Behind the growth of every company are its people. In this edition of One Minute With…, we meet Elena Marelli, HR Manager at A.D. Tubi Inossidabili, who has been supporting the company’s growth and evolution for nearly twenty years. With her, we discuss professional development, motivation, and the importance of creating a workplace where everyone can grow and feel valued.

Name and role
Elena Marelli, HR Manager.

How long have you been with the company and how did your career begin?
I have been working at A.D. Tubi since 2006. I joined the company to cover a maternity leave position in the administrative department and, over the years, I had the opportunity to take on a variety of responsibilities, ranging from administration and warehouse management to sending order confirmations to customers. Having the chance to learn about so many different aspects of the company was a great advantage, as it allowed me to gain a thorough understanding of how the organization works. As the company grew, it became increasingly important to structure activities related to training, recruitment, and employee development. That is how I moved into the HR area, which at the time did not yet exist as a dedicated function. Between 2011 and 2012, we launched a major organizational restructuring project, defining organizational charts, roles, and responsibilities.

What does it mean, in practical terms, to be the HR Manager at A.D. Tubi?
It means being a point of reference for employees in all aspects of their professional life within the company, from organizational and administrative matters to personal and human ones. It means supporting growth paths, promoting training initiatives, and continuously working to improve the employee experience.

Which part of your job requires the most experience and attention?
Maintaining high levels of motivation among employees and creating the conditions that allow them to work effectively and with satisfaction. Another key aspect is being able to recognize, develop, and retain talent by offering opportunities for growth and professional development.

When can a company be considered a great place to work?
When it succeeds in creating a collaborative environment where colleagues feel part of a shared project and are recognized for their contribution. Feeling listened to, involved, and appreciated is what truly makes a workplace a positive one.

What tools make the biggest difference in people management?
Training, professional development opportunities, and effective reward systems are all fundamental elements. Today, flexibility is also increasingly important in helping employees achieve a better work-life balance.

What is the most important skill you have developed over the years?
On one hand, it is essential to stay constantly up to date with labor regulations and employment law. On the other, I have developed key soft skills such as active listening, empathy, and the ability to understand employees’ needs, all of which are essential to supporting them effectively.

What would you say to someone considering a career in Human Resources today?
I would say that it is an extremely stimulating and constantly evolving field. Working in HR means contributing to the success of an organization by supporting the people who are part of it. It is a profession where you never stop learning, because dealing with different needs, expectations, and personalities is both challenging and rewarding. Moreover, many of the skills you develop in HR are valuable in everyday life as well.

What are you most proud of in your work?
After so many years with the company, my greatest satisfaction comes from seeing colleagues grow professionally and knowing that I have contributed, even in a small way, to their development. I am proud to be an active part of a group that has grown into a real team and, in many ways, a large family.