Khadijat Alabi is a Human Resources Supervisor in a leading hospitality company in the US. In this interview with our correspondent, she talked about her dedication to standardizing best-practice HR functions while fostering a great workplace culture, among other germane issues. Our correspondent presents excerpt of the interview.
How would you introduce yourself to the world?
Thank you for this. I am Khadijat Alabi. I earned my first Degree in Accounting (BSc.) with a Human Resources Management program MBA from Williams Paterson University of New Jersey. Being an advocate of community healthcare development, I authored a journal article, which emphasises the critical role of Strategic Human Resources Practices in Business Generation and Sustainability. My impact by authoring the journal article ‘Strategic Human Resources Practices in Business Generation and Sustainability: A Critical Role in Community Healthcare Development,” aimed at enhancing the long-term viability and impact of community healthcare centers.
With over 12 years of experience, I have emerged as a strategic and resourceful HR Leader. My expertise ranges from HR Strategy Development to Employee Engagement and Experience Management. I have worked across various sectors, including Financial Services, Investment Management, Consulting, hospitality, government, and financial institutions. Currently, as a Human Resources Supervisor in a leading hospitality company, I am dedicated to standardizing best-practice HR functions while fostering a great workplace culture.
Having introduced yourself, how best would you want to narrate your story?
Yes, I will like to say that my educational background in human resources and financial accounting has enabled me to develop tailored solutions for international businesses.
Also, as a married mother of four, I am driven by my passion for creating technology-driven HR solutions addressing unique challenges in the global business landscape and driving organizational success.
Along the line, you must have faced some challenges. How were you able to surmount them?
On this, I will like to posit that my journey has not been easy as imagined while growing up. It has been marked by achievements and ups and downs. Like many professionals, I encountered challenges along the way. Some of the struggles I faced include balancing work and family affairs; navigating Ccareer transitions; overcoming industry challenges and others. But I will like to explain each aspect to you comprehensively.
Balancing Work and Family: Being a married mother of four while pursuing a demanding career undoubtedly posed challenges in terms of balancing work commitments with family responsibilities.
Navigating Career Transitions: Transitioning from academia to the professional world and later shifting from nearly a decade-long career as an Accountant to becoming an HR professional and writer posed significant challenges. Progressing through different roles across various industries demanded adaptability and resilience to navigate these transitions successfully.
Overcoming Industry-specific Challenges: Working across diverse sectors such as financial services, hospitality, and government has required me to adapt to the unique challenges and dynamics of each industry.
So, despite these challenges, resilience, determination, passion for my work have enabled me to overcome obstacles and continue making significant contributions to the organizations I serve.
Can you give us an additional information about yourself What?
Actually, my specialization lies in strategic human resources management, focusing on crafting and executing innovative HR strategies, frameworks, and policies. I possess expertise across various HR domains, including talent acquisition, talent management, organization development, performance management, and employee well-being.
As a result of my passion and adeptness in driving cultural transformation and organizational change, I prioritize fostering employee engagement and well-being. I take pride in my role in advancing technology-driven solutions for HR management and in devising tailored strategies to tackle unique challenges encountered by international businesses. What distinguishes me is my unique blend of educational backgrounds in both human resources and financial accounting.
So, this allows me to comprehensively grasp business processes and develop solutions that align with organizational objectives. Moreover, I have authored the publication that underscores the significance of strategic HR practices in enhancing the long-term viability and impact of community healthcare centers. Through this publication, I have made significant contributions to the discourse on HR management, particularly its pivotal role in nurturing sustainability and growth within community healthcare settings.
Interestingly, this crisis has affected many people in different ways. Can you share with us how you were affected and the lessons you have learnt ab initio?
Indubitably, the Covid-19 crisis has taught me several important lessons. Firstly, it emphasized the critical importance of adaptability and resilience in both personal and professional life. The rapid changes and uncertainties brought about by the pandemic required individuals and organizations to quickly pivot and adjust their strategies and operations to navigate the challenges.
Secondly, the crisis highlighted the significance of prioritizing employee well-being and mental health. Remote work, social distancing, and other safety measures introduced new challenges for maintaining employee morale and engagement. As a result, fostering a supportive work environment and providing resources for mental health support became essential aspects of HR management.
Additionally, the pandemic underscored the value of effective communication and transparency. Clear and frequent communication with employees, clients, and stakeholders became paramount in maintaining trust and ensuring everyone stayed informed about the evolving situation and organizational responses.
Furthermore, the Covid-19 crisis emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and digital solutions for business continuity. Organizations that had already embraced digital transformation were better equipped to adapt to remote work arrangements and continue operations amidst disruptions.
Overall, the pandemic served as a powerful reminder of the importance of agility, empathy, and innovation in overcoming adversity and building resilience for the future.
