As a long time executive coach (over 20 years), I have clients in a variety of organizations–many in technology. I have noticed some changes in my coaching calls over the last 7 weeks.

I am seeing my clients challenged in ways that I haven’t seen before. Parents are challenged by having children at home. Families are challenged by having to share a Wi-Fi connection. Single people living alone are feeling stressed and I am seeing signs of depression I don’t usually see in my work. Organizations have been faced with furloughs and lay-offs and the work has been difficult, emotional, and exhausting. It is also important to consider those who are still working and the challenges they face.

In HR, the policies and procedures are important but leadership sometimes happens when leaders listen to what isn’t being said. A policy is created to help those who can’t necessarily advocate for themselves. Training and learning opportunities are put in place to teach skills that aren’t intuitive.

This helps make the playing field more equitable for those who are marginalized–who might not have a clear voice. It is in creating policies that support diversity so privileged candidates don’t have a leg up in hiring practices.

It is in making accommodations in the workplace so people who have challenges can be productive contributors. This is human resources at its best.

You can also read this article from here: https://www.hr.com/en/magazines/hr_strategy/june_2020_hr_strategy_planning/experimenting-with-equity_kbs2d7sq.html?utm_source=email&utm_campaign=essentials-hrstrategyandplanning&utm_content=experimentingwithequity&uid=4342437278