Bridging HR and Projects: A Human-Centred Approach to Systems

In my journey from engineering into human resources, I once thought I was leaving project thinking behind. But I quickly realised that my background in project management became one of the most valuable assets I brought into HR.

In both fields, we work with people, processes, and outcomes. Applying project frameworks to HR tasks, like onboarding, compliance tracking, or cultural initiatives, has helped me bring clarity, accountability, and consistency to teams and systems.

But it also works in the other direction.

When we begin to see that the backbone of every successful project is its people, and we treat them with empathy, compassion, and care, we unlock better outcomes. That’s not a radical idea. It’s something we should expect and embed in every workplace.

Project thinking doesn’t eliminate flexibility. It creates a strong, supportive foundation where people can grow with direction, autonomy, and confidence.