HR Heroics And Lessons From The Other Side: Part 1

We live in a new world. The more foreboding and largely unpredictable events of this world have forever crept into the workplace. What's more is that the role of the Human Resources professional has, unsurprisingly, moved swiftly from steward to leader to bulwark in the face of this new world.

Let's call HR professionals what they are: heroes. Countless numbers of them have risen to this challenge. Heroes need to be both celebrated and challenged to continually up their game.

In this multi-part series, I will do just that by sharing lessons from the other side. What other side, you ask? The answer is two-fold: 1) the side of one who has walked in their shoes and now, as a business owner and entrepreneur, has a clearer vantage point from which I can offer insights and solutions, and 2) the side where we all now have a bit more experience with first-of-a-kind or unusual issues.

Part 1: Privacy Matters

How many times, pre-COVID, has an HR professional inquired about your vaccination status? Hint: The answer begins with an "n" and ends with an "r."

HR leads business-driven talent management strategies. This requires an odd mixture of roles: strategist, optimist, pessimist, therapist, and pragmatist. But, never immunologist. The pandemic changed even that.

HR was thrust into an unenviable role of procuring privacy while explaining where and why privacy laws didn't apply. Few employees expected that they'd need to be engaged in conversations about vaccinations in the context of workplace policies. As a former CHRO and C-Suite executive, I've had the occasion to speak with several HR professionals who struggled to design and communicate new COVID policies in ways that were consistent with their own personal and professional views. Privacy matters were often at the center of those struggles.

Is it true that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) doesn't apply to all businesses and employers?

Are we still allowed to ask about vaccination statuses despite the HIPAA Privacy Rule?

But isn't COVID-19 Vaccination Status treated as confidential medical information?

Yes, yes, and yes.

As with all leaders, HR quickly learned the nuances of these laws. The fact that privacy always matters was reinforced daily--several times a day in many cases. That said, there are other important lessons from these experiences for HR leaders who are key shepherds of workplace wellbeing:

• While deeply meaningful, your personal views will often need to be compartmentalized as an HR professional. Obviously, there are lines that you alone must decide are non-negotiable. And, as a leader in the field, you will inevitably be called on to navigate situations that place the interests of the company and your colleagues at odds with each other. Be prepared by thoroughly understanding the issues and knowing whether to lead from the front...or behind.
• Kindness goes a long way. Even when you're leading through contentious landmines such as these, demonstrate a heart of compassion. Never let newly found positions of authority get the better of you. People will always want to feel that you understand their perspective, even if you act in opposition to it. Maya Angelou said it best...

• Privacy matters and the related implications are bigger than vaccination statuses. How well are your leaders leading on the ground? Is there transparency in making tough decisions around exceptions to policies? Who knows what and why? As you balance privacy matters, are you also reassessing fairness and consistency in your practices? Be a big-picture HR leader, thinker, and doer.

And, as always, common sense is a wonderful guide in leadership. Solutions to the thorniest problems must often?come from the "gut." When the data has been assessed, the senior team consulted, and your inner circle has advised you--do a gut check and rely on your common sense in matters of privacy and otherwise.

Joanne (Jo) Rencher, Founder & CEO of Joanne Rencher & Associates:?jrencher-associates.com?| email: [email protected] Author of?Tough As Nails: Finding Your Voice as a Woman in the Workplace