People are the most valuable asset of any organization. They bring ideas to life, create products, and serve customers. Without them, no business can thrive. Doug Conant, the CEO of Campbell’s Soup, once wisely said, “To succeed in the market, you must first succeed in the workplace.” It emphasizes the need for leaders to invest in their people, nurture talents, and foster a culture of excellence. This is particularly crucial in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, where the job market has shifted from employer-driven to talent-driven. Therefore, attracting and retaining top talent is the primary challenge for organizations.
George Mathew understands this challenge well. With over 20 years of experience in various HR roles across different industries, he has witnessed how human capital can make or break a business. He also identified a gap in the market: many SMEs and startups lack the resources and expertise to manage their HR functions effectively. They need end-to-end HR solutions to help them grow and succeed.
This led George to establish HumLog, a company that offers tailored HR services to micro, small, and medium enterprises. As the Founder and CEO of HumLog, he leverages his HR expertise to create and deliver solutions that align with the needs and goals of his clients. He assists them in optimizing talent management, boosting employee engagement, and shaping their organizational culture.
In this feature story, we’ll explore George Mathew’s career, his role at HumLog, and his impact on the world of HR for SMEs and start-ups.
From Hotel Management to HR Solutions: How George Mathew Found His Calling
George’s career journey is a remarkable one. He began as a hotel management graduate, working with the prestigious Taj Group in India. After a few years, he switched to the call center and banking sectors, where he discovered his passion for training. He moved to the UAE as a training manager with ABN Amro Bank and then joined RAKBANK and Coca-Cola, where he eventually became the head of HR for four countries in the Middle East. During this time, he also completed his post-graduation in human resource management.
With over 20 years of work experience, including 15 years in human capital services, George became an expert in various HR aspects, such as organizational design, talent management, people development, people services, total rewards, culture, and people strategy. He worked with leading brands in the banking and FMCG sectors, such as ABN AMRO, Royal Bank of Scotland, RAKBANK, and Coca-Cola.
While at Coca-Cola, George worked with many SMEs and startups as vendors or partners. That’s when he noticed a market gap for tailored, comprehensive HR solutions in this sector. George set out to find innovative ways to fill this gap and create value for organizations. That’s when he founded HumLog, a platform offering end-to-end HR solutions across different industries and regions. With HumLog, George is on a mission to transform the human resources industry and support the growth of SMEs and startups.
HumLog: Simplifying Human Capital Logistics for Startups and SMEs
HumLog was established in October 2022 to address the growing need for efficient and cost-effective People Solutions, all in one place. It serves as the Human Capital Logistics Partner of choice for startups and SMEs. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, which includes establishing HR teams, developing HR policies and procedures, automating HR processes, and sourcing top talent. Additionally, HumLog ensures that organizations remain compliant with local labor laws, solidifying its role as a trusted partner on their journey to success.
HumLog adopts a sector-specific and industry-agnostic approach. While its primary clientele comprises micro, small, and medium enterprises, the company extends its services to various industries. This diverse portfolio includes manufacturing, travel and tourism, marketing, food and beverage, hospitality, and FMCG. By catering to this broad spectrum of industries, HumLog demonstrates its versatility and adaptability in addressing the common challenges that businesses in these sectors face.
George’s Leadership Journey at HumLog
George offers insights into his roles, leadership challenges, and suggestions for team motivation and productivity.
As a solopreneur, George wears many hats. He shapes the company’s strategy, drives sales, oversees execution, manages finances, and ensures top-notch services. His ongoing mission includes building a robust team that serves as a support structure and becomes ambassadors for HumLog’s mission.
Transitioning into an entrepreneurial journey after two decades in the corporate world, George acknowledges the learning curve of running his organization. There have been moments when he considered returning to the comfort and security of corporate life, but he remained committed. The journey has been remarkable, with HumLog celebrating its one-year milestone with a larger, more capable team and an expanded organization.
A fundamental aspect of George’s leadership philosophy is granting his team the freedom to operate independently, make mistakes, and learn. “I don’t hire smart people and tell them what to do,” says George. He values a culture that fosters individual growth and personal development. In cases where individuals do not align with this culture, George believes in mutual, dignified departures.
Additionally, George underscores the significance of personalized employee engagement, especially in the context of a smaller organization like HumLog. He recognizes that acknowledging and addressing each team member’s unique needs and aspirations are essential for maintaining a motivated and productive workforce.
George’s Top 3 Considerations for Choosing the Right HR Solution Provider
George outlines the three critical factors that businesses should focus on when selecting an HR solution provider:
1. Alignment with Business Strategy
The initial and essential consideration is to ensure that the HR solution provider aligns with the company’s overall business strategy. Businesses should not view the provider as an isolated service but as a strategic partner who understands and supports the company’s long-term goals.
2. Understanding of Organizational Culture and Requirements
A successful HR solution provider comprehends the unique organizational culture and specific business requirements. It is crucial that the chosen provider can customize its services to meet the company’s distinct needs, fostering a seamless fit and effective HR support.
3. Success Stories from Similar Businesses
The HR solution provider’s track record is of utmost importance. George recommends assessing the provider’s success stories with similar businesses. These real-world examples demonstrate the provider’s ability to deliver tangible results and effectively address HR challenges.
Anticipated Trends in 2024 and Beyond
Looking forward to 2024 and beyond, George anticipates several trends that will play significant roles in the job search market:
- Resumes in Decline: The traditional resume may further decline as employers prioritize concrete evidence of skills and achievements. Job seekers will need to adapt by providing proof of their work, such as project samples and real-world accomplishments.
- Experiential Assessments: Experiential interviews are expected to become the norm. Employers will rely on practical assessments to gauge candidates’ abilities and suitability for roles, promoting a skills-centric approach to hiring.
- Flexible Onboarding: The onboarding process will continue to adapt to the evolving ways of work, accommodating remote work, hybrid models, and freelancing. Employers will need to tailor onboarding experiences to ensure seamless integration into diverse work settings.
Quotes
“Transform or be ready to be obsolete.”
Also Read: Top 10 Marvellous Leaders in Dubai
