Guest Profile:

Julie Griffin, People Consultant, EY

Previous experience: Nestle USA, Domino’s, GE

Studied Human Resources in school at Michigan State University

Things to keep in mind for people who want to work in Human Resources:

You will need to deal with challenging, and often sticky or uncomfortable people issues

Spending time developing relationships is a critical function for Human Resources

You have to get used to talking and listening to people

People are unpredictable

Focus on your people first and everything else will fall in line

Some things need to be kept confidential while working in Human Resources, which can feel isolating

Must be able to separate personal emotions from the emotions of your employees

Insights:

Strategic Workforce Planning, Performance Management, Employee Relations are the areas of Human Resources that Julie covers

Strategic Workforce Planning is managing supply and demand

Performance Management is ensure that the right opportunities are identified for high performers to keep them happy, and working and coaching with lower performers

Employee Relations includes anything from discrimination, employee health issues, and anything in-between

Knowing the people you work with and support is essential to success

Julie has a goal to be able to name at least one personal thing about each person she supports (and she supports 350 people!)

You do not need to be outgoing and grab coffee with people every single day to get to know them, you can connect with them during meetings and walks to meetings

For high performers, having a pulse on what they like and dislike about their jobs will help Human Resources what can keep them engaged and excited

Low performers are identified through typical performance management processes

One size does not fit all for performance management, it varies on a case by case basis

Processes for consistently low performers are designed to improve the individual

CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer) is an opportunity at companies!

Rapid Fire-Round:

What Julie wanted to be when she was a kid: To work on a beach or be a mermaid

Best resource for career-related information: A mentor (and Cheddar Day)

What helps Julie when she has a bad day at work: The show “New Girl”

Julie’s favorite product/brand her company makes: Butterfinger Crisp

Best part of Julie’s work day today: Reconvening with a group of leaders on a recent initiative and receiving positive feedback

Advice:

Go with your gut and try everything in order to learn

Feedback is a gift

Do one thing each day at work that scares you

Why should someone want to be in Human Resources

If you’re passionate about helping people and the human side of business

If you want to make a difference in people’s experience during the 9 - 5

Get in touch with Julie Griffin