The dictionary defines the word retreat as movement back, withdrawal from a position, and a period of quiet, a place where people go for rest and privacy, a safe place. Most of my experiences of retreat were about withdrawing from the fast paced world and taking time to renew myself from the inside out. Business today often uses the word to refer to going off-site for strategic planning and team building.
I recently had the opportunity to guide a retreat day with HR Professionals at the Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriottsville, Maryland. The title of the retreat, “Being the Human in Human Resources,” was specifically designed for the HR Professional. Some who attended were surprised that it wasn’t a seminar even though the program was advertised as brief inspiring presentations, conversations, and quiet time to revitalize you for the challenges that lie ahead. I suppose it goes back to the business application to the word retreat.
My more than 20 years in the profession has underscored how critical this position is to an organization and often how under appreciated. No one day is the same. What can seem like a start to a quiet day turns out to have one crisis after another. The HR professional is truly the resource, the “go to” person for advice, complaints, assistance, and the list goes on.
In my preparations for this retreat day, I came across a simple quote by Susan McHenry. She states: “Work when there is work to do. Rest when you are tired. One thing done in peace will most likely be better than ten things done in panic…I am not a hero if I deny myself rest; I am only tired.” The purpose of this retreat was to give the HR Professional an opportunity to get out of the fast lane for the day and focus on them.
Today’s recession has placed increased demands on workers. Morale declines as workers face continuous changes in their work environments. Layoffs have strained not only work relationships but also family and personal relationships. Fear and worry consumes the heart and mind and it is impossible to shake off those concerns when you get into work. Here enters the HR Professional with a sensitive awareness of the impact of an environment of uncertainty on the workforce.
I have a special affection for the HR profession. It adds great value to an organization when both the science and the art of the profession are meshed thus developing individuals and businesses that are creative, integrated and productive. That is why I believe it is necessary to get away and retreat – to look at things from the inside out.
I decided to guide another HR Retreat. The date has not yet been scheduled. Periodically check out my website for the announcement.
