Colleague Concierge: the New Human Resources

Greetings. Happy summer everyone.

I’ve just completed a lengthy stay in Jakarta. Always enjoy going to that city. It’s full of fascinating surprises. Besides doing a series of workshops for my clients, I visited a number of companies who are keen to develop a Speaking Energy partnership. One such client impressed me with their unique approach to managing their employees (who number in the several hundred).  As I promised to respect confidentiality, I won’t name them here. But I can tell you that they are taking an impressive long-term view on how to completely re-invent their human resources procedures and policies.  One such strategy is removing the term “human resources” and changing it to “Colleague Concierge”.   Human resources is a confusing phrase in many companies where a visible disconnect exists between the HR team and the Management team.  Through no fault of their own, HR practitioners are often isolated and thus ineffective. This needs to change. As such, this forward thinking multinational in Jakarta has renamed HR — and the results are definitely showing.

From the moment I walked into this company’s facility I was met with an energized, motivated group of employees. People who were keen to communicate with me.  Our public speaking (a meeting of 4 people, which is also an example of ”public speaking”) was open and free-flowing. A lively exchange of ideas. When they told me about their fascinating approach to HR, I was not only impressed, but I had a lot of questions as well.  Colleague Concierge sets a nice tone. A welcoming tone. Staff knows that if there is a problem, they have somewhere to go. Just as guests at a hotel know that concierge in the lobby can answer questions, staff at this company know their Colleague Concierge can also address questions and problems. And yes, there is even a Colleague Concierge desk set up at this firm. 

Setting the tone in the office can be done in so many positive — and, unfortunately, negative ways.  The HR team at this company has a new foundation by which they can work. A new level of trust built simply through changing the “label”.  Communications is the foundation of everything that goes on at the office. With Colleague Concierge around to help, the communications appears to be thriving at this inspired company.

Needless to say, I left that meeting hoping that I can find a way to partner with them on future projects.

Singapore next week. Speaking Energy…pass it on.

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