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Why work in the people profession?

Steve Bridger

What motivated you to work in the HR profession?

Was it working with people? Opportunities to progress? Flexibility? No two days are the same... and so on.

It would be great to get some real life perspectives from community members.

We've looked at variations on this theme before, e.g. 

www.cipd.co.uk/.../best-achievement-in-hr-best-thing-you-have-implemented

www.cipd.co.uk/.../working-in-hr-if-you-could-start-again-would-you

...but not quite the question I'm asking now.

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  • For me, it was because my mum and brother were both being treated very badly by their (very big) employers. I did my Level 3 at college in the evening to get started in HR so I could help ensure people know their rights as an employee and are treated fairly.
    Now I work in HR, I love the variety of things you can get involved in and how much there is to learn
  • in reply to Emily

    But there lies the dichotomy, Emily.

    There is nothing wrong in ensuring fairness and acting as the employees' advocate, but that in my view is not the role of HR (employee advocate that is) - that's for Trades Unions and employment lawyers (and ultimately Employment Tribunals). HR's role is act as the employers' advocate.

    I came in to HR from an operational role with the intent of using the experience to make me a better operational manager, eventually returning to operations. The fact I stayed (that was 30 years ago!) is either a love of HR (and in particular people development) or I was useless at operations. I'll let others decide!

    Why do I love it? Because I genuinely believe that HR lies at the very epicentre of any organisation that employs people - the change agent that touches every element of an organisation's make-up. It's hard work to achieve HR being seen as such, but it pays dividends when it is.

  • in reply to Robert James Munro
    Ah, I would have agreed with that at one time Robert, but not in today's world to be honest. I don't think that the new professional standards reflect the idea that a HR Professional is the employer's advocate anymore. I think that our role is to provide professional advice and guidance to the employer, but not necessarily to be their advocate if they are determined to treat people unfairly.

    I was also someone who fell into HR. I enjoy it if I am working for an employer who values their employees and wants to develop and support them. If they are willing to let me include some work on social mobility and helping support young and disadvantaged people into employment, then I love it. its the idea of making a positive difference to both the organisation and the people in it that makes me stay in HR for now

    However, I say for now as the other big thing for me is that HR pays well. Within the next 7 -8 years, I will start to be able to draw some of my pensions. I will then probably look to leave the HR profession and do something part time or casual that is more about helping people.

    I do however really like the new approach from the CIPD to HR professionals being more about supporting employees to be happy and healthy at work and I think this is a really good move
  • in reply to Teresa
    A good employer's advocate would advise fairness :)
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