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Ever wished you had a wise, witty confidante to help you navigate the ups, downs, and awkward moments of working life? Enter our new columnist, HR Helen – part-agony aunt, part seasoned HR guru, and full-time truth-teller, she has spent many years in the thick of Jersey corporate life, handling everything from petty office squabbles to full-blown career crises.
In the brief moments between dealing with HR matters in an office workplace near you, our top-secret local professional will be taking the time to share her wisdom and tackle your thorniest workplace dilemmas with her trademark humour and empathy – and just the right amount of sass.
Whether it’s decoding baffling boss behaviour, managing team tensions, or figuring out how to ask for that much-deserved pay rise, HR Helen is on hand to help – and she won't sugarcoat the truth. To kick off the year, she turns her attention to 'New Year, New Me'...
Here we go... the usual fitness fanatics at the gym on January 2nd after spending a small fortune on all their new gear, health stores rubbing their hands together whilst selling overpriced kale smoothies by the tonnage, hordes of people doing 'Dry January' (either because they’ve spent too much money, or their New Year's Eve hangover lasted more than the standard 24 hours and they fear they have done irreparable damage to their liver).
While there are always realists who proudly announce, “My new year's resolution is to have no resolutions!”, it’s hard to walk through any office in January without hearing the classic “New Year, New Me”. But what do managers do when that mantra bleeds into work ambitions?
Picture this: an eager employee opens up about their hopes, only to be met with the dreaded, “Hmm, let’s see.” Translation: “You’re stuck, mate.”HR horror story, right?
Not on my watch. This is HR Helen, and we’re here to make growth happen – with a laugh or two along the way.
First off, when someone tells you they want to develop, don’t panic. It’s not a threat –it’s a compliment! They’re choosing your company for their next big move, not swiping right on LinkedIn rivals. So, step up by:
Acknowledging their aspirations: Listen (without the fake nodding).
Making a plan: Training, goals, and actual follow-through.
Investing: Their growth = your success. Happy employee, happy business.
Ever been treated like the intern long after you’ve mastered the ropes? Yeah, it’s the worst. Ignoring ambitious employees does more harm than you think:
Disengagement: Why go the extra mile when no one notices?
Turnover: They’ll pack up their dreams – and maybe your clients – and leave.
Missed potential: Your next star employee? Gone.
Managers, it’s simple: stop fobbing and start supporting. Work with your team to help them to shake off that “junior” label with real opportunities for growth. Everyone wins – your employee levels up, you look like a genius, and the company thrives.
Think of it like gaming: your team’s got new skills, shiny armour, and they’re ready for the big boss fight. Hit “start”, and let’s make 2025 a win for everyone.
Got a question for HR Helen? However thorny or controversial, don't hold back – email editor@bailiwickexpress.com.
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