While I’m 100% supportive of hiring candidates with mental health challenges, I also believe it’s important for people to be honest with themselves about their ability to handle stress, especially in high-pressure roles.
That’s why during interviews, I’m always transparent about the reality of the job.
For example, recruitment isn’t your typical HR role. It’s technically a sales job. It comes with constant rejections, aggressive targets, and the need to keep smiling no matter how tired or stressed we are – because we’re dealing with people.
If a candidate tells me they struggle with stress, I don’t judge them.
But… I do gently discourage them from jumping into a role that could be too overwhelming. Instead, I’d suggest something more mundane or routine to start with, something that won’t push their nervous system to the edge from day one, if that makes sense.
I once had an employee who struggled to manage stress, even with medication. We noticed that when things got too hectic, she would often take sick leave. So, we adjusted our expectations accordingly. We gave her simpler tasks, checked in more often, and made sure she felt comfortable with deadlines we set.
Not everyone wants to run fast in the rat race, and you know what? That’s okay too.
xoxoxo, AuntyHR
