30 Under 30's Molly Attwell: 'The HR field has transformed significantly'
This human resources business partner at Tui UK, and TTG Tomorrow’s Travel Leader, explains how the burgeoning remit of HR makes her career so rewarding
Life-affirming moments can take place anywhere… it was in a Heathrow warehouse that Molly encountered an individual who made a big impression on her.
During her two-year HR graduate scheme placement at DHL, she was responsible for managing contracts with airlines. Molly explains: “One day, while visiting the warehouse where aircraft meal trays were washed and reused, I had an interesting encounter with a warehouse operative, who expressed genuine love for his job. At first, I couldn’t quite grasp why, as he was working hard in hot conditions. But his passion for the work intrigued me.”
She continues: “As I spoke to him, he explained how he loved making people happy by sending them on holiday. It was a big moment, seeing the infectious energy that came from this one worker and envisaging the domino effect throughout the warehouse. As a result, I began to see travel as a fun industry in which to work, not just about going on holiday.”
Molly’s first experience of human resources was at Bournemouth University, where she studied geography and gained work experience with the HR team. “I quickly grasped the positive impact you could have on people’s personal development,” she says.
DHL funded Molly’s CIPD Level 7 diploma at De Montfort University in Leicester, after which she secured a permanent role with the company. With subsequent promotions, she moved further away from the travel industry.
In July 2021, an opportunity arose for her to join Tui UK, following her former DHL colleague, Hannah Edmonds, who had become the HR head there. The decision was an easy one for Molly, drawn by Tui’s focus on sustainability and its company culture.
CONSTANTLY LEARNING
At the outset, her role at Tui encompassed primarily operational responsibilities as a human resources business partner, overseeing the company’s retail estate and contact centre. However, over time, Molly changed her business area and grew into a global remit, one that involved broader responsibilities, such as monitoring the wellbeing of colleagues working remotely in different countries.
“A country might have particular legislation to take into account, so leaders need upskilling. This makes the role more complex but I’m learning new things all the time,” she explains.
As well as managing operational matters, such as bonuses, pay reviews, development pipelines and succession plans, there’s a more holistic approach to HR nowadays, which Molly is excited to see develop:
“The HR field has significantly transformed, shifting from traditional administrative functions to proactive and forward-thinking strategies that can create a tangible impact. These modern approaches focus on employee wellbeing, diversity, and equality, among other essential aspects.”
One of Molly’s projects covers Tui’s partnership with the Women in Data networking group, which encourages more women into data and analytics roles. “I’ve put a lot of focus on this in the last six months,” she says. “I love seeing women connecting.”
She’s also proud of introducing Tui’s first reverse mentoring scheme, matching apprentices with business leaders, helping the latter to think about marketing from a different perspective.
“I’m passionate about mentoring,” she says. “Nothing gives me greater joy than seeing colleagues fulfil their potential.”
Employers who overlook staff wellbeing or merely pay lip service to buzzwords like diversity and inclusion put themselves at a disadvantage, Molly says, adding that prioritising employee wellbeing leads to increased engagement, which has a knock-on effect boosting productivity.
“There is a shift happening, where more and more people are recognising the importance of these factors in the workplace.”
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