The Instagram Page Classic HR Memes has a modest but solid following of over 48k people. Their handle is actually "Not SHRM Approved", which, for those uninitiated into the world of HR, means The Society for Human Resource Management. It's a membership association that advocates for HR as a profession and provides certification and education for its members.
We wanted to know more about what it's like to work in human resources, so, we reached out to Jamie Jackson. Jamie has years of experience working in HR; that's how her meme pages Humorous Resources and Horrendous HR were born.
A year ago, Jamie started a podcast with the creators of two other popular HR social media accounts: Leigh Henderson and Ashley Herd. In the episodes, the women want to debunk the myth that HR is your worst enemy, hence the title "HR Besties."
The pandemic forced many of us to make significant life changes, our careers included. Our attitudes toward work changed immensely, with many companies adopting a hybrid or remote work model, adjusting to employees' increasing awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being.
"HR has undergone a major transformation," Jamie Jackson agrees. "Employee well-being has always been on our radar, but now it's front and center—because, let's face it, mental health is the ultimate productivity hack. As we've transitioned from in-office setups to remote and now hybrid models, we've had to get creative in keeping people connected."
Keeping teams engaged and collaborating has been a challenge, one that HR specialists are still trying to figure out. "It's not just about Zoom meetings and Slack channels; it's about fostering real human connections, no matter where your team is," Jamie explains. "We've shifted from focusing on 'how' people work to 'how they feel while they work,' and that's where the magic happens."
More and more people are looking at HR as a desirable career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that between 2022 and 2032 the demand for HR professionals should rise by 6%. That's faster than the national average for all other occupations. Jamies says that the job isn't easy, but it's knowing that you're helping people that propels you in the long run.
"HR can sometimes feel like a thankless job—you're the unseen hero of the workplace, juggling a million things behind the scenes," Jamie says. "But here's the secret: the real reward is knowing you're shaping the culture and supporting people when it matters most."
What advice would she give young HR professionals? "Find joy in the little wins—like solving a tricky problem or helping someone navigate a tough situation," Jamie says. "Stay curious, keep learning, and remember, HR is all about people. When you focus on making work life better for others, you'll find it's pretty rewarding for you, too! Oh, and don't forget to take care of yourself—you can't pour from an empty cup," she adds.
