HR News has announced Michael Arkins as the inaugural HR Manager of the Month, recognizing his exceptional contributions at Fleetmatics.
- Michael Arkins attributes his career inspiration to an early mentorship experience, which ignited his passion for HR.
- Key changes in HR observed by Arkins include the growing strategic role of HR in business and the global reach of HR initiatives.
- Facing significant challenges, Arkins rebuilt a lacking HR infrastructure, achieving substantial growth in headcount and introducing new HR programs.
- Arkins advocates for technology-driven HR solutions and emphasizes the future evolution of HR as proactive business partners.
HR News is proud to present Michael Arkins as HR Manager of the Month, recognizing his outstanding role in shaping HR practices at Fleetmatics. Michael attributes his passion for HR to an early mentorship experience that profoundly influenced his career path. At the age of 16, while on a work placement at March-Mercer Financial Services, he was inspired by an HR Manager whose integrity and credibility left a lasting impression. This early exposure revealed the diverse and rewarding potential of a career in HR, allowing him to engage with various business facets and offer strategic support where needed.
Throughout his career, Michael has witnessed substantial changes in the HR landscape, particularly the increasing reliance of businesses on HR for strategic advice. With experience predominantly in technology-driven businesses, Michael has often contributed to discussions and decisions that extend beyond traditional HR boundaries. His involvement in global HR initiatives reflects a notable shift towards international collaboration, a trend he finds particularly prominent in recruitment challenges within the tech industry. At Fleetmatics, he has been instrumental in overcoming recruitment hurdles by implementing programs that facilitate strategic talent acquisition and retention.
Michael’s most significant HR challenge emerged upon joining his current company, where he encountered minimal HR infrastructure and a lack of experienced management. Confronted with the task of establishing a functional HR framework, he leveraged his professional network and expertise to build a robust HR system. His efforts have led to an impressive 42% annual increase in headcount and the development of comprehensive HR programs covering selection, induction, performance management, and talent development. Michael’s commitment to technology is evident in his advocacy for cloud-based HR services, which he views as vital for enhancing connectivity and accessibility for both administrators and employees.
Looking forward, Michael envisions HR evolving into a proactive business partner, predicting that HR’s role will shift from being merely solutions-oriented to anticipating and addressing potential challenges. He believes that versatility and strategic foresight will be crucial in enhancing competitive advantage by optimizing resources. However, he also acknowledges the complexity of maintaining cohesive and coherent HR functions in an increasingly specialized field. Michael emphasizes the need for clear delineation of responsibilities within the HR team to ensure effective collaboration.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Michael maintains a balanced lifestyle to manage the pressures inherent to his HR role. He stays organized using online resources and dedicates time to personal activities such as volunteering and running, which provide mental clarity and stress relief. Michael also practices mindfulness techniques to maintain overall well-being.
Michael Arkins exemplifies forward-thinking in HR, demonstrating adaptability and strategic insight crucial for future HR innovations.
