What I would have wanted to know before joining HBF

Few people are better placed to answer those questions than Gaye, Member relationship consultant who is celebrating 50 years of service.

Since joining as a Data Entry Clerk in 1976, she has worked across claims, membership, and branch operations, taken on team leader roles, and supported members across multiple branches throughout Perth. Along the way, she has witnessed enormous changes in technology, products, and ways of working but one thing has remained constant: helping members.

So, if candidates could interview HBF, what would someone with five decades of experience want them to know?

What would be the first question you would ask HBF as a candidate today?

I'd want to know whether HBF genuinely looks after its people.

After 50 years here, Gaye believes the answer is yes.

"HBF has been great, offering flexible hours and supporting me during special circumstances to help my family.”

Throughout different stages of life, Gaye has worked full-time, part-time, returned after a short break in service and adapted her working arrangements as her personal circumstances changed.

"Now I'm part-time again... looking after the grandkids and doing grandparent duties."

What has kept you at HBF for 50 years?

When Gaye first entered the workforce, loyalty to an employer was often viewed differently than it is today.

"When I really first started work, it was like, if you got a good job, you kept it."

But it is not just habit that has kept her here.

Looking back, she credits the flexibility, opportunities, and people she has worked with over the years.

"Over 50 years, I've had the chance to learn new skills, work in different roles and meet some wonderful people. Looking back, the flexibility and opportunities I've been given are what have made such a long career possible."

How has HBF supported your career growth?

Gaye's career has been much broader than she expected when she joined as a teenager.

As part of these roles Gaye learnt about memberships, health insurance, and other insurance products, and later stepped into team leader roles.

"During different stages, I have been in a team leader role in our claims department and then in branch level."

It is something she never anticipated when she first started working.

"Probably my younger self would never have thought that I would do that sort of thing."

What has surprised you most about working at HBF?

The pace of change.

Over five decades, Gaye has witnessed enormous shifts in technology and customer expectations.

She started her career using ledger machines and manual processes and is now beginning to use AI-powered tools.

"I started on a ledger machine, which was basically a giant calculator and printer. It was as big as a desk and used punched tape instead of a computer. Fifty years later, I'm learning how to use AI. It's hard to believe how much technology has changed over the course of my career."

What kind of person thrives at HBF?

According to Gaye, people skills are essential.

"You need to enjoy working with people. Every member is different, so being patient, flexible and willing to help goes a long way."

With members coming from all walks of life, empathy and communication make a real difference.

What does helping members mean to you?

For Gaye, some of the most memorable moments are the ones she didn't even realise she was creating.

"I do have a member that comes in all the time and keeps going on about how I helped him so much 20-odd years ago."

Now in their older age, the member still visits and thanks her whenever they see her.

"They keep coming in and telling me how great I was."

Looking back, what would have been helpful to know before you joined?

If she could give her younger self one piece of advice, it would be to be a little more confident.

"Just be open to try different things, I suppose."

Growing up in a different era, Gaye says workplaces were much more hierarchical than they are today.

"You never called the bosses by their first name."

Looking back, she wishes she had backed herself more.

"Maybe be a bit more outspoken."

What would you tell someone considering a career at HBF today?

Gaye's advice is simple:

"If you're prepared to put in the work, there are opportunities to learn, grow and build a long career. Looking back, I've been fortunate to work with great people, develop new skills and be part of an organisation that's supported me through different stages of life."

Over 50 years, her career has taken her in directions she never imagined when she first walked into an office in 1976.

She has learnt new skills, led teams, adapted through huge technological change, and built relationships with members that have lasted decades.

And that is the strongest endorsement she can give. After all, not many people stay with the same organisation for half a century.