DEBATE | Who is HR Really For?

“The people function.” We in HR wear this banner proudly. We are responsible for our employees’ career trajectory, compensation, well-being, and psychological safety. We champion social responsibility as an aspect of our employer brand and promote ethical initiatives as a measure of success. But underpinning all of this potential good remains the business perspective: attracting and retaining employees is a critical component of the bottom line. When this no longer serves business objectives, the humans we work for are often not the driving factor.

As HR has transformed, the employee experience has become king. Combined with the aftereffects of the Great Resignation, the focus on developing untapped talent pools, and the ongoing war for skilled workers, HR has had to focus on the people more than ever before – but a looming recession might change this tide. Ultimately, who do our policies, processes, and technologies serve? Join this controversial discussion as we argue both sides of the coin and declare who HR is really for!