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As the curtains close on the recent Elevate People, Ignite Change (EPIC) HR conference, for which I had the privilege to serve as conference chair and emcee, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact of our collective conversations. This year’s event was more than just a gathering of professionals – it was a bold step toward dismantling silence surrounding issues that impact organizations and the people who give them life. We delved into topics that have long lurked in the shadows, whispered behind closed doors, and tiptoed around in corporate corridors. Mental health, forgiveness, grief, caregiving, corporate culture – these are not mere buzzwords; they are the bedrock of human experience.
Employee wellbeing is not a checkbox on an HR form; it’s the heartbeat of our organizations. Yet, how often do we truly discuss it? How often do we acknowledge the emotional struggles, the invisible battles fought within cubicles and conference rooms? During the conference, we heard stories of resilience, vulnerability, and triumph. By finally acknowledging that mental health is not a weakness but a shared human condition, we start to open the door to better, more meaningful conversations, the first step towards a more compassionate workplace.
There has been a fundamental shift in what employees expect from work. For some, work is just a place they go to earn money. For others, it’s part of their identity and allows them a social outlet to connect and contribute. No matter the motivation, our people bring themselves to their work. Some are more open than others about the baggage they carry, but everyone is carrying something. By openly discussing things like mental health, financial wellness, and the stress of being a caregiver, leaders signal it’s both safe and normal to focus on things other than the latest sales figures. And in turn, that safety helps build a culture that drives success.
So my reminder to all of us: we are torchbearers. Our presence, our questions, our vulnerability – they matter. We must carry these conversations back to our workplaces. Challenge the status quo. Advocate for mental health resources. Extend forgiveness where it’s due. Be mindful of the influence we have. Let us continue to illuminate the path toward healthier, more compassionate organizations.
Together, we can redefine corporate culture, and I’m glad to have served a small part in that journey.
Mark Stelzner
Founder/Managing Principal/Luminary, IA
Voice of HR
How the Cherokee Nation became a Top 10 employer in Oklahoma
At EPIC HR, Mark Stelzner moderated a panel who shared the changes they’ve been making to bring Cherokee Nation into the conversation as a top employer.
Where you can find us
It’s been a busy spring conference season, and we aren’t quite done yet. Luckily, you still have a chance to hear from us, either live or via podcast:
April 2024: Mary Faulkner enjoyed a far-ranging conversation with the Left of Boom podcast , discussing everything from employee burnout, building a strong culture, and just a dash of Broadway.
May 7-9, 2024: Kimberly Carroll and Mary Faulkner will be presenting at both the Strategic Alliances Summit and the HR Tech and Transformation Summit at the upcoming UNLEASH America Conference in Las Vegas.
May 14-16, 2024: ERE.net is gearing up for their next Recruiting Conference, and Mary Faulkner will be moderating a panel of experts discussing the elusive hiring metric “quality of hire”! There’s still time to register to attend in person or register for the digital experience.
September 24-26, 2024: IA is once again pleased to share that they will be presenting a panel at this year’s HR Technology Conference in Las Vegas. Stay tuned for more information!
On Our Radar
They say April showers bring May flowers. They also bring some interesting stories from the world of work:
The use of Gen AI to create content is so prevalent, there are those who claim that the internet is now “dead,” with human-generated content replaced fully by artificial intelligence. While the theory is firmly in the conspiracy column at the moment, we couldn’t help but wonder…would we really notice the difference?
You’ve probably seen the articles describing how no one on their deathbeds say they had worked harder at their jobs. Well, add noted psychologist Gabor Maté to that group. In a podcast interview, he shares the pressures of proving worth through work, when really it just distracted him from the things that matter.
About IA
As trusted advisors to senior leaders, IA supports strategic initiatives that transform the way organizations work.
Our seasoned team of professionals apply a revolutionary eye, deep domain experience, and flexible tools to accelerate the achievement of even the most ambitious goals. With a cross-functional, strategic perspective, we thrive on big, messy problems. Whether large or small, public or private, domestic or international, it’s our job to support leaders and their teams in achieving outcomes that are truly unique to their culture and objectives.
Every organization has a catalyst for change – learn more at ia-hr.com.
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