Do you feel what I do? Things just seem really weird. What “things” am I talking about? Every-thing!
One of the places that I feel it the most is at work. The business climate and the world of work seem quite different than at any other time in my professional career. This workplace shift is putting tremendous pressure on the HR profession.
I know generations make these claims about how things have changed but know I’ve never yelled at anyone to “get off my lawn.”
What is causing things to feel so weird?
Political Climate
One of the most complex aspects of the current times is the deep polarization in the political landscape. Differences in ideologies and beliefs have led to intense divisions among people. Social media and the internet have amplified these differences, leading to echo chambers where opposing views rarely meet, further exacerbating the divide. It’s a peculiar and challenging time where finding common ground seems increasingly difficult.
We feel this divide at work with increased regulations from political swings and stronger opinions with less compassion and a lack of understanding of others’ views and beliefs.
Don’t Say the R-word
Another oddity we’re facing is the sense of economic stagnation. The fear of an impending recession looms over everyone, yet it’s almost as if acknowledging it would make it more likely to happen. People seem to be holding their breath, uncertain about the future, and hesitant to make significant financial decisions. This limbo has created an atmosphere of caution and uncertainty, making economic recovery an uphill battle.
The economic conditions have caused an upheaval for the HR community with layoffs of groups of employees while finding it almost impossible to fill other roles, especially for those in the healthcare and hospitality industries.
Boomers Departure
Not to mention, the generational shift is undeniable as the gap between Baby Boomers and Gen Z becomes more pronounced. Baby Boomers have long been at the helm, but as Gen Z enters the workforce and becomes a significant consumer base, their values, preferences, and ways of communication are reshaping societal norms. The clash of generations creates a unique cultural and societal dynamic that adds to the overall weirdness of the current era.
The divisions in the political landscape, the uncertainty in the economy, and the shifting societal norms affect all business and HR leaders. It’s essential to acknowledge these challenges and strive for open dialogue, understanding, and empathy. Only then can we hope to navigate through this strangeness and build a more harmonious and progressive future for all.
So What Do We Do?
Acknowledge that things have changed is a good place to start.
Accept that many factors have changed the way people look at work.
Adjust the way companies do business and treat employees.
Ultimately, we must think differently about how we deliver HR with a keen focus on our employees’s well-being while upskilling our business acumen.
To learn more about ways to ensure you deliver amazingly awesome HR to combat what is going on and leverage the tremendous opportunity in front of us, check out my SHRM-published book, HR Like a Boss, when it is released on October 24, 2023.
