“Learning is the treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.”
For any Human Resources professional, working in the manufacturing industry offers an impressive opportunity for growth. From managing payroll to serving as a mediator between the management and the workers, there is room for continuous learning.
Furthermore, HR professionals also have the responsibility to empower their colleagues to do better, be better and keep updating their skillset. This is especially critical in a fast-paced industry like manufacturing, where technological advancements keep enhancing existing systems rapidly.
Let’s hear from Christy Church, Human Resources Generalist – ELGi USA, on her trajectory so far, backed by her commitment to support her colleagues to be #AlwaysBetter at work.
Why did you choose to become a Human Resources Generalist?
It is important to me to feel fulfilled by my work. I gain that fulfilment by ensuring that my colleagues feel heard, supported, and empowered at work.
What do you think helped you get so far in your career?
Some of the things that have helped me get to this point in my career are my unquenchable thirst for knowledge, my desire to keep growing personally and professionally, and my drive to be financially independent.
How would you like to reflect on your career trajectory so far?
I am truly thankful and feel fortunate to have pursued, landed, and stuck with a career in human resources. I am grateful to have the ability to support myself by working in a field I feel so passionate about.
What’s the first thing you bought with your own money?
Honestly speaking, I can't recall the first thing I bought with my own money. However, I do recall that I had a deep sense of pride because I bought my first home when I was 19.
What have been your key learnings at ELGi?
One of my key learnings at ELGi is this:
"Done is better than perfect because perfect never gets done."
What values by ELGi have stayed with you since you first joined?
Some of the ELGi values that resonate with me most are integrity, sensitivity, and innovation. I am proud to work for an organization that values earning the trust of our stakeholders, is sensitive to their needs, and strives to be Always Better.
Another key value that resonates with me is collaboration, as no one individual can be successful solely on their own. It always requires the support of others.
How have you handled multiple responsibilities with ease?
I handle multiple responsibilities by having a thoughtful and intentional morning routine. This includes a brief, daily meditation; organization including deliberately planning my day and prioritizing my action items each day/week; setting boundaries around my personal time such as ensuring I consistently take a mid-day break for lunch and to refresh myself for the remainder of the day, ensuring I get adequate sleep each night, and logging off at a reasonable hour each evening.
What has been your biggest success during the lockdown phase?
My biggest success during the lockdown has been establishing a consistent routine which motivates me and helps me feel refreshed to take on the day. When working from home, the boundaries between work and home life can easily get blurred. Having a consistent routine and structure in the day ensures that I can be effective and productive while not risking burnout.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
If I could learn to do anything, given adequate time and resources, I'd learn carpentry so I could build my own built-in bookshelves.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give to young women considering a career in your field?
Explore multiple disciplines within human resources - such as diversity and inclusion, employee relations, talent management, total rewards/compensation and benefits. This is important, as through this, they can find out the area of expertise that they would like to focus on.
What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #ChooseToChallenge mean for you in your work life?
In my work life, #ChooseToChallenge means creating an inclusive work environment for all by addressing gender bias and inequality if and when it arises. It also means doing so compassionately and giving others and ourselves grace to learn from missteps, as we are all continuously learning and growing.
In view of the #ChooseToChallenge theme, what advice would you give your younger self?
If I could give my younger self advice in view of the #ChooseToChallenge theme, I would encourage her to avoid over-explaining or over-apologizing. I would encourage her to set healthy boundaries around her time and bandwidth and help her understand that focusing on self-care will help her be more successful than overworking ever would. I would also remind her that you can learn something new from everyone you meet.
What’s your favourite thing about being a woman?
My favourite thing about being a woman is the knowledge that I have the strength to not only overcome all the challenges that come along, but also the ability to thrive while doing so.
Which woman or women inspire you and why? Could you share a quote by them that inspires you the most?
I am inspired by a great many women but lately, and in view of the #ChoosetoChallenge theme, I have been particularly inspired by British actress, radio presenter, model, writer, and activist Jameela Jamil and the work she is doing through her "I Weigh" campaign.
From her essay titled "Tell Him" she speaks on combating misogyny at home. This quote, in particular, has connected with me deeply:
"We have a lot of work to undo… Mothers, sisters and aunties, I implore you to take this little sponge, and render him sodden with humanity and an understanding of women. It will send him into this delusional world with an armour of empathy and self-assurance, that a strong woman is something to be celebrated and not feared/crushed/undermined/spoken over/stopped/humiliated/shamed/blamed/discouraged/controlled...."
What is the message you want to send to young women thinking about a career in the manufacturing industry?
I would strongly encourage young women to explore a career in the manufacturing industry. Your representation is needed, and your input is valuable!