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

HR happened to me by chance. I started as a sales professional. I used to sell capital equipment, automobiles and financial products. In 2003, I happen to be in a consulting company. I joined them as a business head to promote their e-recruitment services. Wherever we went the clients were requesting for a bouquet of HR services. That’s where I started taking keen interest in HR. Eventually it turned into my passion and I made the switch to HR. The best part is whatever be the industry HR is all about ‘people’ from scouting for right talent, to learning and development, to talent management, so on and so forth. 

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

Everybody who works for an organisation is primarily focused on earning money because everybody has to work to take care of their families. When one enters the office to work, they should come happily. In order to have such mind-set employee engagement initiatives are a must. One of the key focus areas of HR function should be happy workplaces, leading to motivated employees, increased productivity and reduced stress. An approachable HR team rather than a grievance redressal cell can ensure flow of earnest communication and establish a culture of trust and reduced stress.

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

Art in any form is relaxing, engaging and creates a culture of collaboration. We used to organize inter & intra departmental sports tournaments, salsa classes, zumba fitness sessions etc. for employees. We also organized self-defence sessions for women. These activities were open for all employees.

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

Time and cost for employee engagement is definitely an investment and can lead to multi-fold returns. These investments should be measured as development costs which will translate into increase in productivity, which in turn will contribute to the growth of the organisation. We all work for various clients but for a HR professional, employees are his/her only clients. It’s about having satisfied clientele and effective employee-engagement could be a key tool. 

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?

Indeed it is a very important aspect. We have done such gatherings earlier and also currently we are coming up with an event where we are inviting all employees and their families to be a part of the celebration.

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

Flexi working hours, ongoing assessments rather than year-end assessments, recognition of small achievements can lead to an engaged, happy and productive workforce. The practices have to resonate with employees and at the same time they must not be a burden on the organisation.

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

I am a trained salsa dancer. I have been practicing dancing for last 10 years. At least twice a week I dance my heart out. Salsa is therapeutic for me.

Any other thoughts you may want to share.

Be a people’s person to understand the people. I always believe that you need to be a human first and a resource later. Give that confidence level to employees that HR is approachable to discuss things. Be a good and patient listener, and always get back to the employee when you assure that you will get back. Never leave things unattended not hanging. Always work towards the positive closure of the issue / situation.