How would you describe your current role to a HR outsider?

I am working with Country Heads and Leadership Team to manage end-to-end HR processes for Southeast Asia; starting from Hiring & Onboarding, Development, Engagement, Compensation & Benefits, General Administration, until Offboarding.

What is a common misconception about the work you do?

This role do not require you to understand the cultural challenges, Each region has same business goal and way to do things because we are in the same organization, Employees' motivation for each region is the same; hence we can do the same Engagement and Compensation structures.

How did you get started in your HR career?

I studied Mass Communication, but I was active in Global Youth Organization and placed me in the role of HR. I, once, tried to go for different path but I comeback as HR in the next role. It was challenging at first, but I always get the best team leaders/ mentors/ peers in all my careers.

Describe the most impactful HR project you've personally worked on.

Previously:

(1) Worked on Diversity & Inclusion report for Asia Pacific, led by my D&I Director; we are using it internally to analyze the needs of each region and recommend some future projects we can take on.

(2) I moved to a new workplace, startup company. I handled Indonesia at that time, my first Jack-of-all-trades role ever. I handled end-to-end process, improving existing system and start assisting Global TA for local hiring. Due to pandemic, we have big budget and manpower cut. I started to handle SEA and worked on HR-Legal projects to ensure the company complies on Labor Law for each company and how we can see potential risk for each legal actions we take related to People. Additionally, when the economy is getting better, I had the challenge to hire 60+ head counts and proceed internal promotion (by doing manpower review) in less than 2 months for big expansion projects. I successfully finished it! :)

Current:

I am now working on foundational projects that will improve the morale, engagement, and satisfaction of Employees:

(1) Reviewing and adjusting all the Global Policy to SEA/ Country's needs.

(2) Creating engagement and wellness programs rotating to financial health, physical health, nutrition, and mental health; especially designed for SEA employees.

(3) On process on deploying Career Page for each country in SEA as the part of Employer Branding.

What is one HR/future of work trend or change you're not convinced will work for SEA startups?

Diversity & Inclusion, since I have handled it for a multinational company, I can see that even though I manage it for big organization with the most diverse Employees I've ever handled; the progress can be slow.

Reasons are: most of SEA countries have a conservative approach, we need to defy the taboo knowledge - we cannot just force them to be OK with the change. Additionally, challenge can come from leadership team. D&I projects/ initiatives cannot give quick result on the business; leaders can questions if doing D&I initiatives can grow the business even more, and can lead to non-supportive actions.

What is one HR/future of work trend or change that you hope to see more of at SEA startups?

Openness to hire diverse team, better understanding on compensation & benefits structure.

What is your favourite HR resource that you would recommend to this community?

People Matters or AIHR.

Lastly, where are you based, and where would you take friends visiting your city for the first time? 

Jakarta, Indonesia. There are a lot of places people can go here, but I am more into foodie and cafe hopping-kinda person, so great chat at my fave coffeeshop or ramen bars would be nice :)