As we approach the end of the year and think ahead to Christmas Day on Wednesday, this time of year is often a period for reflection. First and foremost, we wish all our members, colleagues, clients, partners, sponsors and friends a wonderful Christmas and every best wish for 2025. As the holiday season approaches, we also want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to our volunteers for your dedication, hard work, and the positive energy you bring to our organisation every day. We hope you can relax and enjoy some good cheer over the festive period.
Thank you to everyone who worked with or supported the Human Resource Management Association of T&T this year. We have been delighted to have had such a positive impact across a diverse range of events, industries/sectors, social causes, professional development partnerships and collaborations this year; helping our members navigate their changing circumstances in the most constructive way possible. Christmas has always been a time when we dare to imagine something better – when we believe, just for a moment, that magic might be possible in the midst of what seems impossible.
Yet as we prepare for a new year, we find ourselves contemplating what we can expect. In a world increasingly defined by incivility, tension, division and anger. The tensions right here in T&T, or when we examine what is happening overseas in France, Germany, Canada and the USA, we are constantly reminded of how fragile our social fabric has become. It is in such times I wonder if our workplaces are mirroring these divisions; or if within our workplaces, we find refuge against life’s storms, or if they stand as beacons of hope, offering support, kindness and love; or whether our HR professionals are coping with all these changes.
Our workplaces should be spaces where people find happiness, purpose, and harmony; where everyone feels motivated to bring their best selves to work. But are they?
As societal divisions spill into the workplace, cultural polarisation, in addition to technological advancements, shifting workplace dynamics, and evolving employee expectations, HR will be challenged in 2025. This will be amplified by political discourse, social media, and potential policy changes that could impact the workplace.
As we collectively as a profession prepare for what’s to come, the ability to adapt and pivot in response to changing circumstances is essential for HR leaders. Whether it’s expanding, contracting, or navigating the complexities of a merger or acquisition, the strategies of clear communication, proactive planning, and fostering a culture that embraces change can make all the difference. As we move forward, let’s remember that with every challenge comes an opportunity for growth and innovation.
When I asked my HR team what they were most grateful for in 2024, a clear pattern emerged in their responses. They focused on the love of family and friends, great health, meaningful work, safety and peace. Like finding the perfect gift wrapped beneath the tree, HR professionals can contribute to employee needs by delivering a systematic, human-centered approach to workplace challenges, while creating sometimes a safe haven. This is integral to an organisation’s success now more than ever before, based on emerging employees’ needs.
HR leaders, too, have their wishes and things they are grateful for. They’re seeking the skills to navigate our fast-paced, hybrid world with confidence. They want more resources to enable better productivity (increased HR budgets, additional resources within their teams to balance the workload, and better use of technology to free up time); they want more support from others within the organisation (more understanding of their role from employees, more understanding of their role from the C-suite, and better support from the C-suite); and more training to fill future and current skills gaps (they want to master quality conversations and understand effective routes to resolution).
Meanwhile, employees dream of something seemingly simple but profound – a workplace that offers refuge and a work culture they can be proud of.
As we look ahead to 2025, HR professionals will become more integral to an organisation’s success than ever before.
Let us resolve to:
- Enhance employee engagement. Foster an environment of recognition, appreciation, and inclusivity by regularly celebrating achievements and milestones. Strive to create a workplace culture where employees feel valued and connected to the company’s mission, vision and core values.
- Revamp onboarding. Make a lasting and positive first impression by designing a comprehensive, engaging onboarding programme. Include training on company culture, values, and career development, not just job-specific skills.
- Improve communication channels. Implement regular, two-way communication with employees to stay connected and informed about their needs, feedback, and concerns.
- Foster leadership development: Invest in developing leadership skills across all levels of your organisation. Create mentorship opportunities and management training programmes to cultivate the next generation of leaders within your company.
- Prioritise employee well-being. Focus on both physical and mental well-being by offering resources like wellness programmes, mental health support, and flexible work arrangements. A healthy workforce is a productive workforce.
In closing, as you contemplate your New Year resolutions, we hope that this Christmas season brings you joy, peace, and love. May your homes be filled with warmth, laughter, and the spirit of giving. As we gather with loved ones, let’s cherish these precious moments and embrace the true meaning of Christmas.
We can’t wait to see you in 2025. Until then, the HRMATT board of directors wish you a joyous holiday season!
