When you hear that Alicia Ngxokela encourages her 11-year-old daughter to keep a diary, you realise you’re dealing with a woman with next-level organisational skills.
The 46-year-old has been HR Consultant at Boardwalk in Gqeberha since 2014, a role she enjoys as her job revolves around working with people.
“I enjoy counselling people, listening to their problems, be it work or a private family matter, and helping them move towards a solution. I know what to do in any situation,” said Ngxokela, who holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in HR and labour law from the Nelson Mandela University.
Prior to joining Boardwalk, she held various part-time roles in industries including the motor industry, but says her passion lies firmly in private sector hospitality.
“I am a very structured person who sticks to policies. What is the purpose of having these if you aren’t going to follow them?” As a single mother, Ngxokela says she finds balancing family life and work easy. “It is really not difficult; it is about pre-planning, knowing your priorities and understanding what you need to deliver both at work and at home, and by when. I don’t want to miss any deadlines. Missing a deadline can result in penalties or a negative image.
Her support structure includes her sister Noxolo, with whom the pair live.
Come Sunday, you will find Ngxokela consulting with daughter Aqhama, who is in grade six at Summerwood Primary School, about their week ahead. “She plays netball and violin as part of the school’s string ensemble and needs to know what to pack for her extra murals. I also need to be aware of what time she needs to be collected, so that I can communicate with my team at the office – teamwork is one of our values.”
Together with HR officers, an HR Manager and an Employee Relations Specialist, Ngxokela looks after Boardwalk Hotel and Casino’s 434 staff members. “This excludes service providers who occasionally consult with us on our policies and procedures.”
Her day starts with a team catch-up meeting, discussing roles and responsibilities, after which Ngxokela will meet with line managers to discuss systems and requests for assistance. “Among other tasks, we discuss possible recruitments and resignations, as these must be registered on the payroll system. I like helping people and working together. All departments are a chain and should not work in silos.”
Her workflow is streamlined with a red and green bucket system. “Red is when a query needs to be directed to another department, and the green bucket is for employee queries that I must resolve.”
“My role includes the delivery and updating of the HR Information Management System, data integrity, change management, talent management, recruitment and selection process, and performance management. I advise the business and line managers on potential issues in their departments and also audit our unit structures to ensure they are in line with the Gambling Board regulations, Sun International standards and legislative compliance.”
A rewarding part of her job is to implement all HR processes and projects such as the career expo, long service awards, employee wellness and women’s day events. “Each project has its own dynamics. World Aids Day for example, would require onsite HIV Testers, a communications plan and collateral to create awareness.”
“I am continuously learning and doing online courses to keep up to date. My five-year plan is to complete my Masters in HR and Labour Relations or do an MBA.”
In her spare time, Ngxokela enjoys playing tennis or going to gym with her daughter, eating out with friends, and going to church on weekends.
Alan Straton
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