Issue link: https://digital.hrreporter.com/i/213549
the time, having to appear objective and neutral in order to appear professional, these are true of professions in general. But in some professions, let's say the legal profession, you typically go out to your clients. Whereas in HR, you're 'on stage' all the time, especially when you're co-located with your clients," says Mann. "I find that, as a result, you bond a lot with your HR peers. Schools don't teach you that." PEOPLE ARE UNPREDICTABLE Another thing HR people don't learn at school, says Brandi Bartlett, is how surprising people can be. That, in a sense, has been the biggest surprise of the job, says Bartlett, HR director at Quercus, an Edmonton-based software company. "It's just amazing how in any industry, whether it's IT or hospitality where I used to work, it's still about people. And people have got many different issues. They come from all walks of life. They have their own personalities and baggage they bring to the table," says Bartlett. And yes, that means Bartlett sometimes finds herself amazed at how certain individuals behave. Before she got into HR, she didn't think she would ever work in a place where a general manager would coin the phrase, "It's a good day when someone doesn't pee on the floor." That was at her previous job in hospitality. The phrase referred to an incident one evening when the general manager walked past the maintenance shop and saw an employee relieving himself in the floor drain. "But I wouldn't change professions," says Bartlett. "This profession is exciting and it's always changing. You just need to be agile enough to adapt." /UYEN VU is a Toronto-based freelance writer. get certified! payroll compliance practitioner certified payroll manager PAYROLL COMPLIANCE PRACTITIONER (PCP) CERTIFIED PAYROLL MANAGER (CPM) Payroll is responsible for the compliance and for understanding the 190 pieces of legislation surrounding the $810 billion in wages and benefits paid annually by Canada's 1.5 million employers, plus the $250 billion in statutory remittances to the federal and provincial governments, and over $90 billion in health and retirement benefits. www.payroll.ca/go/?getcertified Courses offered at colleges and universities across Canada. Online courses start monthly. 1-800-387-4693 ext. 272 certification@payroll.ca canadian hr profession hrreporter.com HRP.indd 9 9 12-03-28 3:06 PM