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"Fostering employee ambassadorship is not just about engagement; it’s about amplifying authentic voices," Yenny Herry, Head of Human Resources - Southeast Asia, Henkel shares.
For some companies, success is defined through numbers and positive data. For Henkel, the team sees the importance of fostering employees' wellbeing and setting an inclusive workplace in order for the brand to reach success.
The need to let the voices of the people be heard and instilling a sense of pride within them is what they believe motivates employees to give their all in their service. Clinching the bronze award for ‘Excellence in Employee Advocacy and Brand Ambassadors’ at the HR Excellence Awards 2024 Singapore has only affirmed Henkel is taking a step in the right direction in taking care of its employees.
Head of Human Resources, Southeast Asia, Yenny Herry, shares more on the organisation's belief in employee empowerment, and steps Henkel has taken to make a more dynamic and inclusive workplace.
Q What was the motivation that sparked your passion & business case for pursuing your outstanding people strategy?
Henkel’s strategy in "Employee Advocacy and Brand Ambassadors" stemmed from a genuine belief that employees are the strongest advocates and storytellers of our company’s culture and brand. We recognised that a deeply engaged workforce not only drives business success but also enhances our reputation in the market. This realisation inspired us to create an environment where employees feel empowered and proud to represent the organisation.
Source: hankeltalent Instagram
Q Looking back, can you share a challenge that you overcame in your journey of HR excellence? How did you triumph?
When we first introduced our employee advocacy programme, not everyone was immediately onboard. We began by sharing success stories from early adopters, and actively sought inputs and made changes based on employee suggestions.
Source: henkel TikTok
Henkel takes pride in empowering employees as advocates and brand ambassadors by highlighting the great impact they have in promoting our employer brand across all touchpoints.
Through these touchpoints, we share a diverse mix of authentic, creative, and employee value proposition — relevant storytelling, showcasing the unique culture, spirit, and workplace environment offered at Henkel through the lens of our employee ambassadors.
Source: hankeltalent Instagram
By harnessing the power of social media, our Henkel Talent channels on Instagram and TikTok now feature ambassadors from various departments sharing inspiring career stories, fostering a sense of community and purpose. Our internal platform Henkel Hive extends these efforts by empowering employees to become thought leaders and brand advocates through their personal social media channels, allowing them to play their part in shaping Henkel's reputation.
Source: hankeltalent Instagram
The global GURUcademy network, which connects all ambassadors around the world, further elevates employees through upskilling webinars and cross-cultural networking, driving professional growth and innovation. Furthermore, to strengthen our university partnerships and develop a strong talent pipeline, several employees actively participate in our University Campus activities, conducting seminars and engaging with students.
Q Beyond the recognition, what impact do you hope your feature in the HR Excellence Awards would have on the HR community and manpower landscape?
This accolade is a reflection of our shared values and collective commitment to creating an inclusive and dynamic workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to our growth, fostering pride in being part of a company that values both success and its people.
The award inspires our broader HR team to continue pushing boundaries and adopting progressive, innovative, people-centric approaches that enhance workplace culture, employee engagement, and productivity.
Q Could you share some advice you would give to others aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
Fostering employee ambassadorship is not just about engagement; it’s about amplifying authentic voices. When employees willingly share their experiences and advocate for the company, it builds trust with prospective talent, strengthens customer relationships, and attracts top talent. This approach also cultivates a culture of ownership and loyalty internally, creating a virtuous cycle of mutual growth and success.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
Photo: Provided
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