Kristina Mandic, HR manager at MPC Properties - When we encourage employee initiative, we grow together

Employees are one of the key success factors of MPC Properties. Among the company ranks are colleagues who have been there since the very beginning and who form the backbone of daily business. Together, they are the regional leader in the development, construction and management of modern shopping and business centers, with the longest market experience and expertise.

We talked with Kristina Mandic, HR manager at MPC Properties, about how in the conditions of demand for labor, especially talented ones, they manage to attract and retain quality staff, what the selection of job candidates looks like in this company, but also what her colleagues would say, what MPC Properties is like as an employer.

- As an employer, MPC is fair and strict, when need be. We strive to have satisfied employees in our ranks, whose loyalty and commitment we cherish. We encourage all colleagues to show initiative, to share ideas and thus grow together.

Everyone wants talents in their team, but how to recognize and position them within the organization, in order to realize their full potential?

- When an employee shows exceptional skills, professionalism and a desire for development, "only" the employer's strategic approach remains to realize his full potential. That synergy brings the best results. An individual with a wish and an employer who cares.

For such individuals, it is important to have a development plan, in order to support their growth and improvement. I would emphasize the importance of constructive feedback and providing guidance to talent, helping them overcome obstacles, hone their skills and reach their full potential.

What are the specifics of the HR manager's job in a real estate development company?

- If we take into account the changes that took place in the previous period on a global level, in all spheres of life, it is inevitable that they have reflected on the area of HR. The challenges in our industry are identical to those faced by all my colleagues: identifying, attracting, motivating and retaining the right people, offering appropriate benefits, working daily to develop and maintain a positive corporate culture that supports the company's values. This includes promoting cooperation, teamwork, transparency and mutual respect among employees.

What does a "job interview" look like in your company? What are the key things you pay attention to?

- We are not supporters of strictly designed job interviews, where candidates feel as if they are being questioned. We strive to create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that allows us to get the best version of the candidate, at the given moment. The focus is on the competencies of each candidate, but of course that "something" that each of us brings with us plays an important role, from desire and motivation to hobbies and energy.

Today, people quit their jobs much more easily and find new jobs even more easily, so it is increasingly difficult for employers to find quality staff. How do you deal with this challenge at MPC Properties?

- The modern age, the rapid flow and availability of information, has led to the fact that young people have a greater choice than was the case before. The majority of the company's staff consists of young professionals who, working at MPC Properties, have gained experience that is attractive to the competition on the market. We do our best to keep them the best, providing additional benefits, the possibility of further improvement. I'm not saying it's easy and we always succeed, but that doesn't mean we give up easily. Our large portfolio offers a wide range of opportunities for professional development and upgrading of knowledge and expertise. It is not easy to give up.

Do you organize internships for young staff, or similar projects?

- We are regular participants in the Your First Salary program and we can proudly point out that we have excellent young people in our ranks, who, after completing this program, stayed with the company and turned into its crucial resource. Also, we actively cooperate with several faculties of the University of Belgrade. The plan is to intensify that cooperation, in order for us to enable young people to gain practice in a company that is a regional leader, and simultaneously get the opportunity to hear the voice of new generations.

What is your advice to companies when it comes to the development and management of human resources?

- Make sure the right people are in the right positions and have time to listen to them and provide support when needed. Working in such a system is invaluable and your colleagues will be able to appreciate it.

Balkans Real Estate d.o.o. Beograd

MPC Properties

Kristina Mandic

real estate development

business centers

construction of business centers

construction of shopping centers

workforce