I love a Christmas film don't you?
My family thinks I am silly but it came in handy at our local cinema's Christmas quiz last night (which my team won) and it seems that HR Grapevine agree with me.
To be honest I had not really thought about what these films could teach me about HR so their article was an interesting read and this is what it said:
🎄 Home Alone – The importance of attention to detail
The McCallisters’ chaotic departure teaches HR a valuable lesson: never underestimate the power of a well-organised system. Kevin’s family forgot him at home because of poor communication and lack of attention to detail.
In a workplace context, this highlights the importance of keeping an eye on your team, ensuring everyone feels included, and double-checking critical processes—whether it's an office move or preparing for year-end deadlines.
HR takeaway: Clear communication and proper checks prevent team members from being “left behind.”
🦉 Elf: – Celebrate individuality
Buddy the Elf doesn’t quite fit into the North Pole's workplace culture. Yet his boundless enthusiasm and unique perspective eventually win over his sceptical colleagues.
For HR leaders, Buddy is a reminder that embracing individuality can spark creativity and innovation. A strong culture should celebrate differences, not suppress them.
HR takeaway: Inclusivity isn’t just good for morale; it’s good for business.
🎄 Die Hard – Handling crises under pressure
Who says Die Hard isn’t a Christmas movie? Its always a debate but let’s be honest, it would be remiss not to include it in this list, given its heavy focus on a workplace environment, too.
Nakatomi Plaza's holiday party gone wrong is a masterclass in crisis management. While HR leaders (hopefully) won’t need to fend off a team of villains, they can still take notes on communication, quick thinking, and keeping calm under pressure.
HR takeaway: Have a plan for emergencies—and make sure everyone knows their role in it.
🎄 A Christmas Carol – Transforming workplace culture
Whether he’s played by Albert Finney, Jim Carrey or Michael Caine, Ebenezer Scrooge’s miserly management style alienates his workforce. It’s only through a dramatic intervention from a handful of ghosts that he learns the value of empathy and generosity.
For HR leaders, this is a reminder of the importance of creating a positive workplace culture, where employees feel valued and supported.
HR takeaway: Prioritise employee wellbeing and recognition to avoid a "bah humbug" attitude at work.
🎄 Love Actually – Beware the office romance
From the prime minister falling for his staff member to the tense dynamic between Harry and his secretary Mia, blurring the lines between romance and professionalism can sometimes leave you in a sticky situation.
Love Actually showcases the challenges of office romances. HR leaders should be proactive in setting boundaries, ensuring power dynamics are addressed, and creating policies that promote fairness.
Have a workplace relationship policy in place that sets out established channels of dealing with matters of the heart, including guidelines around requiring disclosure of relationships, and outlining what happens in the case of senior/delegate relationships
HR takeaway: Manage workplace relationships with sensitivity and clarity.
🎄 The Grinch – Don’t let disengagement fester
The Grinch isolates himself from Whoville after years of rejection. This could have been avoided with a bit of proactive engagement!
For HR leaders, the lesson is clear: don’t let team members feel undervalued or excluded.
Regular check-ins and fostering a sense of belonging can prevent "Grinch-like" disengagement.
What do you think? Do you think HR can learn from Christmas movies?
If this has made you think about the HR support your company needs book in a call and lets start the conversation.
Credit HR Grapevine https://bit.ly/3Dvl79K
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