Janet Steffert has more than 25 years’ experience in the employment field and is constantly upskilling, so she can offer her not for profit clients the best human resources’ advice.
In more recent years, the Enrich Group Management Services Human Resources executive lead has been able to work alongside other like-minded providers to provide the sort of service that usually comes with a huge cost.
“We know what it’s like in the not for profit sector, particularly those working in the disability area. It comes with incredible challenges which we understand,” said Janet, who lives in Hamilton with husband David.
Janet started with Enrich+ in Te Awamutu in November 2017 and then moved into Management Services two years later.
She has provided Human Resources advice to Life Unlimited, Progress to Health, Specialist Rehab Services and her own Enrich Group family.
Management Services is part of Enrich Group, a family of organisations with common and complementary services that support people with disabilities and those living with autism and neurodiversities.
“This has been a highlight of my career, being able to do this. What happens with smaller organisations, is they don’t have a team, you generally have one person doing everything. I know there are a number of other organisations without the dedicated resources and we’re able to assist.”
Janet was born in Huntly, attended Huntly West Primary and Huntly College. Her first job was with the then Huntly Borough Council as an administrator leaving after four years to have the first of her three children.
She returned to the workforce 10 years later with Natural Gas Corporation where her administration skills were recognised as being ideal for the Human Resources field.
She gained a Diploma in Human Resources and worked for Natural Gas, Sitel NZ and Genesis Energy as an HR advisor, consultant, resource consultant, talent acquisition consultant and manager before taking up her position as executive lead for Enrich Management Services.
Janet said when she started at Enrich+ the values the organisation had, aligned with her own.
“I am passionate about what I do and about the clients I support.
“My goal is to work alongside the chief executives, leaders and managers to enable their organisations to meet their strategic goals,” said Janet.
“I strive to assist the people I work with succeed and contribute to the success of their organisation.”
She enjoys working on-site at client premises which enables her to get to know their people and their cultures.
Outside of work, Janet has eight grandchildren who she loves spending time with. She and her husband enjoy travelling, hanging out with friends and spending time with their church family at the Whitiora Bible Church and in the weekly home groups they run.
She is in awe of the people who work in the disability sector.
“The people have so much passion to make a difference in people’s lives and so I want to do the best I can with my skills for these people. No matter who my customer is, I want them to succeed and make wise choices.”