At what point in your life did you decide to take up HR as your career? What were the guiding / motivating factors?

I began my career in sales with Pidilite. As a fresher and placed thru campus, I did not find any support and guidance from my immediate supervisors. During those days I had no clue about the functioning of HR department. That actually motivated and helped realise that HR should be approachable to people and they should have good induction process for the newcomers. No one from HR ever called me and took feedback in my first job. These factors motivated me to take HR practice professionally.

HR is one practice that touches human lives directly. Do you think employers and especially HR Professional can play role in reducing stress levels of employees through various employee engagement initiatives?

This is indeed a very important role of an HR. Organisations are driven by the people and their motives change from time to time.  HR needs to support and be with their employees.  Over the years of experience, I have always made myself available to the employees, listening to their views , opinions, feedback and grievances. One cannot solve all problems but at least s/he can listen carefully. Employees in organization needs honest listeners and HR dept should be the one.

What are some of the most important employee engagement initiatives related to Music, Art, Dance or Sports that you have taken in your career?

I remember we had started guitar classes for our employees. We organise annual events mostly encouraging cultural events in Music and Dance. We have conducted indoor as well as outdoor sports activities as well. Not only for our office have employees, but we also conducted these activities for our outdoor labourers and their families. When it comes to art, we conduct poster, diya, kandil, etc making competitions on various occasions like Republic Day, Diwali, etc. We also have had Crib making competitions during Christmas. I was blessed to have a couple of proactive management trainees who helped in organizing and conducting.

Do you think time and cost for employee engagements are an investment for the organisation and can help in multi-fold returns?

On an average, an employee spends 8 to 10 hours in day in offices. If the work environment is healthy and everyone is engaged in some or the other thing then obviously employees would want to stay. Hence investing in employee engagement activities is very important. Merely having statements on manuals won’t work, there has to be action on the floor to make your office a happening place. Employees should love to come to work. 

Do you feel there is a need even to reach out to the family of employees so that they get better connected to the company? Have you undertaken any such initiative in your past or current organization?

We used to have ‘Family Day’ in our offices where we invited the family members to the office. We made them aware about the organisation this helped to instil a sense of pride amongst families and employees. We have invited the families to our annual events where we felicitate employees in front of their families. We have felicitated the children of our employees who score good marks in their board exams. We have conducted cultural programs where the participants have been the family members of the employees. 

What is the one change that you would like to bring in HR practice that has potential to boost employees work-life balance?

Earlier where I used to work, we had a rule where each employee must have to leave by 6pm during Wednesdays, no staying back and overwork. I also wish to have a 5-day work culture in Pan India.

What are your personal interests in Music, Art, Dance or Sports and how do you continue to pursue it?

I have always been into sports; my father was the Asst secretary of Bihar cricket Association. I have played cricket for state level under 16, under 19 for the state And for Utkal University as well.  I strongly believe that sport brings out discipline in us. Talking about music, yes, I love it. Art is something which I used to do when I was a part of dramatics back in my college days. I also love to sketch.

Any other thoughts you may want to share.

Offices must be a lively place where employees must be given a clear job description. Managers should be encouraging so that everybody achieve goals there should be a positive performance appraisals more to support the employee achieve their KRAs. There should be respect for each individual. A culture of diversity and inclusivity should flourish at workplace.