Author: Dr. Prajjal Saha | HRKatha

Deel, the leading global HR and payroll platform valued at $12 billion, has continued to expand its presence in India, solidifying its position in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. In the past year, Deel’s Indian team has grown by an impressive 45 per cent, with over 12 per cent of its global workforce now operating from India across various functions including sales, partnerships, finance, engineering, and support. Fully remote and distributed across more than 20 cities, Deel’s expansion in India underscores its commitment to supporting Indian businesses in managing international teams. India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, the third largest in…

Akasa Air, India’s rapidly expanding airline, has soared to new heights with the appointment of Sejal Haribhakti Mody as its chief human resources officer (CHRO), effective September 9, 2024. Mody’s strategic leadership will be instrumental in guiding Akasa Air towards its ambitious goal of becoming one of the world’s top 30 airlines by the end of the decade. As CHRO, Sejal will oversee Akasa Air’s organisational transformation, ensuring that its talent strategy aligns with its ambitious growth plans. Her extensive experience in human resources, spanning industries such as FMCG, media, and consulting, will be invaluable in fostering a high-performance culture…

In today’s hyper-connected, fast-evolving workplace, the days of siloed operations are a relic of the past. The modern business environment thrives on cross-functional collaboration—teams of diverse expertise coming together to solve problems, innovate, and drive results. However, while the potential of collaboration is undeniable, its execution is often messy, inconsistent, and far from optimised. This is where the need for a team operating system becomes not just a luxury, but a necessity. Let’s be clear: collaboration isn’t simple. It’s a dynamic, often unpredictable process. In a hybrid world, where some teams are on-site, others remote, and many spread across different…

In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), CEOs are caught in a perplexing predicament. While the technology promises unprecedented growth, it also casts a long shadow of uncertainty over the future of work. The role of a CEO has never been more fraught with complexity. As AI reshapes the business landscape, leaders are grappling with its potential benefits while navigating its risks. From addressing cybersecurity concerns to ensuring ethical AI usage, CEOs face a daunting task. But the most pressing concern for many is the potential impact of AI on their workforce. Recent research has illuminated the worries that occupy…

In the political realm, interim leaders such as Muhammad Yunus, who has recently been appointed to steer Bangladesh through a transitional period, are a common and accepted practice. This trend is now making significant inroads into the corporate world, particularly in the realm of Human Resources. The demand for interim Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) is surging, driven by the increasing recognition of their strategic importance. According to Heidrick & Struggles’ latest Fortune 1000 CHRO Trends report, the demand for interim CHROs saw a staggering 225 per cent year-over-year increase between 2022 and 2023. Remarkably, in just the first half…

In the digital age, where transparency is paramount, a disturbing trend has emerged: the proliferation of ghost jobs. These illusory positions, advertised but never intended to be filled, are becoming a growing menace in the job market. A recent survey revealed that a staggering 81 per cent of recruiters admit their companies post such jobs. In India, an online survey by Business Standard found that 73 per cent of over 1,000 respondents had encountered this troubling phenomenon, a practice that’s increasingly common across industries such as IT services, biotech, marketing, and media. Why do companies engage in this deceptive practice?…

Picture a company ensnared in the cobwebs of its past, its culture as obsolete as a VHS tape in the age of streaming. As the world around it hurtles forward, this company clings desperately to its outdated norms, blind to the dangers of stagnation. Such a company is on a slow march to irrelevance, not because it lacks talent or resources, but because it’s shackled by a culture that no longer serves its purpose. In today’s dynamic environment, companies can’t afford to view their organisational culture as set in stone. Yet, many persist in the belief that the culture they…

Imagine a world-class athlete training tirelessly, their every move meticulously planned. Yet, something is missing. No matter how skilled or dedicated, without a coach, their potential remains untapped. Coaches are the unsung heroes of athletic achievement, guiding athletes to their peak performance. Dan Moore, High-Performance Coach for the British Rowing Men’s Squad, encapsulates this perfectly when he says, “As a leader, it is my role to ensure the team is engaged and working towards a shared goal—getting the boat across the finish line in the best possible time.” Now, consider the corporate world. Would it make sense for employees to…

Taking on the role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) or Chief People Officer (CPO) represents a significant milestone for any HR professional. It’s a role that demands far more than just HR expertise. Think of it as being the quarterback of the people side of the business, orchestrating a complex game with high stakes. The new CHROs must remember that they are no longer just a HR head; they’re a strategic partner to the CEO, a key player in shaping the organisation’s future. This transition requires a seismic shift in mindset. While HR remains their core expertise, it’s not…

While India’s six-medal haul—one silver and five bronze—was a proud, albeit humbling, achievement, the real takeaway for corporate leaders lies in the strategies and mindsets that drive Olympic success. These are lessons that, if embraced, can propel organisations towards their own versions of gold. At first glance, the worlds of Olympic athletes and corporate leaders may seem worlds apart. Yet, they share a fundamental pursuit: high performance. However, high performance is not merely the completion of tasks or the achievement of targets. It is an elevated state of precision, relentless focus, and unyielding improvement—qualities that Olympians exemplify and that corporate…

In our hyper-connected, always-on world, the pressure to be constantly productive has reached a fever pitch. The relentless pursuit of efficiency and productivity has led to a surge in burnout rates, with employees feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected from their work. To combat this epidemic, a counterintuitive approach is gaining traction: slow productivity. A Harvard Business Review study revealed the alarming prevalence of burnout, with 89 per cent of respondents reporting a decline in well-being and 62 per cent experiencing frequent or extreme burnout. The pandemic, with its forced shift to remote work, exacerbated this trend, as the lines between…

For decades, the archetype of a successful leader has been dominated by a larger-than-life persona, characterised by extroversion, charisma, and a commanding presence. However, the evolving dynamics of the workplace are challenging this stereotype, giving rise to a new breed of leader: the quietly confident individual. The traditional leadership model, often associated with the assertive, vocal, and dominant figure, is increasingly being questioned. While these qualities can be valuable in certain contexts, they may not be the sole determinants of effective leadership. The rise of remote work, the increasing diversity of the workforce, and the growing emphasis on collaboration have…

The sudden contraction of a role can feel like a career earthquake. What was once a sprawling landscape of responsibilities is now a confined territory. This shift, often termed ‘scope reduction’, can be a jarring experience, triggering feelings of devaluation and uncertainty. Such a reduction often triggers a cascade of emotions. Feelings of diminished worth are common. An HR manager, once overseeing the entire spectrum of human resources, might find themselves relegated to the training department. It’s a jarring shift that can erode job satisfaction and cast doubt on future career prospects. The psychological toll of such reductions cannot be…

The workforce of tomorrow demands a radical departure from yesterday’s talent management strategies. As organisations grapple with rapid change, skill gaps, and the relentless pursuit of innovation, the solution may lie in a surprising place: employee exchange. Gone are the days of insular talent development. Today, the most forward-thinking organisations are recognising the power of swapping employees. TVS Mobility’s recent partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation to launch the TVS Mobility Mitsubishi Employee Exchange Programme (TMMEEP) is a groundbreaking example. By swapping employees for specialised training, both companies are investing in their future workforce and fostering a culture of continuous learning. But…

The conventional wisdom in HR has long been that retaining employees is more cost-effective than hiring new ones. While this holds true in many cases, it’s a simplistic overgeneralisation that can obscure the complexities of talent management. A global survey by Hudson RPO revealed a sobering truth: even with a 30 per cent pay raise, 44 per cent of employees are unlikely to stay with their current employer. This suggests that financial incentives alone are often insufficient to retain talent. The allure of new opportunities, career growth, and work-life balance often outweigh monetary compensation. Moreover, long-term employees can become complacent,…

The HR technology landscape has transformed from a modest clearing into a dense jungle. Once a realm of basic systems for payroll and attendance, it’s now a sprawling ecosystem of SaaS platforms catering to every conceivable aspect of the employee lifecycle. A recent CB Insights report projects this market to balloon into a $43 billion industry by 2026. Once confined to basic administrative tools, HR technology has evolved into a strategic asset capable of driving business outcomes. The pandemic accelerated this transformation, forcing organisations to rapidly adopt new HR technologies to manage remote workforces, ensure employee well-being, and navigate economic…

The symbiotic relationship between CEOs and CHROs has transcended its traditional boundaries, evolving into a strategic partnership that is reshaping the corporate landscape. No longer confined to administrative tasks, HR has emerged as a pivotal force, driving business growth and innovation. This metamorphosis was catalysed by the pandemic, which thrust HR into the spotlight as organisations grappled with unprecedented challenges. From managing remote workforces to navigating mental health crises, CHROs demonstrated their ability to be strategic partners, not just administrative support functions. The modern CEO recognises that talent is a company’s most valuable asset. The CEO, armed with a visionary…

The corporate world is undergoing a generational shift. As the last of the Baby Boomers, born before 1965, reach retirement age, a power vacuum is emerging. Gen X, those born between 1965 and 1980, is ascending to leadership roles, but not without its share of challenges. For years, the spotlight has been on other generations. Baby Boomers were the visionaries who set the rules. Baby Boomers were the undisputed architects of corporate culture. Their vision and drive shaped industries, and Generation X, often seen as the ‘latchkey kids’, followed in their footsteps. Millennials, the digital natives, have been celebrated for…

The role of the middle manager is undergoing a profound metamorphosis. The middle manager, once a bulwark of corporate hierarchies, is now in the crosshairs of disruptive forces. A perfect storm of automation, organisational restructuring, and evolving workforce expectations is challenging the very existence of this managerial tier. Live Data Technologies paints a stark picture: job cuts targeting middle managers surged by 30 per cent in 2023, up from 20 per cent in 2018. Major corporations such as Bayer and Citigroup are actively eliminating these roles, favouring flatter organisational structures and self-directed teams. The spectre of automation looms large, with…

The antiquated performance management system, a relic of the industrial age, stands as a stark contrast to the dynamic, digital workplace of today. The annual performance review, once a cornerstone of organisational development, has become a bureaucratic burden, devoid of meaning and impact. Gallup’s sobering statistics underscore the crisis: a mere 2 per cent of CHROs from Fortune 500 companies believe their performance management systems inspire employees to improve. The data speaks volumes: employees echo this sentiment, with only one in five reporting that their performance reviews are transparent, fair, or conducive to performance enhancement. This disconnect between leadership and…

The digital age, once hailed as a democratiser of opportunity, has been subverted into a breeding ground for deception. The once innocuous practice of resume embellishment has evolved into a sophisticated, AI-driven manipulation of reality. This phenomenon, dubbed ‘resume fiction’, poses a grave threat to the integrity of the hiring process, undermining the very foundations of fair and effective recruitment. Job seekers, armed with generative AI tools, are crafting digital personas that bear little resemblance to their true capabilities. Gone are the days of subtle exaggerations; today, candidates can fabricate entire work histories, invent skills, and even plagiarise job descriptions…

The tectonic plates of the corporate world are shifting, and HR is at the epicentre of this seismic change. A perfect storm of factors—a volatile economy, the Great Resignation, the rise of AI, and the growing emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B)—is forcing HR departments to reinvent themselves. Historically, HR has been the unsung hero of the corporate world. Today, it’s in the spotlight, under intense scrutiny. Employees demand more than just a paycheck; they seek purpose, growth, and well-being. The challenge for HR is to deliver on these expectations while navigating a complex and rapidly changing landscape.…

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s recent budget unveiled an ambitious blueprint to revitalise India’s workforce. At its core are three innovative employment-linked incentive schemes designed to catalyse job creation, empower workers, and propel economic growth. These initiatives, aligned with the Prime Minister’s broader economic vision, aim to stimulate employment and support both individuals and businesses. While these measures represent a significant step forward, their efficacy hinges on meticulous implementation and the adept navigation of potential challenges. The first scheme, a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) initiative, offers a substantial cash incentive of up to Rs 15,000 to new entrants into the formal…

The corporate world is grappling with a perplexing paradox. Once a cornerstone of progressive business practices, DEI is now under siege. The recent, high-profile decisions by Microsoft and SHRM to drop the ‘E’ from their DEI initiatives are symptomatic of a broader, troubling trend. The narrative has shifted. Equity, once hailed as the cornerstone of creating truly inclusive workplaces, is now being painted as a divisive force. Critics argue that equity equates to preferential treatment, undermining principles of meritocracy. They contend that focusing on equity exacerbates divisions and creates a climate of resentment. This backlash has been amplified by a…

The conventional wisdom has long cast employees as the primary proponents of remote work, while painting managers as defenders of the traditional office. But a seismic shift in perspective is underway. New research is upending this narrative, revealing a surprising truth: it’s managers, not employees, who are most resistant to returning to the office. A recent Gartner study sent shockwaves through the HR community. It revealed that a staggering 33 per cent of executives would consider leaving their current employer if faced with a mandatory return-to-office mandate. In stark contrast, only 19 per cent of non-executives shared this sentiment. This…

The winds of change are sweeping through the workplace, and a new conductor has emerged: GenerativeAI (GenAI). However, anxieties surrounding job displacement paint a dystopian picture. Let’s dispel these concerns and explore how GenAI can orchestrate a magnificent symphony of human and machine collaboration, elevating, not eliminating, jobs. The misconception that GenAI eliminates entire jobs is a discordant note. Jobs are intricate tapestries woven from individual tasks. GenAI will undoubtedly transform these tasks, but it won’t erase the need for human ingenuity. While some tasks are better suited for machines due to their tireless efficiency, others demand the irreplaceable human…