I have heard this punch line much through my career path “HR is the punching bag!”. But truly, is HR the punch bag between the employees and the management? Punch bags aren’t just heavy bags designed to take in the repeated blows, instead its a therapist, a psychiatrist and a holistic healer, the intrinsic attributes of a passionate HR.
HR usually receive hits when we begin to speak “for” the staff and try to bring in empathy towards the harsh realities of life, fill the gaps and communicate effectively. Punches “from” the staff come in when policies are framed, procedures are implemented and measures taken to maintain uniform standards.
HR was never meant to be this way; we are an independent function with rights and responsibilities very much like any other department.
Buried beneath the queries of staff and under the analytical eyes of management, when will we ever recover?
The tireless efforts of HR often goes undervalued and unappreciated. Their long hours of work to change policies and work practices for their employees in accordance with the changing environment and the safety measures in the present scenario alongside the increased stress levels, all seem to go unnoticed.
HR professionals need to value the years of experience and the hours they have put in for their learning and development. We need to get the results for our values and what we bring to the table. If we don’t value ourselves, nobody else will. If we aren’t kind to ourselves, nobody else will. Whatever we do starts with us.
Therefore, before we ask others to see our value, we as HR, need to see the value in ourselves-values that we have created; values we have added to the organization. And definitely, we are worth the investment! Its high time that HR does step up and reveal its true value and worth especially during these uncertain times and become more than a mere “Punchbag”!
Agree or Disagree? Do leave your comments below.
Inspired by an article by Ms.Kelly Swingler, “HR, What’s Your Value?” https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hr-whats-your-value-kelly-swingler
PURELY HUMANE 