Level Up Human Resources

Working in Human Resources has always been a challenge from managing compliance to employee engagement. Today is different, with a lot more stress, uncertainty, and confusion. All the Employees, Managers and Executives need a strong HR Person that listens and is taking action to move the people business forward. A positive Human Resources leader is demonstrating more than ever how much they care. People need someone that they can trust to give honest answers. Talking with some HR heroes, I asked them the following questions pertaining to the pandemic. As you will see from their responses taking care of people is the Human in HR. What it takes to be in Human Resources during this climate? Staying up to date and being an expert in all things COVID 19. Confidentiality and being available for all questions and concerns. Being Compassionate but staying strong during lay-offs and downturn of business. Valerie Welsh, HR Director and Safety – West Coast Paint More willingness to go that extra mile. I am finding I need to be more flexible than usual. Also, one needs to understand that during this time Employees are depending on Employers to communicate often and show true Leadership to handle navigating through this crisis successfully. Eileen Castro-Hershkowitz, Corporate Benefits/HR Manager – Luxfer Gas Cylinders During this time it takes having a network to know you are not alone and being able to turn to one another for guidance as guidelines/policies are frequently changing. Making sure the team is staying connected as we are not all in the office. And empathy as everyone has different ways of handling the stress and uncertainty. Stacy Payne, Office Manager and HR – Lyo-Tech, Inc. It takes lots and lots of patience. Everyone from employees to support staff are all trying to figure out this new reality that we’ve all been thrown in. Every day brings a new challenge with legislation changing overnight one can easily become lost. Gabrielle Diaz, HR Generalist – Farmer Boys Corporate During this challenging time there is a lot of unknowns which make it difficult and demand patience everything has changed quickly not only are we trying to make plans for the here and now we are trying to make plans for the future reopening our programs and what that will look like putting policies and procedures in place. I do a lot of research, watch webinars and keep communication open. Brenda Velasquez, Human Resources Manager – The Arc Riverside County Working remotely has had its challenges. I constantly check in with my staff and assure them that we are doing a great job and that I am here to meet their needs. Julie Padilla, Human Resources Manager – King Instrument Company What are the top Employee Relations concerns during this climate? Being in constant communication with employees, keeping concerns low and morale high, setting constant expectations to follow all CDC guidelines. And providing resources to employees from Company, Medical providers, Cities, states and Government. Valerie Welsh, HR Director and Safety – West Coast Paint Employees are concerned about their families, their health and their jobs. HR is critical in offering resources and up to date information. During this crisis, changed has happened almost daily. Eileen Castro-Hershkowitz, Corporate Benefits/HR Manager – Luxfer Gas Cylinders Communicating effectively how we are trying to maintain the business and keeping everyone healthy at work. Stacy Payne, Office Manager and HR – Lyo-Tech, Inc. During this time there have been lots and lots of inquires of what the future holds for our team members within our company. With the media constantly sharing frightening news it can be worrisome for our team. I’m very proud of our HR team and the way we have adapted to new ways of communicating important information to our team to help guide them through these scary times. Gabrielle Diaz, HR Generalist – Farmer Boys Corporate Our programs are closed and were able to continue to pay employees at this time which I think our employees are grateful for. We’re taking on a week by week basis. Brenda Velasquez, Human Resources Manager – The Arc Riverside County Keeping employees motivated to keep social distancing and continuing to practice safe hygiene. Julie Padilla, Human Resources Manager – King Instrument Company What is the one thing that has kept you sane? Being on the inside of all decisions being made and being supported and “valued for my contributions” I and watching my company put safety first and doing what’s best for our employees. It feels great to be a part of such a wonderful company. Valerie Welsh, HR Director and Safety – West Coast Paint Knowing that I am not going through this alone. So many resources available to me. And of course my family. Eileen Castro-Hershkowitz, Corporate Benefits/HR Manager – Luxfer Gas Cylinders What has kept me sane during this time is my strong connections with friends and family. Stacy Payne, Office Manager and HR – Lyo-Tech, Inc. The HR community has helped to keep me sane! Knowing that you’re not alone in this journey but have an entire HR community to help you navigate these uncharted waters is very calming. Gabrielle Diaz, HR Generalist – Farmer Boys Corporate Knowing that we are not alone in this and that all businesses big or small are trying to cope and dealing with the same or similar issues during this crisis. We are doing our best. Brenda Velasquez, Human Resources Manager – The Arc Riverside County Attitude is everything. I am firm believer that all things have a solution. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. J ulie Padilla, Human Resources Manager – King Instrument Company