In the fast-paced world of business growth and workforce management, the role of HR has evolved dramatically, requiring leaders to strike a balance between strategic vision and tactical execution. Elene Costan, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Berje Inc., exemplifies this balance through her work, overseeing HR practices that support both the immediate needs of the business and its long-term goals.
In an insightful conversation with Workwolf, Elene shared how her approach to HR has driven impactful change at Berje, helping the company scale from 130 to 190 employees and manage a global acquisition. Here, we dive into her experiences and key lessons learned that can help HR professionals navigate the modern HR landscape.
Transforming HR from Transactional to Strategic
Elene joined Berje during the COVID-19 pandemic when the company had 130 employees. Over the years, Berje grew to 190 employees, acquiring an additional 200 through a global acquisition. This growth required HR to shift from transactional to a more strategic role.
HR became involved in workforce planning, culture preservation, and ensuring the company’s vision was aligned at every level. Elene worked closely with department heads to ensure managers understood they were responsible for team growth, with HR as a supportive partner.
The Evolution of HR in Today’s Workforce
Elene has seen HR evolve over the years, transitioning from administrative tasks to a more dynamic role. She identified remote work and workforce diversity as the biggest challenges today. HR professionals need to understand these shifts and adapt policies accordingly.
“HR has gone from being transactional to being that more strategic voice,” Elene explained. “It’s important to understand the changing dynamics of the workforce—especially when it comes to diversity and remote work.”
Coaching as a Core Leadership Skill
Elene’s belief in the importance of coaching as part of HR leadership is central to her approach. She emphasized that listening and understanding the unique motivations of each employee are key to creating a strong, supportive culture.
“Becoming a great leader means becoming a great coach,” she said. “Understanding the motivations of your employees—whether it’s a title, a raise, or career growth—and tailoring your approach to their individual needs is essential for retention and engagement.”
Her advice to HR professionals looking to strengthen their leadership skills is simple but profound: practice listening. By honing the ability to listen to employees, HR leaders can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment that promotes both individual and organizational growth.
Identifying Top Talent in a Competitive Market
In the highly competitive talent market, Elene has honed a keen eye for identifying top talent. Her strategy focuses on finding candidates who possess passion and commitment—traits that she believes are essential for success in any role, especially in sales.
“We can teach anything except passion and commitment,” she shared. “It’s about finding people who are motivated and driven to succeed. Once you have that, you can provide the tools and training to help them grow.”
Elene emphasized the importance of clear communication and ongoing career development. “It’s crucial to keep top performers engaged and ensure they understand their growth path,” she said. “Constant communication and setting realistic timelines for career advancement are key.”
Selecting the Right HR Tech Stack
With extensive experience in HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) implementation, Elene knows the importance of selecting the right technology to support HR functions. She stressed that while HR professionals may master a system, the real challenge lies in ensuring that it is user-friendly for employees.
“User experience is critical,” Elene explained. “The system has to be intuitive for employees, or it won’t get adopted. HR departments often bear the brunt of the complexity, but we need to focus on creating a seamless experience for the end users.”
This user-centric approach has proven effective in Berje’s HR tech implementations, which have helped streamline HR processes while keeping the employee experience at the forefront.
Navigating Legal and Regulatory Challenges
With HR’s involvement in legal and regulatory matters, Elene has seen many organizations struggle with compliance. She emphasized the importance of having the right HR expertise to navigate the complex landscape of labor laws, especially as companies scale.
“Investing in HR expertise is crucial,” Elene stated. “For companies with over 20 employees, you need someone who understands the nuances of employment law and can help ensure the company is fair and compliant.”
By prioritizing fairness and transparency, Elene has helped Berje create an HR environment that fosters trust and encourages employee retention.
Embracing Change and Innovation
As HR continues to evolve, Elene remains committed to learning and staying ahead of industry trends. She highlighted the importance of embracing technology, especially AI, to simplify day-to-day HR functions and free up time for more strategic activities.
“I’ve embraced AI in HR to streamline processes,” Elene shared. “What used to take days, like creating harassment training presentations, can now be done in a fraction of the time. AI allows us to focus on what really matters—strategic initiatives.”
Despite the benefits of technology, Elene also emphasized the importance of maintaining a human touch, especially when it comes to reviewing AI-generated content or making important HR decisions. By integrating technology thoughtfully, HR can become even more strategic.
Summary
Elene Costan
Elene Costan’s insights provide a powerful roadmap for HR leaders looking to drive growth, build strong organizational cultures, and stay ahead of industry trends. Her approach to balancing strategic vision with tactical execution, along with her focus on coaching, communication, and technology, offers valuable lessons for HR professionals in any industry.
As businesses continue to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing workforce, Elene’s advice stands as a reminder of the importance of adaptability, learning, and investing in HR as a strategic partner in driving business success.
Want to learn more about balancing strategic and tactical HR? Visit the Workwolf blog for additional insights and resources.
