Post-COVID, the hospitality industry recovered faster than expected. Many hotel groups witnessed a strong rebound in the industry and took efforts to further develop their fresh pool of talent to meet the upcoming demand. Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) is also one of them. The Hotel Group has formulated a robust growth plan for the country, aiming to open a new hotel almost every month. “Presently, we have over 110 operational hotels in the country. This year marks a special milestone, as we celebrate Radisson’s 25th anniversary in India. Additionally, we have a robust pipeline of upcoming hotels, with a total…
Author: Radhika Sharma | HRKatha
Frontline employees hold immense importance in furniture and home-décor stores. In fact, at Pepperfry, an online marketplace for furniture and home décor, the frontline team constitutes 55 per cent of the workforce. This workforce handles many significant tasks, with the supply-chain personnel even engaging with customers in various capacities. It is not just the supply chain but many of the other departments in the company that rely heavily on frontline staff. The company’s activation team — which primarily focuses on its retail operations — includes studio managers, home consultants, area managers and regional managers There is also a modular team consisting of design partners…
Want to attract and retain Gen Z? “Be transparent, open and candid”, will be the most common advice employers receive. In today’s competitive job market, companies are increasingly adopting innovative strategies to attract and retain top talent. One such strategy gaining popularity is the implementation of an open salary system. An open compensation system essentially aims to promote transparency by disclosing a designated salary range, based on market standards, for specific job positions. It does not involve making everyone’s individual salary public. Instead, it involves making the salary ranges for specific roles transparent and ensuring that employees within those positions…
Indeed, talent is one thing that ensures the bright future of any organisation. In fact, the right talent can take a company’s future from bright to brighter and brightest. Recognising this need for and the significance of the right skills, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) plans to invest the next two to three years in nurturing and developing its talent base. “MBRDI primarily emphasises on four major trends, referred to as CASE — short for Connected cars, Autonomous driving, Shared mobility, and Electric vehicles. The main focus lies in the areas of connectedness, autonomy and electrification. Therefore, we seek…
As part of the interview process, it is not uncommon for companies to engage in discussions or explore ideas with candidates. However, the ethical considerations and boundaries surrounding the exploration of ideas during interviews have sparked debates. Are companies within their rights to indulge in ‘idea shopping’ during interviews? In some instances, certain skills cannot be adequately assessed from responses to traditional interview questions alone. To gain deeper insights into a candidate’s analytical skills or creativity, companies may feel it is their right to seek ideas and engage candidates in discussions on these topics,” points out Pradyumna Pandey, head-HR, manufacturing,…
Organising teams according to personalities can yield significant benefits for companies and one framework that provides valuable insights into team dynamics is the Belbin Team Role Theory. Developed by Dr Meredith Belbin, this theory identifies nine distinct team roles that individuals tend to adopt within a group setting. By understanding and leveraging these roles, organisations can create well-balanced teams that capitalise on the strengths and mitigate the weaknesses of each team member. Citing the importance of the theory in terms of team building, Kamlesh Dangi, group head-HR, InCred, explains, “The idea behind Belbin’s model is that for a team to…
The nervousness preceding the first round of interview is nothing compared to the anxiety before the second round. And the third? Well, many of us who have been there would remember the restlessness while awaiting the call for the third round and being on tenterhooks before the final round! And who can forget the hours that went into preparation, waiting and meeting the panelists. It requires heavy investment — in terms of time, energy and effort — not only on the part of the candidates, but the interviewers too. While some companies may conduct only one or two rounds of interviews, others may have…
Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) recognises the pivotal role of innovation in promoting a healthy work culture. “One aspect that sets us apart is our work culture and emphasis on employee well-being. As the largest research and development centre of Mercedes-Benz outside of Germany, with a growing workforce, we have established ourselves as a powerhouse for delivering cutting-edge technology and innovation. Our primary focus is to drive the future of sustainable mobility, ensuring high quality, safety and innovation. Our commitment to innovation extends beyond technology and is reflected in our progressive work culture,” points out Mahesh Medhekar, vice president-human…
Lenovo India has integrated new HR technologies in the system for a more strategic business partner role. The company has also fostered an environment of innovation within the organisation. “The integration of HR technology has significantly reshaped the role of HR within Lenovo, elevating it to that of a strategic business partner. As technology handles repetitive tasks and processes, HR professionals are freed from routine administrative work and empowered to add value to the organisation’s core objectives,” points out Bhavya Misra, director and head-HR, Lenovo. The company has ensured that the same technology is available to the employees as to the…
Effective leadership encompasses a wide array of skills and qualities that extend beyond mere professional expertise. While expertise in a specific field is undoubtedly valuable, it is not the sole determinant of leadership excellence. Leadership requires the ability to inspire and influence others, make strategic decisions, foster collaboration and navigate complex challenges. In fact, the most impactful leaders often possess a combination of diverse skills, including emotional intelligence, communication, adaptability and a growth mindset. Does that mean professional expertise is a must for leadership roles? Is it not possible for individuals with average talent to excel as leaders?’ “The importance…
Tata Technologies, a global company in the engineering and product-development domain, has embarked on a transformative journey to enhance gender diversity within its workforce. Realising how important inclusivity and equal opportunities are to achieving this goal, the company has implemented a comprehensive gender-diverse hiring campaign to attract and hire more women engineers. “Recognising the significant value that women bring to the table, we have specifically decided to concentrate on hiring women engineers. Through this campaign, we aim to attract talented women who are innovative and driven to pursue their dreams. We invite them to be a part of Tata Technologies’…
As a company grows and expands its workforce, the need for a robust and effective human resources (HR) function becomes increasingly important. This is because HR plays a vital role in managing and supporting the organisation’s most valuable asset—its employees. From recruitment and onboarding to performance management, employee development and compliance with employment laws, HR professionals ensure that the company attracts and retains top talent while fostering a positive work environment. But how is the exact level of HR support required at different stages of employee growth determined? After all, the specific level of HR personnel required in small businesses…
In the context of fostering a culture of innovation and growth, listening plays a pivotal role in the success of companies. Amdocs recognises this need by actively listening to employees’ opinions and ideas, ensuring their continuous engagement and motivation. By valuing and incorporating the diverse perspectives and voices of its workforce, the organisation cultivates an environment where individuals can make meaningful contributions and create a positive impact on the world. Amdocs embarked on the journey of people centricity three years ago, with listening being a significant component of it. Reetu Raina, VP & global head of talent management, Amdocs, shares,…
Ensuring overall well-being at the workplace is crucial for employee satisfaction, productivity and engagement. By prioritising physical, mental and emotional health, organisations create a supportive environment that fosters employee success, reduces stress and promotes a positive work-life balance, leading to improved overall performance and retention. Taking employee well-being to the next level, GE HealthCare South Asia has implemented HealthAhead, a comprehensive platform focusing on holistic well-being. This global well-being platform has been in operation for over ten years and brings interventions and initiatives throughout the year, specifically tailored for GE Healthcare in India and South Asia. “Starting January 2023, we…
It is observed that leaders who are extroverts often take centre stage. Their extrovert nature makes them gregarious, and capable of asserting themselves. They possess the ability to command a room. However, in the bustling world of teamwork and collaboration, a quiet revolution is underway, challenging the notion that introverts cannot be effective team leaders. Introverts, with their introspective nature, exceptional listening skills and thoughtful decision-making, possess a unique set of qualities that can foster a harmonious and high-performing team. This article aims to shed light on the remarkable traits of introverted leaders, dispel the myth that leadership and introversion…
In today’s rapidly-evolving global landscape, the significance of diversity and inclusion within the workplace cannot be overstated. By embracing and cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce, companies unlock a multitude of benefits, ranging from heightened innovation and creativity to improved decision-making. Following the same footsteps, Siemens, a global powerhouse in technology and engineering, introduced a series of programmes targeted to increase this DE&I approach globally, under ‘The Four-lever Approach.’ Talking about the initiative, Shilpa Kabra Maheshwari, EVP and country head, (people & organisation-HR), Siemens India, shares that Siemens has been discussing the importance of diversity and inclusion for quite some…
Leadership onboarding plays a critical role in the success of organisations by ensuring that newly-appointed leaders are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and support to effectively navigate their roles. As leaders step into positions of authority and influence, they have a profound impact on the direction, culture and performance of their teams. Therefore, it is essential for organisations to prioritise a comprehensive onboarding process specifically tailored to leaders. Here’s how to do it effectively. Set clear expectations: In terms of leadership, what matters beyond the usual practices at various levels is how one establishes expectations. It is crucial to…
While apologising for mistakes is a commendable quality, an excessive tendency to apologise can sabotage the very foundation of strong leadership. Yes, strength and confidence are essential traits in leaders that inspire and motivate teams to achieve greatness. However, overdoing this expression of regret or over-apologising can undermine even the strongest of leaders. How? Here’s how: Diminished authority: Leaders are expected to make tough decisions and steer their teams towards success. However, excessive apologising can undermine their authority. By constantly expressing remorse, leaders inadvertently cast doubt on their judgment, making it challenging to inspire and motivate their followers effectively. Therefore,…
Body doubling, in the context of productivity, refers to the practice of having someone else present while you work on a task or project. This concept originated in the field of psychology and the term was first coined by Patricia Vance in the 1980s. Vance, a cognitive-behavioural therapist, utilised the technique of body doubling to assist individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or executive function difficulties. The idea behind body doubling is to have another physical presence nearby while one is engaging in a task that requires focus and concentration. This other person or ‘body double’ acts as a…
The decision to whether accept a salary cut when offered a new job is a complex and subjective one, influenced by various factors and considerations. Many senior HR leaders feel that the decision requires a careful evaluation of several factors that individuals should take into account while considering a salary cut, along with the potential resistance factors and challenges they may encounter in such situations. The decision to take a salary cut after being laid off is highly personal and depends on people’s situations and financial circumstances. Also, there are many elements to consider beyond just salary. Growth prospects: The…
Kerala is at the forefront among states when it comes to the number of government employees awaiting payment of dearness allowance (DA) arrears. Dearness allowance (DA) is a form of adjustment to the cost of living for public sector employees and pensioners which the government provides to all state employees. While many states have settled their arrears up until the previous year, Kerala, on the other hand, still has pending payments for five instalments spanning 2.5 years. This failure to grant the DA has not only resulted in government employees experiencing a monthly reduction of 15 per cent in their…
A recruitment drive held at ITI Berhampur proved to be a resounding success as 550 students were offered promising job opportunities at Johnson Lift & Escalators. The event spanned two days, during which the campus buzzed with energy and anticipation. The culmination of the drive was marked by the presence of Prof Ashok Kumar Ganguly from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Berhampur, who graced the occasion and played a pivotal role in distributing the much-awaited appointment letters to the deserving students. The campus recruitment drive drew the attention of Johnson’s human resources heads from…
Hiring the right candidate for a position is a critical task that managers undertake to ensure the success and growth of their organisations. In this process, managers often seek individuals who possess an ideal combination of desirable traits, including intelligence and trainability. Intelligent individuals with sharp minds and the ability to grasp complex concepts are highly valued for their problem-solving skills and ability to contribute innovative ideas. Moreover, candidates who exhibit a strong willingness to learn, adapt and develop their skills are often seen as valuable assets. But are these the only traits managers require in candidates? Not really. While…
In today’s competitive business landscape, organisations strive to maintain a high-performance culture, foster growth and maximise productivity. One aspect that plays a crucial role in achieving these objectives is attrition — the natural process of employees leaving and new talent joining an organisation. While attrition is inevitable, the way it is managed can significantly impact an organisation’s success. Positive attrition, also called voluntary attrition, in particular, where individuals willingly choose to leave, holds distinct advantages over involuntary attrition. As Anil Mohanty, senior HR leader, puts it, “If the employees who are not performing up to the mark, walk out voluntarily, it benefits…
Can the CEO of a company also be its food delivery partner? Looks like it is truly possible at Deliveroo. The global food-delivery company’s top management team left the boardroom and chose to drive along with their delivery executives in the bike lane. In an effort to experience the frontline operations, the company has introduced a unique and enjoyable initiative called “We Are Deliveroo”. Executives from the company decided to temporarily set aside their formal attire and hit the streets as delivery riders, bringing tasty meals to hungry customers. Among those who enthusiastically embraced this challenge was Sashi Somavarapu, vice president of…
With a strength of over 1000 employees, The Body Shop is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all its employees. The company believes in creating a happy and engaging environment for all members of its workforce, to bring out the best in them. Satabdee Borah, AVP HR & administration, The Body Shop India, tells us how she makes this happen. Backed by over two decades of experience, Borah leads the people agenda for the company India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal markets. Her expertise being talent management and acquisition, performance management, employee engagement, total rewards, training and…