Meet Sarah – Humani’s newest HR Generalist and our resident history buff. As a true generalist, she loves that no two days are the same, but has a soft spot for benefits, Total Rewards, and leave management.
When she’s not helping clients build positive, balanced workplaces, she’s probably beating her friends during her weekly virtual games night. Read more about Sarah’s career journey below.
<img decoding="async" src="https://humanihr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/sarah-body.jpg" width="800" height="800" alt="Team Spotlight - Sarah Howes" loading="lazy">1. Have you always wanted to be in HR? Tell us a bit about your career journey to land where you are today.
I always thought I would like to be a historian or archivist. I studied History and Anthropology at university, which I really enjoyed, and it helped me get a better understanding of the world. However, History isn’t a particularly easy career path so I decided to take some time off and see the world. After spending almost 2 years teaching English in Japan, I came back to Canada and settled in Toronto. After completing a postgraduate certificate in Human Resources my career started with a co-op placement at a small not-for-profit organisation.
2. HR specialties/areas of focus/passions?
I love being a Generalist. Being able to have input on all aspects of Human Resources is what makes this role so interesting. No two days are ever the same. Of course, I do have some areas that I find particularly enjoyable – Benefits, Total Rewards, Leave Management – are a few of my favourites.
3. Career mentor/role model? Who and why.
Early in my career, before I started working in HR, I worked in Administration for a small not-for-profit organisation where I had a manager that helped shape my worklife. She was a strong believer in constructive feedback – both giving and receiving. She helped me understand the importance of not only giving feedback to others, but also to listen and learn from the feedback others are giving me.
4. Looking ahead, what does the future of the HR function look like to you? How will workplaces shift and change?
Covid-19 has had a significant impact on where and how we work. This has created a huge shift for Human Resources, not only in the past 18 months but also going forward. More than ever, employees are looking for employers that step up and care about their well-being. The HR function has seen a significant move from being 'gatekeepers' to being advocates for the entire organization – employer and employees. HR leaders need to not only think strategically, but need to have an ability to critically analyze the data to make decisions that are well informed.
5. The impact you hope to have on client workplaces?
I hope to use my Generalist perspective to help clients make the best decisions. By helping clients create policies and programs that are employee-centric I hope to support leaders in creating a positive, effective, and balanced workplace.
6. Words to live by? (Could be a motto, HR mantra, favourite quote etc.)
Always believe in yourself.
7. Your go-to, mid-week pick-me-up?
I have an ongoing Wednesday (virtual) games night get-together with good friends.
