An organization's human resources professionals are the people you email or call when things go wrong—whether it’s a conflict between employees, a crisis requiring immediate attention, or even a personal issue affecting a person’s performance. They are often the first point of contact when employees need help or when the organization faces internal challenges. Many HR professionals are not trained as social workers, human rights lawyers, or therapists, yet on any given day, they are called upon to support people who very well might need that type of professional. Because they handle many high-stakes issues that affect people’s lives, HR professionals could be thought of as organizational first responders (without the intensive training on how to handle being on the frontline).

HR Professionals Are Vital to Organizational Success

In their 2023-24 State of the Workplace Report, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) highlighted the notably positive attitudes HR professionals have towards their organizations and roles, with 89 percent of those surveyed reporting immense pride in the work they do.

In my own experience working with HR professionals across industries, this strong sense of pride they hold in their roles has been clear. These individuals have also shared with me how their role can feel invisible at times, as much of their work involves behind-the-scenes efforts to ensure the smooth running of the team or organization. The needs of companies and employees have also become more complex in recent years (more than contracts, payroll, and managing schedules).

Here are some examples of how the role and responsibilities of HR professionals have radically and rapidly evolved over the last decade:

Remote Work and Flexibility: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote........

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