In this edition of the Life at FT Blog we speak to Emily Hall, who shares her journey at the Financial Times, from HR Assistant to her current role as an Employee experience partner.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your current role?
I joined the FT in 2016 (I can’t believe it’s been that long!) and am based in our London office. I’m currently working as an employee experience partner which is a new role for me and the FT. My role is focused on making sure that everyone who works with us has a great employee experience. Part of that involves connecting different specialisms within our HR team and the wider business to make sure that everyone's experience is a positive one, but it's also about making sure we have the right impact during key moments in someone's career at the FT. For example, making sure that we are showing up in the right way when you join the organisation, during a promotion or when returning from family leave.
What motivated you to join the FT?
I was looking to move to London and wanted to work in a HR role which had lots of variety, the opportunity to work on wider HR projects and with plenty of room to learn and grow. I was excited at the prospect of working for a company with such a respected brand and reputation, as well as values which aligned with my own. I also remember thinking how friendly and down to earth everyone seemed during my interviews. They were so flexible and accommodating during the recruitment process which was entirely virtual (and very unusual in 2016)!
What moves have you made within FT, and why did you decide to go for a promotion or change?
My role as a HR assistant evolved into a HR coordinator role within our London team. In this role, I had the opportunity to work in our Hong Kong office during a 3 month secondment. I’d never been to Hong Kong before and so this was a slight leap of faith but the prospect of working abroad while retaining the familiarity of the FT and my role was really exciting. In keeping with the FT’s culture, the team really looked after me there, introducing me to all the amazing food and helping me explore Hong Kong. When I returned to London, I was ready for a new challenge and was promoted into a HR advisor role, working across all departments at the FT.
In the last few years, I recognised a change in the way people connect with their work, the role it plays in their lives and their expectations of their experience in the workplace. Ensuring work plays a positive role in someone’s life is also something I really care about personally and professionally. To help us elevate the experience we offer at the FT, I proposed we create an employee experience role within our HR team and wrote a business case to support this. After working in a hybrid role between HR advisory work and establishing the experience role, I became an employee experience partner full time in July 2023.
I think each of these moves has been driven by an eagerness to keep learning and be continually challenged. When I've gravitated towards projects where I have a natural interest, or an area I'm personally passionate about, the FT has been incredibly supportive and encouraging. So much so that I've been able to take the lead in establishing a role I feel really motivated and energised by - which is a great feeling!
How has the FT helped you develop or progress in your career?
I think this has happened in different ways, both formal and informal. The FT has supported me in completing professional qualifications such as my CIPD and more recently as a certified EX designer. There is also a range of internal training available which we can all make the most of. To give you an idea, in the next few months I’m joining sessions on ‘Thinking Strategically’, ‘The Brand in You - Shaping a Powerful Professional Identity and Reputation’ and working in multigenerational teams. I’ve been mentored by leaders inside and outside the FT and really valued the wisdom and guidance which they have shared with me. Most importantly, I have always found the people at the FT to be open and generous in sharing their knowledge and taking time to help others develop.
What FT project are you most excited to work on now?
We have recently launched FT Onboard which is a global onboarding programme for our new starters. The programme helps new starters understand the FT group, people and strategy, experience our values and culture, make the right connections and build knowledge of FT products and brands. It’s a hybrid programme and includes in person events, online learning, welcome videos and a buddy scheme to help new starters meet employees across the business. I’m looking forward to seeing what impact this makes for our new starters joining us this year.
How would you encourage others to make a similar move?
I’ve found career coaching hugely helpful during different phases of my career and feel very lucky that we’re all able to access this at the FT. I think you are ultimately responsible for driving your development at the FT and creating opportunities but I’ve also found this is met with encouragement and openness. Get involved in projects outside of your core responsibilities, put your hand up, build great relationships across the FT and ask lots of questions!
What has surprised you most about working at the FT?
I was surprised that it didn't feel hierarchical and everyone is always happy to help and collaborate however they can. Even now, I hear new starters saying this at our monthly induction and it's nice to hear that they're having the same experience. Whilst I’ve been at the FT, I've also always found I've been able to balance life inside and outside of work which is something really important to me.
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