International HR day, which takes place 20th May every year, was created in 2019 by the European Association for People Management. The day recognises the importance of HR while celebrating those working in the profession. Human resources play an important role in the success of any business. By creating procedures for employee engagement and development, HR professionals enhance business culture and increase business productivity while also reducing turnover. Their work is essential to support organisations in achieving strategic objectives and business growth.

It’s safe to say HR plays a major role in any organisation. Dedicating a day to the industry and the people in it is the perfect way to recognise their hard work and expertise.

How to Celebrate International HR Day

There are many different ways to celebrate the achievements of your HR team. In order to show your appreciation, here are four ideas:

  • Give the recognition your HR team deserve
  • Organise a HR day out
  • Address the needs of your HR team
  • Reward their hard work

Give the recognition your HR team deserves

It’s important to recognise the invaluable contribution of your HR team. Your HR professionals are the backbone of your organisation, tirelessly navigating the complexities of recruitment, employee relations, training and beyond.

Recognition can be as simple as expressing gratitude through verbal praise, handwritten notes, or emails. You can also acknowledge their hard work in team meetings or company-wide communications.

By acknowledging their dedication, expertise, and the pivotal role they play in shaping company culture and driving success, you not only boost morale but also foster a culture of appreciation and motivation. When you give the recognition your HR team deserves, you honour their hard work while inspiring them to continue delivering excellence. This ultimately propels the organisation towards its goals.

Organise a HR day out

Organising a HR day out offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and rejuvenate your HR team’s spirit. Beyond the confines of the office, this day can serve as a well-deserved break while also fostering team cohesion. Whether it’s a day trip to a scenic destination or a team-building activity, this event allows your HR professionals to unwind, recharge, and bond outside of the typical work environment. By investing in their well-being and promoting a healthy work-life balance, you not only demonstrate appreciation but also reinforce the importance of their role in the organisation.

Address the needs of your HR team

Recognising the unique challenges faced by HR professionals, from managing employee relations to navigating complex compliance issues, is crucial. Providing adequate resources, whether through training, access to cutting-edge HR technology, or hiring additional support staff, empowers your team to excel in their roles. Moreover, encouraging open communication channels and feedback enables you to understand the pain points. From this, you can implement solutions that address their specific needs. By prioritising the needs of your team, you not only enhance their effectiveness but also cultivate a positive workplace culture. This leads to employees feeling valued, supported, and motivated to deliver their best work.

 Reward their hard work

While bonuses and salary raises are beneficial, non-monetary rewards can be equally impactful. Consider implementing a programme where employees are praised for their achievements, such as award ceremonies or a dedicated recognition platform. Additionally, offering opportunities for professional development, such as access to training and development, demonstrates a long-term investment in their growth and success. Providing flexibility in work schedules, extra paid time off, or allowing remote workdays can also be highly valued rewards. All of these incentives promote work-life balance and employee well-being. Ultimately, the key is to tailor rewards to everyone’s preferences and motivations. This ensures that their hard work is acknowledged and appreciated in meaningful ways.

A Career in HR

Ever considered working in human resources? Take our quiz to find out if this is the career for you!

If it is something you’re interested in, you may want to consider studying the CIPD Level 3. This is the go-to qualification for people starting off in the HR industry, and those who have experience and want to achieve the foundational qualification to help them progress.