2021
28 www.hrawards.ca
EARLIER THIS fall, HRD Canada hosted our 8th annual Canadian HR Awards
— a night dedicated to rewarding the very best individuals, teams, and organi-
zations our nation has to offer. In a pre-pandemic age, we would have hosted the
ceremony face-to-face — but we didn't let a global virus get in the way of our fun.
Having seamlessly switched to a virtual event, we retained all the flair and festive
spirit of our original galas — and gained the added advantage of launching panel
debates in our online platform. Hosted by award-winning CBC news anchor
Suhana Meharchand, the event featured 24 awards categories — ranging from
individual to group to company-wide accolades.
Building resilient HR teams
The past 12 months have proved the challenge of a lifetime for HR leaders in
Canada. Dealing with overnight digitization, pivoting to remote work, updating
communication strategies and replacing out-dated hybrid tech — it's been a
baptism by fire for up-and-coming HR practioners. A recent report from Paychex
found that 70% of HR leaders claimed 2020 was the most difficult year of their
careers — with 98% adding that the pandemic completely changed their role in
the organization. And while it's been difficult to manage, this change has ultim-
ately been for the better. HR teams have learned more skills in the past three
months than they would normally have in three years — something can turn an
ordinary practitioner into a dream HR leader.
"An organization is nothing without its people," added Sarah Beech, area execu-
tive president, central region at Gallagher and sponsor of The Gallagher Award for
HR Team of the Year. "A dream HR leader knows this and has mastered how to
walk the tightrope, balancing the needs of both the organization and its work-
force. They have the ear and respect of the C-suite, have built followership, and
gained the trust of the greater team. They naturally see the big picture, strategizing
on what's to come and what needs to be done, while simultaneously getting in the
trenches alongside the team to help with daily issues or concerns."
2021's Canadian HR Awards were dedicated to those who shepherded us
through a most disruptive year
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