People who work in human resources are frequently maligned. They appear intimidating and unapproachable, and it seems like they just care about the firm and not the average guy. So where’s the place to laugh and get some comfort for the 980k Americans who actually work in HR?
Naturally, on sites like Classic HR Memes. According to the bio of the account, it’s a “safe space for HR folks to say what they’re really thinking.” They certainly have a lot on their minds, ranging from the difficulties involved in hiring to handling inept managers to overseeing training required by the state.
Bored Panda discussed the highs and lows of working in HR with digital designer and HR professional Jamie Jackson. Jamie is the brains of Millennial Misery and the Chief Meme Officer at Humorous Resources. She is also a thirdr in the podcast for HR professionals, HR Besties. Read her opinions regarding the current status of HR and her suggestions for those just starting out in the field by scrolling down!
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With more than 48k followers, the Instagram page Classic HR Memes is modestly but steadily growing. To individuals who are unfamiliar with the HR industry, “Not SHRM Approved” refers to The Society for Human Resource Management. This membership organisation promotes human resources as a career and offers training and certification to its members.
We contacted Jamie Jackson to find out more about his experience working in human resources. Jamie has worked in HR for many years, which is how her hilarious resource and horrifying HR meme pages came to be.
Along with Leigh Henderson and Ashley Herd, the proprietors of two other well-known HR social media profiles, Jamie launched a podcast a year ago. Because the women in the episodes want to dispel the notion that human resources is your biggest adversary, they are referred to as “HR Besties.”
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Many of us were compelled by the pandemic to make major life adjustments, including changes to our employment. Our views about work have drastically altered, and many businesses have adapted to employees’ growing understanding of the value of mental health and well-being by implementing remote or hybrid work models.
Jamie Jackson concurs that “HR has undergone a major transformation.” Although employee well-being has always been a concern, it is now a top priority since, let’s face it, mental wellness is the best productivity booster. We’ve had to find new ways to keep people engaged as we’ve gone from in-office arrangements to remote and now hybrid models.”
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HR professionals are still working to find the best ways to keep teams motivated and working together. “It’s not just about Zoom meetings and Slack channels; it’s about fostering real human connections, no matter where your team is,” Jamie clarifies. “We’ve shifted from focusing on ‘how’ people work to ‘how they feel while they work,’ and that’s where the magic happens.”
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An increasing number of people are considering careers in human resources. According to forecasts from the Bureau of Labour Statistics, there should be a 6% increase in demand for HR specialists between 2022 and 2032. That is quicker than the average for all other vocations in the country. Although the work isn’t always easy, Jamies claims that ultimately, what keeps you going is the knowledge that you’re assisting others.
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“HR can sometimes feel like a thankless job—you’re the unseen hero of the workplace, juggling a million things behind the scenes,” Jamie explains. “But here’s the secret: the real reward is knowing you’re shaping the culture and supporting people when it matters most.”
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How would she advise aspiring human resources professionals? “Find joy in the little wins—like solving a tricky problem or helping someone navigate a tough situation,” Jamie advises. “Remember that human resources are all about people. Be inquisitive, keep learning. You’ll discover that working towards improving the lives of people at work is quite fulfilling for you as well! You can’t pour from an empty cup, so remember to look after yourself as well,” she continues.
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Jamie, Leigh, and Ashley cover a wide range of subjects regarding working in HR on the HR Besties podcast. They’ve produced episodes on a wide range of topics, including personality hiring, nepotism and favouritism, and the use of AI. However, Jamie found that hearing how many other HR professionals share her enthusiasm for change was the most fulfilling aspect of the podcast.
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“On HR Besties, we’ve had some incredible conversations, but the best moment for me was realising just how many other HR professionals are also out here on a mission to truly make a difference,” Jamie shares. “It’s easy to feel like you’re on an island when you’re constantly handling tough situations, but connecting with others who share the same passion for driving positive change was a game-changer for me.”
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