Freelance HR Consultant

March 1997 to present

I am freelance, self-employed professional who provides human resources expertise and services to various organizations on a contract or project basis. I don't work as full-time employee for a single company but instead offer my services to multiple clients, while I often specialize in specific HR areas.

Job Description, Duties, and Responsibilities:

The specific tasks of that I do as an HR Professional are highly variable and depend on my client's needs. However, common duties and responsibilities include:

Strategic HR Planning: Developing and implementing HR strategies aligned with the client's business objectives. This might involve workforce planning, talent acquisition strategies, and succession planning.
Recruitment and Selection: Assisting with the full recruitment cycle, from job description creation and candidate sourcing to interviewing and onboarding.
Compensation and Benefits: Designing and managing compensation and benefits packages, ensuring competitiveness and compliance with regulations.
Employee Relations: Advising on employee relations issues, conflict resolution, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
Training and Development: Developing and delivering training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
Compliance and Risk Management: Ensuring the client's HR practices comply with all relevant labor laws and regulations, mitigating legal risks.
HR Audits: Conducting HR audits to assess the effectiveness of existing HR processes and identify areas for improvement.
Policy Development: Creating and updating HR policies and procedures to reflect best practices and support the client's strategic goals.
Organizational Development: Improving organizational effectiveness through initiatives like team building, change management, and employee engagement programs.

Benefits and Advantages:

Flexibility and Autonomy: I set my own hours and work independently, choosing projects that align with my interests and expertise.
Variety of Work: I gain exposure to different industries, company cultures, and HR challenges.
High Earning Potential: I dictate and command high fees, especially with my specialized skills and significant experience, and network of HR Professionals
Professional Development: The constant engagement with diverse clients and projects provides ongoing learning and skill development.

Best Practices:

Specialization: Focusing on a niche area of my HR expertise can help attract clients seeking specific skills.
Networking: Building strong professional relationships with my clients and other HR professionals is crucial for securing work.
Marketing and Self-Promotion: Effectively marketing my services through a professional website, online profiles, and networking events.
Client Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication with my clients to manage expectations and ensure project success.
Professional Development: Continuously updating my knowledge and skills to stay current with HR trends and best practices.
Legal and Ethical Compliance: Adhering to all relevant legal and ethical standards in my work.

Tools:

As a practicing Freelance HR consultant, I utilize a variety of tools, including:

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Software for managing the recruitment process.
HR Software: Platforms for managing employee data, payroll, benefits, and performance reviews.
Project Management Software: Tools for organizing projects, tracking progress, and collaborating with clients.
Communication Tools: Email, video conferencing, and instant messaging for client interaction.
Legal and Compliance Resources: Databases and online resources for staying informed on labor laws and regulations.

Other Side Hustles of Practice:

Human Resource Management Consultancy
HR Compliance Auditor
Training and Organization Development Consultant
Human Resource Planning Consultancy
Business-to-Business Consultant
Social Enterprise and Livelihood Development Consultant
Business Planning and Administration Consultant
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Consultant
Recruitment and Selection Consultancy
Psychological Testing and Measurement Consultancy
Benefits and Payroll Management Consultancy
Labor Relations Conciliation and Mediation Consultancy
Market Research Consultancy
Thesis and Dissertation Consultancy
QMS/EMS/OSHA Consultant
Business Development Consultancy
Project Development Consultancy

Major Clients:

1. B.F. Ople Payroll and Benefits Management and Outsourcing Services

November 2011 to 2013

2. Human Concepts Training and Development Services

April 2011 to 2013

3. South East Asia Research and Consulting House

January 2010 to 2013

4. J.Dewey Thesis and Dissertation Consulting Center

June 2011 to 2012

5. Wilhelm Wundt Psychological Testing and Measurement Center

April 2011 to 2012

6. Blas F.O. Labor Relations Conciliation and Mediation Center

February 2010 to 2011

7. W.E. Deming Quality Management Systems Consulting Center

September 2011 to 2012

8. F. B Gilbreth Business Research and Development Consulting Center

September 2011 to 2012

9. H. L. Gantt Project Management Consulting Center

April 2009 to present

10. Maggie Danch Market Research Center

July 2009 to 2010

11. SOMERSET International Business Resource Center

4th Floor, DAP Building, Pasig City, Philippines, April 2, 2008 to 2011

Area: Financial Management, Management Information System, Marketing Management, Business

Strategy, and Quality Management Systems Consulting (ISO 9000:2005e)

12. (SITA) Seamanship International Training Academy

Suite 301, BF Condominium, Intramuros, Manila City, Philippines, April 10, 2008 to October 15, 2008

Area: Financial Management, Risk Management, Human Resource Management (for Fleet Enterprise),

Maritime Management, and Quality Management Systems Consulting (ISO 9000:2005e)

13. Mayer Steel Pipe Corporation

Subic Plant, Subic Bay Industrial Park, Olongapo City, Philippines, January 14, 2008 to July 11, 2008

Area: Financial Management and Analysis and Quality Management Systems Consulting (ISO 9000:2000e)

14. KWT Computer Systems

Subic Plant, Subic Bay Industrial Park, Olongapo City, Philippines, August 2, 2007 January 31, 2008

Area: Financial Management and Analysis and Quality Management Systems Consulting (ISO 9000:2005e)

15. Isuta Philippines Inc.

First Cavite Industrial Estate, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines, February 10, 2007 to August 8, 2007

Area: Financial Analysis and Quality Management Systems Consulting (ISO 9000:2005e)

16. Mahle Filter Systems Philippines Corporation

First Cavite Industrial Estate, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines, October 10, 2006 to March 5, 2007

Area: Financial Analysis and Quality Management Systems Consulting (ISO 9000:2005e)

17. Delta Design Llc Philippine Branch

Carmelray Industrial Park II, Cabuyao, Calamba, Laguna, Philippines, May 3, 2006 to October 30, 2006

Area: Financial Management and Analysis and Quality Management Systems Consulting (ISO 9000:2005e)

18. Delta Design Llc Philippine Branch

Carmelray Industrial Park II, Cabuyao, Calamba, Laguna, Philippines, April 2, 2005 to September 29, 2005

Area: Financial Analysis and Quality Management Systems Consulting (ISO 9000:2005e)

19. Ishida Philippines Grating Co., Inc.

First Cavite Industrial Estate, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines, February1, 2005 to December 30, 2005

20. Ultra-Pak Philippines Corp

First Cavite Industrial Estate, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines, March15, 2005 to September 10, 2005

21. Mayer Steel Pipe Corporation

Subic Plant, Subic Bay Industrial Park, Olongapo City, Philippines, February1, 2005 to December 30, 2005

Area: Financial Management and Analysis and Quality Management Systems Consulting (ISO 9000:2000e)

22. St. Michael Learning Center

172 Real St., Dumaguete City, Negros Occidental, October 3, 2001 to March 10, 2002

Area: Bookkeeping and Financial Management, Analysis, and Consulting

23. Southern Mindanao Cooperative Colleges, Incorporated

Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, May 16, 2000 to March 15, 2002

Area: Curriculum Development, Formulation and Consulting

24. Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.

Mactan Export Processing Zone 2, Mactan Cebu, July 15, 1998 to October 30, 1998

Area: Financial Management and Analysis and Quality Management Systems Consulting (ISO 9000:2000e)

25. OLYMPUS Optical Technology Philippines, Inc.

Mactan Export Processing Zone 2, Mactan Cebu, July 11, 1998 to November 20, 1998

Area: Financial Management and Analysis and Quality Management Systems Consulting (ISO 9000:2000e)

26. AGV Group of Companies, Incorporated

Mactan Export Processing Zone 1, Mactan Cebu, July 2, 1998 to October 28, 1998

Area: Financial Management, Analysis, and Consulting

27. Mactan Steel Center

Mactan Export Processing Zone 2, Mactan, Cebu, July 1, 1998 to October 30, 1998

Area: Financial Management and Analysis and Quality Management Systems Consulting (ISO 9000:2000e)

28. (TOYO) Toyoflex

Mactan Export Processing Zone 2, Mactan Cebu, June 15, 1998 to October 30, 1998

Area: Financial Management and Analysis and Quality Management Systems Consulting (ISO 9000:2000e)

29. MAKOTO Metal Tech, Inc.

Mactan Export Processing Zone 2, Mactan, Cebu, June 10, 1998 to December 15, 1998

Area: Financial Management and Analysis and Quality Management Systems Consulting (ISO 9000:2000e)

30. (CBD) Clarita B. Dacua Learning Institute

Inayawan, Pardo, Talisay City, Cebu, Jun 6, 1998 to July 30, 1999

Area: Curriculum Development and Business Development Consulting

31. World Fair International

Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, August 9, 1997 to March 9, 2000

Area: Business Executive Consulting

Let me share you this story:

One project that stands out involved a small tech startup experiencing explosive growth. They'd hired me to build their HR department from the ground up – a daunting task, considering they were already struggling to keep up with the rapid expansion. Their existing processes were completely ad hoc, and employee morale was plummeting under the pressure.

My first step was to conduct a thorough needs assessment, interviewing employees at all levels to understand their concerns and identify pain points. What I discovered was a deep-seated lack of communication and a feeling of being overwhelmed. Many felt their contributions were overlooked, and the rapid hiring hadn't been accompanied by any effort to integrate new team members.

This wasn't just about implementing standard HR practices; it was about rebuilding trust and creating a positive work environment. I started by designing and implementing a new onboarding program that focused on team integration and clear communication of company values. We created buddy systems for new hires, regular team-building activities, and open forums for feedback.

The most challenging aspect was addressing a significant compensation disparity that had emerged due to the rapid hiring. Addressing this required careful negotiation and a deep understanding of market rates for similar roles. I worked closely with the leadership team to develop a fair and transparent compensation structure that addressed the inequities without disrupting the company's already strained budget. This involved creative solutions, such as introducing performance-based bonuses and stock options instead of immediate salary increases.

The results were remarkable. Employee satisfaction scores soared, turnover rates decreased significantly, and the company was able to attract and retain top talent. This project taught me the importance of not just implementing HR best practices, but also of understanding the unique culture and challenges of each organization, and tailoring my approach accordingly. It highlighted the power of empathetic listening and collaborative problem-solving to achieve not only HR goals but also broader business success. It wasn't just about fixing broken processes; it was about fostering a thriving, supportive work environment.

That's what being a Freelance HR consultant is all about for me – making a real, positive impact on people's lives and the success of organizations.