At the age of 34, Airene Joy Diego holds the prestigious position of Cluster HR Manager at BM Hotels & Resorts, a role she has earned through relentless hard work and an unwavering dedication to her family and career. Airene Joy, who has been living abroad for the past 12 years, shares her journey with The Global Filipino Magazine from a struggling breadwinner in the Philippines to a respected HR professional in the UAE.
“Family has always been my priority,” Airene Joy begins, reflecting on the early days following her father’s death and her mother’s absence which thrust her into the role of provider for her three siblings.
Facing the financial challenges common in the Philippines, Airene Joy worked multiple jobs, from a front desk agent by day to a bartender by night, all to ensure her siblings could attend school.
“The dual roles were tough, but thinking of my siblings’ needs fueled my perseverance.”
Airene Joy’s move to the UAE marked a pivotal turn in her life. Starting as a waitress, she did not let her initial position define her capabilities. With hard work and cross-departmental training, she caught the attention of the HR Director who offered her a position as an HR assistant. This opportunity was the beginning of a transformative career path.
“My brother told me it was time to pursue my own dreams,” Airene Joy recalls.
Following this advice, she enrolled in a distance learning program in Business Administration at the Lyceum of the Philippines. She later advanced her education with a Master of Business Administration (MBA), equipping her with critical skills that facilitated her rise in the HR field.
From HR assistant, Airene Joy advanced through roles with increasing responsibility, culminating in her current position as Cluster HR Manager. Her journey reflects not only personal growth but also academic and professional achievement. In 2019, she celebrated her graduation in Business Administration, a moment of pride and accomplishment.
In her role, Airene Joy has implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing the employee experience at BM Hotels & Resorts. These include recognition programs, cross-training opportunities, wellness initiatives, and diversity and inclusion efforts, all designed to foster a supportive and productive workplace environment.
Reflecting on her achievements, Airene Joy was recently recognized as one of the top 50 HR professionals in the HRME Awards 2024.
“It’s a humbling and rewarding experience,” she states.
“This recognition validates the passion and effort I have invested in my career. It’s an honor to stand among such respected professionals.”
Airene Joy believes her diverse background and resilience set her apart as a standout HR leader.
“My journey from a front desk agent to an HR manager has instilled in me a deep understanding of organizational challenges and employee needs, which I address with empathy and strategic vision.”
When asked about the biggest challenges facing HR today, Airene Joy mentions the need to adapt to technological advancements, the shift towards remote work, and the ongoing requirements of legal and regulatory compliance. Her approach involves proactive strategies, continuous upskilling, and fostering a positive work environment.
Collaboration with other departments is crucial in achieving HR objectives, according to Airene Joy.
“Regular communication with department heads and aligning our goals with the company’s mission are essential. We work together to tailor strategies that meet departmental needs, contributing to our collective success.”
As for emerging trends in HR, Airene Joy is particularly excited about the potential of remote work, AI, and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
“These trends are reshaping our industry and presenting opportunities to enhance our practices and workplace culture,” she explains.
To aspiring HR professionals, Airene Joy offers this advice: “Embrace continuous learning, gain practical experience, and develop your interpersonal skills. Be adaptable, ethical, and passionate about your role in shaping your organization’s culture and supporting employee well-being.
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This article has been published in Volume 4, Issue 12 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.