presence, empathy, and meaningful engagement. Leading with humanity ensures that people feel heard, valued, and empowered to navigate the challenges ahead, together.
The Surgeon General’s Framework on Mental Health and Wellbeing reminds us that mental health isn’t a personal luxury—it’s mission-critical. Across all sectors, in every industry and occupation, well-being fuels organizational performance, customer and employee engagement, and resilience that can drive exceptional results during any kind of change to the work environment.
Create space for real conversations. Normalize rest. Celebrate small wins. And above all, remember: caring for yourself—and others—is not a detour from service, it’s a prerequisite for leaders who walk the walk and talk the talk.
How to Start Normalizing Time for Team Healing:
- Host a “solutions sprint” to invite ideas and suggestions from across the team on how to integrate well-being into daily workflows. Encourage voices at every level to share practical strategies for strengthening resilience in the workplace.
- Organize a monthly “mental health days” where staff can engage in optional wellness activities, workshops, or collective moments of restoration—reinforcing the importance of self-care, boundary setting, and sustainable resilience.
- Lead by example. When leaders actively prioritize well-being—not just as a concept, but through visible actions—it empowers teams to do the same. Small shifts, like modeling boundary-setting and embracing restorative pauses, can redefine workplace culture for the long haul.
Healing and hope are not abstract ideals—they are tangible, actionable forces that strengthen teams, sustain service, and ensure the ability to show up for the work that matters most.
The halfway mark of the year can be a complicated place—a reflection of where we’ve been and a question of where we go next.
For many, the first half has brought loss, uncertainty, and the weight of transition. While for others, there have been interesting opportunities for new contributions and enhancements in how we operate.
But it’s also a reminder: we are not finished yet.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to keep moving forward—with intention, compassion, and the quiet courage that defines human resources as a profession, and public service at its best.
Because in this work, you are the system’s heartbeat. And your wellbeing—your ability to pause, reflect, and restore—matters. Not just for you, but for the workforce and communities you serve.
Let’s use this mid-year moment to reclaim momentum, recommit to what drives us, and move ahead with clarity and resilience. Together, we can navigate the hard changes, build bridges through uncertainty, and lift each other up in ways that make service sustainable.
Click here to view valuable resources and the recording of our recent webinar, “Mid-Year Momentum: The Evolving Role of Public Service,” from the Community Conversations with Cornerstone series.
