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"By proactively transforming our business, we aim to enhance collaboration, improve decision-making, and foster a culture of innovation, which not only helps us stay competitive but also ensures that our employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to the company's success,” Jennifer Yuan, HRBP VP, APAC, UPS shares.
In today's dynamic business landscape, organisations like UPS recognise that people are their most valuable asset. By adopting a robust people strategy, companies can unlock their full potential, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth.
Under the leadership of CEO Carol Tomé, UPS has embarked on an ambitious journey towards a 'Better and bolder' future, with a centralised vision of having a people-centric approach that empowers employees to adapt to rapid change and technological advancements. By investing in employee development, engagement, and empowerment, UPS fosters a culture of innovation and ensures its workforce remains competitive and agile.
The company’s commitment to its people has led it to clinch the bronze award for 'Excellence in Business Transformation' at the HR Excellence Awards 2024, Singapore.
Jennifer Yuan (pictured above), HRBP VP, APAC, UPS, tells us how the global shipping and logistics provider leverages a strong and engaged workforce to drive success.
Q. What was the motivation that sparked your passion & business case for pursuing your outstanding people strategy?
Better and bolder! A strategic framework announced by Carol Tomé, CEO of UPS, leading us to the future. Our people strategy is aligned with this vision and driven by the need to adapt to the rapidly changing business environment and advancements in technology. It is crucial to ensure that our workforce remains skilled, engaged, and agile.
By proactively transforming our business, we aim to enhance collaboration, improve decision-making, and foster a culture of innovation, which not only helps us stay competitive but also ensures that our employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to the company's success.
Q. Looking back, can you share a challenge that you overcame in your journey of HR excellence? How did you triumph?
One of the challenges we faced was managing the change associated with our ambitious transformation initiative. This required meticulous planning and execution to ensure minimal disruption to our operations. We embraced a strategy of transparent communication and active employee involvement.
We conducted regular town halls, focus group meetings, one-on-one meetings, and coffee chats to address concerns and gather invaluable feedback. This open dialogue helped us build trust and foster a sense of ownership among our employees.
Additionally, we were able to mobilise senior leaders in the communication process, which played a crucial role in gaining employee buy-in and support.
Q. Beyond the recognition, what impact do you hope your feature in the HR Excellence Awards would have on the HR community and manpower landscape?
We hope to inspire other organisations to prioritise their people strategies while investing in initiatives that drive business transformation. We believe that a strong and engaged workforce is the foundation of any successful organisation.
We hope that our experience will highlight the importance of agility, transparency, and employee engagement in achieving business excellence.
Q. Could you share some advice you would give to others aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
Prioritise your people and cultivate a culture of trust by being both caring and direct. Embrace change and remain open to new ideas and approaches. Communication is crucial – keep your employees informed and involved in the decision-making process. Invest in upskilling and reskilling to help your employees grow and adapt to new challenges.
Finally, measure your progress and be willing to pivot as needed. Remember, HR excellence is a continuous journey that demands commitment and resilience.
Q. Let's talk inspiration! Who has been a driving force behind your success?
The driving force has been the collective effort of our entire team. However, I would like to specifically acknowledge the leadership and vision of our senior management, particularly Jochen Mueller and Darrell Ford. Their unwavering support and commitment to our people strategy have been instrumental.
Additionally, the dedication and hard work of our APAC HR team has been crucial in executing our people strategies and ensuring their success. Finally, the collaboration of the APAC leadership team, led by Wilfredo Ramos and Lauren Zhao, created a positive and empowering work environment that has been truly inspiring and has played a significant role in our achievements.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
Lead image / Provided
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