Dina Abastillas
Vice president of human resources, Asia Pacific
Levi Strauss & Co.
What was your first HR job?
My first official HR job was with Johnson & Johnson when they offered me the role of employee development manager. I had been in operations at J&J for five years at that point.
What’s your favourite aspect of HR?
I think the best aspect would be organisation development. It is quite challenging and it requires you to be much more strategic. It requires HR business partnering and you need to really understand the business to be able to effectively work with your leaders in defining the future.
What do you think is HR’s best contribution to the workforce?
I think it’s the balance between HR business partnering and employee advocacy. Employee advocacy is one thing that I keep reminding my team. You can be the best HR partner and have the best business knowledge, but if you forget to be an employee advocate, you forget that you are a HR professional. Because that is a clear mission for us – putting ourselves in the shoes of the employees.
What do you think is the biggest waste of employee time?
Duplication of efforts is the biggest time waster, hence, RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consult and Inform matrix) as well as job purpose and critical results definition are important.
How would you describe your colleagues at LS&Co.?
I have always enjoyed working in a company where people are very down-to-earth, casual in their interactions with each other and are collaborative. My team at LS&Co. is the best team I have ever worked with. They are open about their concerns and suggestions. We work hard and have fun together.
What was your most daring decision at work?
To recommend that all managers and above give up 35% of our annual incentive bonus in 2004, to be able to provide a performance bonus for our professional and contributor band employees. This pain-sharing plan turned out to be extremely appreciated by the employees. Our leaders garnered so much support from the employees as a result of this difficult decision. Teamwork improved significantly. We got top notch ratings in our 2005 employee survey.
What other passions do you have outside work?
I have a passion for HIV and AIDs programmes. I’ve made a commitment to put some personal funds in HIV/AIDS programmes and I’d like to partner with organisations that will help children, especially those who do not have the resources for treatment.
Best career advice you’ve ever received?
Determine how you can spark passion in unchartered areas. Your learning grows leaps and bounds when you truly stretch yourself.
