We reached out to several HR professionals who have been working in the maritime sector for many years and asked their opinion on how the role of HR has changed and any predictions for how this will evolve over the next 20+ years. Read what they had to say below.
Dawn Robinson is the Director of Merger Transition for NorthStandard & was previously North’s Global People Director
How has the role of HR changed in the maritime industry since you started out in your career?
Even over just six years, we’ve had the drama of covid & ongoing requests from our people for more freedom in how and where they work; consequently, this results in changing skills for leaders. An agile approach, empathy, technical & virtual abilities, reward & retention and diversity are key.
What benefits do you feel formal HR departments bring to the sector?
These departments add support & a wider context around true inclusive behaviour. They also offer guidance for leaders on dealing with our people from many different angles & perspectives.
How do you see HR evolving over the next 25 years in the maritime industry?
AI in particular is on the radar for more ‘live data’ processes to aid leaders with people decisions.
The ‘work from home’ (wfh) we have now, will evolve even more to ‘work from anywhere’ (wfa).
It will continue to be an employee-driven market, requiring employers to be competitive, flexible & culturally understand the true needs of people in order to motivate and retain them where possible.
How has Spinnaker helped support the industry with HR services?
Spinnaker has provided a great recruitment specialist arm for us & they even recruited me into this industry!
The salary benchmarking provided has really helped our Clubs to be able to assure our people we’re constantly aware of the market & responding with our reward strategies appropriately.
Donna Price is the Global HR Business Partner at Stolt-Nielsen and has worked in the industry for 17 years
How has the role of HR changed in the maritime industry since you started out in your career?
HR is now a more strategic partner within the industry.
What benefits do you feel formal HR departments bring to the sector?
HR supports the sector in being more well-rounded and indeed ensures that wellbeing, DEI and other topics have more focus.
How do you see HR evolving over the next 25 years in the maritime industry?
Yes, I do see an increase in HR, but I also see HR becoming a more strategic part of business in general.
How has Spinnaker helped support the industry with HR services?
I feel that Spinnaker has been a big support in changing the conversation around HR services in the industry. The Maritime Conference has grown (enormously), and supports bringing HR and maritime leaders together.
Pål Egeland is the Director of HR for Saga Welco and has been working in the industry since 2009
How has the role of HR changed in the maritime industry since you started out in your career?
There has been a clear change from HR as an administration function to having a more strategic focus working alongside senior management.
What benefits do you feel formal HR departments bring to the sector?
Diversity, transparency and the human factor.
How do you see HR evolving over the next 25 years in the maritime industry?
The use of AI and other tools that we have not yet seen. There will still be a need for competent HR staff to facilitate and work strategically.
How has Spinnaker helped support the industry with HR services?
Spinnaker helps support the industry with the Maritime Conference and a very valuable salary benchmark report.
