Human Resources Senior Manager at Eastern Decorator Group of Companies

This interview is based on an interview with Helene Tian, human resources senior manager at Eastern Decorator Group of Companies.

Biography

• Ms. Helene Tian, the Talent Development Specialist, has been in the MNC of garments manufacturing (Imperial Garments, member of TAL Apparel) for more than ten years, with experience in human capital management and production management. Recently, in May 2023, she started her HR career in the retail industry on home textile and furnishing (Eastern Decorator Group of Companies).

• She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Development and is supported by certification courses in Lean Manufacturing, Customer Service Strategies, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner. She is also a certified vocational training officer, vocational training executive (recognized by the Department of Skills Malaysia) and certified trainer recognized by Malaysia HRD Corporation. Moreover, she is also a qualified trainer of ‘Mastering the Art of Instructor-Led (MILT) Training.’

• The major experience focus is on training function management, which includes the training and development program design and training delivery for staff from the non-executive level to the managerial level, either factory level or regional level.

• Besides that, Helene has solid experience in working closely with management and employees in driving various employee development programs and initiatives for management communication and cross-departmental collaboration. She is always actively involved in designing and developing management programs for managers and senior management in the company.

• The major experience focus is on training function management, which includes the training and development program design and training delivery for staff from the non-executive level to the managerial level. With her vast experience in production supervisory training, leadership and personal effectiveness, she regularly conducts various types of training, including goal setting, leadership and personal effectiveness, managerial competencies training, etc.

• Besides her great involvement in training and development, Helene also participated in and supported other HR functions such as recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and HR services.

Current Role and Responsibilities as the Senior Learning & Leadership Manager at Eastern Decorator Group of Companies

• Strategies for human capital management and development within the organization, including learning & development, employee engagement, compensation & benefits, etc.

• Lead the team in contributing to the business and creating value for our employees.

• Cultivate a positive work culture and foster the company to be the best place to work.

Primary Obstacles Encountered within the Field of Stress Management

• It is beyond conventional KPI measurement and relatively relies on the individuals and the team interaction.

• Difficulty in managing expectations and everyone's perception when facing obstacles causes negative emotions and feelings of stress.

• It requires collaborative efforts from the team to build a conducive work culture, including how everyone perceives the desired work goal, expectations and competencies.

• Most of the stress happens when the individual does not have clear direction and support; then he/she will perceive it as a 'stress' where it is undesired and it is negative.

• When the leader or the key influencer in the team tends to avoid the stress instead of facing it, then other members will tend to be affected and influenced.

Overview of the Strategies You Have Applied in the Stress Management Sector

Management:

1. Clear vision and mission from management.

2. Ensure the business focus is clearly communicated and that the team works in the same directions.

"Most of the stress happens when the individual does not have clear direction and support; then he/she will perceive it is a 'stress' where it is undesired, and it is negative"

Human Capital:

1. Build clear and holistic strategies to support the overall learning and development framework within the organization.

2. A structured competencies program determines the desired positive behaviors, which gives an idea of how to handle the work issues, and this requires consistency in implementation.

This has proven to be workable as outlined behaviors indicated the best ways to overcome challenges.

Cultivation:

1. The strategies shall be complemented by employee engagement activities that encourage positivity in the organization. A simple event such as ‘Breakfast Day’ among the team it could be a good start to instill the energy to kick start a day and bring the message that we are working as a team. A sense of togetherness is an essential part of managing stress in the workplace. When you are not feeling alone, you will be motivated to work on it and even strive for it.

2. Encourage the team to voice out. Get everyone to understand what is happening and how they contribute. For example, a daily or weekly huddle meeting. 

Ambassadors:

1. As the role of HR practitioners or L&D specialists, we also act as ambassadors to bridge the directions between management and our employees. Hence, the HR team shall be the role model and create a happy workplace.

2. I do believe that everyone in this era emphasizes and values the happiness created in the workplace. Happiness can attract more positivity from the universe and also among the team. We can’t say it will be stress-free, but it is manageable stress.

Projections for the Future of the Stress Management Sector within HR in the Forthcoming Years

Challenging when the workforce tends to move towards technology. The least of people interaction, the highest undiscovered stress that may lead to hidden depression and anxiety.

Advice to Aspiring Young Professionals Pursuing a Career in the Field of Stress Management

• No one is perfect, but having a passion for creating happiness could be the key.

• Focus on how to make it (looking forward) instead of focusing on what happened in the past where we can’t control or revert.

• Reframe the negative thoughts and not focus on ‘tasting’ the negative emotion or feeling.

• But we must acknowledge the feeling and start to identify what we can do.

• In pursuing a career in the field of stress management, equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to create results.

• The recommended tools could be the Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and coaching skills.