Happy National HR Professionals Day! This day of appreciation was first created in 2013 by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen to honor the incredible contributions HR professionals make to their companies on a regular basis. At Osborn, this sentiment rings true as our HR staff (also known as the People Operations team) works behind the scenes to advocate for employees, provide knowledge on benefits and policies, and foster a safe environment and culture in which individuals can thrive.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes on in the mind of an HR professional, hear from our incredible team about their roles!
How did you find yourself in HR?
Becky: I took a business class about HR and found the topic really interesting. Then out of college I got a job recruiting and found myself interested in all aspects of the HR field.
Starlyn: I actually started out in Operations and sort of fell into it as I began taking on more and more tasks related to HR and I loved it. I loved working with people the most and so I decided to take it to the next level by getting my Professional HR Certification after two years of studying in 2023.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Becky: I enjoy working with talented people and that no day is the same.
Starlyn: I love all the interactions that I have with people the most. Whether that’s talking on the phone or in person, I have always found communication and people in general fascinating. Ultimately, I want to know – what’s the story behind this person and how does that contribute to who they are today and even right now in this very moment?
Do you have any fun or interesting projects you’re currently working on?
Becky: One of the projects is working on our onboarding experience, to make sure new hires are connected and understand the culture from day one.
Starlyn: We’re hiring for a couple of roles right now and I always enjoy those interactions. We’re prepping for a couple of career fairs and holding a mentorship orientation! I’m excited to get a little creative.
What does a typical day look like for an HR professional?
Becky: No two days are the same. A typical day might include meeting with employees to answer questions, partnering with managers on team needs, working on long-term initiatives like policy updates or engagement programs, and handling unexpected challenges that pop up.
Starlyn: Lol, probably the same as a lot of people. Loads of emails, meetings, and then you get to do the work! There could be an unexpected event or two in there depending on the day.
What do you think is the most challenging part of your role?
Becky: The challenge is shifting between big-picture strategy and the day-to-day tasks. In the same hour, I might be thinking about the company’s long-term plans and then helping someone navigate their health benefits.
Starlyn: Definitely having to let someone down by letting them know they may not have gotten the role that they applied to.
What is something about HR that many people may not know about?
Becky: People often assume HR is just about rules and compliance, but so much of it is about culture. We focus on creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and able to do their best work.
Starlyn: HR always has to be prepared for the unexpected, but we also like to laugh and have fun too!
