HR Reimagined: From 'Why We Hate' to 'Why We Need'

I was going through some old business books and magazines recently and uncovered a 2005 Fast Company headline cover, Why we hate HR .

I was immediately taken back to that time when it first came out and how I reacted, which was, like many HR professionals who read it, enraged to say the least.

I took a step back, wondering why an almost 20 year article was still potent enough of a trigger for me, and then I thought instead, how has my experience and time changed my perspective on HR? Could I be more understanding and emphatic to the article’s intent? So I re-read it and quickly found myself in a lively internal debate. Even years later, this debate fuels my desire to reshape HR's legacy. From my early days as a recruiter to my current passion for organizational and leadership development, my journey has solidified a core belief: HR's true calling is to be the backbone of company success and to foster a culture of high performance without compromise.

To me, HR is more than just an operational function (as intimated in the article as the core contribution); it is a holistic strategic partner. This partnership doesn’t mean yielding to every whim of leadership, however, to show value or impact. Instead, it represents a sophisticated strategy that harmonizes business needs with employee well-being, and the capability to navigate this intricate path with agility and foresight.

So, how do we pivot from viewing HR as a 'necessary evil' to seeing it as an invaluable ally? The way I see it is through consistency, integrity, a strong moral compass, and execution. HR distinguishes itself by mastering these areas, adeptly balancing flexibility with firmness, and excelling as both a legal guide and a cultivator of talent.

Misinterpreting HR as merely a rule enforcer or a bureaucratic hurdle misses the mark. Conflicts between HR and other departments aren’t signs of a broken system but reflections of the complex challenges HR must manage. It’s about finding the point of where HR is not seen as a cost center but as a crucial contributor to both individual and organizational achievement.

Twenty years on from that controversial article, the workplace has transformed dramatically. Advances in technology, shifts in professional attitudes, and changes in the nature of work have all contributed to a new HR landscape. Nowadays, there’s a significant movement towards seeing employees as whole individuals, each with unique talents and ambitions. This evolution aligns with HR’s mission to not just fill roles but to create environments where everyone can thrive.

It's time to leave behind outdated stereotypes and recognize HR's essential role in aligning business objectives with employee satisfaction. As we move towards a more collaborative, engaging, and empathetic HR model, let us focus on building a future rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and a collective pursuit of excellence. More than ever, this journey is about unity, celebrating our achievements together, and maybe, just maybe, giving HR the appreciation and the love this function deserves.