The future of HR is not just about evolving policies, adapting to new workplace trends, or implementing cutting-edge technology. It’s also about us – HR professionals – owning our value, advocating for our work, and stepping into our power. But is it as simple as just championing ourselves more?
As women in HR, we know that our profession is often misunderstood, undervalued, and at times, even dismissed. We operate behind the scenes, ensuring smooth people operations, navigating complex employee issues, and shaping company culture. And yet, we hesitate to talk about our contributions. Why? Because self-promotion feels uncomfortable, and for many of us, it’s ingrained that talking about our achievements is boastful or self-serving. But if we don’t articulate our impact, who will?
The Challenges of Self-Promotion in HR
HR professionals – especially women – face unique challenges when it comes to self-promotion. Research consistently shows that women are less likely than men to advocate for their achievements, ask for promotions, or negotiate pay raises. Part of this stems from deeply ingrained societal expectations; women are expected to be collaborative, nurturing, and supportive rather than assertive and self-promotional. In HR, where our role is often to make others shine, this challenge is even more pronounced.
Moreover, there’s a misconception that to elevate HR’s impact, we must diminish other functions. We’ve seen it happen – departments pitted against each other in an unspoken hierarchy: Sales brings in revenue, Marketing builds the brand, Finance controls the numbers, and HR? Well, we “just deal with people.” This mindset is damaging and diminishes the crucial role HR plays in organisational success. It’s not about competing for recognition but ensuring that the value of HR is understood and appreciated at all levels.
Why It’s Essential to Speak Up
The reality is that HR’s contributions often go unnoticed simply because they’re not articulated. We work behind the scenes, handling sensitive issues, mitigating risks, and creating an environment where people can thrive. Yet, because so much of our work is confidential, we struggle to showcase our impact. And when we do, there’s the added challenge of gender biases at play.
Studies show that when men display self-confidence, they are perceived as high performers and influential leaders. Women, on the other hand, must balance confidence with warmth and relatability to achieve the same level of influence. If we don’t navigate this carefully, our contributions may be dismissed or devalued.
How to Start Championing Yourself
So, how can we overcome these barriers and start advocating for ourselves and our profession? Here are three actionable strategies:
1. Reframe Self-Promotion as Sharing Value
Rather than seeing self-promotion as bragging, view it as an opportunity to share the impact of your work. Ask yourself: How does my work contribute to the organisation’s success? What insights can I share that would benefit others? When you frame it this way, speaking about your accomplishments becomes a way to add value rather than seeking validation.
2. Keep a Record of Your Achievements
If you’re not already tracking your successes, start today. Keep a running list of projects you’ve led, challenges you’ve overcome, and contributions you’ve made. Document the specific role you played, the skills you demonstrated, and most importantly the impact of your efforts. This record will serve as a powerful tool when it’s time for performance reviews, salary negotiations, or discussions about promotions.
3. Find Safe Spaces to Practice Speaking About Your Wins
If shouting your achievements from the rooftops feels too daunting, start small. Share your successes in one-on-one conversations with colleagues, mentors, or trusted peers. Gradually build your confidence and find opportunities to highlight your contributions in meetings, team discussions, or industry events. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.
Elevating HR and Women in the Workplace
Championing yourself isn’t just about personal success it’s about paving the way for others. The more we normalise self-advocacy in HR, the more we challenge outdated perceptions about our profession and the role of women in the workplace.
For those looking to dive deeper into these challenges and how to navigate them, I highly recommend the book The Fix: Overcome the Invisible Barriers That Are Holding Women Back at Work by Michelle P. King. It’s a fantastic resource for understanding gender biases in the workplace and strategies to overcome them. Another great read is F** Being Humble* by Stefanie Sword-Williams, which provides practical tips on how to self-promote without feeling awkward or inauthentic.
Own Your Impact
HR professionals do incredible work every day. It’s time we start acknowledging and articulating our value. When we own our impact, we not only elevate ourselves but also strengthen the credibility and influence of the entire HR profession.
So, I challenge you: this week, take one step toward championing yourself. Whether it’s tracking your achievements, sharing a success story, or reframing how you view self-promotion, start now. The future of HR depends on it.
If this resonates with you, let’s continue the conversation. Connect with me, share your thoughts, and join us at the HR Big Meet, where we explore practical strategies to elevate our impact as women in HR.
