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Connection chats to 2006 Winner, Wendy Dean

Coming up soon: HR Director of the Year 2007

Nominations have opened for the 2007 Personnel Today Awards - the most prestigious event in the HR calendar. Ceridian sponsors the HR Director of the Year award category within this event. The accolade is set aside for an individual HR director who can demonstrate outstanding leadership.

HR Director of the Year 2006

Ceridian’s winner of the HR Director of the Year for 2006 was Wendy Dean from ANC Express. Inspired and capable, Wendy was instrumental in developing a number of initiatives that benefited both employees and customers at ANC Express. Thanks to her unique (and now award-winning) approach, she’s also boosted employee relationships and working partnerships with the Transport and General Workers Union.

Ceridian Connection chats to Wendy Dean

CC: What achievements are you most proud of in both your current role and career to date?

WD: Changing the company culture with the “Delivering Peace of Mind” programme. Although quite a positive person, I was a bit sceptical about getting all our employees to embrace our mission and eight core values, but I am very proud to say that we have succeeded and have DPOM Champions in every department.

CC: What do you feel has been your best decision as an HR Director?

WD: To grow talent for HR from within. In the last 17 years at ANC I have only had to buy in HR talent once. It is most rewarding to see people develop and grow in the HR field.

CC: Is there anything that you would have done differently in your career?

WD: No. I try not to regret anything that I do – I believe that you should have conviction in your decisions and always look forward, but also be prepared to alter things if they don’t fit first time.

CC: What will you be looking for in this year's winner?

WD: Someone who has a good business understanding and is able to identify HR impact across the board and someone who has made a difference.

CC: What would be your top tips for other HR professionals?

WD: Don’t be afraid of straight talk – be honest. Always make time for people – even when you are really busy. And persevere: if your idea isn’t accepted, think of another way to present it.

CC: What motivated you to outsource with Ceridian?

WD: We had a long standing relationship with Ceridian so we felt comfortable in exploring a better solution. Also, the product they offer was exactly what we were looking for and could be tailored to our needs where necessary.

CC: Are you happy with the choice?

WD: Definitely, in fact we are currently rolling out our Self Service training, giving managers more information.  We have also taken the opportunity to reduce our paperwork even further by scanning all documentation.

Do you know an exceptional HR Director?

If you'd like to nominate a candidate, simply email your nomination and explain your candidate's contributions to their team and to their organisation. The candidates themselves must be able to demonstrate that they have developed an effective HR team, and be able to present evidence of their contribution to the business.

Nominate your candidate here.

If you’d like to know more about Ceridian’s tailored outsourcing options, and how they can benefit your business, contact us today.