Labour Day is here, marking the last hurrah of the Canadian summer and one final long weekend before we buckle down for the fall crunch.
The holiday is a time to honour the workers who keep our economy moving, from factory floors to the glass-clad towers of downtown offices, from deep in the forests to underground mines. But at HR News Canada, we’re casting a spotlight on a group of professionals who are often overlooked, misunderstood and, at times, downright vilified.
Yes, we’re talking about human resources professionals. It’s easy — and popular — to bash HR, after all.
While I’m not an HR professional, I’ve covered the industry long enough to hear all the complaints: “They’re the corporate cops,” “They’re too wrapped up in paperwork,” and “They’re on the side of management, not the employees.” Every time I write a column in defense of the profession, the Internet trolls sharpen their pencils.
The recent New York Times article, “So, Human Resources Is Making You Miserable?” does a fantastic job of highlighting the frustrations that many employees feel toward HR. But it also reveals something deeper — HR professionals themselves are often even more stressed and demoralized than the employees they serve.
David Segal’s article quoted Kyle Lagunas, a former HR executive at General Motors who now works at an HR advisory company in Boston. “Everything feels like a fool’s errand,” he told the Times.
“For years, we have been fighting fires with cans of gasoline,” he said. “And now, here we are, after literally giving everything we could, and it’s like: ‘Oh, thanks for everything, but’” — and here’s the G-rated version, get lost — “‘Don’t make too much work for me. I’m not going to dot those I’s and cross those T’s. I’m the business, and you’re HR.’”
No doubt that HR is bearing the brunt of a changed, perhaps meaner society, that has emerged post-pandemic. If I can dust off a less, shall we say highfalutin source than the New York Times I’ll quote Calvin, my childhood comic friend of Calvin & Hobbes fame. “If you can’t win by reason, go for volume.”
And people love to direct loud voices towards HR’s door. But we’re not going to do that here. No, instead, we’re donning our optimistic caps and brainstorming 10 reasons why human resources professionals deserve not only our respect, but also our appreciation as we celebrate Labour Day across the country.
And away we go…
1. Champions of workplace culture
The pandemic has forced companies to rethink workplace culture, and HR has been at the forefront of this transformation. HR professionals have played a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity, promoting mental health, and creating flexible work environments.
They are the unsung heroes who have helped us transition to new and better ways of working.
2. Advocates for equity and diversity
In the wake of global movements for social justice, HR departments have taken on the responsibility of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
These aren’t just buzzwords. HR teams are actively working to ensure that workplaces are reflective of Canada’s rich cultural mosaic. This is no small feat, and it’s a critical part of creating a just society.
It is always popular? Heck no. But the work has been, and remains, important. HR will continue to carry this mantle, as thankless as that task may be in the future.
3. Architects of remote work
The transition to remote work during the pandemic wasn’t just a technical challenge — it was a human challenge. HR professionals were instrumental in making this shift possible, ensuring that employees had the tools and support they needed to thrive outside the traditional office.
This adaptability is something to be proud of, and it’s a skill that will continue to be valuable in the future of work. I’ve been around enough boardroom tables to know that, when something new and unexpected shows up in the workplace, the rest of the C-suite turns their heads to the CHRO for help.
4. Guardians of employee well-being
HR isn’t just about hiring and firing. In recent years, the role has expanded to include a focus on employee well-being. Whether it’s offering mental health resources, organizing wellness programs, or ensuring a safe return to the office, HR professionals are on the front lines of keeping employees healthy and engaged.
As the New York Times article highlighted, HR often bears the brunt of workplace stress, but they’re also the ones tasked with alleviating it. They’re damn good at it, too.
5. Navigators of legal and ethical challenges
HR professionals across Canada are tasked with navigating a complex web of labour laws, human rights regulations, and ethical dilemmas. Missteps on this front are hugely expensive, both in terms of dollars and reputation.
It’s a tough job, but it’s also incredibly important. By ensuring that companies comply with legal standards and treat their employees fairly, HR professionals uphold the values that underpin our society. Hyperbole? Not at all.
6. Mediators and conflict resolvers
The workplace is a microcosm of society, complete with its conflicts and disputes. HR professionals are often the ones who are tasked to step in to mediate these issues, helping to resolve conflicts before they escalate and get much worse.
It’s a delicate balancing act, requiring empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of human nature. Their work in this area is crucial for maintaining harmony and productivity in the workplace. Try giving that task to a CFO. (No offensive to our finance friends. Well, maybe some.)
7. Facilitators of career development
HR isn’t just about managing people; it’s about helping them grow. Human resources departments have been instrumental in developing training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career development initiatives.
These programs not only benefit individual employees but also strengthen organizations as a whole. By making and defending the business case to invest in people, HR professionals are ensuring that businesses can thrive long term.
Are these programs all winners? No. But it’s hard and necessary work that requires throwing a lot of spaghetti at the wall to figure out what works best.
8. Champions of fair compensation
One of the most tangible ways HR professionals make a difference to individuals is by advocating for fair compensation and benefits.
They are the ones who ensure that employees are paid equitably for their work and have access to the benefits they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives. In a time when the cost of living is rising, this is arguably more important than ever.
Slashing a perk might look great on paper to our finance friends (sorry again, CFO), but the impact on recruitment, retention, engagement, and productivity? HR can make that case all day long.
9. Innovators in technology adoption
The adoption of new technologies in the workplace has been driven, in large part, by HR departments as they adapt to the rapidly changing demands of the workforce. From human capital management software to tools that facilitate remote work, HR professionals have been at the cutting edge of implementing technologies that improve efficiency and employee satisfaction over the last couple of years.
Is this mostly IT’s realm? No. They’re the facilitators, but HR is the one identifying the needs, drafting the policy, and monitoring to ensure everything is panning out as expected.
10. Keepers of corporate ethics
Finally, HR professionals are the moral compass of an organization. They are the ones who hold management accountable for their actions, ensuring that they operate with integrity and transparency.
Whether it’s handling sensitive workplace investigations or setting policies that reflect the company’s values, HR is crucial in maintaining the ethical standards that Canadians expect from their employers.
Organizations ask HR to wear a lot of hats, and the closet is getting pretty damn full. There is no other profession as adaptable. No function more important. And yet… not a lot of love comes HR’s way. Which is a shame, because they’re not the villains of the corporate world.
They’re the guardians.
