HR professionals must possess strong emotional intelligence, team management skills, leadership abilities, and a deep understanding of employee motivation. Animated films can offer valuable insights into these key HR competencies.
Here are five animated movies that provide essential lessons for HR professionals.
1. Inside Out (2015)
Key Themes:
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
- Workplace Stress Management
- Adaptability to Change
What HR Can Learn from This Movie
This film visually represents how different emotions influence people’s behavior and decision-making. HR professionals should develop a keen understanding of employees’ emotional states and foster psychological safety in the workplace.
Skills to Develop:
- Empathy and understanding employee needs
- Enhancing emotional intelligence
- Flexibility and adaptability to change
2. Soul (2020)
Key Themes:
- Meaning of Work and Self-Realization
- Motivation and Career Satisfaction
- Work-Life Balance
What HR Can Learn from This Movie
“Soul” highlights how people often chase an “ideal career” while neglecting true fulfillment. HR professionals should support employees in finding their passion, preventing burnout, and creating opportunities for growth.
Skills to Develop:
- Identifying true employee motivation
- Promoting work-life balance
- Creating self-development opportunities in the workplace
3. Zootopia (2016)
Key Themes:
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D&I)
- Overcoming Stereotypes
- Cultural Intelligence
What HR Can Learn from This Movie
The movie demonstrates how discrimination and biases hinder individual growth. HR professionals must ensure equal opportunities in the workplace and foster a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion.
Skills to Develop:
- Managing workplace diversity
- Enhancing inclusion within the organization
- Developing fair and unbiased HR policies
4. The Incredibles (2004)
Key Themes:
- Teamwork
- Managing Individual Talents
- Work-Life Balance
What HR Can Learn from This Movie
Each individual has unique strengths and weaknesses. This film highlights the importance of properly managing team members’ unique skills while also encouraging a balance between work and personal life.
Skills to Develop:
- Building and unifying teams
- Recognizing employees’ strengths
- Conflict resolution in teams
5. Ratatouille (2007)
Key Themes:
- Discovering New Talent
- Creating Opportunities for Everyone
- Organizational Growth Strategies
What HR Can Learn from This Movie
The movie teaches that talent knows no boundaries. HR professionals should be able to recognize and nurture hidden talents, regardless of background or experience.
Skills to Develop:
- Designing career growth programs
- Talent management
- Strategic approach to organizational development
Author: Svetlana Hovhannisyan
