What makes an exceptional organization? Exceptional people, of course.

While HR has long touted the importance of investing in employees, the pandemic really brought that home for the C-suite. And while COVID was a nightmare for many HR departments in Canada, it also acted as a catalyst for the people function – propelling it beyond a nice-to-have into a strategic business partner.

HRD has been at the forefront of these changes, championing people, organizations, and practices throughout the pandemic and beyond.
We have been highlighting and recognizing HR superstars across Canada – people who really made a difference on both a business and a personal level.

Our recent Global Best in HR report is a new go-to guide for all things HR – a certified list of the crème de la crème of people leaders across the world. This important list provides a definitive annual collection of those who have delivered outstanding results, introduced new initiatives, and polished existing workplace practices — acting as a source of inspiration to colleagues.

Looking ahead
But what now? What will HR’s role be in a post-pandemic Canada?

“Not only has HR been there to guide the organization and the workforce through the various iterations and transitions of the pandemic impact, there has also been the requirement to learn, redesign, and reimagine the go forward within the workplace,” says Dr. Raeleen Manjak, CHRO at the Coty of Vernon and one of our award-winning HR leaders.

“The adaptability related to systems thinking from a human resources perspective is a critical capability. The workaround company culture and leadership that motivates employees to move together toward a shared purpose and vision that is clear, amidst the ambiguity, is critical.”As we move on into 2023, all eyes are on HR leaders and their teams. And, according to HRD’s Best Place to Work research, organizations aren’t out of the woods just yet. Moving into the New Year, HR departments will have to continue to pivot to keep up with business needs and employee expectations which, post-pandemic, have changed dramatically.

In a recent interview with Andrea Bartlett, VP of people at Canadian software company Humi, she told HRD that employers should be asking their people what they want to see in 2023 – or risk higher levels of turnover.