What HR Professionals Hope for This Holiday Season

As the year comes to a close, many businesses are preparing to celebrate the holidays with festive parties and well-deserved time off. However, as HR professionals plan for the year ahead, they may have some different wishes this Christmas. At Cezanne, we reflect on what HR might eagerly anticipate finding in their stockings on Christmas morning.

The Holiday Party: A Double-Edged Sword

The festive season is filled with joy, laughter, and corporate gatherings. Yet, while employees may unwind at holiday parties, HR professionals often find themselves holding their breath, hoping the event unfolds smoothly. Past experiences remind them of potential mishaps. For instance, consider the scenario where Karen from Accounts and David from Marketing share an inappropriate moment in the office’s stationery cupboard. Or picture an employee, fueled by holiday spirit, sharing their unfiltered thoughts with a manager. Such incidents can lead to uncomfortable situations that HR must address.

As the saying goes, “Dear Santa, could we have a New Year free of the dread of disciplinary hearings?” This sentiment resonates strongly within HR departments nationwide.

Managing Employee Relations

Another aspect HR hopes for during this festive time is harmonious employee relations. Conflict among staff members can consume valuable HR time, as managers often knock on HR’s door demanding instant resolutions, including terminations. Simultaneously, employees may come forward with grievances regarding workload, compensation, or management approach. These matters can quickly escalate into crisis situations that require thoughtful mediation.

“Dear Santa, if everyone could simply get along for a few days, it would be delightful. By the way, please ensure all managers receive a clearly highlighted staff handbook, particularly the section on disciplinary procedures.”

Streamlining HR Processes

The barrage of inquiries from employees about annual leave, appraisal timelines, and sick leave tracking can overwhelm HR departments. The never-ending questions pile up, leaving HR professionals buried in paperwork and spreadsheets, often at the expense of their holiday preparations.

“Dear Santa, we would greatly appreciate an online HR system equipped with all the necessary bells and whistles. This tool would help us streamline our people processes and allow us to focus on more strategic initiatives next year.”

The Value of HR in Business

Throughout the year, HR professionals strive to demonstrate their value and contribute to organizational goals. They develop talent management strategies, furnish pivotal HR data to guide business decisions, and design employee engagement programs aimed at maximizing workforce productivity. Despite these efforts, HR departments frequently struggle for recognition and respect within the organization.

A recent report highlights how HR has faced undue criticism this year. Following tough economic times, the department often finds itself low on the priority list when budget discussions arise. Their requests for resources are frequently overshadowed and dismissed in favor of marketing or IT, leading to feelings akin to Bob Cratchit’s in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

“Dear Santa, we understand that budgets are tight, but as we look toward a brighter future, a bit more financial support would be invaluable.”

Conclusion: A Merry Acknowledgment

As Cezanne HR’s blog takes a break for the Christmas season, we hope that our readers enjoy their holidays. We extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the forthcoming year bring the recognition and respect that HR professionals deserve, equipping them to further champion their organizations’ best outcomes.

About the Author

Erika Lucas is a seasoned writer and communications consultant specializing in HR, leadership, management, and personal development. Her extensive career spans journalism and public relations, having worked in regional press, BBC Radio, PR consultancy, charities, and business schools.