The power of HR

ELMO CLOUD HR & PAYROLL CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER MONICA WATT REVEALS WHY SHE’S A FIRM BELIEVER IN THE POWER OF HR FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS.

- ANASTASIA PRIKHODKO

From ice cream parlour attendant to commercial contract cleaner, Monica Watt, who is now the Chief Human Resources Officer at ELMO Cloud HR & Payroll, has had a diverse career path. It’s the variety of experiences gained along a 20-plus year career that has shaped Monica’s approach to building a people-centric culture. “I’m a firm believer that if you’ve got the right attitude and passion, you can learn or teach anyone anything,” she reflects.

Monica discovered her enthusiasm for people training and development while working in events. “I was an events manager for four years while studying at university and raising six children on my own,” she says. “It was a massive juggle, but it’s something I love, and feel it had a profound influence on my career and how I view leadership.”

Since joining the thriving tech business ELMO, which provides cloud-based HR, payroll, rostering and attendance solutions, Monica has not only transformed the culture but also developed the HR department into a powerful voice with strategic business influence and presence. “HR is the secret herbs and spices of ELMO. Ultimately, we’re a key ingredient that brings everything together,” she says, adding that unlike many traditional HR departments with a ‘set and forget’ approach to strategy, her team is constantly developing and challenging its strategies.