What Is A Polycrisis And How Do We Navigate It?

You've probably heard someone recently say, "We are in a polycrisis!" This new concept is increasing in the chatter of the HR world.

But, what is a polycrisis and what do we do about it?

What is a polycrisis?

It sounds fancy, but it's pretty straightforward once you break it down. The definition straight from Wikipedia says, "A polycrisis is a cluster of disparate crises and shocks that interact, entangle, and mutually reinforce one another."

Characteristics of a Polycrisis:

1. Interconnectedness: The crises are linked in ways that amplify their effects.

2. Complexity: The interactions between different crises create a complex situation that is difficult to predict and manage.

3. Cascading Effects: Problems in one area can trigger or worsen issues in another, leading to a chain reaction of crises.

4. Global Impact: Poly-crises often have widespread effects, impacting multiple countries or regions simultaneously.

How does the polycrisis affect HR?

Understanding the polycrisis is crucial because it helps us anticipate and prepare for these high volume issues rather than dealing with them in isolation. It's a situation where multiple, interconnected crises are happening at the same time, amplifying each other and making the HR jobs a bit more chaotic!

Here are some examples of what a polycrisis in HR might effect:

- Economic Downturn and Layoffs

- Pandemic and Remote Work Transition

- Legal and Compliance Challenges

- Employee Well-being and Mental Health

- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

- Technological Disruption

How can you navigate the polycrisis successfully?

So, how do we deal with this issue? Here are a few tips to help you keep your cool and navigate through the chaos:

1. Stay Informed: Keep up with the trends and changes. Knowledge is power... and staying ahead of the curve will help you anticipate challenges.

2. Be Flexible: Adaptability is key! Things that have worked in the past may require an update; be ready to pivot as new crises emerge.

3. Foster Resilience: Build and empower a resilient workforce by supporting your employees and their well-being. Promote a positive work culture and encourage continuous learning.

4. Communicate Clearly: Transparent communication with your team will help handle uncertainties. Keep everyone in the loop about changes to come and new strategies.

5. Leverage Technology: Use tools to streamline processes, gather data, and make informed decisions. But remember, technology should enhance, not replace human interaction.

A polycrisis in the HR world may sound daunting, but it's also an opportunity to innovate and lead with enthusiasm. Check out this blog post from SHRM to hear what president Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. has to say about it.