Michael Arkins, the HR Manager of Fleetmatics, receives the coveted HR Manager of the Month Award.
- Michael’s journey into HR was driven by early mentorship that highlighted the value of integrity and credibility.
- His career reflects the evolving reliance on HR for strategic advice and global initiatives.
- Michael faced significant challenges building HR infrastructure in a new company environment.
- His forward-thinking approach champions technology and proactive HR strategies.
Michael Arkins has been awarded the HR Manager of the Month Award, recognising his exceptional contributions to Fleetmatics. In an enlightening interview, Michael reflects on how his early career was nurtured by mentorship at March-Mercer financial services, where he learned the importance of integrity and credibility—a foundation that now informs his professional ethos.
Throughout his career, Michael has witnessed a significant shift in the role of HR within businesses, particularly in technology-oriented industries. He notes that HR is increasingly relied upon for strategic input beyond traditional boundaries, including the implementation of initiatives with international scope.
Upon joining Fleetmatics, Michael confronted the daunting task of establishing a robust HR department in an organisation with limited existing infrastructure and inexperienced management. His success in expanding the team and instituting effective HR programmes underscores his adeptness in overcoming such challenges.
A proponent of technological advancement in HR, Michael advocates for cloud-based services to enhance connectivity and accessibility. He envisions an evolved role for HR, one that anticipates and pre-empts organisational challenges through strategic foresight, ultimately contributing to competitive business advantage.
Balancing his demanding role, Michael maintains personal well-being through community volunteering and regular exercise, highlighting his commitment to mindfulness as a tool for managing professional pressures.
Michael Arkins exemplifies the dynamic and strategic potential of modern HR leadership.
