A Few Reasons Why I Love HR

9/26/2022 - By Shannon P. Lands, SPHR

This blog has been updated on 9/26/2022 from its original publishing on 4/13/2017.

"I can't believe you like HR."

"I could never do what you do."

"Please don't ever quit because I would never want to do your job."

These are all statements or questions that I have heard many times over from my work colleagues, my friends, my family, and yes... even one of my former bosses. Allow me to take you on a journey of what HR means to me.

When I hear other Human Resources (HR) practitioners, especially the ones who are relatively new to the profession, get asked why they got into HR, the typical answer tends to be something along the lines of, “I really love to help people.” That, of course, is a great response, but the reason I enjoy HR is not just because I love working with people and helping them. Don’t get me wrong, I do like helping others. In fact, I insist on living out the firm's Saltmarsh Way Fundamentals, “Practice Empathy with Others” and “Help the Team Succeed”. However, that’s not my main reason for being in HR.

In today’s environment, HR isn’t all about helping people anymore. As we hear over and over, we are no longer “personnel”. We are, or should be, well-educated resources whose goal is to help our company make smart decisions, both on the business and human sides. We should be the ones who:

Don’t make snap decisions
Are truly trusted
Act instead of react
Aren’t afraid of gray areas
Campaign to make changes when it’s the right thing to do
Aren’t afraid to speak up when something just seems off

I began my career in 1994 and have learned many lessons throughout the years, including how to properly serve others through changes and trials personally, professionally and globally. This is why I chose HR. I make a wide variety of decisions every day at work. Decisions that affect the company and decisions that affect our employees. So, why do I love HR? Not just because I like to help people, but because I love making decisions that make an impact every day.

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding HR issues for your business, email me.

About the Author | Shannon P. Lands, SPHR

Shannon serves as the manager of the human resources function and related HR consulting services for Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund. She has been an HR practitioner since 1994, acting as a human resources administrator and consultant for a number of small to mid-sized companies. Shannon’s experience includes all aspects of human resources and payroll administration, including policy and procedure development, employee relations, wage and hour compliance, benefits administration, talent acquisition, performance management and wage/benefit structures.