Reut Nakash, HR Specialist at Hibob, joined us earlier this year to bring a fresh approach to the evolving role. We interviewed her to find out what she’s learned along her journey, what she loves about bob, and what it means to be a modern HR specialist in a changing landscape. 

Hey Reut, thanks for joining me! I’d love to hear a bit more about your background, education, or any interests that led you down your career path. 

Of course, I’m always happy to chat! I studied Behavioral Sciences at Tel Aviv-Yafo Academic College and had decided it was the degree for me during my military service, where I was responsible for the welfare, culture, volunteer trips, and overall army experience. I hadn’t expected to go into HR; I originally wanted to be a psychologist. But, I finished my studies with a greater interest in people and how they function within an organization. 

After school, I held an entry-level position in HR recruitment at a placement company. I provided a service to multiple organizations, which proved challenging because I had to learn protocol and process from the outside looking in. I also gained a greater understanding of the job candidate’s side, leading them through the hiring process.

Why did you ultimately enter this field? What interests you about your current work? 

I had initially explored different kinds of occupations before deciding on the HR path. After consulting with friends and family, I realized that high salaries are great but self-fulfillment is more important. As I researched HR responsibilities, I was taken with the idea of working in the softer side of people management. 

As I progressed professionally, I was able to integrate other disciplines into my role. I tested the boundaries of the profession with what’s now the up-and-coming work trends of today. Areas like marketing, design, and a solid connection to business are all very important to me.

It sounds like you take a lot of initiative in your role. In your opinion, what does it mean to be a modern HR specialist?

When it comes to navigating the Millennial environment, part of my job is to make sure that our talent enjoys what they do. Some people believe that HR is only responsible for welfare or admin tasks, but that’s just a small part of my job. HR needs to ensure that its people come to work bringing their best, and with passion. There are so many other aspects of the job that need to be discussed. 

The modern HR role blended with other positions and expectations from relevant fields. Employer branding, marketing, creating an attractive company culture, and retention are just a few added responsibilities to this transforming position. Recruitment is a big part of what I do, as is lengthening the company’s average employee lifecycle. Modern HR professionals need to tend to the employee experience, from the first day of onboarding to their final day offboarding. 

It’s not just about working for a paycheck; employees want to know they’re using their abilities to make an impact. They also want to be somewhere transparent where they can express themselves, and its HR’s job to make sure we build that sort of safe space that also contributes to branding efforts. 

And what was it that attracted you to Hibob? What has your experience been like so far? 

What immediately drew me in is the bob product. It’s an employee management tool for developing companies and I felt an instant connection to it. But beyond the amazing system we deal with on a daily basis, my connection to bob was also magnetized by the company’s core values. Hibob practices what it preaches and understands the significant changes taking place in the world of work, as well as the need for an improved employee experience that does away with the customary “workforce” of the past. 

As for my experience – it’s still great! I truly feel that my work matters and has an impact on our culture and organizational synergy. Alongside any challenges in ongoing work tasks, dilemmas, or changes that characterize a rapidly-evolving global society, I feel that I have the support and room for self-expression. I’m proud to work in a company where there’s successful collaboration between our board of directors, middle management, and C-Suite. 

What’s your favorite thing about working at Hibob? Does the company support your growth professionally and personally? 

Oh, that’s a tough question! If I had to choose, it’s the people. Hibob talent is carefully selected to fit perfectly like a missing piece of the giant #bobber puzzle. We’re constantly thinking about innovative ways to maintain a certain company “DNA” while sustaining the connection amongst our people using their strengths, abilities, beliefs, and opinions. Everyone is unique but we’re a cohesive staff, and each individual shares a common goal and craves success. 

We bring in over 60% of the company with the help of our Refer a Friend Program, a recruiting channel that’s known to have benefits not just at the financial level, but also the cultural one. Each great talent vouches for another excellent and ambitious technology lover, and it works! 

In terms of growth, Hibob has recognized my drive and added value on a personal level. They look at my skill set and potential; not the net of my resume. I came in as a junior and thrived because management guides me, trusts me, and believes in me. Working with talent at the forefront of the industry (technology experts who believe in innovation) is a great inspiration. I think a place like Hibob that puts people at the center, sees their value ​​and allows them to dream helps everyone grow and develop. 

Amazing! Do you have any plans for the future?

Right now, I know I plan to continue evolving professionally along with the industry. I wish to gain more knowledge and access more tools and resources that help improve the work landscape, as well as the employee experience.

---