Senior HR practitioner Peter Kirsten helps staff at Stellenbosch University (SU) plan for their future, but when he has a chance to relax, he enjoys watching historical documentaries to glean life lessons from the past.

As we kicked off May commemorating Workers' Day, we dedicate this series of articles to our staff and their important contribution to the University. In the interview below, Kirsten tells us more about his work.

What does your role at SU entail?

As the Senior Human Resources Practitioner for Employee Benefits, I deal with a broad spectrum of clients including staff, retirees, financial service providers, to name a few. I have a duty to ensure staff are up to date with what SU offers as employee benefits and to provide “sound" support to third parties when they specifically focus on retirement planning. I work with a dedicated, motivated and skilled team who handle matters like the passing of a staff member, child or spouse in an appropriate manner.

What does a typical day at work look like?

As our clients' needs determine our day, every day is different and filled with various challenges. Some days you feel in control and most days you are not.

If I had to describe a typical day it would involve numerous queries via email, telephonically or walk-in clients, employee-specific benefit appointments when a client is thinking of leaving service, internal and external meetings to do with processes, as well as protocol and employee benefit related issues.

How did your education or past experiences prepare you for this role? 

I was born and bred in Stellenbosch and my knowledge about the local culture makes my job much easier.

My 20 years at SU has given me the institutional knowledge I need to thrive and grow in my role. Having worked in various sub-divisions in HR, I have the all-round knowledge required to render a holistic service delivery when it comes to employee benefits.

It has also helped to be a trustee on the Board of the Stellenbosch University Retirement Fund for more than six years. I feel honoured to be elected by the members to serve their needs.

What do you enjoy most about your role and working at SU?

Where do I start? Just to mention a few: I love working and interacting with people. I consult daily with mourning families at time of bereavement; happy staff when they retire, are appointed or promoted; and uninformed or confused staff concerned about their employee benefits. A kind word of appreciation afterwards makes everything worthwhile. Especially when a retiree, or any client, contacts me years after our first consultation to express their gratitude for my help.

Tell us something exciting or interesting about yourself that few people would expect?

I love the outdoors, especially when there is a braai or potjiekos involved, and spending time with family and friends. I like to watch historical and educational documentaries, play golf, and have long conversations with my wife and children about day-to-day things.

World history intrigues me. I always want to understand why decisions were made in the past. In a way, I learn from that and apply some of what I learn to my life.

 Photographer: Stefan Els