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

I moved into HR in 2008 in Corporate Training role as Learning Facilitator and Organizational Development Consultant. I learnt about Dr TV Rao when I joined OD, HR Team; he was an inspiration. Dr Lynda Gratton’s work and research in Organizational Behaviour and Future of Work also motivated and inspired me.

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?

HR is the custodian of culture in an organisation. HR is in a unique role to influence all people related decisions. Analytics play a key role for HR decision making. HR has moved on from Employee Engagement to Employee Experience. HR offers total rewards package to employees and employee well being is part of it.

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

None. I worked in Strategic HR Roles more focussed towards L&D (Learning and Development) and Organizational Capability Building initiatives. Arts, Music, Dance, Sports and other such activities was managed by Employee Clubs.

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

Yes, Employee Engagement initiatives lead to Happiness and Wellbeing.
Employee Engagement has direct impact on Bottomline as per Gallup research and surveys.

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?

I know in Pepsico, Indira Nooyi sent a letter to family of employees, thanking them for all the contributions employee made in the organization. And such recognition from CEO makes a difference

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

I would like HR Leaders to institute Flexi Work and Remote Work, Work from Home policies. Work from Home leads to higher productivity and employees are happy. It is a Win Win for both organization and employees. Millennials want to work for such companies which offer work from home option. Now new tools and digital technologies allows collaboration across borders and geographies and remote working possible.

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

During school and college, I was into sports and had been badminton Champion. I listened to music and fill mandala art patterns as and when I get time. I love to Travel and Trek in Himalayas.

Any other thoughts you may want to share.

Be a life-long learner. Stay Hungry to learn but don’t stay Foolish. Develop unique interests and hobbies. Live Life to the Fullest.