Employee Engagement is the key to my Diversity Agenda w/Holly Smith
On the latest episode of The Career Equation Podcast, we sit down with Holly Smith. She is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Partner at Personio. We explore the critical role of employee engagement, HR strategies, and culture in the modern workplace. Holly has a Employee background in leading DEI initiatives. She has a deep passion for driving inclusion within organizations. Holly offers a distinctive view on the role of HR as a strategic partner in meeting business objectives. This is especially relevant for tech companies.
“HR teams can be strategic partners to departments,” Holly explains. She highlights her experience at Personio as an HR tech solution. She automates tasks for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Holly has over three years of experience at Personio. She collaborates with leaders to align employee engagement and culture with business goals. Her focus is on enhancing workplace satisfaction while meeting organizational objectives. “It’s easy for HR to be viewed as just supporting internal customers, but we can also help the business achieve its wider goals,” she adds.
Holly shares not only her professional journey but also how her personal experiences. Such as how becoming a new parent has shaped her approach in the workplace. Her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to improve employee engagement.
Role of Employee Engagement in Business Success
Employee engagement is often the missing link in many businesses’ success strategies. For Holly, the connection between HR and business strategy is crucial. “I think it’s so easy that HR teams can be only viewed as supporting internal customers,” Holly says. “But HR can be a strategic partner to help the business achieve its wider goals.” This is particularly true in tech companies like Personio. Automation plays a significant role in freeing up time for HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives.
At Personio, Holly aligns the company’s DEI strategies with broader business goals. She ensures that employee engagement remains at the forefront of HR initiatives. This alignment creates a work environment where employees feel valued and supported. Holly also emphasizes the need for a people-first approach. where “the people function” isn’t just an afterthought. It is an integral part of shaping the organization’s direction.
Leveraging Automation for Greater HR Efficiency
Automation is transforming HR functions in tech companies. Especially for SMEs that need to manage their resources efficiently. At Personio, automation helps streamline HR processes. This helps them to focus on more impactful tasks. Holly explains, “Personio is an HR software solution automating as many HR tasks as possible. It saves our clients significant time and energy.”
Holly focuses on reinvesting time to build stronger employee-organization connections. This is where automation meets culture and diversity. “It’s not just about automating tasks. It’s about creating space for meaningful engagement,” Holly notes. This balance allows HR leaders to focus on developing inclusive strategies. The ones that resonate with employees across different regions and functions.
Building Inclusive Environments through Culture and Diversity
Holly shares a unique initiative called “Don’t Disable Me”. It began as a platform for employees to share their lived experiences, particularly around disability. Holly explains, “It started as a way for employees to talk about disabilities. But it’s evolved into something much bigger. Now employees from various backgrounds and life experiences are sharing their stories.” This initiative is a testament to Personio’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
She also highlights the importance of employee resource groups (ERGs). And supporting company-wide DEI initiatives. Holly stresses the need for employees to be proactive. She emphasizes that HR leaders advocate for their teams. “If you’re in a position to connect people, act as a sponsor or advocate for them, especially in remote environments,” she says.
Career Development and Success in the Modern Workplace
Holly reflects on her career development journey. She started as a babysitter to leading DEI initiatives at tech companies. “Keep showing up,” Holly advises her younger self and those looking to build successful careers.
She also speaks about the importance of career coaching and having a clear sense of purpose. In her words, “It’s about deciding who you want to be known as.” It is essential for both personal and professional growth. This perspective aligns with the career equation. It emphasizes the need for individuals to play to their strengths. It motivates them to pursue their passions.
Conclusion
Holly Smith’s insights serve as a valuable reminder for people in financial workspaces. It focuses on employee engagement, culture, and diversity. They are key drivers of success in today’s workplace. Businesses can create a supportive work culture via DEI strategies and leveraging automation. A focus on inclusivity helps enhance employee engagement. This approach also ensures alignment with their strategic goals.
As Holly puts it, “It’s not just about automating tasks. It’s about creating space for meaningful engagement.” Companies can maximize their workforce’s potential by prioritizing people. They can integrate HR into their business strategy. This improves effectiveness.
About Holly Smith
Holly Smith is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Partner at Personio. She leads strategic DEI initiatives for one of Europe’s fastest-growing HR tech companies. She has a background in culture, employee engagement and career development. Holly has been instrumental in aligning HR functions with broader business goals at Personio. Before joining Personio, she played a key role at Comply Advantage. She also contributed to global growth initiatives at Dr. Martens.
Holly is passionate about creating inclusive environments. So that all employees feel valued and supported. Through her leadership in DEI, she has spearheaded initiatives such as the Don’t Disable Me project. It fosters a safe space for employees to share their personal experiences. By doing so, it contributes to a more engaged and connected workforce.
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