1. What did you do before working here?
FläktGroup was actually my first full-time job. Previously, I worked in retail and hospitality while I was at college, I've been working in some form since I was about 11 years old. I grew up in my family's pubs and would help out wherever I could, usually in exchange for the latest Topshop jeans rather than any actual wages! After completing my A-Levels, I joined FläktGroup and began my career in HR.
2. Why did you choose FläktGroup?
I was looking for a company that would invest in my development and support me through professional qualifications. Living in Hereford, there aren't endless opportunities on the doorstep, so I was exploring my options. I'd actually been accepted into five universities to study Finance and Accountancy before deciding university wasn't the right path for me. When FläktGroup advertised for an HR Apprentice, my sister, who worked for the apprenticeship provider, encouraged me to apply. A week after my interview, I was starting my job here.
3. What is critically important in your role and what qualities are needed to do the job well?
Organisation is definitely one of the most important qualities. It's not unusual to be halfway through one task when the phone rings or another priority comes up. Integrity and a strong moral compass are equally important. In HR, we need to remain impartial, balancing the needs of the business while also supporting employees.
Everything we do needs to be fair, consistent and compliant with both company policies and employment legislation. Most importantly, I think you need to be passionate about what you do. Some days can be challenging, but it's the enjoyment I get from helping people that keeps me motivated.
4. What is the biggest misconception about what you do?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that HR only hires and fires people, which couldn't be further from the truth. I spend a lot of my time analysing data, supporting wellbeing initiatives, workforce planning and career development. Another common misconception is that HR makes all the decisions. In reality, our role is to advise, guide and recommend actions based on legislation, policy and best practice. We don't make the decisions for managers, but we help them make informed and fair ones.
5. What does your day typically look like?
At the moment, there's a lot of recruitment activity across the UK business, which is exciting as we welcome new people into the team. My day usually starts with tackling emails and Teams messages. A lot of my time is spent answering employee and manager queries, whether that's by phone, email or Teams. I'm also currently spending a couple of hours each day building Power BI reports, which I've become a little obsessed with! Alongside that, I support interviews which I’ve always found really interesting.
6. Tell us about a recent professional challenge?
Over the last two years, I completed my Level 5 CIPD qualification alongside my day job. Finishing my final assignment over Christmas probably wasn't my best piece of planning, but balancing study, coursework and work commitments was definitely a challenge. Looking back, though, it was a hugely rewarding experience. It gave me a lot of confidence in my abilities and broadened my understanding of the profession. I'm proud to have completed the apprenticeship this May with a Distinction and become CIPD qualified
7. How important are sustainability, the environment, and our planet to you?
I think sustainability is something everyone has a responsibility towards, both at work and at home. Small changes can make a big difference when they're adopted consistently. I'm not perfect, but I try to be mindful of waste, recycling and making practical choices that reduce my impact where I can.
