Illinois Human Resources’ Post

Meet Sue Key, Executive Director of Portfolio HR, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation! Learn more about Sue in the Q&A below. #RealizingHRProfessionals Could you share what brings you the most fulfillment as an HR professional? 💼 After nearly 40 years of work in HR (private sector manufacturing, state government, and academia) – it’s the people. Helping people, collaborating with people, solving problems with people and for people, talking through situations with people. It’s the people. Hearing their stories and their points of view. Striving to see things from another person’s perspective. You will always learn something from each person you interact with. Why do you choose to work at Illinois? 🔸🔹 I came here not knowing much at all about academia or the work and research done here. The prestige of the University drew me in, the people and the passion they have for their work kept me here. The OVCRI leadership team are the best people I have worked with (and I’ve worked a long time!). Do you prefer coffee or tea? ☕ Hands down, I am an iced tea person – lots of ice and fresh brewed! Are you a night person or a morning person? 🌞 I am not a crack of dawn person, but I’m also not a night owl. I would say I’m more of a ‘reasonable hour’ person! What’s something unique about YOU that you would share with your HR colleagues? 🚗🌼 I love vintage/antiques, plants (I’m a wanna-be flower farmer), and road tripping with the best hubby ever (2 hours? 20 hours? We’re driving!). Love talking about travel and traveling and making plans to travel. Want to see as much of the US as possible. Have two of the best kids ever (23y and 21y) and three doggos (Hazel, Lyza, and Mabel) – two Bernese Mountain dogs and one Heinz 57. Live in Chesterville (between Arcola and Arthur) on the Kaskaskia River and it’s heaven. If I wasn’t doing HR, I’d work with data (I’m a spreadsheet geek), and when I was younger, I would have tried my hand at being a DJ (I enjoy seeing people having fun)! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gysmxVgt

To all my HR professional colleagues, Let us not forget the “Human” in Human Resources. I know we all get bogged down with the transactional side of this field but we must always assure we are leading with compassion and emotional intelligence. In order to retain top talent, we must be willing to listen to understand and come to reasonable terms when it comes to performance or any type of employee relations or labor relations challenges. I learned this at one of my past positions as a HR Director where I got so bogged down with meetings and transactional work that one of the employees said, “Edwin I always see you running around the building to meetings you’re never in your office, when will you have time for us?” My heart broke and that quickly humbled me. From that moment on I priotized employees. Transactional work will always be there what won’t always be there is good employees. If employees do not feel heard and supported, they will go and find an employer that puts them first. #HR #HumanResources #development #LaborRelations #EmployeeRelations

I’m Anneliese Kominek, and I’m new to LinkedIn! I'm a sophomore at Central Michigan University studying Human Resources Management and I’m excited to meet new people and learn about Human Resources. What’s one piece of advice you wish you had when going through college? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s connect! #NewToLinkedIn #Networking #HR #SuccessionPlanning

HR: The Heartbeat of Humanity in Every Organization Being in HR means carrying more than just policies and processes—it means carrying people. We hold space for happiness and success, privacy and secrets, laughter and tears, and even those hushed office gossip moments. It’s a role that turns every colleague into family and every story into a piece of our journey. In this role, you’re more than just a manager—you’re a confidant, a mentor, a guide. You celebrate each promotion like it’s your own, and you feel the sting of every difficult goodbye. HR lets you experience the full spectrum of human emotion and teaches you how to hold it all with grace, no matter the weight. It’s a job that asks you to connect deeply with every individual, beyond their role or title—beyond their gender, sexuality, background, or circumstances. We become the bridge that unites people, embracing differences and championing inclusion, creating workplaces where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. For every HR professional out there—your role is more than just a job. It’s the gentle thread that weaves together every story, every hope, every challenge. It’s the unseen hand that lifts others up, the kind ear that listens, and the open heart that understands. To my HR family, let’s keep shining our light, building workplaces where everyone belongs and every story matters. Let’s continue being the silent supporters and the joyful cheerleaders that every workplace needs. Because in the end, it’s not just about managing people; it’s about caring for them. 💙

This week's opening thought for HR "professionals": Real talk? When done as intended, human resources is henchmen's work—goon sh-- if you will. This goonery was the original purpose of HR as a field, and it continues to be the way HR is taught and operationalized. The language has changed in some areas, but the mission is the same: defend companies at the behest of the people's rights and needs. If you consider yourself an HR "professional," at some point in your career, you have to be willing to recognize and digest what the industry and field represent. Then, you must recognize and digest that this doesn't mean you have to conform to the “industry standard.” You can evolve, you know. You can do better, be better, than your predecessors. Just because something has “always been done a certain way” doesn’t mean it is the “right way” or isn’t doing generational harm. You don't HAVE to be a henchperson or perpetuate goon sh--. You don't have to choose to be a passive, active participant in the oppression and harm of others in the workplace. No one's forcing you to be a goon. You're making an active choice to be this way. You're making an active choice to uphold everything people loathe about HR, so you shouldn't be surprised when you're disliked and not trusted by those you claim to serve. Just a lil' something to keep in the back of your head next time you're having one of those HR "professional" commiseration sessions about how people don't like HR. #openingthought #humanresources #HR

Hello 😀 !!! In the world of corporate HR, where policies, procedures, and paperwork are main focus of discussions, there was an HR manager who believed in the power of small gestures. Meet Miya. She wasn’t just a HR professional; she was the heart of her organization’s people operations. While others focused on metrics and compliance, Miya had a knack for seeing beyond the numbers. She saw people with dreams, fears, and aspirations. One day, a new employee named John,joined the company. He was talented but reserved, finding it hard to adjust to the fast-paced environment. Sensing his hesitation during the onboarding process, Miya took the time to sit down with him. Over coffee and a few laughs, she learned about his background, his passions, and what truly motivated him. Days turned into weeks, and Miya kept an eye on John, gently guiding him through the corporate world. When he faced challenges, she offered encouragement. When he had ideas, she listened. And when his work dazzled, she made sure to celebrate his successes, no matter how small. Months passed, and John became an Best Employer under Miya guidance. His confidence grew more and more and he became an integral part of the team. Reflecting on his journey, John once asked Miya, “Why did you invest so much in me?” With a smile, Miya replied, “Because every employee is like a starfish on the beach. By helping you thrive, I believe we’re making a difference, one person at a time.” The story of Miya and John reminds us that in HR, it’s not just about policies and procedures-it’s about people. It’s about seeing beyond the surface and nurturing each individual’s potential. It’s about making a positive impact, one employee at a time. #EmployeeEngagement #HumanResources

I’ve often felt disheartened by the negativity directed at HR, especially considering all the hard work that goes into supporting the organization. I’ve always had a strong desire to change these perceptions. Recently, a conversation with an HR professional, changed my perspective. She made a powerful comparison: “Think about your mother. She does so much for you, yet when something goes wrong, it’s easy to complain or blame her.” This analogy struck a chord with me. HR truly embodies the role of a nurturing figure within the company—similar to a mother for all departments. No matter how diligently we strive for excellence, we may inevitably face some backlash. To all my fellow HR colleagues, especially those new to the field, don’t get discouraged. We’ve got this! We are the backbone of the organization, and our efforts matter. #HR #HRMother #Fresh #HRprofessionals #wegotthis #empowerment #backbone #Mothers #HRways #HR

New person at a social event: So, what's your line of work? Me: (slight hesitation) Human Resources New person: (disappointedly) Oh. But I'm sure you're much better at it than where I work. Let me tell you all about ...[insert awful HR story of choice here] I'd love to say the above scenario is made up, but it has happened often in my 25 years of HR. I have my own opinions as to why HR departments frequently suck, you can read them here on my short blog: https://lnkd.in/eZyYSTKE