Industry Insiders: Disruptive Tech
The next area of focus in our TECH series of Industry Insiders is a Human Resources (HR) role at a disruptive technology company in the sharing economy.
The most crucial asset of any service company is its people so managing your human capital effectively is critical. Lucky for us, we have SS (27 years old) giving us the lowdown on what it’s like to work at a tech firm in this function. Thanks so much, SS!
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Q: What is your official work title?
Senior Compensation Analyst
Q: How would you explain your job to a 15 year old?
Figuring out how much each person at the company should get paid for the job they are doing!
Q: What are some things you are responsible for?
Participating in an annual "benchmarking" process which means participating and collecting market data from specialized firms, that we then use to set salary ranges for our roles.
Running the Mid-Year / Year-End Compensation Cycles where employees may be eligible to receive bonuses and base salary increases.
Answering Salary / Bonus / Equity related questions so employees understand how and why they are paid the way they are.
Q: Tell us about “the good, the bad, and the ugly” of your role?
The Good: It's an art and a science so it's not just about 'the numbers'. You have to understand the value of roles to companies and even if the data says one thing, you may have to do another to support the business.
The Bad: Reading all the feedback from pulse surveys and employee comments that no one is ever happy with their pay, no matter how much work we do!
The Ugly: When you say you work in compensation, everyone goes OH. You are the bad guys... (NOT TRUE! There is so much more that goes into one's salary then just our team!)
Q: What skills have you learned while on the job?
Computer Skills: EXCEL/GOOGLE SHEETS (cliche but true, we are on it all day, manipulating large data sets!)
Communication: We may understand why someone is paid the way they are but we need to make sure they understand as well
Thick Skin: We never receive compliments for the work we do, only complaints. I have come to embrace that 'no news (feedback), is good news'.
Q: What skills do you have to have to be successful in your role?
Analytically minded, people focused, emotionally strong, able to work in a fast-paced environment and be a quick learner!
Q: How is your performance measured?
My performance is measured by the feedback of my clients (Business Leaders, HR Business Partners, Recruiting, Mobility and other HR Teams). I serve as an internal consultant, and my jobs is to service my stakeholders, so they are the real measures of my performance.
Q: What are the best perks that come with the job?
Free food and unlimited vacation!
Q: What is the ratio of male/female in your direct team?
70% Male, 30% Female
Q: What do you think is the biggest misconception about working in a tech firm?
"It's not stressful! You sit on bean bags all day and sip your free gourmet Coffee and Kombucha!" (ok we do sip on those drinks but it can be very stressful!)