Expand your HR network through collaboration

The ups, downs and inside-outs of the world and business right now really do bring to our attention just how much we need each other. It highlights how beneficial support from our peers is, and when we are isolated, either working from home away from colleagues, or as business owners, just how valuable regular check-ins are. Not only are they good for your mental wellbeing, they are an excellent way to learn from others and to be social in the name of work. It’s why we’re putting much more emphasis on, and encouraging you to expand your HR network. We feel that building together through collaboration ticks all the boxes.

But how did we get to this point?

Let’s rewind a few years…

As we came out of lockdown, an intense period of physical isolation in 2021, people were craving the opportunity for human contact. The need to meet in person was strong. In the HR profession, in particular, many were tired, overworked, overwhelmed and generally feeling the pressure of responsibility. Many carried the burden of change alone.  Getting everyone safely out of the office and working effectively at home. Creating policies and processes to manage the business during the pandemic. Restructures and reorganisations required as a result of remote working. Creating policies for hybrid working. Temporary lay-offs and short-time working, redundancies, and on and on.

But who was looking out for these professionals. The ones who were spending all their time and energy making sure everyone else was OK?

I decided to create a safe place for like-minded HR professionals to gather together. A place to grow their HR network and collaborate. And so Solasta’s HR Network was born. Helping individuals, such as you, to expand your HR network.

The themes for the HR Network were Connect, Learn and Grow. It provided networking opportunities for HR professionals to get together in a safe space. The chance to meet new contacts, get to know each other, speak about topical issues, talk about mentoring opportunities. To have access to advice, guidance and support for dealing with complex HR queries. Learning how to deal with demanding business partners. It was a real opportunity for personal growth and development. The chance for many to learn about themselves and understand the benefits of coaching by taking part in group coaching sessions. One of the essential criteria was to do this while having fun 😉.

We had monthly meetings, took part in action learning sets and enjoyed sessions from subject matter experts who came along to speak. One of the most memorable sessions was the employment law seminar at Cains delivered by Adam Ohringer from Cloisters, Kath Sheerin from Cains and me.

Towards the end of 2022, we paused the monthly networking events to review and consider changes for the future. Many tell me they have missed the opportunities to get together with their peers and expand their HR network and knowledge.

There is a strong need for this collaboration to continue. The opportunity for HR professionals to expand their professional network. So, for 2024, Solasta’s HR network is being revitalised and relaunched with the opportunity to take part in this expanded HR network.

Also, for those interested in a career in HR or wishing to progress to a formal qualification, Step into HR – the first HR Apprenticeship programme of its kind on Island is being launched. This will help individuals coming into the HR profession to develop their skills, build their experience and expand their professional network.

We’ll be sharing our plans soon, so join our mailing list to keep up to date with what is happening and when.

If you or someone you know want to get involved, email elaine@solastacoaching.com.