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Meet Jennifer Abbott: A Human-Centered Approach to HR

Jennifer Abbott, Executive Officer of Human Element Company, is revolutionizing how small and medium-sized businesses manage HR. From her leadership journey at USC to co-founding HEC, Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a commitment to empowering teams. Her recent feature in Voyage LA highlights her dedication to providing flexible and personalized HR solutions that prioritize people first.

👉  Read the full story on VoyageLA here. 

Scroll down to watch the entire episode, or click here.

Innovative Staffing Approaches:

Human Element Company offers a comprehensive range of services, including retained search, direct hire, contract, and contract-to-hire, all underscored by a personal approach to payroll processing. The hallmark of their service is the time invested in understanding each candidate’s soft skills, communication styles, and individual motivations, ensuring they align well with potential employers’ cultures.

Cultural Fit and Methodology:

A significant part of their strategy involves in-depth conversations with HR or C-suite executives to fully grasp the essence of a company’s mission and culture. This rigorous understanding allows Human Element Company to effectively match candidates who meet technical requirements and resonate with the company’s core values and objectives.

Beyond Technical Skills:

Andrew Aston emphasizes the importance of looking past resumes and technical qualifications to consider a candidate’s soft skills and overall “human element.” This approach facilitates quicker and more successful integration of new hires into organizational settings, enhancing employee satisfaction and retention.

Challenges in Modern Staffing:

The podcast also addresses contemporary staffing challenges, such as AI integration in recruitment processes and the high volume of job applicants. Human Element Company maintains its uniqueness by presenting candidates in their most authentic form and advising clients to appreciate the human aspects that candidates bring to their roles.

Success Stories and Personal Insights:

Aston shares a compelling success story about a technically adept junior candidate who excelled when placed in a director-level position. This underscoring the efficacy of their focus on leadership potential beyond mere experience. Personal tidbits from a “lightning round” reveal Aston’s preferences and influences, adding a personal touch to the professional insights.

1. AI-Driven HR Solutions Become Mainstream

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved beyond being a futuristic concept to becoming integral to modern HR practices. In 2025, AI will streamline processes such as recruitment, performance evaluations, and employee engagement. AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data, predict trends, and provide actionable insights, allowing HR teams to focus on strategic decision-making.1

For example, AI chatbots are widely used to answer employee FAQs and automate candidate screenings, significantly reducing the administrative burden on HR professionals.1

2. Employee Well-Being Takes Center Stage

Mental health and well-being have become front and center in HR strategies for 2025. Companies invest heavily in wellness programs, mental health resources, and stress management tools to create a healthier and more productive workforce.3

Consider implementing monthly wellness check-ins or offering access to therapy apps to support your employees’ well-being.3

3. Reskilling and Upskilling Become Imperative

As technology advances at a rapid pace, reskilling and upskilling have become crucial for businesses to remain competitive. In 2025, companies are focusing on preparing their employees for the future of work by offering training programs that address emerging skills.4

Provide your employees with opportunities to obtain certifications in areas such as data analysis, AI, or leadership development to future-proof your workforce.4

4. Data-Driven HR Becomes the Norm

HR is becoming increasingly data-centric in 2025. Metrics such as employee engagement scores, turnover rates, and diversity statistics are helping HR leaders make informed decisions to improve company culture and operations.5

Leverage HR analytics software to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and gain valuable insights into your workforce.5

5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Remain a Top Priority

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) remain a top priority for businesses in 2025. Companies are committing to creating inclusive workplaces by addressing unconscious bias, providing equity in opportunities, and fostering a sense of belonging for all employees.6

To promote DEI in your organization, host regular workshops and set measurable diversity goals.6

Stay Ahead with Human Element Company

At Human Element Company, we are dedicated to helping your business thrive in this ever-changing HR landscape. From flexible staffing solutions to strategic HR consulting, we provide the tools and expertise you need to succeed.

Let’s make 2025 your best year yet. Contact us today to learn how we can help you stay ahead of these trends and build a stronger, more innovative team.

Andrew delves deep into the foundational elements that contribute to a thriving company culture in this enlightening discussion. He explores how integrating a human-centered approach into your recruitment strategy can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and success. Although this episode aired a few years ago, it continues to offer timeless lessons that are pivotal for any entrepreneur facing staffing challenges or aiming to revitalize their organizational culture.