We’re excited to introduce Emma Johnson, our newest HR Consultant at HR Initiatives! Emma brings a wealth of experience, spanning over 20 years in HR roles within corporate retail, hospitality, and leisure industries. Her dynamic background, strategic mindset, and passion for people management make her a fantastic addition to our growing team.
To help you get to know Emma a little better, we sat down with her for a Q&A session. Here’s what she had to say…
Q1: Tell us about your professional journey so far – what inspired you to pursue a career in HR, and what led you to what you are doing today?
I began my career as a Retail General Manager, where I discovered a real passion for the people management and development side of the role. It was this that inspired me to transition into HR, where I’ve since spent around 20 years working within corporate retail, hospitality, and leisure industries. These were incredibly dynamic and enjoyable sectors to be part of, offering valuable opportunities to develop my skills further. A number of years ago now, I moved into consultancy to broaden my knowledge and experience across a wider range of industries, which has been both rewarding and enriching.
Q2: What aspects of your role as an HR consultant do you enjoy the most, and what are you looking forward to in your new role as HR Consultant at HR Initiatives?
What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to work closely with clients to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change that benefits both employees and the business. I take great satisfaction in aligning HR strategies with organisational goals to enhance overall employee engagement. In my new role, I’m particularly looking forward to building strong partnerships with clients and exploring innovative approaches to help them achieve their objectives.
Q3: How would you describe your personality and/or approach when working with clients or colleagues?
I see myself as approachable, practical, and a strong strategic thinker. I’m direct and focused on achieving results, but I always look for the positives in any situation. I take the time to listen, understand individual needs, and deliver solutions that genuinely reflect the organisation’s values and goals.
Q4: Tell us about the value you bring to a team based on your Insights profile
I find Insights Discovery fascinating. My Insights profile says I step back to see the “big picture” and exhibit a strong sense of urgency while keeping others on track. It also mentions that I contribute vigorously and effectively, considering the practicalities of any issue. It goes on to say I cut through “red tape” to speed up outcomes and show loyalty and directness to my team members. Finally, my profile explains that I strengthen the bonding process by being responsive and perceptive, which generates a large number of ideas that inspire progress and innovation.
Q5: What would you say is the most rewarding part of working in HR for you?
I believe the most rewarding part of HR is making a real difference to people’s working lives, which usually non-directly makes a difference in their personal lives too. Whether it’s supporting people through challenging situations, helping employees to develop their career, or helping businesses create a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work.
Q6: What areas of HR are you particularly passionate about?
I’m particularly passionate about employee engagement and organisational development, as these areas are key to creating thriving workplaces. I also have a strong interest in employment law, which led me to pursue a law degree in order to deepen my expertise and enhance the support I can offer to my clients.
Q7: What do you think is the most significant challenge businesses face in HR today, and how can they overcome it?
I think one of the biggest challenges businesses face today is adapting to the rapidly changing world of work, for example the shift to hybrid working and the integration of AI. Businesses need to remain flexible and be ready to embrace the changes. Maintaining open lines of communication with their team and regularly seeking feedback is essential to ensure their people strategies stay relevant.
Q8: If you could give one piece of advice to a business looking to improve their HR practices, what would it be?
Prioritise building trust and transparency with their teams. HR practices are most effective when employees feel confident that their voices are heard and their contributions valued. By having open communication, implementing fair policies, and providing clear opportunities for development, businesses can create a positive workplace culture.
Q9: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends. I also enjoy travelling to experience different cultures around the world. Getting engrossed in an interesting book and drinking a nice glass of wine, is my way of relaxing and recharging.
We’re thrilled to have Emma on board and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make with our clients.
Learn more about our growing team here: https://hrinitiatives.co.uk/meet-the-team/
Find out more about Insights Discovery: https://www.realityhr.co.uk/insights-discovery/