Connect with ConnectedHR: HR Consultant Pam Lucey
Pam Lucey is an accomplished Human Resources practitioner who brings twenty plus years of experience to her ConnectedHR clients. A collaborative and pragmatic leader, Pam is able to work cross-functionally and to communicate with all levels and backgrounds of employees and management to meet objectives and deadlines. Here Pam shares some thoughts on the importance of HR and her journey toward becoming one of ConnectedHR’s outstanding consultants. 
1. How did you first get interested in working in Human Resources?
It was an evolving journey from retail management to contingency recruitment to a position as an HR Generalist. The variety, impact, and working with great companies made it attractive.
2. What has surprised you most about working with Northeast Ohio businesses?
While every company is unique and has its own culture, they face many of the same challenges in the areas of talent acquisition, leadership development, succession planning, crisis management, employee relations, etc.
3. What do you find most challenging about the HR field?
In 2020 I think it is change management! We are all dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic, how to lead and support employees, and hiring and retaining great talent in a challenging landscape.
4. What’s the best thing to happen since you started working with CHR?
I love learning about different companies, what they do, their challenges, and their successes. It is fulfilling to know that your daily work makes a difference.
5. What do you wish other people knew about their HR department?
It can be much more complex than you might think. The HR department may provide strategic support to key initiatives in the areas of leadership development, workforce planning, succession management, training and development, retention and recruitment, change management, and influencing a company culture that reinforces the values and beliefs of an organization. At the baseline, the HR department should be effective in payroll, benefits, and HR compliance.
6. What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about how HR supports a business?
HR is a business partner to company leadership. The organizational needs help to form the HR role and contributions.
7. Tell me about what influenced your decision to work in HR.
I’d like to tell you that I had a plan, but it was more of an evolution in moving towards work that supported my strengths and my interests. I liked the variety of assignments that leveraged different skills and abilities.
8. What might someone be surprised to know about you?
Hmmm, I’m not sure I’m that interesting!
9. What would you tell someone who is thinking about hiring CHR?
Great choice as I think it is a tremendous model for small to mid-sized companies seeking an experienced HR professional! I recommend that they request an audit to understand the present state and during that audit outline the desired end state. From there, the HR Roadmap is pretty clear and sets the timeline and objectives.
10. As a consultant, what sorts of HR trends do you see?
Lots of change management in 2020 given the shifting environment due to COVID. It may change the way work is performed for the foreseeable future, potential mental health issues, time off needs due to remote school starts, and so on. Companies may want to consider developing and tweaking emergency preparedness plans.
HR trends may shift but tend to focus on:
- Attraction, recruitment, and retention of talent
- Training and development to build skills, ensure a positive culture and to prepare employees for the next step
- Workforce planning, succession planning, and leadership development to develop a sustainable talent pipeline
- Providing an employee value proposition including a great environment, competitive compensation, attractive benefits, and other options to attract and retain employees
- Compliance and HR effectiveness to ensure that employees are paid timely, accurately, and that all reporting is done seamlessly
The strong employment picture also adds pressure for hiring and retaining talent.
11. What do you do when you aren’t working?
Spending time with my husband and son! Lots of outside activities that include playing tennis, hikes, and biking. My son participates on a junior sail team through the Cleveland Yachting Club and that has been such a positive experience during this crazy summer. Otherwise, I like to read and work on home projects.
12. What prompted you to want to work at ConnectedHR 3 years ago?
I was at a crossroads in terms of what I wanted to do next. I had worked for 17 years with the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and 11 years with LTV Steel. Both wonderful companies, and yet, I wanted a bit more flexibility as I thought about my personal priorities. ConnectedHR afforded me that opportunity and it has a terrific business model and great coworkers. I now work part-time, and the flexibility combined with the variety of meaningful work for our clients makes it so fulfilling!
