Up in the Air

(2009) This movie is a must-watch. First in my list because it is specifically about a human resource consultant (the HR role is rarely portrayed in the big screen) that helps corporates downsize after the financial crisis of 2007 – 2008. (of course, when they represent HR is never in a positive light 😩 ).
Besides the fun side of the storyline, this movie shows that people need people even when firing. Artificial intelligence or a prepared script cannot help the employee come to terms with losing a job or supporting them in a finding a solution to problem. An HR professional must try to understand how people might feel or think and show empathy in such a delicate case.

The King’s Speech

(2011) This movie is about how King George VI prepares to overcome his stammering problem. In this beautiful historical drama, we learn more about leadership.
In the movie, the therapy session starts with Lionel (the therapist) saying to the King that they can begin only if he is interested in being treated. In the film, we see the King improving when he decides to become vulnerable and accept the teacher and his guidance. That teaches us that even a leader needs help. This can happen if someone is willing to acknowledge the problem, seeks a guide, and trusts the process.
Additionally, it shows that other than trust, skills such as empathy and respect can help a leader lead without authority.

The Social Network

(2010) This movie is the story of the creator of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg. I can say this is not my favourite movie.
Nonetheless, this movie is all about innovation and technology. It shows that HR professionals need to adapt and evolve with new technologies and generation needs and expectation. Secondly, it shows that having an aligned vision mission statement and values is essential for a successful company. The absence or misunderstanding of these in a company like shown in the film will cause a company division. Finally, the movies show that HR can support and cultivate an “organisational culture” that can be followed or imitated by the employee, only if the executive is consistent in setting the example.

The Intern

(2015) This is a movie of a 70-year-old man that decides that does not want to retire, so it becomes an intern at an online fashion site. Now, this is my kind of movie 🙂
The movie shows that having experience in any kind of field never gets old and it always useful. Additionally, age diversity is beneficial for both the company and the employee. Age diversity provides new ideas, insight, and skills. Furthermore, it improves employee engagement and opens an opportunity for mutual mentorship.
The movies do touch upon how it is fundamental to have a work-life balance for mental and physical well being. I liked the idea of lateral communication with an open-space office and the company’s massage therapist; however, these do not help reduce stress. HR professional need to look at their employee wellbeing to avoid burnout.

The Devil Wears Prada

(2006) I saved my favourite movie for last; however, it starts on the wrong foot from an HR perspective. During the interview, we see that Andrea has not done any research about the Runway. Still, Miranda hires her because she sees potential in Andrea (this does not happen in real life, get ready for an interview!!!). The thing that stuck the most to me about this movie is that Miranda expects the staff to sacrifice their life and ambition to fit in the company and only then reach a “goal in the company”. You can see this behaviour trickles down to the staff. For example, in the way Emily treats Andrea.  The onboarding process is nowhere to be found, and the only willing to help is Nigel (we all need a mentor like Nigel :)) Finally the lack of transparency communication and acknowledgement of her own employee leads Miranda to lose her friend Nigel and her the best personal assistant, Andrea.