Time is running out to submit your entries for Australia’s most prestigious industry event
The final call has been made for nominations for this year’s Australian HR Awards, celebrating the industry’s best and brightest after another rollercoaster year. Spanning 20 categories, the annual awards are an opportunity to recognise individuals, teams and employers that are raising the bar when it comes to people practices.
This year, Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA) returns as the event sponsor ahead of the Australian HR Awards gala at Sydney’s Doltone House. After switching to a virtual event in light of last year’s COVID-19 restrictions, the physical event will make a much-anticipated return on September 3rd.
Speaking to HRD, ABLA CEO Nigel Ward said the organisation is looking forward to celebrating with the HR community in person later this year. After another challenging 12 months, HR professionals are continuing to lead the way as businesses redesign the way their people operate.
“Everyone thought 2020 was a defining year for HR managers, but personally, I think 2021 will be even more defining,” Ward said. “When we look around the business landscape we are seeing HR managers dealing with business closure, issues associated with the demand and supply for labour, and for some of our clients, exponential growth. If you add to that the conversation around new patterns of work, working from home and remote working, I suspect most HR managers will be a little weary by the year end. It’s going to be a critical year in most businesses not just from the function of HR but for HR managers to support the broader leadership teams.”
Read more: Awards NZ to recognise top HR leaders, teams and employers
The 2020 awards highlighted best practice among employers, shining a spotlight on the organisations and individuals who reacted with speed and efficiency as new challenges arose. With everchanging Covid-safe regulations, job losses and the strain on employee mental health, we saw employers going above and beyond to support their staff.
Ward said he was amazed to witness the determination of HR professionals last year who ploughed on “despite having all the issues and troubles in their backpack”. In 2021, the opportunity to come together and celebrate in person will be a special event for everyone involved.
“Often these HR mangers played the role of leader, mentor, technician and more than ever last year, counsellor, being the sponge for the emotions of an organisation,” he said.
“I think the 2021 awards provide an opportunity for the HR community to show solidarity and to put that backpack down for a moment, reflect, take a breath, and celebrate what they have guided the business community through.”
Read more: Employee recognition: essential in good times and bad
Nominations close on Friday 30 April (close of play). Visit the Australian HR Awards website to submit team and individual entries.
Excellence Awardees will be announced in HRD and online channels on Monday 14 June. Winners will be revealed at the celebratory awards show on 3 September, 2021 and profiled in HRD.
