I can still remember 55 years ago (1971) when I first joined Human Resource (HR) then known as Personnel Department at an Australia's James Hardie Manufacturing plant, as a Personnel Administrator, HR has been known as the “police” who enforce rules. The employee handbooks sound like they were written by labor and industrial relations lawyers. Together with my boss, the Personnel Manager, we replaced rigid jargon with simple, friendly language. I realized when staff understand the employment rules and regulations, they feel more comfortable and less stressed. A people-first approach that turns HR into a coach. Instead of just punishing mistakes, HR teams solved problems, grow their skills, implemented staff benefits & welfare to succeed at work.
Two years later in 1973, when I moved to a Japanese Manufacturing plants as Personnel Manager, I ditched the one-size-fits-all approach. People have different lives and needs. Instead of creating strict policies that affect everyone, I empower line managers to offer flexibility. For example, support options for time off or skill training should fit individual needs while still helping the business reach its goals. Hiring the right people, and keeping all staff happy.
After ten years in 1983, it has been an incredible privilege moving forward to serve PETRONAS (1983-1993) and retired with Malaysia Airlines in 2005 prior to joining Malaysian Institute of Management and the universities. Over the year there has been extraordinary change and, with it, the development of the profession and the scope of our work. Much like evolution, change is accelerated by big external events or crises. These shifts have brought home the central connection between people, business & society. I've had to respond to changing expectations from workforce skill gaps adapting to cultures.
I found over the years the profession has progressed significantly, gaining influence, credibility & increasing its impact, but I feel we've a strong imperative to further step up. So, HR profession must be at the very heart of this coming transformation of work to get the best out of people talents and capabilities.
Zulkifly Baharom (hajizul50@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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