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News and analysis Leader Our mission statement HR magazine is for people-focused, forward- thinking, business leaders who want insight into and examples of business-contextualised HR in order to develop high-performing organisations. As the leading individually requested magazine for senior HR professionals, we are aspirational, accessible and opinionated. Whether in print, online or face-to- face, we are the hub through which the senior HR community can connect with each other. We promise to always view HR from a business perspective, give access to leaders and leading thinking, and always tell you what you need to know, not what you expect to hear. Unsung heroes are a trope I didn’t think I’d ever be referencing. As a journalist, I’m somewhat opposed to any kind of buzzword as I find them lazy and reductive (looking at you, quiet quitting). But when applying the phrase to unpaid carers, it just seems to fit the bill. These are the workers who, a er a long day fighting fires in the office, come home to care for a loved one, o en without any kind of acknowledgement or gratitude. It is no exaggeration to describe these incredible individuals as the bedrock of our society. They step in where the NHS cannot reach, offering unconditional love to the most vulnerable people. Fortunately, an upcoming change in legislation means carers will soon be entitled to one week of unpaid leave, but I’m certain HR can and should be doing more to help. These unsung heroes juggle hospital appointments, emergency calls and even childcare concerns with employment, and as a result many have, or are considering, leaving the workforce. Our cover story on pages 22-25 has reconfirmed just how important it is to keep these employees in the workforce. In a talent crisis where retention is key, it’s a no-brainer for the plight of unpaid carers to be on HR’s priority list for the year ahead. One in seven people in the UK’s workforce is an unpaid carer, and the chances are someone in your organisation may be struggling in silence trying to keep all of the plates spinning. Other than small pockets of good work, I’m seeing little happening in this space, and the conversation is far from being where it ought to be. Unpaid carers give so much of themselves to others, it’s about time they got a little back. Jo Gallacher E d i t o r, HR magazine ce is an unpaid nisation may be tes spinning. eing little far n Unpaid carers give so much, it’s about time they got a little back they little More than just a magazine As well as HR magazine in print, you can interact with our various brands online 4 HR March/April 2023 hrmagazine.co.uk
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We’ve always been the people’s partner As provider of The People’s Pension, we put £1m* of our profits into our members pots each month, to help them save more – we call it profit for people. profit for people Products for everyone Customers before profit Better for society Tr u s t e d for life Because we are a business without shareholders, we reinvest our profits to help customers and achieve better financial outcomes for everyone. peoplespartnership.co.uk *During 2021, we provided members of The People’s Pension with a total of c.£1 million rebate on their management charge every month. For further information visit thepeoplespension.co.uk/member-annual-management-charge People’s Partnership Limited Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9QP. Tel 0300 2000 555. www.peoplespartnership.co.uk Registered in England and Wales No. 10267951. To help us improve our service, we may record your call. Formerly B&CE PPCORP ADV 0003

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News and analysis Leader

Our mission statement

HR magazine is for people-focused, forward-

thinking, business leaders who want insight into and examples of business-contextualised HR in order to develop high-performing organisations. As the leading individually requested magazine for senior HR professionals,

we are aspirational,

accessible and opinionated. Whether in print, online or face-to-

face, we are the hub through which the senior

HR community can connect with each other. We promise to always view HR from a business perspective, give access to leaders and leading thinking, and always tell you what you need to know, not what you expect to hear.

Unsung heroes are a trope I didn’t think I’d ever be referencing. As a journalist, I’m somewhat opposed to any kind of buzzword as I find them lazy and reductive (looking at you, quiet quitting). But when applying the phrase to unpaid carers, it just seems to fit the bill. These are the workers who, a er a long day fighting fires in the office, come home to care for a loved one, o en without any kind of acknowledgement or gratitude. It is no exaggeration to describe these incredible individuals as the bedrock of our society. They step in where the NHS cannot reach, offering unconditional love to the most vulnerable people.

Fortunately, an upcoming change in legislation means carers will soon be entitled to one week of unpaid leave, but I’m certain HR can and should be doing more to help. These unsung heroes juggle hospital appointments, emergency calls and even childcare concerns with employment, and as a result many have, or are considering, leaving the workforce. Our cover story on pages 22-25 has reconfirmed just how important it is to keep these employees in the workforce. In a talent crisis where retention is key, it’s a no-brainer for the plight of unpaid carers to be on HR’s priority list for the year ahead. One in seven people in the UK’s workforce is an unpaid carer, and the chances are someone in your organisation may be struggling in silence trying to keep all of the plates spinning. Other than small pockets of good work, I’m seeing little happening in this space, and the conversation is far from being where it ought to be. Unpaid carers give so much of themselves to others, it’s about time they got a little back. Jo Gallacher E d i t o r, HR magazine ce is an unpaid nisation may be tes spinning. eing little far n

Unpaid carers give so much, it’s about time they got a little back they little

More than just a magazine As well as HR magazine in print, you can interact with our various brands online

4 HR March/April 2023

hrmagazine.co.uk

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