‘Tis the season of celebration and wishing. Gifts are being exchanged, wishes are being made, and people are certainly looking forward to seeing them all fulfilled.
While many look to HR in companies to see whether they will get what they want, it is hardly surprising that HR, too, are hopeful that certain things will come true. The life of an HR professional is tough and often underappreciated.
Many expect them to be Santa. These workplace Santas also have a wish list that is not exactly long. A little cheer, a little patience and here are five things that HR wants in a sequence.
Please be Clear
Dear employees, please speak up early, give constructive feedback, and avoid last-minute surprises. After all, we need you to speak up to take any action on your behalf and having time on our side certainly will help.
HR often finds itself in the middle of a tug-of-war when it comes to dissatisfied employees, reserved managers, and expectant colleagues. Having employees voice their concerns in the early stages can help not only nip the frustration in the bud but also showcase that, hey, HR is indeed here for you.
To the managers, please understand that feedback is only useful when it shows how to improve. It is indeed a slippery slope, because negatives do tend to linger longer than positives in one’s mind. However, the ultimate goal is to convert those negatives into positives. So, be clear and be constructive. Feedback is not the time to vent frustration, but to find a way together.
A Little Respect
Dear colleagues, even a bit of respect towards policies and people in place can go a long way. Sometimes, policies can be frustrating, and the same may go for people. But respect can only be earned when given back.
Policies can be hard to navigate, especially when they might be hampering what you truly want to do. However, the policies also pave the path to a sense of order and fairness. So, please follow basic processes, deadlines, and workplace etiquette, both online and offline.
In a similar vein, a difference of opinion does not give one the right to disrespect someone, especially in a professional environment. For HR specifically, who often have to bear bad news, do keep in mind that they are not out to get you.
Realistic Expectations
Dear team members, we, too, wish we could wave a magic wand and grant all of you what you want. Unfortunately, our hands are tied as much as yours. All we want for Christmas is a bit of understanding and a spark of empathy.
It often falls to HR to convey details of things like budgets, timelines, and approvals. But, that does not mean that HR are the one controlling what will be implemented. In any business, there are multiple factors to be considered for making such decisions, even when the decision might not be to everyone’s liking.
Additionally, shooting the messenger hardly helps when trying to find a solution. Can HR help you find a way to express your frustration? Most probably yes, by facilitating meetings and filing grievances. Can they actually change anything on their own? Most probably not.
Engagement Beyond the Survey
Dear coworkers, the initiatives we launch can only become better when you participate and tell us what you want. Help us understand what we want because we, too, want to make things better.
It is not uncommon for working professionals to be unhappy about certain aspects of their workplace. Often, this can be showcased through honest surveys and scathing reviews. However, the initiatives in place can hardly be improved without active participation.
Yes, perhaps you do not like the current learning program that was launched. But HR also needs to know precisely why you don’t like it. They need to know that should a better program come along, you will indeed participate by showing a willingness to be present.
Kindness During Pressure
Dear officemates, things can sometimes get tough. They can get hard and frustrating. You might get angry and want to scream. Please don’t. As hard as it can be sometimes, a little kindness towards others can help you and them de-stress.
During tough times, kindness can be a hard sell to make. When deadlines are looming, work demands are increasing, and downtime vanishes, it is hard not to snap. But will it truly help? Words are hardly wind, and while the axe might forget, the tree does remember.
Even words that you don’t mean are likely not to be forgotten. Work frustration is hard to deal with, but kindness, especially during such times, can help you forge bonds that can last beyond the workplace. So, listen to what your seniors are saying, acknowledge the points your juniors are making, and be open to what your colleagues are telling you.
All We Ask For Christmas…
The best gift one can ask for in an officer is a healthier, more human environment year-round. This responsibility primarily belongs to HR, but they can hardly do it alone. Perhaps you might not find all things on this doable. However, even a little might go a long way in making your workplace a better place.
In the spirit of Christmas, give a little, and ask around. Be receptive, be kind, and most importantly, keep the spirit of cheer alive.
