2022: What's in store for HR?

I love the curiosity among the HR Community. Curiosity is one of East Side Staffing’s core values, and I love questioning, discussing and brainstorming with you about topics related to our profession. Without fail, every January, I get asked many times what I foresee as the emerging trends in HR/People/Talent. What will change? What will improve? What will we see differently? How will HR Pros continue to evolve?

I’ve been thinking a lot about it, and if I’ve learned anything since this pandemic started, it’s impossible to ‘know’ anything for sure. We are resilient, adaptable beings who are capable of evolving. I’m not a fortune teller, so I am happy to share what I HOPE to see more of in 2022…

HR/People/Talent Pros really knowing their worth. For HR Pros to fully understand they aren’t ‘less than’ others in an organizational structure. They truly see their own contribution to an organization and feel proud of their expertise. They say no to situations at work that undervalue them. They set boundaries, and work on not reacting to the other person’s reaction to said boundaries. They stand up for their own worth financially, and don’t settle for salaries/income that undermines their value. They see themselves as they want others to see them-confidently! They work on their own self-esteem and aim to continue to grow in confidence and empowerment.

HR/People Talent Pros really recognizing their own limits. Yes, this is a population of professionals who are known as being happy to go ‘above and beyond’. They are often thrilled to work hard and to often push themselves for the sake of serving others. However, we saw an enormously concerning amount of burnout in the HR Community in 2020 and 2021. Do we really want that narrative to continue? Knowing their own limits will take some discipline! Knowing when they need breaks, and actually taking them. Prioritizing their own life on their calendar and blocking said time off. Letting Leaders know realistic timelines on deliverables, and setting such boundaries guilt-free. Setting an example for others in the department by acknowledging they are also worthy of rest, breaks, balance, harmony, integration…whatever we want to call it this year! This also recognizes their own humanity; an acknowledgement that HR Pros are not, in fact, robots but are human beings. Human beings are worthy of rest, balance, joy, peace and good health. Let’s make sure we remember that doesn’t just ‘happen’ but may, in fact, require a little conscious effort.

HR/People/Talent Pros investing in themselves professionally. Do you know how often I hear “well, we offer that for other departments but not HR”? It’s quite disconcerting how often HR is left out of professional development/support/partnership opportunities. Executives are offered 1:1 coaching sessions, how about HR? Accounting is able to call headhunters when they need a search on their team filled, how about HR? Legal has access to external counsel to have consultative insight, how about HR? The Finance team has brought in external trainers, how about HR? The list goes on! HR is worthy of development. It isn’t punitive or a sign of weakness to want to learn. In fact, it shows an acknowledgement that HR is a profession worthy of development. It’s a sign of strength. If you were a professional athlete, would you shun coaching? No, you would welcome it! And the more senior/experienced you became, the more customized support you’d receive. It’s time to dismantle the notion that HR is an exception to the rule. This goes for all policies (I don’t even want to tell you how often I hear HR pros say that their own team doesn’t do reviews/stay interviews etc.) It’s a sign of disrespect to the profession if we allow HR to be an exception to all things growth related.

HR/People/Talent Pros building community. I am hopeful that more HR Pros will recognize the power of learning from others and in building intentional, meaningful connections. Not only when they ‘need’ something or to gain something from someone. Building community starts with vulnerability; a willingness to share hardships and share accomplishments. A desire to learn more about other people and learn with each other about the profession. To meet people outside of our community and to meet people with other experiences so we can grow in empathy and kindness. While we need to create safe spaces at work, we must also want to create safe spaces with each other. I see this done with the #HRCommunity so beautifully on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Clubhouse and often LinkedIn. Go bravely into connection and see what you learn, how you grow! We are wired for connection and we need to remember we aren’t on an island, especially during this pandemic.

There we have it! What I hope to see more of this year. Thanks for learning with me, and opening your heart to the idea of growth and change. I’m right here with you, in all ways. Feel free to let me know what you hope to see more of in 2022... and let's stay open to evolving together. #LearnWithLauraHR