As a neurodivergent, wheelchair-using, pansexual woman raised by a single mum and living as an unpaid carer - I am frequently asked WHY I would want to work in HR, especially when I've sadly had so many negative experiences being discriminated against and having HR Professionals protect the organisation above my own rights and wellbeing.
HR might seem like the rulebook-wielding authority, the messenger of not-so-great news and the unjust shield of the company when harm occurs. But that's a picture of organisations that haven't tipped the HR balance to proactivity yet. They're usually rushing around dealing with absence, attrition and grievances - unable to see the wood for the trees.
With change management, pre-emotive processes, support and technology, HR professionals become organisational change-makers - campaigning for equality, resilience, well-being, progressive leadership and fair remuneration!
I have been lucky enough to have been inspired by some incredible HR Leaders who taught me that with a true learning culture, there is no need for defensive HR.
And let's not forget that the world is just a larger organisation of people.
With 76% of the British population in employment, HR has the unique ability to shape the nation.
When we champion employee wellbeing, we empower the health of the nation.
When we run Allyship Programmes we reduce prejudice and crime in the nation.
So yes, I am a HR professional - because I am a change-maker at heart, and I would definitely encourage more professionals with lived experience from marginalized communities to take up a career in HR too.
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