An insight from our student ambassador, Grace Dalton

It is with no argument that a work environment for which employees can flourish and foster creativity is paramount. However, the 2018 HRINZ conference brought to me an even greater understanding of these necessities, as well as the true value of organisations with a human-centred approach. The speakers had come from all walks of life; having travelled all over the world, breaking world records and achieving incredible goals. The conference taught me that regardless of ones career, the fundamental resources to succeed depend profoundly on both resilience and adaptability. As with the future of work adjusting to an exponential reliance on technology and innovation, those who can recognise that effective teams cannot be crafted through a €˜one-size-fits-all' approach will gain the most success. Highlights from the conference for myself included Holly Ransom's emphasis on €˜starting with why' and her views on shifting annual performance reviews to regular informal catch ups, as well as listening to "Nano-Girl" Michelle Dickinson's views on shifting Human Resources from €˜hiring and firing' to enabling, empowering and engaging. The 2018 HRINZ conference and expo has allowed me to gain insightful and relevant knowledge of which I look forward to applying to both my studies and future career within the human resources realm.

Grace Dalton

Grace is a third year Psychology and Human Resource Management Student at the University of Otago with an enthusiastic passion for people and the contributions they bring to organisations.