Biden: HR ‘Underestimates’ Their Value

Speaking at the closing general session of SHRM25 in San Diego, former President Joe Biden praised HR leaders for their unwavering dedication to enriching both the professional and personal lives of their workforce.

“When people have a new baby and need family leave, they come to you,” he said. “When their spouse is sick and they need their employer to show some grace, they come to you. People come to you when they’re scared about losing their job. They come to you when they’re frustrated about their benefits, when they’re excited about a new promotion.”

The 46th president acknowledged the intensive, exhaustive nature of an HR professional’s job, but emphasized that “thanks to you, the people in your workplace feel secure and respected. I think you underestimate what you do.”

Biden went on to share memories of his time as a senator, vice president, and president, relating them to lessons he learned about leadership, integrity, and doing what he believed to be the right thing. 

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Family-Driven Leadership Lessons

Some of the most important wisdom Biden shared came from his parents, noting that he “won the lottery” with his mom and dad. They taught him to treat all people with dignity and empathy, a doctrine he wove into his career, particularly when it came to his staff.

Too often, a person’s life is separated into two categories: their work and their family — but “family is the beginning, the middle, and the end,” Biden said. Knowing and understanding that is a leadership lesson, as well, he added, even though “it might not sound like it.”

During Biden’s time as vice president, he said he sent out a memo to staff definitively stating that they were not to miss important family events for work — going so far as to tell them that if he found out they’d skipped family time for work, “it will disappoint me greatly.” 

“In a sense, the president of the United States is a chief people officer,” Biden said, but he recognized that meant he had to model the behavior that he wanted to see in his staff. 

For example, it was critical to Biden that he never miss his children’s birthday. But when his daughter, Ashley, turned 8, he needed to be in Washington, D.C., for an important Senate vote. He came up with a plan, hopping on the train to his hometown of Wilmington, Del., where he met his daughter at the station. After cake, candles, and wishing her a happy birthday, Biden turned around and got back on the southbound train to make it back to the Capitol. 

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Post-Presidential Life and Legacy

After Biden’s remarks, he sat down for a chat with SHRM President and Chief Executive Officer Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, to discuss his life after serving for four years as commander in chief. He still prioritizes time with his family, noting that he speaks with his grandchildren every day, and is working on a memoir about his time as president. 

But he remains committed to the public good and said that he still talks to both Democratic and Republican leaders regularly. “How can you just walk away?” the former president asked. 

Biden recalled the proudest moment of his career, which occurred when Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. In 2024, he celebrated its 30th anniversary on the South Lawn of the White House with more than 1,000 women. In the end, though, Biden told Taylor he wants to be remembered for being a good father. 

During Biden’s closing remarks, he returned to emphasizing the value of the HR profession and those in it.

“Now more than ever, what you do matters because you know people are the most important asset we have,” he said, urging HR professionals to keep making their work personal and helping people get back up when they get knocked down. “This is the kind of leadership we need right now. That’s how we build strong workplaces, strong economies, and a strong nation. I’m grateful to every one of you for helping to build a world where the workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve — so thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”