I started my career in HR 17 years ago. After facing challenges in finding my first HR role, I started to do a few hours a week in the HR team at the hotel I was working for, along with my CIPD qualification.
Following this, I secured a role in the HR team for a boat manufacturer. It was here that I made a deliberate effort to cultivate strong relationships with operational teams and learn the whole business process.
One of my top concerns for HR today is talent acquisition and retention. HR professionals should focus on creating an engaging workplace culture, offering competitive compensation and benefits and providing opportunities for growth and development to keep employees motivated and committed.
With so many organisations moving to remote work, it’s important that HR finds ways to keep employees engaged and productive in a
virtual setting.
What the future leaders of tomorrow think:
Charlie Barclay, Catella
Ben Wrigley, Wincanton
A growing awareness and activism around diversity, equity and inclusion means HR leaders will need to focus on building more diverse and inclusive workforces and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.
Another important factor is AI and automation. HR professionals will need to stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends. This includes leveraging AI and automation tools to streamline HR processes.
As the importance of mental and physical health continues to gain recognition, this will continue to be a focus for HR for many years to come. Businesses will need to prioritise employee wellbeing, including offering mental health resources, promoting work/life balance, and encouraging healthy behaviours.
My plan to change HR for the better includes a focus on continuous learning and development. The HR industry is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay up to date with the latest trends, technologies and best practices. By prioritising continuous learning and development, I can stay ahead of the curve and make decisions that benefit the business.
This article was first published in the May/June 2023 issue of HR magazine. Subscribe today to have all our latest articles delivered right to your desk.
