How Can We Cause the Effect?

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Last month, I was joined by thousands of Human Resources professionals at the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo in New Orleans. We engaged in stimulating discussions on all things work and the workplace. The theme of SHRM22 was “Cause the Effect.” What does this mean, why is it important, and how do we implement this paradigm-shift into our daily practices??

Right now, workplaces across the country are still undergoing massive changes due to the pandemic, including the loss of lives and livelihoods. All of these crises have affected organizations and their employees across the world. When you throw a pebble into a pool of still water, it doesn’t fall in without a splash. It creates a ripple effect which carries on beyond the moment. At SHRM22, I asked folks a simple question: Is HR a Thermometer or a Thermostat? You see, Thermometers simply measure the temperature; they tell you what the current temperature is. Thermostats, on the other hand, change the temperature.

If we are indeed going to take up the mantle of Causing the Effect in our significantly-changed workplaces and workforces, we are going to have to become Thermostats.

It’s no secret we are living in divisive times. That’s why SHRM22’s theme, “Cause the Effect'', depicted the pivotal role HR personnel currently play in affecting changes. It’s a paradigm-shifting call to action. It's a mandate from employers, employees, and government leaders all over the globe to do more than practice HR but to lead the way in order to mitigate the challenges during these tumultuous times.

How can we take “Cause the Effect” and bring it into action??