Celebrating International Human Resources Day

The Power of HR and the Value of Being a CPHR

Every year on May 20, we celebrate International Human Resources Day, a time to recognize the tireless efforts of HR professionals around the globe who shape workplaces, support employees, and drive organizational success. This year, let’s reflect on the growing importance of HR worldwide—and the value of professional designations like CPHR (Chartered Professional in Human Resources) that elevate our field.


The Global Significance of HR


From Calgary to Cape Town and from Toronto to Tokyo, Human Resources is the backbone of every organization. HR professionals don't just manage hiring and benefits, they champion culture, guide leaders, and ensure that businesses remain ethical, inclusive, and adaptable in a fast-changing world. In today’s global landscape, HR is more than a support function. It’s strategic. It's data-driven. It’s about building people-first workplaces where innovation and well-being can thrive.


Across borders and cultures, HR helps organizations:

  • Attract and retain top talent
  • Build resilient and diverse teams
  • Drive employee engagement and productivity
  • Ensure fair and transparent workplace practices
  • Support mental health and well-being
  • Navigate remote and hybrid work models
  • Foster leadership and succession planning

 

Why Become a CPHR?


In Canada, the CPHR designation stands as a mark of excellence, credibility, and commitment in the HR profession. Whether you're just starting out or advancing your career, becoming a CPHR can open doors and demonstrate that you meet the highest professional standards in HR.


CPHR Alberta has membership types to meet the needs of HR and business professionals at all career levels. Members of CPHR Alberta belong to a vibrant community of over 6,900 HR practitioners and business leaders, including over 3,300 CPHRs living and working in Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. CPHR Alberta provides valuable resources for professionals at all career stages:

  • Professional Development and Networking: Access events that fit your schedule and help advance your career.
  • Exclusive Offers: Benefit from industry partnerships, including Professional Liability Insurance with EasyCover by Rogers Insurance Ltd., home and auto insurance with TD Meloche Monnex, and exclusive savings with Perkopolis.
  • HR Resources: Utilize the HR Toolkit and get first access to print publications and email newsletters.
  • Regional HR Research: Stay informed with HR research specific to our region.
  • Career Center: Explore the largest human resources job board in Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, with resume uploading and special member rates.


From Student Member to General Member, Associate, Candidate, Chartered, and Retired Members, there is a fit for HR professionals and business practitioners at every stage of their career.


Learn more about Memberships.


Final Thoughts



As we celebrate International Human Resources Day, let's honor the role of HR in creating workplaces that work for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced HR leader or an aspiring student, being part of this community is something to be proud of.

 

And if you're looking to level up your career, consider pursuing your CPHR designation—because HR professionals deserve recognition, growth, and the tools to lead in a globalized, people-focused world.

 

Happy International Human Resources Day!

Let’s keep building a better world of work—together.


About the Author:



Zahra Aghababaei is a Research Assistant at Bow Valley College and an experienced HR professional with over six years in talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development. She is currently pursuing a diploma in Health and Human Services Management, exploring the intersection of HR and community development. Zahra holds a master's in communication and a bachelor's in mathematics, and actively volunteers with the Calgary Business and Professional Women's Association and the CPHR Alberta Social Media Committee. In her free time, she enjoys biking, social gatherings, and attending concerts and theater performances.


The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.



By Jessica Jaithoo December 4, 2025
As the governing voice of CPHR Alberta, the Board of Directors meets quarterly to provide oversight and guidance in several key areas. The Board, alongside CPHR Alberta operations, continues to deliver on the association's strategic priorities developed in the 2020 strategic plan. To ensure transparency between our Board of Directors, members and key stakeholders, we are sharing post-meeting messages to inform the steps taken towards advancing our profession and ensuring a financially stable association. The Board of Directors met on November 27, 2025, and is proud to share the strong momentum we are experiencing across our community. The Board’s key messages are as follows: Membership Growth As of September 30, 2025, we reached 7,213 active members, a 7% year-over-year increase, with the majority coming from student and emerging HR professionals. This growth affirms the momentum of our HR profession and the impact of our student engagement initiatives. Professional Development Member participation remains strong with 53 events held year-to-date, with 5,013 attendees across workshops, roundtables, webinars, and community sessions. Our complimentary events have played a key role in sustaining engagement and access to learning. Annual Conference The Annual Conference was a heavy focus for the association in Q3. The sold-out event continues to bring together our community for valuable professional development and networking opportunities, creating a strong foundation for 2026. Attendees reported high satisfaction, with over 370 in attendance, and a sold-out exhibitor hall. “The CPHR conference was incredibly educational and inspiring. The speakers motivated me, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. I really enjoyed it, grew closer to my team, and I definitely want to attend again.” – 2025 Conference Attendee The 2026 event will be held at the BMO Centre, in Calgary on June 2 and 3 – with increased capacity, expanded exhibitor space, and enhanced programming will elevate the experience for all HR professionals across Alberta, NWT and Nunavut. Self-Regulation The Board continues to assess the implications of Alberta’s Professional Governance Act (PGA), including: Advocacy, legal, and governance impact assessments are being commissioned. Preliminary recommendations from management will be brought to the Board in March and June 2026, leading to a formal decision. Further information will be shared, when ready.  Future Vision Approved: 2026-2028 Strategic Plan Our new 2026–2028 Strategic Plan will be rolled out in December to all members. The 3-year Strategic Plan, crafted from member feedback, market research, and collaboration with CPHR Canada – aims to strengthen our profession’s influence, amplifies leadership, and creates pathways for all members to thrive. Fiscal Responsibility Our Q3 financial review remains on track for a balanced year-end forecast. The 2026 draft budget has been approved – aligning resources with our strategic priorities while maintaining a disciplined and responsible financial approach. Board Governance Our board continues to focus on good governance practice, ensure stability, clarity, and accountability across our organization. FCPHR Nominations A reminder that the prestigious Fellowship Award is open for nominations! This national program recognizes Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHRs) who have made exemplary contributions to the HR profession. Recipients are granted recognition as a Fellow of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (FCPHR). Click here to learn more about the Fellowship Award, including the guidelines and completing your nomination. You can also download a copy of the nomination form here. The next Board meeting takes place in March 2026, after which we will again share our key messages. If you have any questions regarding these key messages or the Board of Directors, please contact chair@cphrab.ca . We welcome your feedback!
By Jessica Jaithoo December 2, 2025
At CPHR Alberta, we believe that the future of work is being shaped by the decisions we make today. That’s why we’re proud to share our 2026-2028 Strategic Plan—a bold, member-informed roadmap that will guide our organization over the next three years. This plan is the result of a deeply collaborative process, led by our Board of Directors and developed in partnership with our operations team. It reflects the voices of our members, gathered through surveys and conversations, and is grounded in market research and aligned with the national priorities of CPHR Canada. Together, we’ve crafted a strategy that is responsive, forward-looking, and rooted in data. At its core, the plan is about strengthening the Human Resources profession and supporting the people who drive it. It reaffirms our commitment to building a resilient, inclusive HR community—one that is equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving workplace landscape. Our redefined vision and mission statements speak to this ambition, and our newly articulated values provide a foundation for how we work, connect, and grow. The strategic priorities outlined in the plan reflect the areas where we believe CPHR Alberta can make the greatest impact. They focus on elevating the visibility and influence of the HR profession, fostering innovation and leadership across our community, and deepening engagement with our members and partners. These priorities are designed to meet the diverse needs of our jurisdiction, from urban centers to rural communities, and to ensure that every CPHR has the tools and support to thrive. As we look ahead, we’re energized by the possibilities this plan unlocks. It’s a call to action—for our team, our Board, and our members—to work together in shaping the future of HR. Whether it’s through new learning opportunities, stronger regional connections, or amplifying the voice of HR in public discourse, we’re committed to leading with purpose and impact. We invite you to explore the full 2026-2028 Strategic Plan and see how our shared vision will come to life. Together, we’re building a future-ready HR community—one that’s connected, influential, and prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
By Bailey Beauchamp December 1, 2025
Seeking CPHRs, Retired CPHRs and Public Board Members
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