Sugar, Spice, and HR Advice: A Letter From a Seasoned Pro
Hello Fresh off The Shelves HR Pro!
Welcome to the table. You’re about to dig into a career that will challenge you, change you, and—most importantly—satiate you in ways you never imagined. As a seasoned HR pro (think of me as a well-loved recipe passed down through generations), I’ve seen it all, tasted the highs and lows, and come out with a recipe for success that’s as complex as a five-course meal.
You’re here to stir the pot, add your own flavor, and make this role uniquely yours.
1. The Core Ingredients: What Has Always Mattered
No matter how many seasons pass, some ingredients in HR remain essential. Think of HR as the salt of the organization—indispensable, even if sometimes taken for granted. We’ve always been the ones to ensure that the company’s culture isn’t bland, that it’s got the right balance of flavor—be it a pinch of empathy, a dash of integrity, or a sprinkle of humor.
2. Then and Now: A Seasoned Perspective
A decade ago, HR was often seen as the department of rules and regulations—a necessary part of the business, but not the most glamorous. We were the gatekeepers, the ones who ensured compliance, managed payroll, and handled the endless stream of paperwork. It was a role that felt more administrative than transformative, more about keeping the peace than stirring the pot.
But times have changed, and so has HR. Today, we’re expected to be strategic partners, change agents, and advocates for the people we serve. We’re no longer just the enforcers of policies; we’re the architects of company culture, the champions of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the driving force behind employee engagement and well-being.
Modern HR professionals are expected to wear many hats—sometimes all at once. We’re mediators, mentors, data analysts, and even crisis managers. We’re the ones who step up when things get tough, who find creative solutions to complex problems, and who never stop advocating for a workplace where everyone feels valued.
Example: Before 2020, remote work was like an under-seasoned dish—known, but not fully embraced. The pandemic threw us into the deep end, and HR had to adapt quickly. We became experts in remote work, virtual team building, and digital communication. Today, 44% of employees are enjoying the flexibility of working from home, a shift that HR not only facilitated but also championed.
But with these new expectations comes immense pressure. We’re expected to be everything to everyone, balancing the needs of employees with the demands of the business. It’s a delicate dance, one that requires not just skill, but also empathy, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference.
In this new era, HR isn’t just about managing people—it’s about leading them. It’s about creating environments where people can thrive, where their voices are heard, and where their unique contributions are celebrated. It’s about recognizing that the true power of an organization lies in its people, and that our role is to unlock that potential.
You’re stepping into a role that’s more complex and more rewarding than ever before. And while it won’t always be easy, it will be worth it. Because in the end, HR isn’t just about policies and procedures—it’s about people, about humanity, and about making the workplace a place where everyone can find their purpose.
3. The Emotional Rollercoaster: A Spicy Take
Get ready, because HR is a dish best served… well, with a lot of resilience and a side of humor. You’ll find yourself deeply invested in the lives of others, celebrating their triumphs and supporting them through their darkest hours. You’ll experience moments of joy—like when you help someone land their dream job—and moments of deep sorrow, like when you’re guiding a colleague through bereavement leave for the unexpected death of their child (true story).
As a first-generation Asian-American, I grew up understanding that love isn’t always spoken—it’s shown, often through the simplest acts. My dad spent countless hours in the hot kitchen of a Chinese takeout restaurant, feeding others to support our family. He rarely said the words, but every dish he made was infused with love and sacrifice. In our family, food is more than just sustenance—it’s how we connect, how we show we care.
That same spirit has guided me throughout my HR career. Just like my dad poured his heart into every dish, I’ve learned to pour my heart into the work I do. Every policy I craft, every conversation I have, every difficult decision I make—it’s all my way of showing that I care deeply about the people who make up our organizations.
You’ll carry the weight of others' stories with you, and there will be times when that weight feels almost too much to bear. But when you find yourself wondering why you didn’t choose a less stressful career - something like a professional lion-tamer, remember it’s in those moments that you’ll discover the depth of your own compassion and the incredible strength you never knew you had.
On the theme of roller coaster, Remember 2020? It was the year HR went from mild to extra spicy overnight. We were juggling layoffs, furloughs, and the sudden need to become Zoom ninjas. It was a time of growth, but let’s be honest—it was also a little overwhelming, like adding too much chili powder to a dish and hoping no one notices your eyes watering.
4. Words of Wisdom: The Secret Sauce
You may be thinking by now that HR sounds like a lot and you’d be right. But, even after ten years, I would still stand before you and say: it’s worth it.
That doesn’t mean it has to be as hard as it was for me. So, if I could bottle up my advice and pass it on to you, here’s what I’d include:
Adapt Like a Master Chef: HR is an ever-evolving recipe, and the best professionals are those who aren’t afraid to adjust the seasoning. Whether it’s a shift in corporate culture, a new HR tech trend, or just the unpredictable flavor of the day, you’ll need to stay flexible and be ready to add a little something extra when needed.
Keep It Real and Keep It Spicy: Stay true to who you are, never lose sight of the humanity in your work. The corporate world can water down your flavor and turn your dish cold, but you have the power to bring warmth and empathy to every interaction - even if the situation is hard. Remember that behind every policy is a person, and behind every person is a story—often one that’s more complicated and fragile than it seems. Don’t be afraid to add a little heat when it’s called for. Whether you’re advocating for employees or pushing back on unrealistic expectations, remember that a little spice goes a long way. But also, know when to temper it—too much can leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.
Self-Care is the Main Course: HR can be a pressure cooker, and burnout is the overcooked result. A 2021 survey found that more than half of HR professionals were feeling crispy around the edges and not in the “perfectly cooked bacon” sort of way. So, make sure to take care of yourself—whether that’s indulging in a guilty pleasure (overly priced lattes count as self-care, right?) or just stepping away from the heat when you need to. You’re the chef here, and you deserve to enjoy the process, too.
5. A Bright Future: Your Role in the Next Season
The future of HR is sizzling, with a lot of new flavors and opportunities to experiment. We’re (hopefully) moving towards more inclusive, empathetic workplaces where everyone’s voice adds to the richness of the company’s culture.
And diversity, EQUITY (because a true HR Master Chef will tell you it’s a required ingredient. Looking at you @SHRM), and inclusion? That can’t be just the garnish—it needs to be the main dish. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative, so you’ll want to be the one adding the spices that bring out the best in everyone. You’ve got the chance to create a workplace where everyone’s unique flavor is celebrated and savored.
As you move forward, remember that you’re part of a legacy—a long line of HR pros who’ve poured their hearts into making work a better place for everyone. You’re not just seasoning the dish; you’re cooking up something that will nourish generations to come.
6. Parting Encouragement: The Final Touch
So, get out there, embrace the spice, and, although you might occasionally feel like you’re in the kitchen with too many cooks, remember: You’ve got the perfect recipe for success. And if you ever need a little seasoning advice, also remember—you’re not alone. There’s a whole community of well-seasoned HR pros out here, ready to help you perfect your dish.
Welcome to the feast—you’re going to cook up something amazing!
With a heart full of hope and a sprinkle of love,
Mel