CPHR Manitoba Chair’s Message

Colleen Coates, CPHR

Chair, CPHR Manitoba Board of Directors

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

By Colleen Coates, CPHR, Chair, CPHR Manitoba Board of Directors

Just over a year ago, none of use would have imagined where we are today — nearly 14 months into the COVID-19 pandemic. As business has changed, HR professionals have been there supporting health, safety, dignity and success — one workplace at a time. The true strategic value that HR brings to our economy is clear. During this tumultuous time, employers, colleagues and clients have turned to HR professionals for strategic advice, clear guidance, and leadership on all aspects of human resources. The special COVID-19 edition of the HR Trends survey report showed having a business continuity plan in place prior to the pandemic significantly improved the likelihood an organization was able to continue all or most of their operations. The results also revealed that when HR was a key contributor to the plan’s development, then it was more likely to have been viewed as helpful in guiding decision-making during the public health emergency. After all, positioning businesses and people to succeed is our primary mandate.

I know these have been challenging and even exhausting times for members and their organizations, but the outlook for our profession is bright. As businesses continue to evolve and adapt to new ways of working, CPHRs are best equipped through their education and expertise to help shape the future of work. As 2021 continues to unfold, I urge you to rise to the challenges that you will face in the coming months to help your organization compete for success in an ever-changing environment.

At CPHR Manitoba, we remain committed to our mission of advancing the human resource profession in pursuit of positively impacting leadership, employees, and organizational health and performance to where the CPHR designation is highly desired and widely accepted. As HR professionals, we have the opportunity to influence government, business communities and its members as we move our organization forward and work toward meeting our strategic goals.

On behalf of CPHR Manitoba, I look forward to continuing to work with all of you, from our brand ambassadors and advocates to our dedicated HR practitioners.

Have a healthy and safe summer!

Colleen Coates is Chair of CPHR Manitoba’s Board of Directors and Vice President, People and Culture, at Farmers Edge. She has more than 20 years of comprehensive human resources experience having held senior leadership positions with Princess Auto, The North West Company, The Dufresne Group and Convergys Customer Management Canada. Colleen also worked as the National Practice Leader for Total Rewards at People First HR Services where she consulted for organizations in the private, public and non-profit sectors.

CPHR Manitoba is committed to advancing the human resource profession and helping CPHRs positively impact workplaces across Manitoba.