HR Specialist Erle Jaaska handles a wide range of HR tasks on her desk. She is skilled in interpreting and applying collective agreements and labor legislation and supports managers in various employment-related matters. Under Erle’s guidance, a new time tracking system was successfully implemented.
From Intern to HR Coordinator
Erle Jaaska started in 2014 as an intern at the then HUB Logistics. As a payroll administration student, she found her internship through a local job fair, where she introduced herself in person.
– I started in payroll administration, but my tasks quickly expanded to HR during the internship. I was responsible for HR matters in the largest unit at the time and actively supported managers in personnel issues. Close collaboration with experienced managers gave me invaluable experience and knowledge for the future: I learned about managers’ tasks and understood their needs from HR.
The internship in financial administration lasted one year, after which Erle received a permanent position as an HR Assistant responsible for personnel matters in one unit. Later, she moved from unit-level to group-level responsibility as an HR Coordinator.
– When I moved to group-level work in 2016, a new time tracking system was being implemented. I was appointed to lead the implementation project, which took several years and included system configuration, testing, and rollout across all units. I also closely observed the operations of two units by temporarily filling in managerial roles. My responsibilities included reviewing hours and salaries and, in one unit, planning work shifts. I became an integral part of the units’ operations while also managing other group-level HR tasks and supporting managers. Through practical experience, I learned to interpret collective agreements and understand the units’ needs regarding time tracking.
HR Specialist with Broad Responsibilities
For the past four years, Erle has worked as an HR Specialist. Her responsibilities include developing and monitoring payroll and personnel processes, as well as resolving employment issues in collaboration with managers. Erle is also responsible for project management of HR projects, such as selecting and implementing a service provider for employee surveys, assessing time tracking system requirements, evaluating suppliers, and implementing software. She actively participates in HR system implementation and development projects.
– My current role as an HR Specialist is both interesting and appropriately challenging. We use multiple collective agreements, which require detailed knowledge. Expertise in payroll supports understanding of collective agreements, and HR knowledge aids daily personnel work. I am able to support managers in a wide variety of matters.
Career Growth through Learning
Self-directed learning and participation in employer-provided training have advanced Erle’s career and enabled her role to expand.
– All my tasks have been related to personnel and payroll administration, but I’ve been able to broaden my skills, and my role has grown with my expertise. I have studied independently using Eduhouse’s online training and participated in employer-provided courses whenever possible. Over the years, I’ve attended HR, management, and change management training. My employer also supported me in pursuing an apprenticeship program to gain additional qualifications. I completed a Specialist Vocational Qualification in HR administration through an apprenticeship, Erle explains.
Meaningful Work, Variety, and Great Colleagues – Secrets to Long Careers
Erle believes the meaningfulness of work and variety of tasks make her role fulfilling. Autonomy and trust from the employer are also highly valued.
– Doing meaningful work is rewarding in itself. At Logent, we invest heavily in digitalization and automation, which is also reflected in HR through process development and automation. We have implemented new systems that automate operational tasks, freeing time for other responsibilities. I feel that HR has played an important role in supporting managers and optimizing their resources.
Erle works closely with the HR Manager and praises the teamwork and independence in decision-making. Collaboration across units is also highly valued.
– We are in an excellent situation in HR. We work as a cohesive team and can distribute tasks smoothly. Mutual understanding is strong, and work gets done efficiently. Another key to job satisfaction is collaboration across units. One of the secrets to long careers is having great colleagues. Our work environment is enjoyable, the atmosphere is positive, and everyone can be themselves. Helpfulness is a definite plus, and we look out for each other.
Erle also highlights internal job rotation as a factor in long careers.
– I personally seek variety and challenges – it keeps my work engaging. I appreciate that Logent allows this through internal rotation. Employees are encouraged and supported to develop. I have now spent eight years in HR, but it doesn’t feel long at all because I really enjoy my work, Erle summarizes.
