| | DECEMBER 2024MANAGEHRMAGAZINE.COM19EMBRACING CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT IN HUMAN RESOURCE Sharon Kacsits, Director, Human Resources North, COFCO InternationalCould you provide an overview of your professional journey and how a typical day looks like in your current role at COFCO International?At the start of my career, there was no concept of Human Resources. Rather, there were separate departments for personnel, employee benefits, recruitment, training and safety. As I progressed in my career, I gained knowledge and experience in diverse aspects of HR. I eventually transitioned to the HR career path and continued learning. I am driven by my eagerness to learn and develop myself and others. I have always gravitated towards roles that involve overseeing multiple aspects of HR, including benefits, training, safety, employee relations, union relations and mentoring managers.My typical day at work is dynamic, encompassing various responsibilities. For instance, I could be working on a long-term strategic project, attending to an immediate employee need, responding to auditors' inquiries or conducting training sessions. Additionally, I have a new HR staff member who joined us with extensive recruiting experience but lacks experience in other areas. So, I spend extra time to train and provide reasoning behind my instructions. This is one example of how continuous learning and development are crucial in HR.What challenges and emerging trends do you observe in team development and retention? Employees and businesses still grapple with economic insecurity, particularly in light of recent reports suggesting that the Federal Reserve might not lower interest rates as anticipated, citing inflation concerns. This comes at a time when many companies are in the process of transitioning back to the office environment, having been remote for an extended period due to the pandemic. However, this shift comes with its challenges, as it disrupts the synergy of working closely with colleagues and the valuable in-person connections that come with it. While electronic tools have their benefits, they cannot fully replace the nuances of face-to-face interactions, especially when important discussions are underway. This decision to resume in-office has been driven by a desire to regain synergy and enhance connections among coworkers. Sharon Kacsits, Director, Human Resources North, COFCO International, leverages her deep-rooted HR expertise to cultivate a corporate culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Her strategic focus on embracing technology and fostering a learning environment helps streamline operations, positioning her as a forward-thinking leader in talent management.In an interview with Manage HR, Kacsits shares an insight focused on employee empowerment and the integration of technology in HR, aiming to create a collaborative and innovative workplace that drives future success and resilience.CXO Insights
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