Evolution of the Role of Human Resources at Ports

Evolution of the Role of Human Resources at Ports

Source: Joan MacLeod, Human Resources Director for Port of Halifax, Canada.

Joan McLeod, who has 42 years’ experience at the Port of Halifax, Canada recently put together a chart characterizing the changes in the role and responsibilities of the port’s Human Resources Director. She has witnessed a change not only in the functions of the human resources staff but also in the expectations of employers and employees. “The HR function has moved away from processing paperwork to making sure innovative individuals are chosen and equipped to excel, and ensuring employees feel valued in the organization,” said MacLeod. “In the future, human resources will undoubtedly take on more of a talent management persona, focused more on performance and productivity. That’s going to require a total transformation in thinking.”