The Evolution of HR: “Policy Police” to Strategic Business Partners

HR Nightmares

Aug 31 2023 • 41 mins

Remember when Human Resources was seen as the dreaded 'policy police'? Those days are long gone. In this episode, Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney, with their combined 60 years of experience, reflect on how they've transformed HR practices over the last two decades, reshaping the way business leaders perceive 'good HR.'

The discussion starts by reminiscing about the old days when HR was primarily responsible for hiring and firing, often cast as corporate enforcers. They each entered the HR industry from different paths – some through education and others through practical experience. Together, they explore what's most essential in meeting the workforce needs of today and what constitutes an effective HR function.

But that's not all! The ladies dive into the world of HR job titles. From the traditional 'Human Resources' and its predecessor 'Personnel' to the newest trendsetting, 'People and Culture' or 'People Operations' titles, they discuss whether these new names are just fancy rebranding or if they signal a deeper shift in HR's role.

To wrap up, the episode tackles two juicy audience questions related to CEOs:

  1. "My co-worker is a close friend of the CEO's girlfriend and behaves as if she can do no wrong. We feel bullied by her. What steps should we take?"
  2. "How can I effectively manage accommodation requests and support an employee's mental health when their provider advises against meetings with the CEO due to anxiety?"

Tune in to discover Lisa, Amy, and Beth’s insightful advice and engaging discussion on these HR and workplace topics. Whether you're an HR professional or just curious about the evolution of HR practices, this episode offers valuable insights.

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