David Cerenzia

The human resources relationship has a unique duality. On one hand, the HR professional has a duty to the organization to maximize the return of investment on each employee, ensuring they are able to perform at their best, and ensuring their skills and expertise are optimized. On the other hand, it has a duty to respect, protect and ensure the needs of the employees themselves are met. While it may not be labeled as social work a kin to working as a case worker with refugees or people experiencing homelessness, I argue that HR professionals are the social workers of the for profit sphere. Yet, the path to this position is not filled with the same education, skills training, or understanding of human nature that may be customary to the social services world. I am excited to share from my perspectives the most valuable lessons and insights gained over 10 years in social serving roles, and open up the audiences perspectives of how to protect the human, in human resources!