A Workhuman Referral Journey
Introduction
Employee referrals play an important role in how teams grow here at Workhuman. They reflect trust in both the people we work with and the culture we build together, while giving candidates a real perspective on hiring, onboarding, and day to day collaboration within our engineering environment.
In this Q&A, Rekha, Senior Tech Project Manager in Product Development Operations, and Hareesh, Product Engineering Manager for our Conversations product, share their experience. From a decade long friendship to working together again in Dublin, they discuss why the referral happened, what the hiring journey felt like, and what it has been like collaborating within Product Engineering at Workhuman.
Meet Rekha and Hareesh
Can you introduce yourselves, your roles, and how you know each other?
Rekha
I am a Senior Tech Project Manager with Product Development Operations at Workhuman and will celebrate my first anniversary this April. Before joining, I spent two years at a startup and more than eight years at a multinational in Ireland, where I met my partner in crime, Hareesh. After time apart in our careers, we are now working together again, sharing the same enthusiasm, pride, and, let’s be honest, occasional work gossip.
Hareesh
I am Product Engineering Manager for Conversations and joined Workhuman in October 2025. What makes this story extra special? This month also marks ten years of friendship between Rekha and me. Through career moves, growth, and plenty of inside jokes, we have continued choosing to support each other. Getting the opportunity to work together again makes this chapter especially meaningful.
Why the Referral Happened
What made you think of referring Hareesh, and what gave you confidence recommending Workhuman?
Rekha
When I saw the Product Engineering Manager role open, Hareesh was the first person I thought of. The role aligned with his experience, but more importantly I knew he would thrive in Workhuman’s culture. This is an environment that values advanced technology and genuine human connection. I had seen him lead teams through complex transformations while prioritising people and outcomes. Plus, I was a bit selfish, I also missed working with someone who challenges my thinking and gets my jokes!
What stood out when you first heard about the opportunity?
Hareesh
When Rekha and I discussed the role, several aspects gave me clarity and interest. The engineering structure supported by a platform model, the data driven environment, and the emphasis on recognition aligned with my professional priorities. Learning about the workplace environment in Dublin also helped shape my decision. And yes, the fantastic facilities, free food, drinks, and the gym, to name a few that helped seal the deal, because those perks absolutely count!
The Referral and Hiring Experience
How did the referral process feel and how supported were you throughout?
Hareesh
The referral process felt seamless and professional while still personal. Communication was clear and responsive, and the experience reflected trust in the employee referral programme. I appreciated the opportunity to engage with leaders, share my experience, and understand product direction and vision. Overall, the hiring journey was structured and well-coordinated. A big thank you to Rekha and leaders Michelle Daly, David Burke, Shmulik Barel and Gavin Harper who I met during the process.
Rekha
From my side, I felt a mix of excitement and responsibility. I knew Hareesh would be brilliant, but you still want everything to go smoothly. Watching him navigate the process with his usual grace and expertise reminded me why I referred him in the first place. There is a special kind of pride when someone you believe in gets recognised by others too.
Joining Workhuman
What were your first impressions after joining, and did knowing someone help you settle in?
Hareesh
My first impressions were extremely positive. The team was welcoming, onboarding was organised, and support from both HX and my manager, Divya made settling in smooth. Having Rekha here has been a guiding presence throughout, naturally helping me network, introducing me to colleagues, and creating many great icebreaker moments as I settled in.
What was it like seeing someone you referred join the company?
Rekha
It felt like coming full circle. After years of building our careers separately, we're back at the same table—older, wiser (maybe not sure!), and still finding ways to challenge each other. There is pride involved because referrals reflect mutual trust. But more than that, it's just… nice. Nice to grab coffee together, nice to bounce ideas off someone who truly gets it, nice to have a partner who shares the same work ethic and values.
Working Together Now
Has the referral shaped your working relationship or team experience?
Rekha and Hareesh
We are both part of Product Engineering and even though we don’t collaborate every day, we somehow still manage to push each other, learn from each other, and occasionally blur the line between colleague and friend—strictly in the productive, caffeine powered way. We continue learning from each other and supporting one another professionally. Referrals bring familiarity, trust, and cultural alignment into teams. When someone you recommend thrives, it strengthens collaboration and team dynamics (and yes, you get unofficial bragging rights!)
Reflection
Would you refer someone again?
Rekha
Absolutely! To colleagues thinking about making a referral: trust your instincts. The referral program isn't just about filling roles, but about building a culture where great people attract more great people. And honestly? It's one of the most rewarding things you can do for both your network and your company.
Would you recommend Workhuman to others?
Hareesh
Yes! After more than 20 years in the software industry, I value organisations that maintain strong technical practices while prioritising people, even in fast moving AI era. Workhuman ticks every one of these boxes... with enthusiasm.
In one sentence, how would you describe working here to your network?
Rekha and Hareesh
Working here feels like the perfect blend of cutting edge tech, industry standard excellence, and genuine human connections, with a sense of fun that makes every day worth showing up for.
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