5 Ways to Level-Up Professionally and Personally

Human resources (HR) professionals spend most of their time focusing on others, whether it’s enhancing employee experience (EX), managing performance or focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEI&B) initiatives.

With an ever-growing to-do list, finding time to concentrate on their own professional and personal development can be challenging. This is likely why 'continuing my own education' was identified as a top concern by HR decision-makers (just behind the impact artificial intelligence (AI) will have on their jobs).

Since upskilling is essential for growth, here are five key areas to hone in on to elevate your expertise.

1. Find Like-Minded Professionals

Connecting with other HR professionals can provide invaluable support and insight. Join online forums, LinkedIn groups or the isolved People Heroes Community to share tips, resources and solutions with other HR, payroll and benefits professionals. Being part of a community gives you access to diverse perspectives and practical advice.

Actionable Tips:

• Connect with industry peers with similar values, goals and expertise also leveraging isolved solutions in the People Heroes Community.

• Join professional associations, like Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), to network with peers and learn from industry experts.

• Participate in LinkedIn groups focused on topics of interest, like HR, payroll, benefits or leadership.

• Join DEI&B-focused professional communities to share best practices and gain insights into fostering inclusive workplaces.

2. Take Advantage of Available Learning

Continuous learning is essential in a field as dynamic as HR. From compliance updates to technology advancements, there’s always something new to master. Explore online courses, earn certifications and attend webinars that focus on both technical skills (like payroll software) and soft skills (like emotional intelligence).

Actionable tips:

• Become certified in isolved People Cloud™ with expert training through isolved People Heroes University.

• Consider certifications like SHRM-CP or CPP to deepen expertise and advance your people management skills.

• Attend webinars hosted by industry leaders, like isolved Masterclasses, to learn best practices and earn continuing education credits.

3. Read Relevant Resources

The right resources provide training and education to advance your company and career. Whether it’s staying on top of the latest industry trends with research reports or reading about the experiences of your peers through books like Center the Pendulum: HR Tales of Transformation for Better Business Outcomes, there are a variety of ways to stay in-the-know. You can also subscribe to industry resources to stay informed on emerging developments.

Actionable Tips:

• Get curated HR updates and learn about tech stack advancements by signing up for newsletters from sources like SHRM, HR Certification Institute® (HRCI) and isolved.

• Access industry-specific data with isolved’s annual reports surveying HR decision-makers, business owners, full-time employees and more.

• Follow reputable blogs and thought leaders, like Forbes and Business Insider, who provide insights on HR challenges and innovations.

• Read books on people management, data analytics, HR strategy and inclusive leadership to broaden your perspective.

4. Attend Industry Events

Industry events offer an opportunity to learn from experts, network and discover new tools and technologies. Conferences and seminars are also excellent for exploring trends and challenges facing HR, payroll and benefits professionals. If you miss these events in-person, oftentimes there is a virtual option, like Virtual Connect, to learn online and at your own pace.

Actionable Tips:

• Attend major events like SHRM’s annual conference or HR Tech to learn from industry leaders.

• Look for vendor events and workshops that offer hands-on experience with HR technology, including isolved Connect for People Heroes.

• If in-person attendance is not feasible, consider virtual events and webinars to stay engaged.

5. Prioritize Balance

To be the best version of yourself professionally, you need to take care of yourself personally. Maintain a good work-life balance by investing in wellness practices that help you manage stress, improve focus and stay energized.

Actionable Tips:

• Practice mindfulness and stress management techniques to keep your mind clear.

• Set boundaries to establish a clear distinction between work and personal time.

• Make time for activities that recharge you outside of work, including spending time with friends and family.

Continuous Commitment is Critical

Upskilling is a journey that requires both commitment and a proactive approach. By connecting with your community, investing in continuous learning and prioritizing balance, you can elevate your skills and make a significant impact in your organization.