Winning Secrets: Home Credit Philippines integrates quantitative data with qualitative feedback for its top-notch people strategies

Alpha Omega Aquino, CPO, on the mindset and approach of ensuring HR initiatives genuinely enhance the organisational fabric.  

As a global tech-driven consumer finance company, Home Credit understands how technology can impact people's lives.

At the 2^nd annual edition of HR Excellence Awards - Philippines in 2023, Home Credit Philippines won the bronze award for 'Excellence in the Use of HR Tech'.

To celebrate this milestone, we catch up with Alpha Omega Aquino, Chief People Officer, Home Credit Philippines, on the mindset and approach of ensuring HR initiatives genuinely enhance the organisational fabric and contribute to overall success. 

Q Congratulations on your top performance at the HR Excellence Awards! How has your HR and people strategy contributed to your success this year?

Our success this year can be attributed to our focus on improving our employee experience by leveraging on the implementation of key HR technology. By leveraging innovative solutions, we streamlined recruitment processes and improved the learning process with our diverse and talented workforce in mind.

Our 'People Dashboard' which has real-time data analytics in PowerBI facilitated informed decision-making, optimising employee engagement initiatives. Enhanced communication platforms in Sharepoint ensured seamless collaboration, nurturing a cohesive work culture even in remote setups. Additionally, personalised training modules empowered staff, nurturing their skills and boosting productivity.

We are on the right path of holistic approach, merging technology with human-centric values, which has been pivotal in fostering a vibrant, innovative, and high-performing workplace.

Q Looking back at your achievements, what aspect of your HR initiatives are you most proud of and why?

I am most proud of our HR initiatives' ability to create a truly inclusive and empowering work environment. By fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, we've not only embraced varied perspectives but also ensured equal opportunities for everyone.

Through our continued targeted initiatives, we've elevated underrepresented voices, bridged gaps, and built a harmonious workplace.

Witnessing the positive impact on employees' lives and careers reaffirms the significance of our efforts. It's a source of immense pride because it aligns with our core values, shaping a workplace where everyone thrives and contributes meaningfully.

Q During your HR journey, what were some significant obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them to achieve excellence?

Overcoming resistance to change, aligning with evolving business needs, enhancing communication in remote settings, and managing diverse talents were significant challenges throughout our HR journey.

We have progressed by investing in thorough training, demonstrating tech benefits, and offering continuous support. Proactive assessment and adaptation ensured our strategies remained relevant. Robust communication platforms and transparent culture mitigated remote work hurdles.

Embracing diversity not only resolved conflicts but also fueled innovation. Through adaptability, communication enhancements, and a commitment to inclusivity, we navigated these challenges, paving the way for HR excellence.

Q How does your organisation measure the success and impact of your HR initiatives?

Our organisation employs a multifaceted approach to measure the success and impact of our HR initiatives.

Firstly, we track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as employee retention rates, talent acquisition costs, and productivity metrics, providing tangible data on our initiatives' effectiveness. Regular surveys and feedback mechanisms gauge employee satisfaction, engagement levels, and overall morale. Additionally, we conduct thorough analyses of skill development and training outcomes, ensuring continuous growth.

Qualitative assessments, like improved teamwork and innovative problem-solving, are equally vital, reflecting the intangible but profound impact of our initiatives. By integrating quantitative data with qualitative feedback, we gain a comprehensive view, enabling us to refine strategies, ensuring HR initiatives genuinely enhance our organisational fabric and contribute to our overall success

Q In what direction do you see the HR/people function evolving in the future, considering the emerging trends?

The future of HR is incredibly exciting as it transforms into a strategic partner shaping workplaces.

Embracing technology will continue, with AI and machine learning revolutionising recruitment processes, making them more efficient and unbiased.

HR will increasingly focus on employee wellbeing, mental health, and work-life balance, fostering environments where everyone can thrive. Diversity and inclusion will be at the heart of HR, driving innovation and creativity.

Remote work and flexible schedules will become normative, requiring HR to create seamless virtual collaboration platforms and nurture strong company cultures from afar.

Learning and development will be personalised, catering to individual needs and fostering continuous upskilling.

Data analytics will empower HR professionals to make informed decisions, enhancing employee experiences. Moreover, HR will play a pivotal role in sustainability efforts, aligning workforce strategies with environmental consciousness.

In essence, the future HR excites me with its human-centric, inclusive, tech-driven, and environmentally-conscious approach, fostering workplaces where every individual's potential is amplified.

Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets' section!

Lead image / Provided by Home Credit Philippines