Growing at HiBob: the modern HR specialist

Reut Nakash
HiBob.com
Published in
5 min readDec 3, 2019

Human Resources is no longer a cut and paste landscape. The position and its tasks have adapted to next-generation technology but still strives to meet the needs of people working in a modernized setting. And, while I hadn’t expected to go into HR, there’s something truly special about bringing a fresh approach to this evolving role. It’s a chance to blend the digital realm with human capital while creating the type of culture most companies are trying to build for themselves today.

It means a lot to be a modern HR specialist at Hibob, at a time when the new world of work is really setting in. And, while I’m slightly surprised that this is where my career track has taken me (so far), I couldn’t be happier with my place in the industry.

Crazy about people

I originally wanted to be a psychologist, studying Behavioral Sciences at Tel Aviv-Yafo Academic College. I had decided it was the degree for me during my military service, where I was responsible for the welfare, culture, volunteer trips, and overall army experience. But, I finished my studies with a greater interest in people and how they function within an organization.

So after school, I held an entry-level position in HR recruitment at a placement company. I provided a service to multiple organizations, which proved challenging because I had to learn protocol and process from the outside looking in. I also gained a greater understanding of the job candidate’s side, leading them through the hiring process.

I had initially explored different kinds of occupations before deciding on the HR path. After consulting with friends and family, I realized that high salaries are great but self-fulfillment is more important. As I researched HR responsibilities, I was excited by the idea of working within the softer side of people management.

As I progressed professionally, I was able to integrate other disciplines into my role. I tested the boundaries of the profession with what’s now the up-and-coming work trends of today. Areas like marketing, design, and a solid connection to business are all very important to me.

Millennial HR: 101

I take a lot of initiative, trying to be the best example of a modern HR Specialist that I can. When it comes to navigating the Millennial environment, part of my job is to make sure that our talent enjoys what they do. Some people believe that HR is only responsible for welfare or admin tasks, but that’s just a small part of my job. HR needs to ensure that its people come to work bringing their best, and with passion. There are so many other aspects of the job that need to be addressed, especially as HR professionals around the industry finally pull up their seat at the Executive table. Rightfully, so!

The modern HR role blends with other positions and expectations from relevant fields. Employer branding, marketing, creating an attractive company culture, and retention are just a few added responsibilities to this transforming position. Recruitment is a big part of what I do, as is lengthening the company’s average employee lifecycle. Modern HR professionals need to tend to the employee experience, from the first day of onboarding to their final day offboarding.

It’s not just about getting a paycheck; people want to know they’re using their abilities to make an impact. They want to be somewhere transparent where they can express themselves, and its HR’s job to make sure we build that sort of safe space that also contributes to branding efforts. In some sorts, I’m actually using my psychology background to meet the needs of my people.

Crazy about bob

What immediately drew me in was the bob product. It’s an employee management tool for developing companies and I felt an instant connection to it. But beyond the amazing system we deal with on a daily basis, my connection to bob was also magnetized by the company’s core values. Hibob practices what it preaches and understands the significant changes taking place in the world of work, as well as the need for an improved employee experience that does away with the customary “workforce” of the past.

As for my experience — it’s still great! I truly feel that my work matters and has an impact on our culture and organizational synergy. Alongside any challenges in ongoing work tasks, dilemmas, or changes that characterize a rapidly-evolving global society, I feel that I have the support and room for self-expression. I’m proud to work in a company where there’s successful collaboration between our board of directors, middle management, and C-Suite.

Piecing together a puzzle

If I had to choose my favorite thing about Hibob, it’s the people. Hibob talent is carefully selected to fit perfectly like a missing piece of the giant #bobber puzzle. We’re constantly thinking about innovative ways to maintain a certain company “DNA” while sustaining the connection amongst our people using their strengths, abilities, beliefs, and opinions. Everyone is unique but we’re cohesive, and each individual shares a common goal and craves success.

We bring in over 60% of the company with the help of our Refer a Friend Program, a recruiting channel that’s known to have benefits not just at the financial level, but also the cultural one. Each great talent vouches for another excellent and ambitious technology lover, and it works!

In terms of growth, Hibob has recognized my drive and added value on a personal level. They look at my skill set and potential; not the net of my resume. I came in as a junior and thrived because management guides me, trusts me, and believes in me. Working with talent at the forefront of the industry (technology experts who believe in innovation) is a great inspiration. I think a place like Hibob that puts people at the center, sees their value, ​​and allows them to dream helps everyone grow and develop.

Right now, I know I plan to continue evolving professionally, gaining knowledge, and accessing more tools that help improve the work landscape. Other than that, my focus is on the employee experience, creating that safe, yet super fun space other companies strive to build.

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