According this years HRM Awards judges, the key to great HR is: structured performance management, a commitment to social issues, tailored training and development programmes, and plenty of two-way communication. Judges at this year’s HRM Awards in Hong Kong indicated a clear focus on these fundamental drivers and rewarded organisations that were able to commit to these practices, even as the economic downturn wreaked havoc on budgets and morale.
Gala ceremony
The trials of 2009 were not lost on the 300 HR professionals and friends of the function who turned out for the HRM Awards ceremony. Held at the Conrad Hotel, Hong Kong, on November 11, the gala ceremony celebrated the best and brightest HR people, teams and strategies in the special administrative region. The economic climate made for some of the most unique challenges – and successful solutions – and these all made the competition stronger.
Hosted by local DJ identity William Lam, the event also had an important social and networking side. Since HR is almost purely an in-house profession, practitioners appreciate every chance to get together as a stand-alone industry. “It’s an excellent chance to mix with other HR professionals,” Maylie Lee, Head of HR for American Express International said after accepting the DDI Award for Best Talent Management. “It was a real surprise to win.”
Esteemed judges
The awards are not possible without the time and efforts contributed by their judges. These 14 highly qualified individuals represented all sides of the HR profession. Their ranks included academics, consultants and long-time HR professionals from a range of industries in both the public and private sectors.
They used reports from each candidate in each category, as well as key HR metrics and indicators to choose their top candidates. The judges’ verdicts were then collated to find the winner. Importantly, the awards are independently assessed – giving real value and meaning to the final judgments.
The best of the best
It was a strong night at the office for the staff of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong). The bank’s well-known commitment to HR development and talent management helped it to take home two awards, including the coveted Ross Recruitment Award for Employer of Choice. Judges were nearly unanimous in their verdict, citing Standard Chartered’s all-round excellence in a variety of HR functions. “A balanced approach to remuneration, benefits and career planning, as well as corporate culture and social responsibility,” was how one judge put it, adding that the bank was a “very convincing” winner.
The bank’s staff couldn’t help but agree. “We put people at the centre of everything,” said Nita Lau, Regional Head of HR (pictured with Julia Ross, founder of Ross Recruitment). “They’re our greatest assets so we provide great opportunities for career progression.”
Other big winners included Niq Lai, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Head of Talent Engagement for City Telecom. He was named this year’s Kelly Services Champion of HR for his engagement and promotion of the function at the C-suite level. Judges noted the relative strength of HR at City Telecom, and were impressed to see a CFO who was so actively involved in people issues. “This effectively strengthens the linkage between people management and business strategy, which provides a solid basis to implement strategic HR function,” one said.
Back on the HR side, the Fraser’s Hospitality Award for Best HR Leader went to Ida Tang, Vice President of HR for Li & Fung (Trading) Limited while China Light and Power’s HR department was awarded the prize for best HR team in Hong Kong.
Outstanding achievement
One of the biggest awards also offered up one of the biggest surprises - at least for the winner. David Rossiter, Head of HR for the Hong Kong Hospital Authority was in the foyer area making a phone call when details of the Work Group Award for Outstanding Contribution to HR were explained. He was just taking his seat when his name was called as the winner.
“It was all very confusing,” he later told HRM. “I wasn't sure what I'd won or why.”
The outstanding achievement award recognises consistent and dedicated service to the image and standing of the HR function; those HR professionals who continually advance the profession in the wider business context. Rossiter was singled out in 2009 for his tireless efforts to develop HR, both in his own organisation and in the wider business community.
A full list of award winners please click here
Photo Gallery please click here
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