HRNZ Member profile

Human Resources magazine caught up with Henriette Scheepbouwer, People and Culture Manager for Spunlite Poles, Windsor Urban and Steelgal NZ Ltd. We asked her about her career and thoughts on the role of HR in Aotearoa today.

What are the highlights of your career to date?

On a personal and professional level, becoming President of the HRNZ Canterbury Branch has been a real highlight. I also value becoming a Chartered Member of HRNZ, because it validates that what I know is up to industry standard. On a smaller scale, but just as significant, receiving supportive text messages from staff members while facilitating company redundancies was also a very heart-warming moment. (“Good luck today, we know this is a tough time for you too”.) And I have also appreciated receiving feedback from staff members who told me I have made a difference in their lives.

What inspires and motivates you in your career and why?

Growing up in the 1980s in The Netherlands with a dad and brothers who worked in the ports of Rotterdam made me understand the struggles and issues workers have, especially when times are tough. My dad was a foreman and union man, and, even back then, he would not give way if the health and safety of a staff member or his team were put in jeopardy.

In my career, I have always had a good sense for business while having a people-first approach. My primary motivation and inspiration come from being that bridge between the staff and management and giving all parties within a business a voice. I truly believe that, once people come together and work towards the same goals, the business is stronger and more profitable, and everyone will benefit from that.

What do you see as the challenges facing HR right now?

The health and wellbeing of the HR professional is a big issue right now. Ever since COVID-19 hit our shores, HR professionals have had a significant increase in workload. The board and senior management teams have been looking to HR professionals for advice, guidance and direction. In a sense, they expect that we know what needs to be done, while for us, this was all new as well. Many professionals have taken this on board and used this as a point of growth and personal development.

However, most HR professionals have received added workload without the proper support or removal of other tasks that fall under our profession. I think there is a serious risk of HR professionals either stepping out of the role or simply being harmed by the workload.

Besides this, a more considerable emphasis is on health and wellbeing, again loaded onto the HR professional. We are tasked with coming up with strategies for health and wellbeing; we are tasked with opening conversations around mental health and with the pressure to encourage mental health. Most HR professionals do not have a psychology degree and should not be having these types of conversations with staff members. We should merely be a bridge between the mental health professional and the staff member. I think it will be a big challenge to either keep HR professionals within the role and healthy or to attract new professionals within the industry.

How has HRNZ membership helped you fast-track your career?

HRNZ has given me the opportunity to grow my network and meet some incredible and amazing people with a wealth of knowledge. They have given me the chance to work on my personal development and to create opportunities to establish myself as an HR professional within New Zealand.

Anything else you think our readers would find interesting?

To those studying HR, don’t be afraid! Come along to the HRNZ events throughout the country and start working on your network. Even if you don’t have an outgoing personality, we would like to meet you. You will also gain a lot of practical knowledge from talking to people in the industry.

To the seasoned HR professionals, hang in there, we are here to support you. HRNZ is working on a peer support service to make sure you can get the help and support you need.