Ifs & Buts of my HR life !!

We, the HR, are the cushion, absorbing the hard landings of conflict. We are the punching bag, taking the blows of frustration from every side. We are the moderator, trying to find a rhythm that allows both the solid spheres (top management) and the delicate balloons (employees) to coexist and thrive.

The performance is never-ending. There's no applause, no grand finale. The show simply goes on, day after day. Every dropped ball or burst balloon is a lesson learned, a scar earned. And through it all, we become stronger, more agile, and more attuned to the delicate dance of people and policy.

The HR scenario relates to the song by Randy Newman—“It’s a Jungle Out There.”

It's a jungle out there

Disorder and confusion everywhere

No one seems to care

Well, I do

Hey, who's in charge here?

I recently encountered two “out of routine” experiences as a middle HR professional that are somewhat minor, yet significant.

Navigating the space between heartfelt empathy and professional obligation, especially during times of loss.

My team was required to make the call, which was not just a routine HR task but an outreach to a family in their darkest hour: the loss of a loved one. We were not merely requesting signatures but were gently guiding them through a necessary process that, in time, will help settle affairs related to their loved one's employment. We were not rushing because we understood the overwhelming grief but were obligated to complete the administrative requirements on time without overloading the official paperwork and urgently offering clarity amidst their confusion. However, at such times, my mind wanders on to the “mechanics” of this worldly machinery, which churns on the “emotional” part of being human.

This balance requires immense emotional energy.

An accusation that cuts deep- the silent burden of being the HR

As one of my seniors at work says- “the more you invest in planning, the smoother the outcome”. It's a mantra I have caught, and I was using it while organising a monsoon trek, which I would rather say was a safe adventure trek for all the participants. When the time came for rubber to meet the road, the planning dictated a difficult decision, as one of the interested participants, whose physical disability combined with the treacherous monsoon conditions and the lack of professional support, posed a significant safety risk – not just to them, but potentially to the entire group. I laid out all the probabilities this trek holds, and yet got accused of "discrimination". It stings profoundly, as I was genuinely concerned.

Still hurt, silently bearing the sting but learning through the experience.

At the end, I will just write-

It is easy to blame and point fingers, but difficult to rumble and be present.

The if and buts of HR life shall continue giving a firm believe that being human and human doing management is never a easy task.