Six HR Challenges...Wait A Minute! Only Six?!!

Let's face it folks, working in Human Resources is a tough job.  Period.  No ifs and buts about it.  HR is asked to do the dirty work with little to no recognition for their efforts.

Lisa Rosendahl, an HR professional, speaks to the challenge of being all things to all people in her post entitled "Who is Responsible for Psyche Management."  Here she speaks to a tacit expectation placed on many HR professionals: manage the perceptions of others. In response to being chided by a staff member who felt that their accomplishments had gone unacknowledged, Lisa writes:

"As a leader, I am committed to being respectful, supportive, authentic and a generally all around nice girl…  If I am disrespectful or not providing the type of leadership I am committed to providing and don't catch it myself first, call me on it. There are no victims here. We are all adults, manage your own psyche."

On the other hand Keith Hammonds, Deputy Editor of Fast Company, feels that the problems with HR go well beyond the psyche.  His August 2005 article entitled "Why We Hate HR" cuts to the heart of a sentiment felt by many across the industry: HR adds little value to an organization.  However, I happen to have a different opinion.  My experience as a labor consultant has demonstrated to me that HR is  incredibly important to the success or failure of an organization.

Last week I spoke to a group of professionals at Fontbonne University about the challenges HR faces in the workplace (intermingled with my stories about the labor industry).  I enjoyed the interaction because they were a bright and engaging group.  I spoke to them about six of the challenges I observed HR professionals facing in the field.  Here's what I said: