Believe It or Not, HR and Joy Aren’t Mutually Exclusive: They’re Connected — by Cerlyn Cantave

Original Medium Post HERE

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When most people think of Human Resources (HR), joy certainly doesn’t come to mind; just the thought induces clammy hands, beads of sweat, and a heightened heart rate. On a top 10 list of “Least Favorite Places to Visit”, the HR department likely ranks highest over the “dentist’s office,” “my in-laws,” and “Hell”. Yeah, it’s not popular.

Regardless, Human Resources departments should, and do, play a vital role in organizations by managing their most valuable asset — the employees. The traditional perception of HR as a frustratingly cold, bureaucratic, and rule-oriented function is evolving: Organizations, such as East Boston Social Centers where I’m the Director of People and Inclusion, are recognizing the importance of bringing joy into HR practices to create a more engaging and fulfilling work environment, and how that can enhance employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being.

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But what does that look like? Well, at the Social Centers, joy in HR goes beyond simply organizing employee benefits or handling disciplinary issues. It involves creating a positive and inclusive work culture where employees feel valued, motivated, and happy. By infusing the 5 Pillars of Joy (Relationships, Purpose, Fitness, Mindfulness, and Fun) into HR practices, we aim to foster a sense of belonging, boost morale, support health, and encourage employee engagement.

Research has shown that happy employees are more productive, creative, and loyal, leading to better organizational outcomes. Here’s how we’re getting there:

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Relationships

One of the key aspects of bringing joy into HR can be reflected in the recruitment and onboarding processes. By creating a welcoming and positive experience for new hires in small but meaningful ways, organizations can set the tone for their entire employee journey and help build strong relationships right from the beginning.

For example, when someone new is hired, our Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Carolina Espinoza, introduces them to the whole organization through a brief interview for our employee newsletter. There, new staff can share not only what drew them to apply to work here, but interesting facts about themselves. I personally shared that I’m obsessed with Chris Evans and Idris Elba and have life size cutouts that I dress in different outfits daily. Disturbing, yes, but interesting nevertheless.

Also, in response to our employee survey where staff expressed a desire to interact more often with our Executive Director, Justin Pasquariello, and other staff across our 4 sites, we’ve implemented weekly employee lunches to emphasize company culture, values, and goals to make all employees feel excited and motivated to be part of the organization.

Additionally, given our diverse staff and community and our continued commitment to DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging), we have a nascent staff DEIB committee that seeks to intentionally support that work through trainings and activities, such as revising our equity statement and ensuring all communications are in English and Spanish.

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Purpose

At the Social Centers, we strive to convey how important staff and their individual talents and roles are for advancing our larger mission and vision: to cultivate community, belonging, and joy for East Boston residents and our neighbors through services to support children, families, and individuals of all ages, and to promote a joyful community where all belong and feel welcome.

As HR Director, it’s imperative to recognize and reward employees for their hard work and achievements, emphasize open communication and transparency, and offer meaningful opportunities for employees to connect their work to a greater purpose.

We actively encourage open dialogue, active listening, and constructive feedback to build trust and transparency within to empower them to take ownership of their work and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s success. Our Chief Program Officer, Marcela Maldonado, for example, currently helms a strategic planning process centered on examining how our programs can better meet community needs and how to increase cross collaboration. Program managers and directors have been heavily involved and their input has greatly informed what services and offerings benefit the people we serve, such as our Welcome Baby program which supports new parents and our Every Child Shines initiative which seeks to ensure that every child enters kindergarten joyful, thriving and ready to learn.

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Fitness

We are focused on employee well-being in all aspects. This includes promoting work-life balance, prioritizing mental and emotional health and supports, and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Our staff have led walking groups and book clubs, undertaken fitness challenges, participated in chair yoga, among other activities. We also bought standing desks. By introducing wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and recognition initiatives to help employees feel appreciated and cared for, they are more likely to perform well and contribute positively to the organization.

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Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness training programs, can help employees manage stress, improve focus and concentration, and enhance their emotional intelligence.

Justin, our Executive Director, meditates daily in his office and encourages staff to do the same. Personally, any excuse to close my eyes for 15 minutes and {fantasize} meditate on what’s important, like {scheming to become the next Mrs. Evans or Mrs. Elba} great employee relations, is welcome. We also make mindfulness cards and courses available for employees.

In the context of HR, mindfulness can also play a crucial role in conflict resolution, communication, leadership development. Just this week, I’ve kicked off a series of trainings for our Leadership Team around effective communications which (hopefully) strengthens all three.

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Fun

HR can foster joy by celebrating achievements, milestones, and special occasions — and the Social Centers LOVES a good get together. We organize team-building activities (such as our annual Joy Day), social events, and an annual recognition ceremony to create a sense of camaraderie and unity among employees.

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Bringing joy into human resources may not seem like the most obvious consideration, but not only is it essential for creating a positive, engaging, and fulfilling work environment, it’s a powerful force that can transform workplaces and elevate the human experience within them.

Please share, subscribe, and join our movement by emailing me or supporting East Boston Social Centers.

This is the 48th post about boosting joy the only way we can: in community.

Stay joyful, East Boston.