Determined Bianca joins Old Mutual
Open to challenges as a growth opportunity
The newly appointed Old Mutual Namibia human capital business partner, Bianca Strauss, says so far her work has been both exciting and challenging.
Bianca Strauss, who was recently appointed as a human capital business partner at Old Mutual Namibia, enjoys engaging with people and believes in showing compassion in her work environment. Since joining the Old Mutual Namibia team in her new role as an intermediate human capital consultant, she has committed herself to carrying out her tasks.
Strauss was born and raised in Swakopmund, where she also completed her secondary education at Swakopmund Secondary School. She then proceeded to complete her honours degree in human resources management at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in 2017.
"My responsibilities include providing advice and assistance on all human capital processes and practices - assisting with recruitment, selection, and employment of all employees in conjunction with the business unit heads and setting up contracts with clients on time frames for delivery," Strauss said of her work.
Demanding work
Furthermore, she is responsible for establishing and facilitating employee consultative processes; monitoring action plans; facilitating the execution of the human capital calendar; assisting and supporting line managers with the performance management process and performance contracts.
"My day-to-day workload is unpredictable as the human capital environment is very demanding. Engaging with my different business units and serving their needs is what keeps me busy on a daily basis. Apart from this, I also support and assist with growth and retention strategies and manpower planning, as well as monitor, measure, and facilitate the culture and transformation journey within Old Mutual," Strauss said.
Her goal is to perform all duties and responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner and in accordance with Old Mutual's policies and procedures.
Exciting work
She said her experience so far in this role has been both exciting and challenging.
"Building new relationships and learning new human capital systems and processes has been challenging, but I have always been open to challenges as they propel me to grow as an individual," she added.
Strauss successfully steered the implementation of the new online integrated tax administration system (ITAS) at her previous workplace, when all PAYE returns had to be uploaded.
"One of the challenges I have experienced in my career was people management. It is not everyone’s cup of tea; human beings are complex. Working with a diverse workforce from different ethnicities, backgrounds, and cultures is not an easy task. I have learned from my challenges to always give your best to achieve success. People will always appreciate your willingness to help," she said.
When she is not busy at work, Strauss’ hobbies include listening to music, reading, and socialising with people.