Five minutes with… Audrey Chin, director of human resources, McDonald’s Singapore

What made you decide to work in HR and what brought you to your current role?

I realised my forte was in understanding people needs and connecting with people when I was pursuing my social work degree at National University of Singapore. I also discovered my passion for helping people achieve their goals. With these in mind, I spent about 20 years in some of the largest leisure & hospitality, financial and telecommunication organisations helming operations and HR management before joining McDonald’s as the director of human resources more than two years ago. 
 
What would you say most motivates you to do what you do?  What are you most excited or passionate about?  What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your work? 

My biggest motivation is the same as my goal – to foster in McDonald’s an environment where people enjoy working in and they feel they are well taken care of. Only when employees are happy at work can they then perform well continuously and increase their productivity. 
 
What’s next for you in your work?  What are you looking forward to?

I am definitely continuing my passion and work in HR and I am looking forward to an opportunity to do HR work from a regional or global perspective. 
 
What is your favourite aspect of the job? 

My favourite moments at work are when I meet and engage the employees – especially when I visit the restaurants. I always feel elated speaking to them, understanding their needs and challenges and advising them on solutions. To me this definitely beats paper work!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received from someone that you’ve applied in the world of HR?

Put people into the core of what we do and at the same time balance employees’ needs and organisational goals. 
 
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life?  Tell us about them.
One of my key mentors is my former boss at a leisure & hospitality organisation – she gave me many opportunities and was instrumental in guiding me along in setting up HR teams, systems and initiatives.  

At McDonald’s, I am truly inspired by Phyllis Cheung, who was the Managing Director of McDonald’s Singapore from 2012 to 2014. I am inspired by her energy and drive, as well as her continuous efforts to balance business and people needs.