Embracing Change in a Dynamic HR Role
Amy Kennedy, a human resources graduate at biotech giant Amgen, believes in stepping beyond her comfort zone to grow professionally. Working in a fast-paced HR environment, she manages employee requests, organizes inductions for new hires, and supports various work schemes. Her role is deeply collaborative, involving daily interaction with colleagues across departments.
“As you can imagine, our mailboxes are full when we log on every morning,” Kennedy shared. She also participates in daily HR operations meetings that delve into higher-level strategic matters, providing her with a comprehensive view of the business landscape.
Her days are filled with diverse responsibilities — from conducting exit interviews and coordinating maternity leave calls to attending union meetings and reviewing HR policies. “No one day is ever the same, which is great,” she said.
Driving Process Improvements
Among the many projects she contributes to, Kennedy takes particular pride in process improvement initiatives. One standout project involved revamping the company’s employee hub website, which now offers seamless access to workplace policies and documents. “I’m proud to have played my part in upgrading the hub,” she noted.
This initiative not only streamlined internal communication but also enhanced user experience for Amgen employees, reflecting Kennedy’s commitment to creating meaningful impact.
Key Skills in a Fast-Paced Environment
Organizational prowess is one of Kennedy’s core strengths. She meticulously plans her day using Outlook, not just for meetings but for ongoing tasks as well. This structured approach keeps her on top of her responsibilities.
“Good communication and prioritization are also key,” she emphasized. Managing multiple requests simultaneously requires consistent interaction with employees and departments, making people skills indispensable in her daily routine.
Her role also involves maintaining HR resources and ensuring employee portals are regularly updated. These tasks demand a blend of technical know-how and interpersonal finesse.
Facing Challenges and Learning New Skills
Working at Amgen has encouraged Kennedy to step outside her comfort zone and embrace new challenges. “If you had said to me a few months ago that I’d be doing presentations at work, I wouldn’t have believed you,” she admitted. But with every new challenge, her confidence grows, bolstered by positive feedback from colleagues.
Recently, she began exploring data analysis, a skill she’s developing with enthusiasm. The ability to interpret data adds a valuable layer to her HR toolkit, aligning with the industry’s increasing reliance on analytics.
Staying Productive Throughout the Day
Kennedy follows a disciplined approach to productivity. She starts each morning by mapping out her day and allocating specific time blocks to tasks. “Otherwise your day will fly by,” she cautioned.
Some tasks require just 30 minutes, while others take up to two hours. To maintain her energy, she makes sure to take regular breaks, including walks, to avoid the fatigue that can come from sitting in one place for extended periods.
Leveraging Tools and Technology
Email and Microsoft Teams are Kennedy’s go-to communication tools. On a hectic day, she might send up to 100 emails. For more efficient communication, she often opts for quick Teams calls to resolve queries.
Artificial intelligence is also beginning to support her workflow, helping to streamline repetitive tasks. OneNote plays a crucial role in her daily routine, housing her weekly schedule and to-do list. “It’s my Bible and I’d be lost without it,” she said.
Adapting to a Changing HR Landscape
The HR field is evolving rapidly, and Kennedy is seizing every opportunity to broaden her experience. Her current focus is on HR operations, but she’s also involved in recruitment. She recently partnered with Amgen’s talent acquisition team to hire seven process technicians.
Looking ahead, Kennedy is excited about her upcoming rotation into staff relations — an area she finds particularly engaging. “Having this all-round experience is an amazing opportunity and will support my growth in the years ahead,” she concluded.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.