I was spending some time waiting on my flight to Sydney getting right into my twitter feed and what do I find?
The perfect opportunity to work Beyoncé quotes into my blog. #lifeachievementunlocked.
#HRMixTape2018 is a challenge issued by @MarkSWHRF to write an HR blog using and linking 5 pieces of music to illustrate your point. So, in honour of one of the smartest HR pros I know, and an epic Beyoncé fan, Bella Yool, this one’s dedicated to you!
1
Single Ladies
(AKA: Engagement)
All the single ladies
Now put your hands up
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
‘Cause if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it
What’s one of the most critical elements of getting HR right in your organisation? Employee engagement. Because you can have the best of everything but if your people aren’t committed and they don’t care then you’re fighting a loosing battle.
In the wise words of the Queen herself, if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it.
2
Run the World
(AKA: Creating an Environment Where Women Can Succeed)
Who are we?
What we brought?
We run the world
Who run the world? Girls
The #metoo movement has been a timely reminder for many who (mistakenly) thought that sexual harassment in the workplace was a thing of the past. It still happens all the time, and just because this type of harassment (and others) aren’t always visible doesn’t mean they aren’t happening.
While this cannot ever be just HR’s responsibility, we have an important role to play in making sure that organisational leadership makes a conscious effort to create environments where women can thrive (and maybe run the world?) without fear of harassment.
3
Telephone (with Lady Gaga)
(AKA: Work/life Balance)
‘Cause I’ll be dancin’
‘Cause I’ll be dancin’
Tonight I’m not takin’ no calls, ’cause I’ll be dancin’!
Work is important. You can work your whole life towards a career objective and I respect that. But you can’t just be work. Family, friends, quality puppy time, these things are important. And sometimes HR people, when our lives are about careers, it’s easy to forget that we should also be the guardians of promoting a healthy balance.
So kick off your work shoes, grab some dancing ones, and head out for a boogie!
4
Daddy Lessons
(AKA: Know Your Business)
My daddy warned me about men like you
He said baby girl he’s playing you
He’s playing you
Cause when trouble comes in town
And men like me come around
Oh, my daddy said shoot
Oh, my daddy said shoot
Don’t let yourself get played! A key element of being an excellent business partner and delivering valuable people guidance to your stakeholders?
Know your business. Don’t just listen to the spiel. Get in there, understand the crucial elements of your business. What keeps your CEO up at night? What about the executive team? Your manager? The frontline staff? They all matter. Don’t take anything on face value alone, you need to dig deep.
5
If I Were a Boy
(AKA: The Gender Pay Gap)
If I were a boy
Even just for a day
I’d roll out of bed in the morning
And throw on what I wanted and go
Drink beer with the guys
And chase after girls
I’d kick it with who I wanted
And I’d never get confronted for it
‘Cause they’d stick up for me
You know what sucks? People getting paid differently for the same job because of their anatomy. You know what else sucks? Not understanding the systems behind the undervaluing of work traditionally seen as feminine.
I’m not suggesting a radical overhaul of your remuneration policies to put the cleaners on the same salary as the C-Suite – but when reviewing and setting remuneration continually challenge yourself and your colleagues:
- Is this decision fair?
- Does this decision consider equity? (Not always the same thing as ‘fair’), and
- What assumptions are we making about the real value of someone’s work and them as a valued member of our company?
Oh my gosh – and now I’m realising. I could run my whole career on Beyoncé’s advice? Who knew?!
Thanks Mark – I have really enjoyed this!
Renée Robson 
Very well written!
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