5 minute read
Professional Membership accreditation
Human Resources magazine caught up with Jess Bensley (Accredited Member) and Michal Pawlowicz (Chartered Member) to ask about their paths to HRNZ accreditation and their thoughts about the role of HR in Aotearoa New Zealand today.
Jess Bensley
What have been your career highlights to date?
Initially, my position at Rheem was predominantly payrollrelated, with some HR advisory work. In 2019 I implemented a new payroll software. This meant I was able to free up time to focus on how I could really add value. When COVID-19 hit, we were able to apply the lens of balancing people, legislation and business outcomes. I also began studying for a post-graduate diploma in human resources at Unitec and graduated earlier this year. Throughout my studies, my role at Rheem has grown. I am now the HR Manager and a member of our senior leadership team.
What inspires and motivates you in your career and why?
It is being able to make a difference in people’s lives. We all spend a large proportion of our lives at work, and I love working for an organisation that values people and is open to suggestions or improvements. I find working with senior leaders who are open to new ideas and champion positive change really motivating.
What do you see as the challenges facing the industry and HR profession?
Around 30 per cent of the workforce in New Zealand is over the age of fifty-five. This demographic shift will have a substantial effect on businesses that may already be facing a skills shortage. They may need more specific strategies or succession plans to retain institutional knowledge and expertise or develop the next generation of leaders. I see this as a significant challenge and opportunity for HR professionals to address.
I haven’t always celebrated the small wins, so it was a good opportunity to give myself a pat on the back for a job well done!
How has HRNZ membership helped your career?
Being a sole practitioner can be isolating due to the amount and type of information you hold. To balance that, you almost need a network of people who you can reach out to. Being a part of an organisation like HRNZ has been incredibly beneficial. The relationships I have established have not only provided me with valuable insights but also shaped who I am as an HR practitioner today.
Please describe your journey towards becoming an Accredited Professional Member. How was the experience?
The process of becoming an Accredited Member was a great opportunity to reflect and be quite thoughtful in considering my Domains of Knowledge and Levels of Capability. I also found it quite empowering to reflect on my accomplishments to date. I haven’t always celebrated the small wins, so it was a good opportunity to give myself a pat on the back for a job well done!
Michal Pawlowicz
What have been your career highlights to date?
Moving from Poland to New Zealand was a significant step in my career. Initially, it was challenging to find a job, and I had to take a step back. However, this allowed me to better understand the culture, communication styles and ways of working in New Zealand businesses. One of the highlights from Poland was when the CEO nominated me to lead the HR and L&D aspects of establishing a new business unit. It was a significant recognition for me, especially as I felt more experienced people were on the HR team at the time. In New Zealand, a key highlight has been transforming an admin-focused L&D team into a highly effective Learning & Organisational Development team. This achievement was only possible thanks to the support of my managers and the engagement and openness of my team members.
What inspires and motivates you in your career and why?
I’m motivated by learning new skills, fixing things, improving processes and helping others grow both professionally and personally. I enjoy simplifying tasks, enhancing the employee experience, and creating learning and development opportunities that are accessible to everyone. Coaching and mentoring have been very rewarding experiences for me; seeing mentees achieve things they didn’t think they were capable of and helping them succeed is deeply motivating.
What do you see as the challenges facing the industry and HR profession?
The three main challenges I see are:
Cost pressures leading to restructures. With record numbers of people leaving New Zealand and high living costs, there’s a risk of losing talent to other markets, making recruitment and onboarding more difficult, and leading to burnout and lower employee engagement.
Immigration policy changes. While upskilling New Zealanders is essential, we also need immigrants to fill certain roles. Attracting skilled workers to New Zealand is vital, especially for sectors like hospitality.
AI-driven changes in processes and roles. HR needs to stay ahead by understanding AI’s impact on businesses and people, creating new jobs, and focusing on essential human skills, for example, communication and interpersonal skills.
How has HRNZ membership helped your career?
I joined HRNZ shortly after arriving in New Zealand, and it helped me build valuable relationships, expand my network, and learn more about the HR landscape here. It also gave me insights into cultural differences and HR trends that differ slightly from those in Europe.
Becoming a Chartered Member has validated my contributions to the broader HR community, and I’m proud of this achievement.
Please describe your journey towards becoming a Chartered Member. How was the experience?
When I first looked at The Path, I wasn’t sure if I fit the criteria, because I had been focused on learning and development and organisational development. However, after reviewing it more closely, I realised I had plenty of relevant examples to share. Becoming a Chartered Member has validated my contributions to the broader HR community, and I’m proud of this achievement.
