Proud to be an…Employer?

Independence Day in the United States was last week.  On that day, we celebrate the ideologies on which the country was founded such as freedom and liberty.  July 4^th is usually a time for celebration, a day spent with family and friends, eating traditional foods like grilled hot dogs and potato salad.  We sip chilled iced tea and cold beer while waiting for the sun to set and the skies to be filled with fireworks.  Like most holidays, it is a good time to take a break from the daily grind and celebrate life.  Remember how lucky we are to be American.

Usually.

This year, July 4^th hit a bit differently for me.  It just didn’t feel right to be celebrating ‘freedom’ when so many people in our country are being stripped of their rights daily.  People are literally being snatched off the streets for no good reason other than they do not have a white skin tone.  Millions are about to lose their healthcare coverage and other benefits they rely on to live and to raise their families.  Women’s rights continue to be under attack.  The U.S. feels more like a tragedy to be mourned than an oasis to be celebrated.  I am honestly embarrassed to be a citizen, especially in the state of Ohio where our elected officials continue to comply in advance and refuse to question the current administration.  I did not feel like celebrating last week. 

Despite the current circumstances, I am trying desperately to find peace and joy in everyday life.  I have found it difficult to be hopeful lately.  To that end, I am eternally grateful for the amazing people God has put into my life who have been checking in and offering encouragement.  In my quest to be happy, I have turned to some of the usual suspects – working out, red wine, reading, and getting lost in good TV.  Friends and Ted Lasso are two of my all-time favorites (yes, I’m an HR geek, I take pleasure in the work-related aspects of these shows.)  I was jazzed to discover The Bear.  Have you watched it yet?  What a tremendous message of respecting the grind of work and focusing on passion.  The cast is fantastic, the writing is tremendous – I highly recommend. 

So as I’m watching my favorite shows, it occurs to me that many business owners and leaders never identify themselves as an employer.  Entrepreneur, yes.  Innovator, founder, expert, etc. – these words are often used to describe the people who own and run companies.  ‘Employer’ just seems to be implied and understood.  But I think being an employer is an important distinction.  It is an awesome responsibility.  It is difficult, it is scary…sometimes it’s a downright pain in the butt.  But it is also wonderful and so important.  As an employer, you have the ability to help make the dreams of others come true.  In 2016, my employer made it possible for my family to build a new house and move into a school district that was crucial for my daughters.  For so many people, their employer makes it possible for them to live out their purpose and take care of their responsibilities.  I don’t believe many owners and leaders look at it this way.  But they should. 

In keeping with this theme, I also have to remind employers that while they ultimately want to focus on the growth and success of their businesses, they have to take care of their people first and foremost.  Studies show that organizations who prioritize the well-being of their employees are significantly more successful (profitable) long term than those who do not.  This means putting the necessary resources into every stage of the employee lifecycle.  From recruitment to retirement, invest in your people.  Spend the time and money necessary to make your workplace the best it can be.  Know your limits.  Engage with a great HR professional to create a solid people strategy and maintain compliance (New Day HR LLC: Overview | LinkedIn).  Make becoming an employer of choice your goal for 2026. 

For anyone else who may be struggling right now, I share this article that a good friend sent to me: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-lead-even-when-you-have-heavy-heart-kat-cole