Julie Lofreddo, the Human Resources Director at Greystones Group, found her calling in HR through an unexpected turn. Initially an office manager at a mortgage company, she stepped up when her branch needed dedicated HR support. This led to intensive corporate training, which surprisingly ignited her passion for helping people within an organization.
Her journey then led her to roles in HR for companies that proudly support the Department of Defense and various other government agencies. For Lofreddo, serving organizations that bolster our service members and contribute to the nation’s framework has been a true privilege.
The Path Unfolds
Lofreddo’s start in HR wasn’t planned. She was working as an office manager when her company realized her branch needed its own HR person. Recognizing her capabilities, the corporate office appointed her as HR Manager and Lofreddo seized the opportunity, dedicating weeks to HR training at the main office.
This experience not only equipped her with essential skills but also deepened her love for the HR field. She considers herself fortunate to have spent the majority of her career in government contracting, where, she shares, the greatest reward is the chance to work alongside incredible Veterans.
Fostering Connection, Even Miles Apart
Beyond her core HR responsibilities, Julie strategically focuses on building a positive, employee-centered culture, especially for her team spread across different locations. Recently, she championed a meaningful volunteer opportunity with Wreaths Across America. This initiative allowed employees to participate at locations convenient to them, offering a wonderful way for the team to give back to the community while honoring veterans and their families.
Lofreddo emphasizes the profound impact of such initiatives, stating, “It was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen connections among employees and promote a sense of purpose within our organization. This project proved to be a powerful experience, boosting a shared sense of purpose across the entire geographically dispersed team.”
In our latest Faces, meet Julie Lofreddo.
Who is/was your biggest influence in the industry?
Karey Holland was my most significant influence in the HR field. As the Director of HR at the mortgage company where I began my career in HR, her leadership style, strategic vision, and profound understanding of human resources left a lasting impression on me. Working alongside her provided me with invaluable insights into effective HR practices and emphasized the importance of nurturing a positive workplace culture. Her mentorship has profoundly shaped my approach to HR and inspired me to pursue excellence in my career. She always reminded me that while it’s essential to prioritize the company’s interests, we must never forget that it’s ultimately about the people who work for us.
What’s your best mistake and what did you learn from it?
Learning from my mistakes has been a crucial aspect of my growth and development, both personally and professionally. Each misstep has served as a valuable lesson, providing insights that I carry forward to avoid repeating the same errors in the future. Instead of viewing mistakes as setbacks, I see them as opportunities for growth.
What’s your favorite part about working in the industry? What’s your least favorite part, and how would you change it?
One of my favorite parts about working in the HR industry is the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Being able to support employees in their professional growth, address their concerns, and foster a healthy work environment is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy the dynamic nature of HR, as it involves a mix of strategic planning, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication, allowing me to engage with diverse individuals and contribute to building a strong organizational culture. Seeing how HR initiatives can lead to improved employee satisfaction and overall company success is truly fulfilling.
Terminating employees due to a layoff is my least favorite aspect of the HR industry, as it involves difficult conversations with typically great employees. As an HR professional we must balance the legal requirements and the compassion we feel for the employee. We provide notice as soon as possible and resources for affected employees, such as career counseling or job placement services, to help ease the transition.
It sounds like through your experience you really care about people, and you want to help them feel safe and comfortable, which is important in the industry. Please elaborate here.
The HR department can directly influence the overall work environment and employee satisfaction. HR needs to ensure employees are provided with a culture of safety and comfort. HR professionals can create a space where individuals feel valued and empowered to express their ideas and concerns without fear of judgment. This commitment to fostering open communication not only builds trust but also enhances collaboration and productivity. Ultimately, when employees feel secure and appreciated, they are more likely to contribute their best efforts, leading to a thriving organizational culture that benefits everyone involved.
How can HR most effectively demonstrate its value to the leadership team?
Provide leadership with data-driven insights and use analytics to highlight HR contributions. Ensure recruiting has an emphasis on the importance of attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. Createorganizational culture and high employee engagement which will lead to improved productivity and profitability. Position HR as a strategic partner by actively participating in leadership discussions and decision-making processes.
Where do you see the industry heading in five years? Or are you seeing any current trends?
In the next five years, I think AI will change the HR landscape by automating routine tasks and enhancing decision-making processes. AI-driven tools will streamline recruitment by analyzing candidate profiles and predicting the best fits for organizational needs, significantly reducing time-to-hire. Additionally, advanced analytics will provide insights into employee engagement and performance, allowing HR professionals to tailor development programs and interventions effectively. Ultimately, the integration of AI will enable HR teams to focus more on strategic initiatives, fostering a more agile and responsive workforce. At Greystones, we are already leading the way by integrating AI into our HR department to achieve maximum efficiency.
What are you most proud of?
I take pride in having a positive impact on employees, and it’s heartening that former colleagues still reach out to wish me Happy Holidays. Employees know they can always count on a prompt response from me. A valuable lesson I learned a long time ago is “it’s about people.” This guiding principle continues to shape my interactions with employees. It’s why I feel aligned with my current employer, Greystones, because they share the same commitment to taking care of our employees, recognizing that they are the key to any company’s success.
Do you have any advice for people entering the profession?
Building your HR network, whether online or in person, is crucial, especially when you’re starting out in the field. Networking opens doors to valuable connections, resources, and opportunities that can significantly enhance your career development.
Offer your support and insights to others and cultivate relationships that are mutually beneficial. A strong network not only enhances your professional growth but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration within the HR field.