Severed from the Past: Modern HR Reshaping the Creative Industries (No Mind Control Required)

Image by Firmbee | Via Unsplash 

I’m always talking about modern HR because these days, workplace culture isn’t just a background extra, it’s the main character.

So, imagine a world where your work self and your real life self are completely separate. Like, actually separate. Code switching on steroids! If you're a fan of the show Severance, you’ll know exactly what I mean (and if you’re not - highly recommend). I've been hooked since last season, and yes, I’m such a fan I even downloaded the Lumon app and, proud to say, I’ve cracked Macrodata refinement.

The show’s eerie take on work-life balance really stuck with me - not just for the drama, but because it mirrors something very real: the way so many of us still feel we have to “code switch” at work. It's not quite implanting a chip in your head, but it is a kind of switch we flick every day.

And this is where modern HR steps in. It’s about creating environments where people don’t feel like they have to split themselves in two. It’s about clear boundaries, supportive cultures, and avoiding any hint of a dystopian office vibe.

Understanding Modern HR

Long gone are the days when HR was merely a filing cabinet with legs, responsible for contracts, complaints, and compulsory team building events nobody wanted to attend. Today our HR Consultants are true partners behind the scenes, helping you to ensure the set (or office) doesn’t turn into a psychological thriller. They champion great leadership, crew well-being, ensure compliance, and unlike Lumon Industries help people actually enjoy their jobs. 

A decade or two ago, HR departments had all the charm of the Break Room. ("Forgive me for my defiance.") They existed primarily to keep records, solve disputes, and send out emails nobody read. Now, HR has undergone a transformation worthy of a season finale twist. 

Instead of reacting to disasters ("So... about that on-set meltdown..."), modern HR is proactive. They strategise, improve work conditions, and actually make productions better - without resorting to creepy corporate rituals. Here are some key procatises in modern HR:

Team-Forward Thinking: Happy Crew = Successful Productions 

At Lumon, employees are severed from their outside lives. In reality, that’s called "a lawsuit waiting to happen." Instead, modern HR focuses on workplace culture, ensuring people feel valued and engaged. Whether it’s through crew focused initiatives, career development, or making sure downtime isn’t sacrificed to an endless loop of emails, HR works towards productions that are powered by happy, motivated professionals. 

Embracing Technology: Less Paperwork, More Efficiency 

While we’re not at the stage of using biometric scanners to track team movement (phew!), modern HR does lean on tech to streamline operations. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) ensure productions get the best talent, HR Information Systems (HRIS) keep personal information up to date and easily accessible, and timekeeping software support the aim of reducing ridiculous working hours. Data analysis also plays a big role - without needing Mark S. and the Macrodata Refinement team to decode it. 

Understanding the Modern Work Environment: Inclusion Over Isolation 

Today’s production’s are becoming more diverse, dynamic, and (unlike Lumon employees) aware of the outside world. Our HR Consultants are focused on fostering inclusivity, ensuring everyone, regardless of background, feels seen and supported.  

Driving Strategy: HR as the Secret Weapon 

HR isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes; it’s about making productions better. Modern HR experts analyse workplace trends, identify training needs, and refine hiring strategies. Essentially, they make sure the right people are in the right roles.

Image credit: Apple TV Plus

Why Choose Modern HR Partners? 

If the phrase "HR Consultant" makes you think of dull paperwork, corporate jargon, and soulless bureaucracy—think again. Modern HR professionals (and especially our industry expert HR consultants!) are creative, strategic, and, most importantly, human. (We promise we’re not secretly testing out severance chips on the side.) Change is hard and so we understand that implementing modern HR may seem challenging.

Resistance to Change 

People don’t like change - especially in the creative industries where tradition is deeply ingrained. Some stakeholders may still see HR as "red tape," but modern HR proves that it’s actually the glue holding productions together.

Logistical Challenges 

Productions move fast. Between tight schedules, changing crew, and unexpected hiccups; HR must be agile and efficient. A specialist HR partner understands the industry’s unique needs and ensures things run smoothly. This is all we do - it’s our bread and butter!

Image credit: Apple TV Plus

Looking to the Future of HR (No Mind Control Required) 

HR is always evolving. AI is set to revolutionise hiring, training, and even conflict resolution. As the production workforce continues to change, production HR will continue adapting, ensuring that the entertainment industry remains a dynamic and inclusive space. 

At The Small HR Company, we embrace modern HR without the Severance-style creepiness. We're here to help you build a positive, efficient, and non-dystopian workplace culture.

Ready to rethink HR? Click here to get in touch or here to book a call - no corporate cult initiation required.