From Our Readers | HR Challenges

From Our Readers | HR Challenges

Last week, we asked our readers what they find are the most challenging aspects of the HR role. Unsurprisingly, the majority of you said “Hearing and dealing with employee personal problems” was the most challenging, closely followed by “Juggling between prioritizing employee needs with business objectives.”

More from our readers:

• “The reality is that employees sometimes have an urgency to contact HR personnel for some urgent matters not taking into consideration that we could have prior engagements that could potentially lead to getting behind and not be able to give enough attention to an employee for their needs.”

• “My job is very vital but the emotional exhaustion in trying to aid people and keep within the policies of the company but maintain understanding is sometimes overwhelming and can be a real road block if not functioning from a clear headspace. ”

• “Employees treating HR like the counselor's office or behaving like they are still in high school. It gets very challenging.

• “Managing the expectations of both the employees and the leadership team can feel like being caught in a tug of war. It’s hard to please everyone, and the pressure is just too much.”

• “Saying yes before someone even asks a question, it’s like an automatic response but eventually you get burned out. Learning to say no and setting boundaries is the way to go. Although that is easier said than done.”

Drawing a line can be tough, right? It’s hard to put your foot down and say, “No, not right now.” But for the sake of our own mental and emotional health, it has to be done. Work will always be there, but nothing comes before your mental health. 💪🧠

Let’s tackle each challenge and understand how we can address it with empathy for others as well as for yourself. 

1. Hearing and dealing with employee personal problems

This is a big one. I spoke to Ryan-Mae last week about this, and she shared some incredibly helpful insights on setting your boundaries and limits, especially in situations that veer into therapist territory. 😰

She emphasized the importance of being transparent with employees about what you can and cannot do. It's crucial to guide them towards professional help when necessary, and remind them of available resources. 📑

For more on this topic,

2. Juggling between prioritizing employee needs with business objectives.

Balancing these can feel like walking a tightrope. The easy answer might be to just ask your manager or leadership team to clarify your responsibilities. But if it were that simple, it wouldn’t be such a common challenge, right? 😏

Here are some tips:

• 🎯 Focus on Impact: Prioritize high-impact activities that align with both employee well-being and business goals.

• 🗣️ Communicate Your Priorities: Keep both leadership and employees informed about your priorities and tasks achieved, even if not asked. This transparency really helps in building trust and accountability.

• 🤝 Delegate (if you have the resources): Distribute tasks among team members, empowering them to take ownership. This not only lightens your load but also fosters a sense of responsibility and growth within your team.

3. HR is the enemy

It's easy to take things personally when HR is often seen as the bearer of bad news. But remember, the role of HR has evolved significantly. We're no longer just the party planners or the rule enforcers. We're strategic partners who drive the business forward. 💪

Remind yourself of the progress we've made:

• ☑️ Strategic Role: Highlight how HR is now more involved in business strategy.

• ☑️ Empowerment: Focus on the ways HR empowers employees and contributes to their professional development.

It's all about perspective. By setting boundaries and focusing on high-impact activities, we can manage these challenges more effectively while maintaining our own well-being.

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Today’s HR Reads for You 📚️ 

1. 🧑‍💼 Hiring Challenges: Half of US companies plan to add new positions

2. 🩸 What is period leave? The complicated push for a new employee benefit

3. 👀 Are your unlimited PTO policies actually working?(I dont think so!)