SHRI Member Spotlight – Hafiza Abdul Majid

Hafiza Abdul Majid is a HR Manager at Why by Lonsdale that is part of Lonsdale, an independent brand consultancy and design agency in Europe and Asia, with a team of 250 people specializing in consumer, corporate and retail branding. Here in the Singapore office, they are experts in brand identity and packaging design, from early-stage strategy to creation and production. Working with a shared conviction with their clients, they put the consumer at the heart of everything they do, building global billion dollar brands.

Baking is Hafiza’s childhood hobby and she loves trying new recipes with her Thermomix over the weekends. She is obsessed with keeping healthy and enjoy Pilates. She is fascinated with Islamic architecture as well as all things Turkish, and offer little resistance to roasted chestnuts. Recently, she gained a new interest in travel and would like to explore the Balkans someday!

How would you explain your job to someone outside of HR?

I have always been an HR generalist – in a nutshell, I deal with the whole employee life-cycle (from hire to fire) as well as ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. I create opportunities for staff to grow, bond, and develop meaningful relationships with each other and provide the space for a listening ear whenever employees face difficult times. I serve as an internal consultant on all people matters to the business leaders in my organization, and enforce company policies.

What’s something about you or your job that would surprise us?

Nobody would guess I once did taekwondo!

What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

That was becoming an IHRP-CP 3 years ago. That was something I set out to do when I first started my career in HR and I’m glad I accomplished it! It definitely opened up a new world for me!

What’s an HR trend or space you’re watching this year?

Employee experience and career development. My organization faced a high turnover shortly after I joined, so as the only HR employee, I had my hands full on recruitment and having to adjust to a sector very different from the ones I worked. Now that recruitment has stabilised, I want to invest more time and resources to ensure that existing employees are happy and feel challenged in their jobs.

What advice would you give someone starting out in HR?

HR is not for the faint-hearted and at times, can be a thankless job. You really need to develop a thick skin and be able to hold your own. That said, I have had fulfilling moments too – it’s great to watch employees grow and blossom during their careers! And I always enjoy welcoming new hires on their first day! It’s also important to take time to really listen to others, both inside and outside the workplace. Listening is also part of communication and one of the best ways to learn and engage employees in authentic conversations.

What’s one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

Diversity. Both my parents come from mixed marriages, so this is a topic that has always been close to my heart. From a very young age, I was raised to love everyone no matter what their skin colour is, and to respect different views. Given the chance, I would love to take on a DEI role, but such opportunities in Singapore are few and far between.

What’s your favourite movie/TV show?

Edward Scissorhands – loved it as a kid and I still do! I’m a big fan of Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder!

What’s your go-to lunch around your workplace?

Al-Jiani Restaurant, an Indian Muslim eatery at Hotel G, the building next to my office. Not only is it super convenient to just drop by on a day when I’m busy, but prices are also affordable and I highly recommend the mutton chop!

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