People Before Profits
Managing the human assets of an organization is arguably one of the most important aspects of any company.
A profession that I believe takes some of the most skilled individuals on the planet to master. HR is a people business, so it only seems logical that the personalities who are charged with all aspects of employees should by nature be upbeat, positive “people persons” right? I have had the opportunity to work with HR professionals for over 20 years. Over the last 6-8 years however, I have witnessed more and more HR/benefits departments forced to focus on profits before people.
It is my belief that most HR professionals do begin their carrier in the people business with the best intentions. Perhaps it is the never-ending task of employee hiring, firing and evaluating that takes its toll over time. Maybe the constant noise of people complaining about everything. Payroll and benefit problems, discussing the personal and emotional “wellness” of employees, and sometimes learning way more about them than you desired. Or perhaps it’s the hundreds of messages that HR must field from sales and insurance professionals hoping to have just a few minutes of their time to discuss the latest and greatest in best practices. Unfortunately, many people in HR have been abused in so many different ways, that over time they have a hard time remembering why they started doing what they do in the first place…helping people.
Over the last 6-8 years however, I have witnessed more and more HR/benefits departments forced to focus on profits before people. Unfortunately, many people in HR have been abused in so many different ways, that over time they have a hard time remembering why they started doing what they do in the first place…helping people.
I was encouraged today by an appointment I had with an HR director of a prominent organization. The 300 employee company is based out of Austin Texas, but has an impressive national footprint in their industry. The HR director had 25 years at her prior employer and never saw herself as leaving until she took time to understand the culture and mission of the new organization. As I started asking questions about her company she lit up with enthusiasm and vision. She clearly knew the HR space well, but what caught me by surprise was how even after 25 years in the industry, she could be as excited as a twenty-year-old just starting her first job! Excited about the mission of the company, excited about the product and flexibility she had to help design her department with the intent to scale. Most importantly, I felt her genuine enthusiasm for all the employees she has the privilege to work with daily. She sincerely beamed with energy and optimism that frankly, I see very seldom anymore. It was so refreshing. She went on to explain to me how when she meets with the executive committee of the company she is always intentional about stating the value of people who work there. “If we don’t continually remind ourselves how important the employees are to our organization, it is easily taken for granted and will eventually not be part of future discussions that the company makes as it grows.” She went on to add “Employees should really be kept in mind when discussing all aspects of an organization in my professional opinion.” I left the appointment feeling excited for the company that found someone so in tune with what they were hired to do.
It takes courage and finesse to engage and motivate so many different personalities, stay up to date with regulatory compliance and benefit changes, all while trying to balance your own personal life. Your position in the company is one of the most important there can be. I for one, certainly don’t slow down often enough to say it. So for all the forgoing reasons, and because I know you don’t hear it often enough, today I simply want to say thank you HR/Benefit professionals. Thanks to all of you who love what you do and let it shine through!
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