Remember that classic Tina Turner song “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” On day three of the Republican National Convention, CNN’s Donna Brazile reminded us that when it comes to politics, it’s not about love but instead it’s about the future of our nation. You’re probably thinking, “Seriously?!!”… Let me provide some context.
SHRM hosted an exclusive member event with our media partner CNN during the RNC to discuss the presidential elections. To my excitement (as a political geek), we had the privilege of hearing from CNN’s Dana Bash, Donna Brazile and Amanda Carpenter.
The conversation hinged on relationship building and basic human interaction. Donna said, “No one should be surprised that this [2016 presidential] election is tight. The country wants change. This election is not about love.” In politics, it’s all about the relationships and figuring out peoples’ preferences. I couldn’t help but think of the parallels of this statement to the HR profession.
Relationship building and understanding strengths and challenges of employees is a skillset that HR professionals use every day in the workplace. When it comes to figuring out employee preferences, HR professionals, for example, spend a significant amount of time implementing innovative and cost effective strategies for their organizations’ health care plans that meet the needs of employees and their families. I could be biased, but I gotta say... I think HR pros have got it down to a science!
Today, over 175 million Americans and their families receive health care benefits through their employers. The presidential nominees should consider this as they solidify their policy positions on health care.
One theme coined by the RNC is “Make Americans First Again”. This statement is fitting when you consider employer-sponsored health benefits. High-value health benefits are critical to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce – thereby putting American employees first. So… seems to me like it’s a no brainer that any health care reform legislation must support employer flexibility, encourage innovative strategies and preserve the favorable tax treatment of employer-sponsored coverage!
As it relates to SHRM, the Government Affairs department knows a thing or two about relationship building, too. As a matter of fact, that’s why in 2010 SHRM launched the national Advocacy Team (otherwise known lovingly as the A-Team). In addition, SHRM recently launched its Principles for a 21st Century Workplace, highlighting innovative, fair and competitive policy solutions. The Principles document has been shared with all members of Congress and will be distributed to both presidential nominees.
SHRM’s presence at the RNC, and soon DNC, demonstrates a proactive approach to building a relationship with policy makers and support for HR issues we will seek to advance in the next Congress and Administration.
SHRM’s presence at the RNC, and soon DNC, demonstrates a proactive approach to building a relationship with policy makers and support for HR issues we will seek to advance in the next Congress and Administration.
So, in the end I have to agree: this political campaign is not about love. It’s about our nations’ future – and that’s policy solutions that will support a 21st century workforce!
Chatrane Birbal is Director, Policy Engagement at SHRM.
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