Some dates in the year hold more significance than others. Today is one such a day, for, it marks the beginning of my full time career in HR. Before TISS, my exposure to HR was only through the folks I met at the outbound retreats I organised at Breakfree Journeys.
It was only during my TISS-years that I developed some understanding of this vast field. So when Samsung Research Institute offered me a chance to experience the full spectrum of HR, I took it up. And here I am, 4 years later, writing about my reflections of the time gone by.
Livelihood as an Identity Marker
I have observed that among the multiple markers of our identity, our livelihood enjoys a prime position. For HR professionals, it is humbling to know, that our work impacts people’s identities in one way or the other. This realisation has made me more sensitive while interpreting how people view themselves vis-a-vis their work. This also helps in connecting with just about anyone. Almost everyone has a view on their work, remuneration, workplace happenings policies and colleagues. This key insight plays an instrumental role in making recommendations on various decisions.
Holier than the Pope
Professor Iyer who taught us Industrial Relations often quoted this – An HR person must be holier than the pope. HR folks need to be scrupulous in their conduct at all times. No matter what the circumstance. And of course, Professor Mulla’s classes on Moral Philosophy ring loud and clear each day. As the dilemmas we face require us to make calls which are not always split evenly between realms of black and white. This calls for us to be in a constant state of self vigil to eliminate bias in our decisions.
Face of the Organisation
At all times, HR gets multiple queries and sometimes angry pings from employees about matters ranging from serious things to elementary stuff. While many consider it a part of the routine HR job, it is always interesting to see how the first port of call for anything remains HR. In a sense, HR becomes an extension of the Organisation and every employee’s experience in that “moment of truth” with anyone in HR is often considered a reflection of the company’s brand. This puts immense responsibility of upholding the values of the organisation and delivering the promised experience, sometimes at the cost of one’s convenience. This is what makes HR not just a desk job and pushes us to go above and beyond our usual call of duty.
Putting the Human in Human Resources
At the end of the day, we work with people, who are not just another data point in our spreadsheets. Beyond the routine policies, processes and paperwork – we have real people to deal with. No one comes to work with a blank slate. They carry emotions and feelings from their everyday lives, their motivations and drives vary everyday. But moreover how they experience their “work” triggers, aggravates, assuages their extant feelings and concerns. This puts the onus of a creating a healthy environment on HR and Management. Respect, safety, trust at work matter. Putting this perspective first has helped me to be more humane and humble everyday in my work.
Many of my friends have asked why I have stuck around in HR for four years. It is only because of the support and encouragement that I received at work – right from the top management, HR and Business leaders and colleagues and friends at work. They have allowed me to bring my whole self to work and that made all the difference. I forever remain indebted to their kindness.
Disclaimer: Views expressed in the article solely belong to the author and in no way are representative of their employer or associated entities.