Unveiling My Journey from Legal Practitioner to HR Professional

Sk. Shafiqul Islam Shawon
|| HR Technology Innovator || Data-Driven HR Generalist || HRIS || HR Professional || Web-Design WP ||

My career journey started in the legal field, where I developed my practice as a legal professional. Even if the legal profession had its own advantages and disadvantages, I had a deep-seated a desire for a different kind of work one that would allow me to use my analytical skills and fulfill my deeply embedded desire to serve people in organizations.

So I set out on a crucial experience into the field of human resources. I changed my professional path because I was passionate about what I did, and I was determined to have an enormous impact. Working as an HR Generalist at the renowned S. F. Denim Corporate Office was real treat to my career. I ended my journey with S.F. on 8th April 2026 and Begin my journey to Prothom Alo the very next day with passion and devotion.

My present workstation: Prothom Alo (Karwan Bazar)
Position: Sr. Executive HR

About Prothom Alo
On November 4, 1998, at the break of dawn, Prothom Alo began its journey with modest beginnings. Through bold journalism, high-quality content, and a distinctive layout and design, it quickly captured the trust and admiration of readers—including the most discerning ones. Since then, Prothom Alo has continued to illuminate every corner of Bangladesh, reaching audiences in over 200 countries and territories worldwide through both its print and digital platforms.
I am proud to be a part of Prothom Alo.
At this moment my responsibilities at Prothom Alo are mentioned below.
(I believe and hope to bring new innovations to Prothom Alo as well)

1. Manage and improve the HRMS system to ensure smooth daily HR operations and accurate employee data management.
2. Monitor all HR processes through the HRMS system, including attendance, leave, employee records, and reporting.
   
3. Identify system gaps and recommend upgrades to improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and support better decision-making.
   
4. Coordinate with internal teams and vendors for HRMS updates, issue resolution, and new feature implementation.
   
5. Prepare and analyze HR reports and dashboards for management review, covering headcount, turnover, attendance, and other key HR metrics.
   
6. Work on HR analytics across different HR functions to identify trends, improve workforce planning, and support business decisions.
   
7. Support cost optimization initiatives by analyzing HR processes and suggesting practical improvements to save time and operational costs.
   
8. Drive innovation by proposing new ideas, process improvements, and digital solutions to enhance overall HR effectiveness.
   
9. Conduct visionary projects focused on automation, employee experience, and continuous improvement in HR operations.
   
10. Ensure data accuracy, compliance, and proper documentation across all HR systems and processes.

From here you are about to see the record of my past employment.

Past employment record

Mission Statement: To uphold and promote the best HR and labor law practices in Bangladesh by ensuring fairness, transparency, and innovation in every HR decision. I strive to transform challenges into opportunities delivering the best outcomes even from limited resources. My mission is to act methodically, ethically, and compassionately to create solutions that strengthen both people and organizations before any judgment is made.

Vision Statement: To be recognized as a unique HR professional in Bangladesh who leads by example where doing good, maintaining integrity, and ensuring compliance go hand in hand. I aim to set a benchmark for methodical, people-centric HR leadership that inspires others to follow the true essence of ethical and progressive human resource management.

Before this, I had the privilege of working as an HR & Admin Officer for the enormous China Railway Project Ltd (CREC). This experience reinforced the significance of efficient human resource management in driving the success of large-scale initiatives and enhanced my understanding of how HR functions in an expanded and global context.

However, my adventure started modestly in Calcutta as an office assistant at a McDonald’s. I gained a strong respect for the basic values of cooperation, customer service, and flexibility as a result of this early experience, and these principles still influence the way I conduct operations now.
Outside work-related activities, my free time serves as a blank canvas for a variety of interests. My hobbies are gaming, writing, and coding, which help me explore different aspects of my personality. My diverse interests are demonstrated by the fact that I have experimented in web design and have developed it into an enjoyable side gig.

My Achievement, Contributions & Accomplishment Empowering Change

At the S.F. Corporate Office, the years 2021–2025 have been a transformative time in the dynamic field of human resources. As an HR generalist, I’ve had the honor of leading and participating in a number of noteworthy successes that put the welfare, professionalism, and creativity of employees first. Let’s explore these noteworthy turning points that have molded a more productive and inclusive workplace culture.

Optimized Leave Encashment Process by Plugging Payroll Leak & Reducing Misuse

Identified and corrected misuse in leave encashment for employees earning below BDT 20,000/month, saving BDT 1.6 million annually. Improved compliance by linking unauthorized absences with salary deductions and ensuring accurate gross-based payouts.

Analysis of Additional Expenditure & Cost-Saving Solution

Focusing on the reallocation of funds towards employee benefits and compensations. It highlights the benefits of investing in employee welfare rather than miscalculating resources in less productive areas. The report aims to demonstrate how strategic financial decisions can enhance employee satisfaction and organizational performance.

Cost-Saving Solution for Attendance Software

Currently, our unit spends 90 thousand taka per month on attendance software. I have developed an alternative solution that completely eliminates this expense. By implementing this new system, we can maintain accurate attendance tracking without incurring any additional costs, thereby saving a significant amount of money annually while maintaining operational efficiency.

Promoting Women’s Safety and Well-being: Introducing Feminine Hygiene Facilities

Recognizing the importance of gender inclusivity and women’s well-being, a crucial initiative was undertaken to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all employees. In pursuit of this goal, we introduced feminine hygiene facilities within the premises. This not only reflects our commitment to inclusivity but also underscores our dedication to prioritizing the needs and comfort of our female workforce.

Putting an End to Force Hiring: Fostering Quality over Quantity

In a strategic move towards enhancing the quality of our workforce, we decided to put a halt to force hiring. Instead, we channeled our efforts into refining our hiring processes, ensuring that each candidate aligns with our organizational values and requirements. This shift not only raised the caliber of our employees but also created a more motivated and harmonious workforce.

Elevating the Interview Experience: Optimal Timing and Hospitable Atmosphere

First impressions matter, and our commitment to creating a positive experience for potential employees has led us to revamp our interview procedures. We improved interview scheduling, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall process. Moreover, we’ve ensured a warm and hospitable atmosphere for candidates, reflecting our organizational ethos and commitment to professionalism.

Innovating Candidate Tracking: Barcode and QR Code Integration

In an age of digital innovation, we introduced a cutting-edge solution to track interview results seamlessly. By implementing barcode and QR code technology, we’ve streamlined the process of tracking and managing candidate feedback and outcomes. This innovation has not only optimized our operations but has also reflected our forward-looking approach to HR management.

Embracing Visual Onboarding: Videography for New Joiners

Welcoming new joiners with open arms, we embarked on a journey to enhance their onboarding experience. Through the launch of videography for new employees, we’ve provided a comprehensive introduction to our organizational culture, values, and expectations. This engaging approach has significantly reduced the learning curve and fostered a sense of belonging right from day one.

Fostering Emotional Intelligence and Self-awareness: EQ and Personality Tests

Recognizing the importance of holistic employee development, we introduced EQ and Personality Tests for new joiners. This innovative approach empowers employees to gain insights into their emotional intelligence and personality traits, paving the way for enhanced self-awareness and improved interpersonal skills. This initiative is a testament to our dedication to nurturing well-rounded professionals.

The journey of innovation started from 2021 at the S.F. Corporate Office has been one of growth. Innovation, and a relentless commitment to creating a workplace that embodies the values of respect, inclusivity, and excellence. These accomplishments stand as a testament to the collective efforts of a team that is dedicated to shaping a future where employees thrive, innovation flourishes, and success knows no bounds. As we move forward, our resolve remains unwavering – to continue transforming challenges into opportunities and setting new standards in the realm of HR excellence.

This world can’t give anything for free, We can.
Share knowledge and let’s grow together.