Where HR’s Role Begins and Ends: Mental Health, Boundaries & Burnout with Victoria Rivera

In the final episode of the year, Talk HR explores the increasingly critical intersection of HR responsibility and mental health. With wellness concerns intensifying across workplaces—and HR professionals now fielding everything from anxiety to burnout to accommodation requests—this episode examines how HR can support others without sacrificing their own wellbeing.

Hosts Harrison Newman and Sam DeMario welcome Victoria Rivera, LCSW, a corporate wellness psychotherapist who specializes in working with HR professionals and employee populations. Rivera offers insight into why mental health leave has surged 300%, where HR’s role begins and ends, and why self-care is not optional for those tasked with caring for others.

As the holiday season brings heightened pressure for employees and leaders alike, this episode serves as a timely reminder to pause, boundary-set, and replenish.

Key Moments:

(00:06) Holiday intro and year-end reflection on challenges facing HR
(02:35) Personal reflections from Harrison and Sam on work-life balance and wellbeing
(04:04) Guest introduction: Victoria Rivera, psychotherapist and corporate wellness expert
(05:22) Why mental health leave is up 300% and what that signals
(07:47) Where HR responsibility begins and ends in supporting mental health
(09:52) The emotional toll HR absorbs and why self-care is critical
(12:51) Signs of burnout and nervous system overwhelm HR should recognize
(21:09) Corporate wellness gaps and supporting high-performing employees
(24:19) Four foundational self-regulation practices for leaders under stress
(29:44) Setting boundaries and advocating for support as a caregiver and employee
(32:58) Final reflection: entering the new year with empathy and resilience