Ann Lund has been in the business of people long enough to have seen just about every type of job seeker out there. For more than 25 years, Ann has been part of thousands of interviews in attempts to match people and places. Even as the job market has taken some sharp and severe turns the last several years, the objective remains the same: finding quality, diverse talent to strengthen the workforce serving the residents of Westerville.
Where are you from originally?
Binghamton, New York.
How did you come to pursue a career in human resources?
I found out when going to college for my master’s degree that I enjoyed the course work in human resources most of all.
What brought you to the City of Westerville?
I first came to central Ohio to attend The Ohio State University for my master’s program. After I met my husband and we started a family, we stayed in the area.
Describe a typical day in HR.
It all starts with problem solving and continues with meetings; talking with job seekers; conversations with managers, employees and colleagues in other jurisdictions; networking; benefits management; and project planning. Every day is different. I like that about this job.
What’s the most surprising thing you've discovered in your career about guiding people in the workplace?
I am surprised by how alike the workplace is, no matter where you work. Public or private sector, workplaces are universal regardless of the employer, and this includes those working in their family business.
What is the most common need or issue employees have when they seek you out?
Currently, I am dealing with health insurance coverage issues the most. Those retiring have been frequent visitors of mine as well. They have lots of questions about leaving employment and all they should do before they leave.
How is the City working to attract and retain a strong, culturally diverse employee population?
We are using technology to reach more potential applicants than ever before. We recruit on a national level now and try to reach more people via online job boards. Internally, we have had ongoing discussions about how to attract a diverse workforce by networking with community leaders, the schools and community groups to remind the public about Westerville as a job choice.
How have you noticed that population change over time?
With the globalization of the economy, many are moving into town from all across the world because of their work. Also, I see more residential movement into Westerville because we have a reputation as a great place to live. Westerville was a well-kept secret for a long time. Now, we’ve been nationally ranked as a desirable community to live, work, and play.
How would you describe the interaction among different generations – Boomers, Generation Xers and Millennials – in the workplace?
The interaction among staff working for the City is positive. We recruit those who have high emotional intelligence because we see the skill correlating with excellent customer service, a core value. Millennials see the Boomers as the historians of the organization. As the Boomers retire, the Gen-X folks are moving into management, bringing in a focus of systems changes. Millennials help all of us with their computer skills and work-appropriate social networking to promote city services. I like watching the cooperation between the groups because we can’t all know everything. We have to help each other to make this organization work.
What trends have you spotted in the central Ohio job market?
Increased movement, meaning the job market is beginning to open up again. Those companies or governments that stopped hiring in 2008 and 2009 are beginning to hire again. This tells me that we all have to pay more attention to retention in the future.
What do employees seem to be most concerned with these days?
Benefits. The trend is to divest the employer from being a benefit provider, besides salary, because the cost of benefits is ever-changing. Future costs are difficult to predict and a challenge to manage for cost containment. Yet applicants and employees want benefits as a part of their compensation packages.
What do you like to do in your time away from the office?
I am a member of two book clubs. In the summer, I am an avid swimmer. I volunteer for the Junior League of Columbus and my church. My family likes to go to the movies. We attend sporting events around the area, including the Special Olympics.
