Today is International HR Day – and yes, I’m celebrating. For over 30 years, I’ve been (mostly!) proud to be part of a profession that champions people, builds culture, and helps shape the future of work.
But whilst I’m celebrating us, I’m also challenging us.
Too often, we’ve gone quiet when we should have spoken up; seen toxic managers promoted; watched brilliant employees burn out in broken systems; sat in rooms where silence felt safer than truth. I get it. It’s hard. But’s it also wrong to keep sacrificing what’s right to keep things comfortable.
My challenge to my fellow HR professionals is
- Speak out against discrimination, even when it’s subtle.
- Push back on decisions that feel legally fine but morally wrong.
- Refuse to rubber-stamp bad behaviour.
- Be the person in the room who asks: Is this fair? Is this human?
And my challenge to business leaders is
- Empower your HR teams.
- Give them space to challenge you.
- Make ethics part of the business strategy – not just a slide deck.
We can’t keep saying “people are our greatest asset” if we’re not willing to protect them. Loudly. Visibly. Consistently.
So happy #International HR Day! But let’s make it more than a hashtag. Let’s make it a turning point. HR has a voice. We need to use it.