In this episode, Lindsay Patton interviews Michelle French, the HR Director at NASCENT Technology, about her unique approach to human resources. Michelle emphasizes the importance of prioritizing employee well-being and personal growth, which has had a positive impact on the company culture at NASCENT. The episode also discusses the significance of embracing accountability and flexibility in the workplace, as well as the benefits of offering flexible work options and fostering a culture that promotes open communication, trust, and work-life balance. Overall, Michelle French's personal journey and passion for holistic HR practices inspire listeners to provide comprehensive support in the workplace.
Michelle French, an accomplished Human Resources Director with a diverse and successful career in HR management. Currently leading the HR department at NASCENT Technology, LLC, she has a track record of driving operational excellence and fostering positive work cultures. With extensive experience in regional HR and operations management roles, Michelle brings invaluable expertise to the table, ensuring the success and growth of the organizations she serves. Here are a few of the topics we’ll discuss on this episode of People Analytics:
- The laid-back environment at Nascent has resulted in increased employee satisfaction and productivity.
- Nascent organizes fun and engaging activities to foster a sense of joy and camaraderie among employees.
- Acknowledge that it's impossible to make everyone happy - focus on managing yourself and understanding that it's not always about you.
- Prioritize work-life balance by emphasizing the importance of time off and promoting self-care.
- Offer flexible work options that cater to both desk-bound and remote workers, fostering a sense of inclusivity.
- How holistic approaches to HR can positively impact employee well-being and performance.
- Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn for more information and networking opportunities.
Resources:
Connect with Michelle French:
Connect with our host, Lindsay Patton:
Quotables:
- 12:11 - “I think just from the jump really, you know, to have that great employee experience from that moment we originally reached out to them when we're recruiting all the way through. We're just like very open, honest, transparent, and just, you know, welcoming them with open arms and asking for feedback all the time. Hey, what did you like, what didn't you like, what would you like to see? Always open to what are other people and ideas that they have. So that, that's really how we do it. We just stay on and, and keep chatting and figure out what, what people want and like, and enjoy.”
- 01:33 - “I think what we've learned from the past two years of, you know, dealing with the pandemic that your, your personal life and your work life, they, they do intertwine and there's nothing that anybody can do about that. So I think really making, making everything comfortable for everybody and giving them that space is really what makes a employee happy.”
- 24:00 - “And I think that's something that a lot of people miss when talking about work from home and the pandemic's impact is that there are a lot of desk-less workers that need to be in person. Yeah. And so where, where are their perks.”
- 14:32 - “So, you know, there's this very common trend in the workplace of pretending that what's going on at home is not affecting you at work, but, you know, when you're dealing with grief or chronic illness or, you know, having to manage kids, that's something that many, many people have to do. So that, that creeps in.”
- 21:17 - Michelle: “And that's why one-on-ones are very important here at our company. And we are very, very religious to those, our managers have them every other week for 30 minutes with the employee. And they're actually just a wonderful place for, you know, the coaching to go on that interpersonal communication, Hey, what's going on at home? How are things going? Or what's going on in your life? You know, is there, you know, whatever it is. And just really making that, that relationship, that trust factor.”.. Lindsay: “Yeah. Yeah. And I feel like, you know, the word accountability, it can be a harsh word, it can be an intimidating word because it's not associated with coaching as much as it is associated with getting yelled at, for example.”
