We are living in perilous times and in a wounded world. People are afraid and full of anxieties. Rapid and confusing changes are happening every single moment in a volatile, unpredictable complex and ambiguous manner. We need new knights in shining armor to rescue the world from evil and to lead us into salvation. In the business world, there is too much greed, dishonesty, corruption and hatred. We need a group of passionate and purpose-driven, stout-hearted men and women to bring back peace, justice and joy. Those in manufacturing, sales, marketing and finance may not want to do it. They are too busy with goals, objectives and targets. Only HR has the heart to save humanity from total decay.
We, the two thousand or so HR professionals are now in our 56th National Convention in Waterfront Lahug, about a thousand and five hundred on-site, and the rest being present through satellite fed all over the world. This writer is going to speak late this afternoon and I will tell my comrades what I always say, that HR is the conscience of every organization, public or private, local or overseas, profit or non-profit. HR is the heart of the corporation because we are the ones who safeguard the feelings and well-being of the people. HR is the soul of the business because we are the ones reminding line management that there should always be a balance between profit and honor. I will give them hope and share my passions.
HR is the one that searches for the best and the brightest among the talents, looks into the background of every job applicant, examines their credentials and scrutinizes their documents. HR looks into the heart and soul of everyone who wants to join the organization, makes conversations and discovers peoples' strengths and areas for improvements. HR gives diagnostic tests to assess IQ and EQ as well as AQ (Adversity Quotient) or the level of perseverance and stamina to survive amidst unabated changes whose velocity and speed may confuse and terrorize the weak and the ill-prepared. HR is the advocate for ARM, attracting, retaining and motivating talents for success, both for employer and employee.
HR remains mindful of Total Rewards for work, not only about wages and benefits but also total wellness, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. HR takes care of the total person, not just the basic needs but desires for self-actualization. HR is also the vanguard for Organizational Justice, not only the discipline of people but also the resolution of their concerns, issues and grievances, not only extrinsic but also intrinsic justice. Not just mindless adherence to rules, policies, and standards, but restorative justice, the nurturing of the human soul. OJ or Organizational Justice is the relentless search for a balance between productivity and sharing of the fruits of labor.
HR also nurtures the individual development and careers of people and prepares them for bigger roles in a world than never closes its doors to the abundance of opportunities for growth. Yes, in a troubled world and in perilous times, it is only HR who will heal the pains of wounded hearts and gives hopes to all who seem to face perils and ambiguities. HR is the new savior of the world.