From the Editor

It’s hard to believe two years have passed since New Zealand entered its first pandemic lockdown this autumn. And HR has been at the heart of this health crisis. COVID-19 forced almost every organisation to become deeply self-reflective. Initially driven by the need to keep the workforce safe, HR professionals are now sifting through longerterm organisational issues, such as fundamental ways of working, how to best collaborate and how to enable leaders to support the productivity and wellbeing of all employees.

This issue of the magazine explores how COVID-19 has changed the workplace forever and how HR has been transformed in the process. ‘What changes will be more permanent?’ and ‘How can we guide our employees and leaders through these changes?’ are just some of the questions we are seeking to answer.

Top of the list right now for many organisations is how to attract and retain talent. Rob Bishop, from Bishop Associates, provides a fantastic insight into what organisations can do to keep their calm in this arena, even amid this uncertainty and turmoil. Anne Wilson, from Anthony Harper Lawyers, provides a practical guide of what HR professionals can be addressing at this time of flux, and Lauren Parsons shares her tips for building resilience and preventing burnout.

Thank you to all our wonderful contributors. It’s fantastic to see the magazine going from strength to strength in providing relevant, timely and practical advice and articles to our HR community.

Kathy Catton Managing Editor Kathy.Catton@hrnz.org.nz