HR Beyond the Ordinary

Let’s face it, HR gets a bad rap, often the punchline at those water cooler jokes or after-hour drinks. But for those of us who’ve delved into the mystical world, it’s not just about spreadsheets and policies; it’s about weaving magic into the tapestry of your organization 💜

For me, it is rather poetic, wizardry, of course not as magnificent as Hogwarts 😉 but sure we get to weave spells to match performances, conjuring resolutions to the conflict that arises quite often, and building a fellowship of top-notch performers ⭐ The HR world is brimming with promise, excitement, and a dash of surprise. While there may be moments when this enthusiasm wanes, it’s essential to rekindle your passion and remind yourself of your ‘WHY.’ I recently encountered a few of those challenging days when the spark seemed to fade, and shifts were occurring in the workplace. In response, I pick up the book that I love to re-read as it grows every time I read it 🌱

Here are list of 3 books that an HR must read if they want to turbocharge their people skills ✨ and stay at the forefront in the ever-evolving world of work 📖

The first one on my list is The HR Scorecard: Linking People, Strategy, and Performance and it reignited my sense of purpose, evoking memories of Mr. Bond, as if to say, ‘Love will live to see another day 😉 With a mere 250 pages, “The HR Scorecard” is your compact, power-packed spellbook. Here are my 2 key takeaways from this book

Strategic HR: As we navigate the aftermath of the global pandemic, HR has a pivotal role to play. ‘The HR Scorecard’ reminds us that HR can’t be a sideline player; it must be at the forefront of strategic decision-making. HR professionals in 2023 need to focus on integrating business strategies with people, helping leaders strengthen a better team while recovering and thriving 🥉

ROI in HR: In 2023, with organizations carefully scrutinizing every expense, the concept of “Return on Investment (ROI) in HR” becomes even more critical. HR professionals need to speak the language of ROI to demonstrate the value they bring to the table, ensuring that their efforts contribute to the organization’s resilience and success 📈

The second one is Remote Not Distant by Lisette Sutherland and Kirsten Janene-Nelson, which promises to be your compass in the world of remote work and hybrid office cultures. This 280-page gem, is a treasure chest for professionals looking to thrive in a new era of work. Two sparkling gems that I’ve unearthed from the pages of this book 👻

Nurturing Team Connectivity: A standout lesson from this book is the emphasis on nurturing team connectivity 🤝 The authors guide readers through creating environments that foster relationships and camaraderie, despite physical distances. The secret lies in establishing a work culture that prioritizes teamwork, encourages informal chats, and makes employees feel like they are part of a close-knit community. HR professionals can up their game by implementing strategies to boost team connectivity and ensure their teams feel closely bonded, even in a remote setting 💕

Blurring the Boundaries: Sutherland and Janene-Nelson suggest that embracing a hybrid workplace means embracing a life that doesn’t rigidly separate work and personal life. By erasing the line between the two, employees can find a healthier balance. It’s a powerful concept that can change the way we approach work-life balance and lead to happier, more productive lives 🌞

Third one is First Break All the Rules by the management gurus Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman, it’s a masterful dance on the edge of corporate tradition. It is not your typical business book; it’s a rebellious rebel’s manifesto wrapped in a guide to transforming the workplace 😅 Now, let’s break it down to two key takeaways:

Focus on Strengths, Not Weaknesses: The book underscores the importance of nurturing individual strengths instead of trying to fix weaknesses. By embracing and maximizing employees’ unique talents, you create a more productive and engaged workforce 💪

Empower Frontline Managers: The authors emphasize the pivotal role of immediate supervisors in an employee’s experience. They argue that effective managers, not the organization as a whole, have the most significant impact on employees’ productivity and happiness 🙌

My list is by no means exhaustive, and there are countless more hidden gems to discover if you’re interested ✨However, if you’re seeking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, these three books can serve as your invaluable map and guiding light. For those of us in the HR profession, it’s time to elevate our game and position ourselves as indispensable strategic partners in our organizations. I say this with unwavering conviction because while the future of work is increasingly remote, it remains intrinsically human 😊

Cheers,

Bibliophile Parul