Mercy Makau.

17/09/2025

Audit Your HR Files Before They Audit Your Brand

If your people are your greatest asset, your HR files are the vault. And like any vault, what’s inside determines your organisation’s resilience, compliance, and reputation.

One overlooked gap a missing contract, unsigned policy, or untracked leave—can spiral into penalties, disputes, and brand damage.

Auditing your HR files isn’t paperwork; it’s risk control, culture protection, and operational hygiene.

Here’s what a clean HR file should include:
1. Signed employment contract - Clear terms on role, salary, probation, hours, leave, termination.
2. Job description - Responsibilities and reporting lines.
3. Personal details - Full name, ID/passport, KRA PIN, SHA, NSSF, contacts, next of kin.
4. Salary records - Payslips, payroll history, statutory deductions (PAYE, NSSF, SHA), bank details.
5. Working hours and attendance - Time/attendance logs, overtime records.
6. Leave records - Annual, sick, maternity/paternity, compassionate applications, approvals, balances.
7. Policy acknowledgments - Code of conduct, anti-harassment, data privacy, , health & safety signed by the employee.
8. Performance records - Goals, appraisals, PIPs, commendations.
9. Training and compliance - Inductions, safety training, certifications.
10. Disciplinary documentation - Warnings, investigations, hearing notes, outcomes.
11. Contract changes - Promotions, salary reviews, status changes letters and acceptance.
12. Termination/exit - Resignation letters, notice, handover, clearance, final dues computation, Certificate of Service.

Why this audit matters now:
A. Legal compliance
B. Dispute readiness - If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen. Solid files win cases before they start.
C. Culture and trust - Transparent, complete records signal professionalism and respect.
D. Operational speed - Onboarding, audits, promotions, and exits run faster with complete files.

𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 (𝟓-𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞)
✅ Do all employees have signed contracts and job descriptions on file?
✅ Can you produce 12 months of payslips and statutory remittances per employee?
✅ Are leave balances accurate and backed by approvals?
✅ Are disciplinary cases documented with fair process?
✅ Do exits include Certificates of Service and final dues computations?

If any answer isn’t an immediate “yes,” it’s time to audit.

I can help you run a swift, structured HR File Audit:
➡️ Gap analysis against the Employment Act (Kenya) and best practice
➡️ Standardized checklists and file structure
➡️ Remediation plan with templates and timelines
➡️ Training your HR team to keep files audit-ready

Ready to de-risk and professionalize your HR?

Email: [email protected]

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08/09/2025

Before you send out your resume, pause and consider this…

For many professionals, their resume is the first impression sometimes the only chance to showcase their value.

But one small mistake can cost you the opportunity.
❌ Listing duties without quantification makes your impact invisible.
❌ Overcrowding your resume with fancy designs distracts from your achievements.
❌ Including irrelevant information buries the skills recruiters actually want to see.
❌ Ignoring ATS keywords can mean your resume never even reaches human eyes.

These errors can derail your entire job search.

Not because you aren’t qualified, but because your resume isn’t telling your story effectively.

That said, I understand how overwhelming the process can feel.

Job hunting is tough, and navigating resume strategies alone makes it harder.

But here’s what’s not hard: 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭.

This is where I appear in the picture.

I help professionals avoid these common mistakes and create career tools that open doors:
🔹 Resume revamps
🔹 LinkedIn optimization
🔹 Tailored cover letters
🔹 Interview coaching
🔹 Career strategy sessions

Let’s make sure your resume doesn’t just exist it gets results.

Reach out via [email protected] and let’s get started.

05/09/2025

So you want to switch jobs or start a new career?
My friend don’t skip this step.
The other day I met a jobseeker who had the skills, the passion, the drive. But halfway through, they quit.
Why? The bills kept coming.
Rent, food, family needs… and their income couldn’t keep up.
Your financial situation directly shapes your career choices.
Before you dive in, ask yourself:
👉 How much do I need just to survive right now?
👉 How much do I need in the long run to thrive?
👉 Do the salaries of jobs I want match my skills and training costs?
Many people ignore this step and end up stuck, stressed, or in debt.
But when you plan for both short-term survival and long-term growth, you build a career path that’s sustainable.
As Proverbs 21:5 says: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.”
I’m a career coach, and I help professionals align their career dreams with financial reality.
If this speaks to you, email me at [email protected]

01/09/2025

Yesterday a friend shared her experience interviewing for an HR Manager role and I was honestly shocked.

In her final interview, the CEO told her that apart from HR work, she would also need to sit in front of surveillance cameras all day, watch employees, take notes, and report directly to him.

The policies were even worse.

Employees are not allowed to talk to each other.

Every room has cameras with voice recording.

Phones are not allowed.

Even if the work is done, employees cannot relax or take a break.

They must keep working because, in the CEO’s words, they are paid to work every single minute.

This is not HR.

This is not leadership.

This is control.

Employees are not property.

HR is not a spy.

And no salary can justify stripping away dignity and privacy.

I keep thinking about the employees already working there.

How are they coping with this?

What is it doing to their mental health?

Workplaces should support and empower people, not break them.

We need to stop treating toxic culture as normal.

PS: Copied from James Junior Omare - (AMIHRM)

For better HR policies feel free to reach out to me through [email protected] for further discussions.

25/08/2025

I stood on that stage not just as a speaker but as a believer.

A believer in what AI can do for Africa.

The Simplicity of Embracing AI is what I was emphasizing on.

AI isn’t just for tech experts or big companies it’s for all of us.

It’s about making life easier, work smarter, and ideas come alive.

This past Saturday, something powerful happened in Nairobi.

Dr. Francis Kangure PhD, SHRM-SCP, A visionary post doctoral researcher, consultant in HR, Leadership and OD launched the The AI Collective Nairobi Chapter at TECHSAVANNA SOFTWARE INSTITUTE.

And let me tell you, it wasn’t just another tech event.

It was a spark.

A movement.

A moment that said: “𝐴𝐼 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒.”

Francis Kangure PhD, SHRM-SCP didn’t come with complicated slides or intimidating language.

He came with heart.

With clarity.

With a mission to make AI simple, useful, and accessible.

The more we understand AI, the more our creativity, businesses, and communities grow without pressure or fear.

Tech gatekeepers say: “𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝐴𝐼 𝑖𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑…”

Francis says: “𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝐴𝐼, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑.”

When we make AI feel too complex, we push people away.

We make it seem like a robot with rules and no soul.

But that’s not why AI was created.

That’s not why Francis Kangure PhD, SHRM-SCP showed up.

He reminded us that:

➡️ AI is not here to replace us. It’s here to elevate us.

➡️ To help us do more, dream bigger, and move faster.

ASK Mercy Makau (AMIHRM) . .who became a speaker. . .‼️

Yes, I had the honor of speaking at the launch too.

I shared about prompt engineering, automation, and how everyday tools can transform how we work.

I also enjoyed listening to our seasoned panelists: Chido Dzinotyiwei and Arthur Adinda together with, our able moderator Claire Munde.

Of course our MC Richard J. Magoma kept the audience lively and yes it was a lovely afternoon with him in the house.

And guess what?

We launched something exciting:

𝐀𝐈 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫 - a weekly virtual session every Wednesday to help people learn, explore, and use AI in real life.

No fluff.

No pressure.

Just real talk, real tools, and real impact.

Let’s exhale then we continue on. . .😅😂😅

This is just the beginning.

Keep watching.

Keep learning.

Keep showing up.

Because the future isn’t coming.

It’s already here.

Send a message to learn more

21/08/2025

“Hello Mercy, you should fire so-and-so by tomorrow.”

Then… click.

He hung up.

That moment is etched in my memory like it happened yesterday.

If you’ve worked in HR or leadership long enough, you’ve probably received a similar call where a senior executive, driven by emotion or convenience, demands a termination without due process.

Sometimes it’s frustration.

Other times, it’s nepotism.

But every time, it’s a test of your emotional intelligence, strategic wisdom, and ethical backbone.

Because one misstep one poorly handled separation and your organization could be staring down a legal, reputational, or cultural crisis.

Have you ever found yourself in that tight spot?

How did you navigate it?

Thankfully, help is here.

Coach Mutisya, MD Career Management Centre Ltd and the JM Next Level HR Mastermind Team are hosting a powerful 2-day summit on Gracious Employee Separation designed to equip HR professionals, leaders, and decision-makers with the tools to handle exits with dignity, compliance, and clarity.

Here are the event details:
📅 Dates: 𝟒𝐭𝐡 & 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
📍 Location: 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥, 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬
💰 Investment: 𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝟑𝟓,𝟎𝟎𝟎
🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/dZFFub_b

Come let’s learn how to protect our organizations and our people gracefully.

See you there.

18/08/2025

Do you know your temperament and how it shapes your career?

The four temperaments are one of the oldest personality theories, yet they still hold so much value in our workplaces today.

🔹 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 – Detail-oriented, thorough, and great at management or administration roles.

🔹 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜 – Goal-driven, logical, and strong in leadership, though sometimes impatient.

🔹 𝐏𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 – Calm, empathetic, and rule-abiding; they thrive in roles that require emotional intelligence and consistency.

🔹 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 – Energetic, creative, and people-focused, but may struggle with follow-through.

Temperament is formed from birth and stays with us for life.

It influences how we approach tasks, handle people, and even the roles where we shine the most.

For professionals, self-awareness of your temperament is a career tool.

It helps you:

✅ Choose roles that fit your natural strengths

✅ Understand your blind spots and improve on them

✅ Work better with colleagues of different temperaments

✅ Lead with empathy and effectiveness

Knowing yourself is the first step to growing yourself.

If you’d like to explore how your temperament can guide your career choices and growth, reach out to me at [email protected].

17/08/2025

"Where do you see yourself five years from now?"

This was the powerful question our preacher, Martin Mwirigi, challenged us with and today, I pass it on to you.

Vision is not what you see when you're asleep.

It's what you see when your eyes are wide open.

It's the picture of your future that fuels your present.

It's the dream that demands action.

So, where do you see yourself in five years?

Once you see it, speak it.

There is power in our tongues.

Proclaim your vision boldly.

Declare your goals unapologetically.

Because what you speak consistently, you begin to shape intentionally.

Let’s be people of vision.

Let’s be people of purpose.

Let’s be people who dare to dream and then dare to do.

I help individuals achieve their career vision through services such as résumé writing, LinkedIn optimization, cover letter development, and interview coaching.

I also support organizations in driving increased profitability through strategic HR services.

16/08/2025

Your career success might not depend on your degree…

But on whether you’re a Dove, Owl, Peacock, or Eagle. 🦅🦚🦉🕊

Curious yet?

We all come in different shapes, styles, and energy.

And believe it or not, your personality type could be the hidden compass guiding your career path or blocking it.

As a leader, coach, or professional, understanding your personality and those of others can unleash productivity, harmony, and growth.

That’s why today we'll be learning about 𝐃𝐎𝐏𝐄 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭.

Let’s break it down:

🕊 𝐃𝐨𝐯𝐞 – Loyal, friendly, hardworking, a true team player. But they avoid risk, confrontation, and sudden change.

🦉 𝐎𝐰𝐥 – Logical, detail-oriented, methodical, the perfectionist of the group. They excel in structure but struggle with flexibility.

🦚 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐤 – Enthusiastic, passionate, the life of the room. They inspire others but can miss deadlines and skip over details.

🦅 𝐄𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐞 – Decisive, bold, results-driven. Natural leaders but sometimes blunt, stubborn, and less sensitive to team dynamics.

So what does this imply?

➡️ A Dove in a highly aggressive sales role may feel overwhelmed.

➡️ An Eagle stuck in repetitive admin work will likely get frustrated.

➡️ A Peacock in a quiet data-heavy job may lose motivation.

➡️ An Owl in a chaotic, unstructured environment may burn out.

The key is aligning your career choices, leadership style, and growth path with your personality strengths.

When you do, success feels less like a struggle and more like flow.

Many professionals unknowingly fight against their own wiring.

That’s why they feel stuck, drained, or unfulfilled.

As a career coach and HR strategy I help professionals and organizations decode personalities, unveil their hidden strengths, and build fulfilling career journeys.

Ready to discover how your personality might be shaping (or limiting) your career?

Let’s talk.

Email me at [email protected] and let’s unlock your career potential together.

15/08/2025

Rise.

Rebuild.

Reclaim.

Life doesn’t hand out guarantees.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things fall apart projects stall, relationships fracture, opportunities slip through our fingers.

And in those moments, it’s tempting to wait for someone to rescue us.

To hope that a mentor, a friend, or even fate will swoop in and fix it.

But the truth is no one is coming.

The real turning point is when you stop waiting and start rising.

I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back.

It’s about choosing to stand up, dust off the disappointment, and move forward with clarity and courage.

It’s about rewriting the narrative, even when the ink feels heavy.

Whether you're navigating a career setback, a personal loss, or a moment of self-doubt remember this:

✨ You are the author of your next chapter.

✨ You are the architect of your own breakthrough.

✨ You are the one who decides how your story unfolds.

So rise.

Not because it’s easy.

But because your purpose is too important to stay down.

13/08/2025

"Only use your left leg on the clutch never on the brake or accelerator."

I still remember these words vividly from my driving instructor back in driving school.

On my first day, I instinctively used my left leg for everything it just felt lighter than my right.

But I had to unlearn that habit quickly.

Today, I was chatting with a friend who discovered that one of his colleagues is left-handed.

He then suggested adjusting their (the left handed colleague's) desk setup to make work more comfortable.

It reminded me of my high school days as a left-hander constantly “bumping elbows” with right-handed seatmates as we wrote notes.

Many times, I’d retreat to the corner seats just for some peace.

In the workplace, these “small” adjustments matter.

One of HR’s core functions is to champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and that includes recognizing the needs of left-handed employees.

As we celebrate 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐟𝐭-𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲, I pose this question to leaders and HR professionals:

👉 How do you make your workplace inclusive for left-handers?

Let’s remember inclusivity is all about the little changes that make people feel seen and supported.

Happy Left-Handers Day to all my fellow lefties we celebrate our uniqueness! 💙✋

If your organization is looking to craft HR-inclusive policies, reach out via [email protected].

Together, we can create a truly DEI-friendly workplace.

12/08/2025

Before you declare someone redundant, pause and consider this…

For some employees, your company is all they've ever known.

They joined straight out of school.

They built their lives around the stability you offered.

And now, with one conversation, that foundation is gone.

Redundancy is a life-altering moment.

It can trigger anxiety, depression, and a deep sense of loss.

Not because they’re unwilling to move on, but because they don’t know how.

That said, I understand the pressures organizations face economic shifts, restructuring, and external forces can make these decisions unavoidable.

But here’s what’s not unavoidable: 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

This is where I come in.

Whether you're an employer preparing for a redundancy process, or an individual who's just received the news I help professionals become employable again.

🔹 Resume revamps

🔹 LinkedIn optimization

🔹 Tailored cover letters

🔹 Interview coaching

🔹 Career strategy sessions

Let’s turn uncertainty into opportunity.

Reach out via [email protected] and let’s get started.