5 Ways to Celebrate and Support Your HR Team on International HR Day (and All Year)

International HR Day is a special occasion to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of Human Resources professionals. These individuals play a crucial role in shaping the culture, policies, and overall well-being of an organization. 

And while May 20 is the official day, it’s important to celebrate and support your HR team throughout the year. Here are some meaningful ways to show your appreciation and help them thrive.

What you’ll learn:

• What is International HR Day?
• Why celebrate HR?
• 5 Ways to show appreciation for your HR teams
• For a thriving HR team, invest in year-round support

What is International HR Day?

International HR Day, observed on May 20, is a global celebration that honors the contributions of HR professionals. It was established to highlight the importance of HR in the business world and to recognize the efforts of those who work tirelessly to ensure a positive and productive work environment. This day serves as a reminder of the critical role HR plays in organizational success and the well-being of employees. (Back to top)

Why celebrate HR?

HR teams are the backbone of any organization. They handle a wide range of responsibilities, from recruitment and onboarding to employee relations and benefits management. It’s also worth noting that effective HR service is critical for creating a positive work environment for the rest of your employees. Because its processes and responsibilities have a direct impact on employee experience – from wellness to career mobility – HR also has a huge impact on the success of an organization as a whole.

By celebrating HR, we not only acknowledge their hard work but also reinforce the value they bring to the company. A supported and appreciated HR team is more likely to be motivated and effective, leading to a happier and more engaged workforce. (Back to top)

5 Ways to show appreciation for your HR teams

1. Recognize their efforts

Publicly acknowledging the achievements of your HR team can go a long way in boosting morale. Share success stories and testimonials from employees who have benefited from HR initiatives. This recognition can be done through company newsletters, internal social media platforms like Slack, or even a simple shout-out during a team meeting. It’s important to highlight the specific ways in which HR has made a positive impact on the organization.

2. Invest in professional development

Offering training and certification opportunities is a tangible way to show your HR team that you value their growth and development. Platforms like Salesforce’s Trailhead, for instance, provide a wealth of resources for learning and skill-building. 

Additionally, provide access to industry conferences and webinars to keep them updated on the latest trends and best practices in HR. This investment not only benefits the individuals but also enhances the overall capabilities of the HR department.

3. Promote work-life balance

Implementing flexible work hours and remote work options can significantly improve the work-life balance of your HR team. Organize wellness programs and mental health support to ensure they have the resources they need to stay healthy and happy. A balanced and supported HR team is more likely to be productive and effective in their roles.

One of the key features of Salesforce HR Service is its ability to use AI to automate services like wellness reimbursement or time off requests. This not only makes the process of submitting expense reports smoother for employees but also reduces the administrative workload for HR. By fostering a culture of wellness, you can improve employee health and satisfaction.

4. Foster a supportive community

Creating a supportive and collaborative environment is essential to employee well-being. Encourage regular team-building activities and meet-ups to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of belonging. A strong community can help HR professionals feel more connected and motivated, leading to better outcomes for the entire organization.

5. Automate HR processes with AI

A longer-term way you can support your HR teams – and one they’ll likely appreciate you for – is by making their work easier and more efficient with AI. 

AI in HR Service uses AI agents (like those built with Agentforce), natural language processing, and data analytics to automate routine HR tasks like answering common employee questions, processing requests, and managing employee records. Agentforce, for example, generates real-time, contextually appropriate responses and summaries, reducing the time HR reps spend on routine inquiries. So if an employee submits a non-compliant education reimbursement, Agentforce can quickly summarize the policy, draft a response, and even submit an automated approval request to the manager once compliance is met. 

By streamlining these processes, you can free up more time for your HR team to focus on strategic initiatives and employee engagement. (Back to top)

For a thriving HR team, invest in year-round support

While International HR Day is a great opportunity to show appreciation, it’s essential to support your HR team throughout the year. 

Salesforce, for instance, is deploying Agentforce for HR use cases to help employees get the answers and resources they need within Slack. Employees submit thousands of support tickets to HR to ask if specific items are eligible for reimbursement. Now, employees can access the AI agent via Slack about the wellbeing reimbursement program. An employee can ask, “Are cooking classes eligible for reimbursement?” and immediately get an answer with instructions on how to file a claim, saving both employees and the HR team time.

By recognizing their efforts and continuing to streamline HR processes (especially with AI), you can create a more positive and productive work environment – and help prevent employee burnout along the way. These proactive steps not only benefit your HR team but also contribute to the overall success and well-being of your organization. (Back to top)