Where are the HR cheerleaders?

: Image by MelvinSchlubman via Flickr

HR needs a mascot

I am sick of breaking down all the human resources issues that require deep thinking and big thoughts. You know – stuff like

Who stole my seat at the table?
Is human resources still a viable career field?
Why exactly is that more HR people don’t make time for social media?
Which lawyer should I listen to today?
Did anyone bring donuts this morning?

What I am most deeply concerned about today is the lack of a mascot for human resources.

Don’t we deserve our own dude in a goofy costume cheering us on every day? Wouldn’t it be great to be sitting in your office one day only to look up and see the San Diego Chicken aka The Famous Chicken leading your co-workers in an in-office version of the Wave?

C’mon, admit it – you know you want this. More importantly, you know HR needs this! Yeah sure, Punk Rock HR has her own official mascot in Lil’ O’Reilly. There is even a company called Mascot HR Services doing business in India.

But we lack a ubiquitous industry mascot that represent all of Human Resources to our fans, and who could help each of us out when our morale gets low, or the game gets tough. Isn’t it time we changed that?

Here are my suggestions for potential mascots:

Sherman SeaLion – aka “Shermie” It makes perfect sense for SHRM to adopt a mascot for the industry. Picture a cute aquatic dude with a large head and whiskers making irritating barking noises while ducking around your office.

Herman the HR Hamster – a cute rodent, again with whiskers and big buck teeth leading the cheers for all the great work you do every in your office.

Sammy the Hammer – this mascot would essentially be a big tool who would go around cheering on HR people as they bring the hammer down on evil-doers in the work place, and policy violators wherever they may dwell. The super hero angle could even lead to a movie franchise!

I also thought about something like a muppet version of Steve Carrell, but the trademark issues and licensing fees would be prohibitive.

What would you pick as a mascot for HR? Leave your critically important suggestions in the comments!