Navigating Frustrations in Human Resources Post-Pandemic

Feeling Frustrated with Human Resources?

Raise your hand if you’re tired of human resources! It’s understandable. Perhaps you’re overwhelmed by the constant barrage of memos and forms that seem to require immediate attention. Or maybe you’re annoyed by the endless stream of new initiatives that spring forth from H.R.—many of which you consider unnecessary or poorly thought out. Perhaps you have unresolved issues with management and find it hard to trust that H.R. will truly advocate for you. While they may be friendly, it’s clear they are ultimately aligned with the company’s leadership. In a tight spot, it’s evident whose interests they prioritize.

The H.R. department has become a source of frustration for many employees and managers alike, and it seems to have attracted even more critics in the wake of the pandemic. This is when H.R. started implementing rules regarding remote work and pay transparency, alongside initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. These changes have undeniably shaken up the workplace over the past few years.

But if you’re feeling bothered by H.R., here’s a thought that might oddly reassure you: you are not nearly as stressed or disheartened as the individuals who work in H.R.

This sentiment was palpable at Unleash, an annual three-day conference and expo held this year at Caesars Forum, a vast convention center located near the Las Vegas Strip. In May, the event attracted around 4,000 H.R. professionals from across the nation, marketed as a venue where “global H.R. leaders unite to conduct business and share inspirational narratives.” However, it often resembled a gathering where H.R. professionals came together primarily to air their grievances.

“Everything feels like a fool’s errand,” expressed Kyle Lagunas, a former H.R. executive at General Motors who now serves at Aptitude Research, a Boston-based H.R. advisory firm. After wrapping up an impassioned presentation on H.R. technology in front of about 50 attendees, he retreated to the media room, where he candidly shared his frustrations regarding the daunting challenges of managing H.R. in the aftermath of the pandemic’s upheaval.

According to Lagunas, the pandemic has transformed an already challenging role into one that feels nearly insurmountable.