Connect with ConnectedHR: HR Consultant Eiliana Gonzalez

Eiliana Gonzalez has more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources and Labor Relations across industries as diverse as government, manufacturing, transportation, property management, services, and non-profits. No matter the industry, she excels at creating positive work environments and building strong relationships throughout all levels of an organization. Here she shares some thoughts on her experience in the HR field.

1. How did you first get interested in working in Human Resources?

I became interested in working in Human Resources when I took a Personnel Management class while pursuing my undergrad studies in Management and Finance.  This class was challenging and focused on interpreting employment laws by applying them to workplace scenarios.  I became fascinated by these challenges, so much so that I was inspired to pursue a Master’s Degree in Human Resources.  I have been very passionate about Human Resources ever since.

2. What has surprised you most about working with Northeast Ohio businesses?

Cleveland businesses are very welcoming.  They also operate with a sense of purpose and fearlessness.  I’ve experienced them persevering through challenges in pursuit of their goals for growth.

3. What do you find most challenging about the HR field?

It is challenging to manage staff retention while also implementing organizational change.

4. What’s the best thing to happen since you started working with CHR?

I’m very proud of incorporating talent management strategies for a client that have had a big positive impact on their day to day operations.

5. What do you wish other people knew about their HR department?

I wish more leaders understood the positive results that can be achieved by partnering with HR.  An HR professional not only mitigates the legal risks that day to day decisions may bring, but can also be a great support in the implementation of strategic changes. We do this by developing a communication and implementation strategy that will instill employee trust in that process.

6. What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about how HR supports a business?

I believe HR offers great support to a business by maintaining the cultural well-being of the organization and by offering great insights through analytics and our knowledge of areas of strength and opportunity within the workforce.

7. Tell me about what influenced your decision to work in HR.

I have an entrepreneurial mindset and I consider myself to be a visionary, a strategist, and an analytical person.  I also enjoy the legal aspect of HR and helping companies and their employees.  When deciding on a career to pursue, I felt that becoming a Human Resources professional would provide me with the opportunity to serve alongside leadership as a business partner while being able to implement HR strategies to support the company’s strategic goals and success.

8. What would you tell someone who is thinking about hiring CHR?

CHR employs the most qualified and hardest working HR professionals in the Northeast Ohio area.  As a team, we support businesses’ efforts to implement best practices in HR.  We also keep companies compliant with the frequently evolving employment laws and regulations.

9. As a consultant, what sorts of HR trends do you see?

An increase in telework and flexible work schedules, and more emphasis on employee safety and wellness.

10. What do you do when you aren’t working?

When I’m not working, I focus on enjoying quality time with my family, the outdoors, exploring new places, and traveling.

11. What prompted you to want to work at ConnectedHR?

I decided to join the CHR team almost a year ago to fulfill my desire to have a positive impact on the success and growth of small businesses in the Northeast Ohio area.