While there may be a "national or international day" for just about everything in our modern world (National Avocado Day anyone?) International HR Day (IHRD) on May 20th is one well worth pausing to recognise. This annual celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on the vital role that Human Resources professionals play in organisations across the globe, reminding us just how far the profession has evolved and transformed over time.

The day’s origins can be traced back to the USA's recognition of such a celebration from 1988 onwards, but it's the more recent initiative of the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA), with the European Association for People Management (EAPM) who have taken a key role in promoting the annual global event since 2019. Each year, the EAPM announces themes for International HR Day, with the 2024 theme “HR shaping the new future” specifying the following four areas of focus:

-         Ethical tech integration

-         Redefining future workplaces

-         Excellence in people leadership

-         Continuous investment in skills and education

The themes for 2024 underscore that HR's evolution is far from finished. Emerging technologies, shifting employee expectations, and continual workplace transformation within our dynamic business world, will ensure HR skills continue to stretch, flex and grow. If the past is any indicator, the HR community is well-equipped to rise to the challenge.

So today, we’ll raise a toast to HR professionals around the world, in what can be an incredibly demanding and still strangely misunderstood role at times. If you do choose to do anything in this day’s honour, maybe acknowledge a colleague, commit to exploring the themes above and how they apply within your own organisation or simply at the very least, take a moment to reflect on the invaluable contribution you yourself make. You’ll hear many a cheer from the team at Tandem Partners!

However never fear, if you missed today, you get a second chance on National HR Professionals Day on September 26th. Plenty of time to plan for this one and who doesn’t love a celebration? Take the ball and run with it we say….

#IHRD #InternationalHRDay #TandemPartners #creatinggreatworkplaces