UK HR chiefs join campaign to thank #HRHeroes for their commitment during COVID-19

Today sees the launch of Hr NETWORK magazines #HRHeroes campaign highlighting the exceptional commitment and hard work of the many people professionals across the UK, who have kept the wheels of people management turning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To coincide with the nominations process for this years Hr NETWORK Awards in partnership with Roffey Park Institute, Hr NETWORK is encouraging the HR and people management & development community and associated professionals to use #HRHeroes to shine a light on and share stories of those HR individuals, teams and specialist groups, who have gone above and beyond by putting people first, during these difficult and challenging times.

Commenting on the launch of #HRheroes, founder of Hr NETWORK Lee Turner said: “Just as the nation has done for key workers throughout the lockdown, we want to shine the spotlight on the commitment and exceedingly hard work carried out by the vast number of HR and people professionals working tirelessly to manage, amend and refine HR and people policy to mitigate the effects and implications of the coronavirus pandemic on employers and employees, which at times seemed like it was changing on a daily basis.”

Commenting on the hard work of HR professionals during these times, John Stewart, Director of HR at leading energy company SSE plc said: “Across all sectors and within employers large and small, HR teams have had to really step up during the COVID-19 lockdown.”

John went on: “Tackling issues ranging from establishing new ways of working to managing new remote workforces, to supporting resilience and mental health, and in many cases with no obvious or previous rulebook to work from. HR teams have helped leaders and employees alike navigate the new norms, and have understood employee sentiment and what really mattered during these times of challenge.”

On the subject of HR teams showing inspiring levels of innovation and resilience, John added: “This is a time that the HR community has been innovative, tenacious, resilient and on the front foot. The stories I have heard have been uplifting, examples of problem solving, fast delivery, calm and professionalism in the storm.”

John (pictured) concluded: “This has also been a time for huge learning and real development, and one, which has raised the standing of the HR Community. So a huge well done to all of those involved in keeping their people supported during an unprecedented time.”

Lee Turner added: “The Clap For NHS and Care Workers’ campaign showed just how grateful the nation is to our heroes in the NHS and others on the frontline dealing with COVID-19 and Hr NETWORK, along with our hugely engaged HR community, want to extend that gratitude to all the dedicated and hardworking HR people across the UK.”

Lee concluded: “It will be with great pride and admiration for our HR professionals at all levels of human resource management, that at 8pm on Thursday 26th November 2020 at the Glasgow Hilton, when we all gather at the Hr NETWORK Awards Gala Dinner 2020, the Scottish HR community will get the opportunity to recognise, acknowledge and reward the exceptional commitment and hard work of HR and associated people professionals that have kept the wheels of people management turning, during the Coronavirus pandemic and I urge HR leaders to consider the nominations process by putting their own HR heroes forward for much deserved recognition.”

To recognise the contribution made by the UK’s #HRHeroes, each day Hr NETWORK will publish the now instantly recognisable #HRHeroes logo along with a message of thanks from a range of UK HR chiefs. Senior HR professionals wishing to include a message expressing their own gratitude in the #HRHeroes campaign to either their own team or to the HR profession in general  should contact Hr NETWORK magazine – details below.

The 14th Hr NETWORK National Awards 2020 in partnership with Roffey Park Institute, will take place at the hugely impressive Glasgow Hilton on Thursday 26th November 2020. Attracting around 800 HR and people professionals and regarded as ‘the’ event in the HR calendar, the Awards will recognise, acknowledge and reward the champions of the Scottish HR profession.

There are 18 awards categories to choose from which includes HR Director of the Year category sponsored by LHH, Diversity & Inclusion Award of the Year sponsored by Virgin Money UK and HR Manager/Advisor of the Year category sponsored by ScottishPower. The Outstanding Contribution to Scottish HR award is for services to the HR profession – an award, which is decided each year by the Hr NETWORK Judging Panel.

For further information on all the categories and details regarding the Gala Dinner on Thursday 26th November 2020 in Glasgow, please contact the Awards Planning Team on Tel: 01131 625 3267 or email: awards@hrnetworkscotland.co.uk

Click here: List of Awards categories for 2020