In HR, we support all staff and provide extensive advice
and guidance on a wide range of topics. A wide
variety of tasks are performed every day including
responding to staff queries about benefits and holidays,
recording absences and providing support during sick leave,
maternity or parental leave. HR is also involved in
arranging suitable training to help guide personal
development and careers. There is also the responsibility
for recruiting both permanent and temporary staff as well
as arranging work experience and there is a lot of general
administration within the HR department: it is vital that this
is accurately completed as it will directly affect the
employees of the company.
It is important to have excellent people skills when working in HR as
you will meet a wide variety of people each day. Good communication
skills and the ability to listen are also important as you will be
approached for advice and guidance. Due to the huge range of tasks
undertaken in HR, the ability to manage a varied workload whilst
maintaining an eye for detail is essential.
Not all the job is dealing with positive benefits: HR is also responsible
for organising grievance procedures and redundancies. In these
circumstances, it is important to be able to work calmly and with an
open mind. HR deals with a lot of confidential information and so the
ability to operate with discretion is vital.
...Naomi, HR Manager, Transworld- RHCB
After finishing my degree in English Literature, I chose to go into HR because I am interested in the relationship between people and the organisations they work for. I believe that developing the people has a significant, tangible impact on the business’s success and ablility to evolve.
I started off as a PA to the HR Director in a multi-national shipping company, then worked my way into ‘generalist’ HR, where I had an opportunity to become involved in recruiting, performance management and employee relations issues.
When my American husband was relocated to New York, I applied for a role with Random House Inc, based in Manhattan. I joined as an HR Assistant on Reception, and was then promoted to HR Associate. In this role I was the first point of contact for employees and managers on HR policy and procedures. The company operated first class HR systems and processes so it was a great place to learn about best-practice. Plus, I enjoyed working in a company where I actually identified with the end product and was particularly impressed by the employees’ passion for what they do.
When my husband’s role took him back to the UK, I joined Random House Group as a temporary consultant, working on HR systems and other Group initiatives. Before long I was immersed in some key HR projects.
In 2005 I decided to go back to university and do an MA in Human Resource Management. Random House were extremely flexible and allowed me to work part-time whilst I completed the course. I graduated with distinction, largely thanks to the support of my manager and the company.
I am now an HR Manager in Ealing, providing HR services to approximately 200 employees across Transworld and Random House Children’s Books. My role involves recruitment, employee relations, performance management and reward analysis and benchmarking. It’s an extremely varied and interesting role and requires a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I count myself lucky to work for a company that fully supports HR and people development, from the top down.