Senior HR Manager, Strategic Public Relations Group (Hong Kong)
“Always be neutral, always have an open heart and be patient with others.”Ada joined SPRG 15 years ago as an Administrative Executive. Now, as Senior HR Manager, she oversees the HR functions of SPRG's Hong Kong office. SPRG was her first job after graduating from university with a major in communications. At the time she joined, SPRG did not have an HR department. Instead, there was a "Finance and Administration" (FAD) department, where she handled most of the administrative work, including onboarding new colleagues and general HR duties.
Over the past 15 years, the company has developed and expanded rapidly, with a steady increase in the number of employees. Ada’s role has evolved from general administration to managing a wide range of HR duties for SPRG Hong Kong, including workplace attendance and recruitment for vacant positions. Over the years, she has also noticed significant changes at SPRG, such as continuous improvements and advancements in employee welfare and benefits to cater for evolving lifestyles and work perceptions. “The younger generation, in particular, is demanding a healthy balance between their work and personal lives,” said Ada.
One of the reasons Ada has stayed with the company for so long is the continued understanding and support from the company and her supervisors. As a fresh graduate first entering the workforce, she found plenty of opportunities to learn from colleagues and supervisors and to develop her career. At that time, she was planning to get married and needed a stable job to start a family. “I appreciate the open and humane culture here. There is a good amount of flexibility and support for working mothers at the workplace, such as a breastfeeding room,” Ada shared. Another example is that when colleagues face personal difficulties, SPRG offers flexibility and an open mind to devise a plan that benefits both the colleagues and the company.
As an experienced HR practitioner, Ada believes that the key to good HR management is to always remain neutral when handling and analysing personnel issues. She emphasises the importance of having an open heart and communicating patiently with colleagues in order to work out more suitable work arrangements. Additionally, to maintain order within the company, it is crucial to strictly follow established mechanisms and policies.
Ada enjoys working at SPRG. She noted, “It’s hard to find collaborative and supportive colleagues who don’t mind working late together and are keen to maintain a close relationship. After leaving school and entering the workforce, it is so precious to bond with colleagues and build strong connections. As well as colleagues, it’s also a pleasure to work alongside understanding and supportive supervisors who encourage my development within the company.”
As this year marks SPRG's 30th anniversary, Ada wishes the company continued prosperity and progress in the future. “I hope the company can offer more training and benefits to colleagues, and that our colleagues can enjoy their time with the company and stay with us longer.”