| | October 2023MANAGEHRMAGAZINE.COM8In MyOpinionEMBRACING CHANGE TO NAVIGATE TALENT MANAGEMENTIn an interview with Manage HR, Rachel Wong, vice president of total rewards at Symcor, sheds light on the evolving landscape of HR consulting and the importance of staying informed and adaptable to meet the diverse needs of employees.What did your illustrious career prior to joining Symcor look like, and what are the roles and responsibilities you cater to as the vice president of total rewards at Symcor?I joined Symcor just over a year ago with a background primarily focused on compensation. However, my role expanded over time to encompass total rewards, perks, and wellness, as well as HR. As the Vice President of Total Rewards, I oversee several teams, including compensation, benefits and pensions, disability and wellness, and HR operations. This structure works well because today's employees have diverse needs and motivations beyond just their salary.I believe HR technology plays a crucial role in supporting our total rewards programs. Regardless of how robust our offerings are, without the right systems in place, it becomes challenging to effectively communicate and implement them for employees, managers, and potential hires. Over the years, I have witnessed the importance of having proper HR technology. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of mental wellness, flexible benefits, and unique perks. However, it is crucial to have the right tools to effectively deliver these programs to employees, as miscommunication can occur without a proper channel.By having the appropriate HR technology, we can streamline processes and make it easier for managers to plan year-end payouts, bonuses, and merit-based rewards. Additionally, a central platform that consolidates wellness resources and various vendor services can enhance employee participation and interest. Unfortunately, there is often a lack of understanding among HR teams regarding the value of HR systems, as they may not have direct insights into their benefits. This leads to missed opportunities.In my current role, I am fortunate to have a strong HR systems team, and our existing tool meets our current needs. While there are more advanced versions available, I believe in incremental enhancements rather than investing in everything upfront. It is crucial to ensure the right HR tool is in place to support all our programs effectively.How do you think the pandemic has influenced the HR consulting space?In the realm of total rewards, I've noticed an increased need for connections and mental wellness support in the post-pandemic An Interview With Rachel Wong, Vice President, Total Rewards, SymcorRachel Wong
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