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Mika Neoh, Associate Director, shares how Always Marketing (M) streamlined and maximised its HR function, which has played a role in fostering communication, connection, and collaboration within the workplace.
It is human nature to be reluctant to change; the team at Always Marketing Malaysia understands this.
However, in response, the team focused its efforts on cultivating widespread understanding and adoption of new approaches, bridging the gap between existing practices and the evolving method with new technology. Amidst all this, the team maintains HR and people strategy as a key driver when it comes to achieving business goals and enhancing the overall organisation performance.
In turn, the organisation is empowered to execute business projects with heightened efficiency that continuously attract compatible talents.
All together, this very strategy has earned the organisation its spot as a finalist inthe 'Excellence in Business Transformation' category at the HR Excellence Awards 2023, Malaysia.
Mika Neoh, Associate Director, shares more on how Always Marketing (M) streamlined and maximised its HR function, which has played a role in improving employee engagement and fostering communication, connection, and collaboration within the workplace.
Q Congratulations on your top performance at the HR Excellence Awards! How has your HR & people strategy contributed to your success this year?
The HR & people strategy plays a significant role as the key driver to achieving business goals and enhancing the overall organisation performance. The implementation of an applicant tracking system (ATS) has revolutionised the recruitment process, empowering us to execute business projects with heightened efficiency that continuously attracts compatible talents, thus ensuring the company’s competitiveness in this fast-paced market.
Furthermore, the integration of a social platform helps to foster communication, connection, and collaboration within the workplace. The digital hub allows the sharing of knowledge, ideas, and better management of HR-related activities such as performance appraisal, benefits and administration, streamlining and maximising the HR function.
Our commitment to improving employee engagement and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes through various programmes and initiatives has resulted in higher morale and a better work culture with the addition of improved teamwork. Employees felt valued and appreciated hence translating into higher job satisfaction and increased productivity.
Q Looking back at your achievements, what aspect of your HR initiatives are you most proud of and why?
We seamlessly integrated the platform with an extensive hiring process for project-based framework that has resulted in a streamlined internal process. The improved data accuracy and accessibility has allowed us to provide better support in both internal and project-based operations. We are now able to identify suitable talents faster, which helps contribute to projects’ successes and overall growth. Improved operational efficiency has driven a significant positive impact on the company’s business outcomes.
Additionally, the HR department has spearheaded the company’s CSR programme, which reflects our commitment to the community welfare. By orchestrating monthly employee engagement initiatives, dynamic team building activities, the work culture has blossomed with cultivating vibrance and collaborative.
Q During your HR journey, what were some significant obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them to achieve excellence?
The human nature of reluctance to change has always been a stumbling stone to us. This problem affects us not only internally but externally as well with some clients persisting in adhering to the traditional method of hiring, denying the use of new technology. In response, we initiated training and orientation programmes to cultivate widespread understanding and adoption of new approaches and bridge the gap between existing practices and the evolving method with new technology to effectively improve business practices.
Q How does your organisation measure the success and impact of your HR initiatives?
We track the usage of the system with feedback from the employees, that helps us to understand their on-hand experiences and identify areas for improvement. The level of engagement and participation of employees is the key indicator for gathering suggestions which provide valuable insights.
We regularly review these metrics, not only to gauge the success of HR initiatives but also to make informed to meet the evolving needs of employees and company as a whole.
Q In what direction do you see the HR/people function evolving in the future, considering the emerging trends?
In the upcoming future, the HR function is poised to transform into a strategic partner, leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics to drive organisational success. HR is crucial in navigating a dynamic working landscape that allows an organisation to stay competitive and relevant in the industry with persisting lucrative business outcomes. The cultivation of employees' continuous upskilling with data analytics and integration of AI will be a pivotal aspect of HR in this competitive digital era. Overall, the HR function's evolution will be marked by adaptability, technology integration, and a profound commitment to nurturing a thriving and engaged workforce.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets' section!
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