From the editor

Aotearoa New Zealand may have entered a recession. Higher interest rates, falling house prices, lower spending and higher unemployment rates all indicate that individuals and organisations will face new challenges ahead.

However, we should not be alarmed by this reality. The reality of being in a recession may be incorrect, and, even if it is correct, it may be mild compared with our recent history. There could be as many opportunities as there are challenges.

And that’s what this edition of Human Resources magazine is all about. How do we adapt and evolve our employee experience and continue to attract talent when times are tough?

We hear from Sarah Baddeley from MartinJenkins Consultancy on what HR needs to be prepared for at this crucial time. And, as we all know from dealing with the pandemic, a lot can change in the space of a year, so what we do to solve these HR issues could be crucial to thriving during this recession. We hear from Vicky Yeo and Millie Gracie at Deloitte on how people professionals can make a difference.

How can we protect and support our people? I take a practical look at how to cope in a crisis so we can navigate another tough road for HR and continue to build resilient organisations.

Recessions are inevitable in the business cycle, so it may be a matter of when, not if. And with that being the case, it’s how we best prepare and thrive when times are tough. And amidst all the doom and gloom, we also take time to celebrate our HR superstars with coverage of the HRNZ Awards, which took place on 9 March. Now, more than ever, is a time to celebrate our people. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!

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