AST On the Move is where we spotlight our amazing staff and what makes them tick. Today, meet Director of HR Anna Meleady.
Congratulations on recently earning your SHRM-SCP certification! What does this certification mean for you as a professional and for your role leading AST’s HR department?
Thank you! Earning my SHRM-SCP certification validates my expertise in strategic HR, equipping me to align HR initiatives with organizational goals to make informed decisions. It enhances my credibility as a leader, supports my professional growth, and strengthens my ability to advocate for impactful HR strategies at AST. This certification enables me to foster a positive work culture to ensure the company’s HR practices support both employee well-being and drive meaningful change within our organization.
What do you think makes a workplace truly great? Beyond the salary and benefits?
A truly great workplace is built on purpose, trust, and growth. Beyond salary, it provides meaning in employees’ work, fosters transparency and respect, and supports personal and professional development.
AST has a reputation for prioritizing people. What kinds of things do you measure in HR to validate employee engagement?
At AST, we focus on the overall employee experience to validate engagement. This includes fostering open communication, encouraging feedback, and regularly checking in with employees to understand their needs and challenges. We also prioritize creating a supportive environment where employees feel valued, recognized, and have opportunities for growth. By cultivating a culture of trust, inclusivity, and empowerment, we ensure that employees feel connected to the organization and motivated to contribute their best work to support our clients and their mission.
Professional growth is essential in today’s fast-paced world. What advice do you have for employees who want to grow and advance their careers within a company like AST?
For employees aiming to grow and advance, start by actively seeking out opportunities to learn and don’t hesitate to communicate your career goals with your manager as they can help align your role with your aspirations and suggest relevant development paths. Finally, stay adaptable and embrace change; it’s a key trait in today’s dynamic work environment and shows you’re ready to lead and evolve with a company like AST.
What’s one of the most rewarding aspects of your role? How do you see the impact of your work on the AST workforce?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is seeing how HR initiatives truly enhance the lives and careers of our employees. Whether it’s through implementing programs that support work-life balance, creating growth opportunities, or fostering a culture of trust and inclusion, I can see the positive impact in both engagement and morale. When employees feel supported and empowered, it reflects in their performance and satisfaction, which ultimately strengthens AST as a whole. Watching teams thrive and individuals achieve their goals reaffirms that our focus on people is not just beneficial—it’s essential to AST’s success.
What’s your go-to snack during the work week?
Hands down, Coke Zero.
If you could have any superpower in the workplace, what would it be? (And how would it help with your HR duties!)
If I could have the superpower of telepathy in the workplace, I would be able to instantly understand employees’ thoughts, concerns, and needs without them having to verbalize them. This would allow me to address issues before they become problems, offering support and solutions that are perfectly tailored to each individual. I could foster deeper connections by understanding unspoken challenges and helping employees feel truly heard and valued. This insight would also allow me to anticipate potential HR program or policy concerns, enabling proactive changes that enhance engagement, satisfaction, and overall productivity at AST.
If you’re on vacation, where are you headed?
The beach with family and a good book.
