What's Human Resources, Mom? Explaining HR to a 5-Year Old (and the Rest of the World)

It was an ordinary day when my son, then about 5 years old, hit me with one of those questions only kids can come up with: “Mom, what’s human resources?” He looked at me with a mix of curiosity and confusion, holding his toy truck like it might somehow help him solve this mystery.

I paused. How do you explain something as complex as HR to a child? My instinct kicked in, and I went for the simplest, most literal answer I could muster:

“Well, honey, we provide resources to humans.”

He nodded thoughtfully, then asked the next logical question: “What kind of resources? Snacks? Toys? Like, do you help people find crayons?”

The Heart of Human Resources

As funny as his interpretation was, it wasn’t entirely wrong. At its core, human resources is about helping people get what they need to succeed. No, I don’t hand out crayons or snacks (though some days that might feel just as impactful). Instead, HR is about creating the systems, support, and opportunities that allow people to thrive in their roles—and by extension, in their lives.

When you boil it down, HR is about:

• Empowering People: Helping employees find their strengths and use them to succeed.
• Providing Tools: Ensuring everyone has access to the resources—be it training, benefits, or guidance—that enable them to grow.
• Building Bridges: Creating connections between leadership and staff, aligning goals and fostering collaboration.
• Solving Problems: Addressing challenges with empathy and practicality, whether it’s a workplace conflict or a policy gap.

Bringing the Story Full Circle

My son’s question made me realize that while HR may sound like a business term, its impact is deeply personal. The work we do in HR touches real lives—whether it’s helping someone navigate a challenging situation, creating programs that foster inclusion, or designing career development paths.

Years later, I still think back to that conversation. As my son grew older, I’d occasionally update him with examples of what “providing resources to humans” looked like:

“I helped someone understand their benefits today so they could take care of their family.”

“I worked on a leadership program that helps managers support their teams better.”

“We made a new policy that ensures everyone feels safe and respected at work.”

Each time, his response was the same: “So you’re kind of like a helper for grown-ups?” Exactly.

Why Human Resources Matters

HR isn’t just about policies or payroll. It’s about people. It’s about recognizing that every individual in an organization brings unique skills, perspectives, and challenges—and then working to create an environment where those people can do their best work.

It’s also about handling the tough stuff:

• Having conversations no one wants to have, but that are necessary for growth.
• Balancing the needs of the business with the well-being of employees.
• Being a trusted partner who leads with both heart and strategy.

A Call to Action for HR Professionals

The next time someone asks you, “What is human resources?” take a moment to reflect. It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day tasks, but at its core, HR is about making a difference in people’s lives.

And for those who don’t work in HR, remember - behind every policy, every program, and every piece of advice is a team of people who are here to help. Whether it’s career development, navigating a tough moment, or simply answering a question, HR is about being the resource humans need.

Closing Thought

So yes, HR is about “providing resources to humans.” Sometimes it’s career advice; sometimes it’s creating a policy that ensures fairness; and sometimes, it’s helping someone find the metaphorical crayons they need to color their world.

Thanks to my son, I’ll always remember the simplicity and heart behind what we do—and I hope this helps others see it, too.