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

I was studying in Stewart College, Cuttack and after doing my Intermediate could notice a mad rush of my friends to get into Engineering colleges and it was life and death situation for many, that made me think how,

1) To convert the potential energy of such aspirants or engineers into kinetic energy.
2) To bring the best out of these talents.
3) To provide and make a  great work environment for millions of professionals.

Even though I secured 1083 rank in JEE but did not opt for engineering. It was always there in my mind to do something different, something unique and something which will make others realise their true potential. It was my passion for People and Talent that made me get into HR by design not by default.

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 can play a major role in reducing stress levels at workplace. Employee friendly wellness initiatives such as flexi-working hours, work from home policy, policies for safety at workplace, policies directed towards creating a women friendly workplace are some initiatives which directly helps in relieving stress in employees. In L&T, I have implemented the DISHA initiative which focuses on the mental wellbeing of employees. Under this initiative, our staff can call psychological experts on the employee hotline and get counselling for free any day, any time. Promoting simple day to day actions and fun at work initiatives also helps in reducing stress at workplace.

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

In Sports, I have done quite a bit of good job. Organising sporting events and most importantly participating in them during my entire career at various projects, regions and all India level. Actively supported Dance and other Art initiatives. Organising and Participating in various Quiz, Debate and toastmaster events are just regular affairs. My next ambition is to promote L&T music Band within the co.

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

Absolutely, returns on employee engagement can be both tangible and intangible. Better engagement results return in the form of greater productivity, less absenteeism and low turnover rates. At the end of the day, potential of natural resources are limited and potential of Human Resources are unlimited.

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?

Family plays a major role in an individual’s life. Organisations can deeply benefit by involving employee’s families in benefit schemes and special initiatives. In L&T, I had launched Employee assistance program – “Disha” to help employees and their families deal with the pressure and stress they might be facing in home or at workplace. The Disha services were made available to employees and their immediate family members. Today in association with TISS through the icall program, we provide confidential advice to employee and their family members when they were stressed, depressed or worried. I started the “Get Well Soon” card concept to reach out to the family of employees when they are hospitalised, our HR colleagues will drop in at their place and personally monitor their wellness and handover the card.

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

When we enter workplace the relationship is symbiotic, we are paid for the work we do and sometimes we are rewarded more when go for that extra mile. Concept of WLB is different for different people, it all depends on the person’s personal choice and appetite. HR can’t be the sole custodian to boost employees WLB. It all depends on the business you have chosen to be in and the culture nature of the business. Choice is yours.

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

I like Punjabi, Bhangra, Indi-pop and Bollywood music. I have exceled in most of the sports. I was the Captain of our college Football, Badminton and Handball team. Represented in many University level competitions. I aspire to win a corporate Golf tournament in future. I am an avid quizzer and still preparing intensely to win a Tata Crucible quiz.  I love biking and aspire to finish with six super bikes in my garage.

Any other thoughts you may want to share.

There's no talent here, this is hard work. This is an obsession. Talent does not exist; we are all equal as human beings. You could be anyone if you put in the time. You will reach the top, and that is that. I am not talented, I am obsessed.” — Conor McGregor