As the recession winds down, the casualties include a lot of dedicated HR professionals.

They've experienced the pain of letting good people go. They've watched their own colleagues disappear, and worried that they might be next.

They've encountered people they would be firing in a day or two, and longed to shout that the sky is falling.

They've endured many a hostile glare.

It hasn't gotten any better

Even at home, some find it hard to relax. Their sleep is disturbed, their appetite affected.

Though they desperately need the comfort of family, sometimes their fuses are so short that they push their loved ones away.

The recession has stolen more than job satisfaction. It has taken their peace of mind.

The cost for the organization

The HR work space has been damaged.

Productivity is often lower. Stress has increased between members of the department. Respect for leaders has diminished.

And commitment to the organization has slipped.

Help those suffering from stress

The first response should be to recognize that some are experiencing serious stress as a result of traumatic experiences.

They may need to talk with someone caring and impartial, a coach or psychotherapist, so they can release the pain they're carrying.

Confronting collective feelings

Many HR departments harbour systemic guilt and resentment. "This is not what we joined HR to do," people say. "Someone else made us do this."

It is crucial to deal with this collective distress, so the department can regain its balance and work effectively for the benefit of all.

The executive responsible for HR should bring everyone together, with no other purpose than de-briefing the past year.

It will be helpful to have a facilitator present, so the leader (who may also be carrying a lot of feelings) can participate as a member of the group, rather than trying to manage its unpredictable moods.

Good News

Healing in HR is inevitable.

When people's concerns are acknowledged and responded to, it will come all the faster.