HR Doesn't Belong In The Shadows

In today’s fast-paced and highly connected world, the role of HR executives has evolved significantly. We shouldn’t be “behind-the-scenes” facilitators—that’s a thing of the past. Today’s HR leaders are front and center, shaping company culture, driving talent acquisition strategy, and most importantly, connecting with their teams on a personal level.

Why Increased Team Interaction Matters

In my career, I’ve noticed that when I walk into one of our practices that I haven’t visited in a while, the team tends to appear anxious, as if they're concerned that someone might be facing a difficult HR conversation; it has even led to gossip. While I do hope our team respects my department, I’ve always believed that they shouldn’t feel intimidated by it. This experience taught me a valuable lesson.? While helping build a good company culture has always been a priority, I’ve only recently come to fully appreciate the role that relationships and increased interaction play in achieving it.

I want our teams to feel comfortable sharing things that may not even seem that important—because it can often be the little things that make a job fulfilling.? To create an environment where this is possible, we’ve increased meetings and review frequency.? We’re incorporating text chat options for communication beyond just email, such as Slack—because who doesn’t need another chatting platform, right? We recently held our first company-wide group summit event, bringing together all the practices and the executive team to connect.? We're already seeing these efforts pay dividends—teams are more relaxed, coachable, and supportive; it’s exciting to see.

Core Values in Practice

Building these relationships is not just about frequent interactions; it's about embodying the core values that define our organization.? When we are visible and engaged with our teams, we can demonstrate that we’re not just talking the talk—we’re walking the walk. Our teams have an opportunity to see that we’re not only enforcing policies but living the values that define our organization. This alignment not only builds trust but also strengthens the overall culture.

HR on Social Media

We’ve all recognized the importance of increasing our company's visibility on social media. But with HR, it’s often been limited to recruiting or employee recognition. What about the other areas of HR? We can be transparent and visible in all aspects. It’s actually beneficial for your teams to see you engaging or even seeking advice on a platform like LinkedIn, with discussions on topics like compliance or conflict resolution with other professionals. This level of engagement not only builds trust but also fosters a culture of humility and collaboration. It can be a powerful tool to humanize HR and build authentic connections.

Focus on Relationships

At the core of all these efforts is my personal commitment to building strong relationships. I personally played a part in recruiting most of our team members, and my goal has always been to help them grow—it's why I entered this field in the first place.? By focusing on more interactions, visibility, and showcasing our alignment with our core values, I’m confident we can cultivate a workplace where our teams truly flourish and grow. The journey continues, and we're committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels connected and supported—even looking forward to those Monday morning huddles. (Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but we’ll try!)