People, Passion, and Purpose: Experience in People Ops at a Tech Non-Profit
By: Rachel Snyder, Senior People Operations Generalist
Working in People Operations at Measures for Justice (MFJ) isn’t your typical HR rodeo. Sure, we write policies, answer your benefits questions, and onboard bright minds. But here, our work weaves directly into the very fabric of social change. MFJ offers data tools to reshape the criminal justice system, and our team in People Operations? We’re the invisible architects, helping to build a culture that fuels that mission.
Forget rigid policies and transactional interactions. We embrace People Operations – a human-centered approach that prioritizes employee well-being, voice, and growth. It’s a shift from “managing people” to “empowering people.” Why? Because at MFJ, we know justice starts within. A thriving, fulfilled team translates to impactful solutions for a fairer system.
So, how does People Operations differ from traditional HR frameworks?
Let’s dive in:
- From compliance to culture: Traditional HR often focuses on ticking boxes – ensuring legal compliance and administrative tasks are complete. People Operations goes beyond the checklist. We aspire to cultivate a values-driven culture, fostering transparency, inclusivity, and psychological safety. We want every team member to feel heard, supported, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
- From processes to people: People Operations prioritizes the individual. We listen to needs, offer personalized experiences, and actively connect colleagues across departments. It’s not about fitting employees into the mold; it’s about shaping the mold to fit the unique individuals who drive our mission.
- From transactions to transformation: Traditional HR often views employees as resources to be managed. People Operations sees them as partners in progress. We invest in development, offering opportunities for learning, growth, and career advancement. We want everyone to reach their full potential, both within MFJ and beyond.
- From reactive to proactive: Traditional HR waits for problems to arise before addressing them. People Operations takes a proactive approach. We anticipate needs, proactively build resilience, and champion well-being initiatives. We believe a healthy and happy team is a productive and impactful team.
Working in People Operations at MFJ is more than just a job; it’s a privilege. Every policy, program, and interaction is meticulously crafted to not only support our team but also empower them to fight for a just future, because we are not only helping our organization in its mission of no data, no change, but our profession, too.
