Technology advancements, globalization, economic and geopolitical uncertainty continue to transform our workplaces. Elevating and empowering HR professionals is how Canada will engage workforces that drive prosperity in the face of constant change.
By: Jodi Kovitz, CEO, Human Resources Professionals Association
When you think about HR, what comes to mind? If it’s hiring and firing, with policy guidance in between, this outdated view of HR professionals misses the critical and strategic role they play in today’s workplaces—and the even greater one we need them to play tomorrow.
As a business leader with a track record of founding and transforming purpose-driven organizations, I know firsthand that business success is dependent on talent. That’s why I am proud to lead the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), an organization committed to empowering, connecting and equipping a community of over 24,000 HR professionals to thrive—and ensure their organizations do the same.
The role of HR has transformed dramatically in recent years, with HR professionals increasingly recognized as strategic leaders who provide essential partnership and guidance. But guidance alone is not enough. Data shows that 42% of Canadian employees report feeling burnt out, nearly a quarter have changed jobs recently, and 50% of our workforce will need reskilling by 2025. To meet their business goals, organizations must prioritize employee experiences, ensuring they can attract, retain and develop the talent they need to flourish.
Elevating and empowering HR professionals as business partners and decision makers creates resilient workforces ready to innovate and adapt. This must become Canada’s new organizational baseline to inspire employees to contribute their best in the face of uncertainty.
Navigating Change Through Strategic HR Leadership
The pandemic reshaped workplaces, putting HR professionals both in boardrooms and on the front lines as business leaders focused on the care and safety of employees.
While the COVID-19 pandemic may be behind us, we remain in a constantly evolving world that demands even more from our people leaders. Technology has created a 24/7 work culture, while ongoing economic, political and environmental uncertainties continue to impact employee well-being. In parallel, workers have higher expectations for autonomy, flexibility and hybrid work. The role of HR has never been more critical.
HR professionals have demonstrated their ability to lead through change and drive meaningful progress in the most challenging times. Now, it is essential that we empower them to navigate the complexities of the future.
Bridging the Boardroom to the Break Room
HR professionals bridge organizational strategy and execution. Concerns like job security, financial pressures, rapidly changing technology and mental health rank high for Canadian workers – and pose real threats to business prosperity. Empowered HR professionals can develop organizational practices that address these fears while driving engagement and support.
Consider AI: While incorporating AI presents opportunities for innovation, it also can elicit fear. Employees and business leaders alike want to know how to navigate this new tool in ways that enhance, rather than threaten jobs.
With a seat at the decision-making table, HR leaders can contribute thoughtful design to business strategies. This approach ensures that evolutions—like AI—enable execution and drive impact in human-centric ways.
With HR leaders meaningfully engaged in workplace transformation, we reshape apprehension into opportunity.
Harnessing Canada’s Diversity for Global Leadership
Canada ranks in the top five countries in which to live and work, reflecting our unique workplace diversity that includes five generations and talent from across the globe.
This diversity of experience is a treasure trove of ideas and innovations. However, a business plan alone cannot harness this potential.
Taking a strategic and intentional approach to collaboration across diverse backgrounds and lived experiences is how we will attract, support and retain richness in our workplaces. Empowered HR professionals cultivate inclusive and equitable environments, where every employee can thrive.
Future-Proofing Prosperity Through People
The future of work will continue to be fueled by uncertainty, making it crucial – and urgent – to redefine the role of HR professionals. As external pressures continue to evolve our daily lives, our workplaces can become environments that support innovation and growth. This is the future that empowered HR leaders are equipped to create.
Today’s HR leaders are more than guides; they are essential drivers who must be empowered to lead our workplaces—and, by extension, our country—toward a more prosperous tomorrow.