If one word could define 2024 for businesses, it would be ‘adaptation’. Across industries, organisations faced economic uncertainty, relentless talent shortages, and an accelerated pace of technological disruption. Add to this the evolving expectations of a younger, diverse workforce, and the result was a year that tested resilience, agility, and innovation. Yet, many companies rose to the occasion, crafting new paradigms for the future of work. The lessons learned in 2024 underline a powerful truth: adaptability is not merely a survival strategy but the key to building thriving, equitable, and forward-thinking organisations. As companies gear up for 2025, their strategies…
Author: Radhika Sharma | HRKatha
Leadership at Kellanova—formerly Kellogg’s—is not about titles but mindsets. The organisation’s approach combines bold strategies with nuanced execution to empower employees at every level. This is not merely about preparing for the future; it is about shaping it. Through targeted initiatives, Kellanova has crafted a workplace that values diversity, fosters inclusivity, and nurtures talent, creating a dynamic environment where innovation thrives. Leadership beyond titles At Kellanova, leadership is not confined to the boardroom. The company’s multi-tiered leadership programmes identify potential across all levels, offering bespoke training that blends classroom learning, organisational projects, and personalised coaching. Partnerships with Harvard and INSEAD…
Every groundbreaking idea, product, or movement begins with a daunting reality: a blank page. It is both an opportunity and an obstacle, a space full of potential but paralysed by hesitation. From startup teams tasked with revolutionary innovation to students penning their first creative works, Blank Page Syndrome (BTS) looms large, threatening to stifle creativity and stall progress. Yet, when approached with the right mindset and strategies, this mental block can transform into a powerful catalyst for growth and innovation. Understanding Blank Page Syndrome Blank Page Syndrome is more than writer’s block. It is a psychological freeze, stemming from a…
On a chilly Tuesday morning, Amrita opened an email that would alter the course of her career. The subject line read, “Important Update Regarding Your Employment.” Her heart sank as she read the words confirming her worst fears—she had been laid off. Overwhelmed by a storm of emotions, she turned to social media to vent her frustration. Her post garnered sympathy and comments, but it also raised eyebrows, sparking questions about the best way to handle such news in a hyper-connected world. Layoffs, though an unfortunate reality of modern corporate life, can be emotionally taxing. The impulse to seek solace…
In the rapidly evolving world of FMCG, staying ahead requires more than just a great product. It demands a workforce that embodies an organisation’s ethos and drives its vision forward. At Bikaji Foods International, known for its authentic Indian snacks and sweets, this means crafting an employee value proposition (EVP) as distinctive as its offerings. With over 2,800 employees and a footprint expanding globally, Bikaji is navigating the challenges of growth by blending traditional values with modern HR practices. “We’re rooted in legacy but forward-looking in approach,” says Deepshikha Thakur, Chief People Officer of Bikaji Foods International. From navigating talent…
Marico has always been synonymous with household names such as Parachute, Saffola, and Set Wet—brands that resonate with millions of consumers. But behind its product successes lies an unyielding commitment to culture, one that has shaped the company’s journey from a family-owned enterprise into a global leader. The engine of this transformation is something Marico calls The Marico Way. This guiding ethos fuses inclusivity, innovation, and diversity, creating a workplace culture that aligns seamlessly with the company’s ambitions. “The Marico Way is not a static set of principles,” explains Amit Prakash, CHRO, Marico. “It is a living, breathing framework that…
The accelerating pace of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption is revolutionising industries, upending traditional roles, and challenging the fundamental nature of work. AI’s potential to transform processes and amplify productivity offers unprecedented opportunities but also introduces significant uncertainties. At a recent HRKatha Futurecast discussion, powered by Adecco, industry leaders dissected how organisations can harness AI’s transformative power while addressing the challenges it poses to the workforce. Moderated by Sunil C, country manager at Adecco India, the panel featured industry stalwarts such as Rajita Singh, chief people officer at Kyndryl, and Deepak Dobriyal, SVP, global talent management at Birlasoft. Together, they explored…
In a world dominated by relentless technological change, Newgen, a software and digital transformation leader, is redefining the way organisations prepare their workforce for the future. Through a meticulously designed four-tier talent-development framework, Newgen ensures that employees at every level are equipped to meet evolving industry demands. From fresh graduates to senior leaders, the programme offers tailored opportunities that combine innovation, mentorship, and strategic growth. Building from the ground up: Entry-level engineers The journey begins with Newgen’s first tier—entry-level engineers. Each year, NewGen hires 300–500 graduates from top engineering institutions, focusing on three core domains: product engineering, artificial intelligence (AI)…
Real estate and construction have long been bastions of male dominance. Despite women playing pivotal roles as decision-makers in property purchases, their presence in the workforce remains staggeringly low, hovering around 10-12 per cent. Recognising this disparity, Godrej Properties (GPL), one of India’s leading real-estate developers, has taken bold steps to address gender imbalance. Enter CREW—Collective of Real Estate Women—a pioneering initiative designed to empower women professionals in the sector. Now in its third edition, CREW has evolved from a local programme into a national movement, fostering inclusivity and challenging stereotypes in real estate, construction, and allied fields. Following successful…
By fostering mentorship, prioritising well-being, and creating real opportunities for growth, Pramerica has redefined what it means to empower women in the workplace. This is a story of representation, resilience, and the creation of a culture where women don’t just succeed—they thrive. Over the past two years, Pramerica Life has moved the needle significantly on diversity, increasing the proportion of women in its workforce from 20 per cent to 26 per cent. More notably, 27 per cent of its salesforce is now comprised of women—an achievement in an industry where sales roles are often demanding and male-dominated. “Our diversity needle…
At Magma HDI General Insurance, recruitment is about far more than simply filling positions. It’s about crafting a pipeline of future leaders who will sustain the company’s growth and resilience in the long term. In an industry where experienced hires often come at a high cost and tend to stay for only brief tenures, Magma HDI has redefined its approach with the Step-Up Programme, an initiative that transforms fresh graduates into capable leaders ready to tackle the challenges of the dynamic insurance sector. “Our objective was clear—build longevity and manage costs,” says Anil Kumar, CHRO, Magma HDI General Insurance. “Fresh graduates…
Leadership is as much about vision and strategy as it is about communication. Yet, when that communication falters—especially when it descends into emotional outbursts—the consequences can be far-reaching. This reality was starkly illustrated in a recent incident involving DK Goel, chairman of FIITJEE, a prominent coaching institute. A video of Goel verbally assaulting an employee during a virtual meeting has ignited widespread outrage. The chairman’s furious response to an employee questioning the company’s Rs 142 crore investment devolved into a tirade riddled with expletives and personal insults, even targeting the employee’s family. Beyond the individual incident, the controversy has drawn…
In the bustling offices of Terumo, employees are crafting not just their careers but also the future of healthcare. As a global player in medical devices with roots in Japan, the company thrives on a mission that goes beyond innovation—Contributing to Society through Healthcare. Here, employees aren’t just part of the machinery; they’re the lifeblood of a culture that celebrates growth, autonomy, and care and are addressed as ‘associates.’ Central to this ethos is the philosophy of ‘Advancing healthcare with heart’, a principle that empowers associates to align their personal aspirations with the company’s vision. This is not merely a…
The resignation of Dhiraj Saxena, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Poonawalla Fincorp, citing alleged harassment and unwarranted interventions by the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), has brought executive-level conflicts into sharp focus. Effective December 3, Saxena’s exit underscores the broader ramifications of unresolved disputes among senior leaders, from disrupted IT delivery to diminished team morale and cultural fissures. Such incidents highlight the CEO’s pivotal role as a mediator. Leaders at the helm must anticipate, address, and resolve conflicts before they escalate into organisational crises. A brewing storm Conflicts among CXOs often stem from overlapping responsibilities, undefined boundaries, or clashing visions.…
The internet was abuzz on Monday with a story as shocking as it was bizarre. Yes Madam, a salon-at-home startup founded in 2016, allegedly fired over a hundred employees after they reported feeling stressed in a company-conducted survey designed to gauge workplace well-being. Rather than addressing the underlying causes of stress, the company reportedly weaponised the survey responses to single out employees deemed ‘problematic’. Yes Madam, which competes with Urban Company and others in the home-service sector, had previously secured funding from high-profile investors on Shark Tank India. However, this incident highlights the ethical pitfalls that even innovative startups can…
In today’s workplace, artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous, streamlining workflows, optimising supply chains, personalising customer experiences, and even assisting in critical decision-making. The once-busy hum of human effort has given way to the seamless precision of automation. But while machines have transformed the modern office and factory floor, they bring their own set of vulnerabilities. What happens when the technology falters? AI is not infallible, and the consequences of over-reliance are already evident. Mishaps abound, from software glitches disrupting operations to systems making erroneous decisions. Ravi Mishra, head HR, BITS Pilani, recalls the Y2K crisis of the late 1990s, when…
The corporate world is awash with numbers—sales targets, customer satisfaction scores, employee retention rates. These metrics often form the backbone of decision-making processes, offering clarity and control in a fast-paced environment. Yet, the fundamental drivers of organisational success—the people behind these numbers—cannot always be captured in a tidy row of data. “We cannot always judge a person’s performance or character by the numbers they achieve,” says Rishav Dev, head, Talent Acquisition, Century Plywoods. His observation underscores a growing recognition that traditional performance assessments, grounded in quantitative metrics, can miss the mark. The limit of numbers Consider the plight of a…
At Future Generali India Life Insurance, inclusivity is not a fleeting initiative—it is a deeply rooted principle that guides the organisation’s vision and culture. Spearheaded by Reena Tyagi, chief human resources officer, Future Generali India Life Insurance, the company has made it its mission to go beyond superficial diversity metrics and create an environment where every individual, regardless of their background, can thrive, contribute, and feel valued. “Inclusivity isn’t about ticking boxes,” Tyagi asserts. “It’s about building an environment where ideas flourish, voices are amplified, and aspirations are realised, irrespective of who you are or where you come from.” This…
Fractional leadership, a model where experienced executives take on part-time or interim roles, is gaining momentum as a strategic solution to modern business challenges. While not a novel concept, its structured adoption as a deliberate approach to leadership is reshaping how organisations tackle transitions, fill expertise gaps, and execute targeted initiatives. “Fractional leadership, while seemingly a newer concept, has existed in different forms and substance for a while. It has gained momentum as a unique concept more recently,” observes Venkattesh R, former president, DCB Bank. At its core, fractional leadership addresses pressing organisational challenges by enabling companies to quickly onboard…
Tata Projects has launched a series of upskilling initiatives to empower its workforce and promote sustainable practices in the construction industry. The goal is to enhance workers’ skills, boost their career prospects, and create a pool of skilled talent for the company. These programmes focus on providing workers with specialised training, accredited certifications, and financial support. These initiatives offer workers a chance to become certified construction experts, improving their employability and opening doors to better-paying jobs and career advancement. The comprehensive training combines practical experience with classroom learning to ensure workers develop a well-rounded skill set. Graduates of the programme…
At Godrej Capital, human resources (HR) is no longer a backstage function—it’s the engine driving business outcomes. In a fiercely competitive financial services landscape, the company has redefined HR as a strategic driver of growth, focusing on leadership development, talent retention, and inclusivity to achieve measurable results. “HR is no longer about support—it’s about driving outcomes that directly impact business growth,” says Bhavya Misra, chief human resources officer, Godrej Capital. This mindset has shaped a transformative HR strategy that positions employees as the backbone of the company’s ambitious goals. Recognising that a company’s growth is limited by the development of…
In a world where skills rapidly become obsolete, Apexon, a Goldman Sachs-backed technology services firm, is rewriting the narrative around redundancy. By employing a cutting-edge AI system, the company transforms what could be a setback into a springboard for growth, combining data-driven insights with human-centred strategies. “Skill redundancy isn’t just an operational issue; it’s deeply personal for employees,” says Anand Kabra, chief people and transformation officer, Apexon. With this in mind, Apexon’s proprietary AI goes beyond merely identifying skills that are losing relevance. It actively designs tailored career paths, suggests upskilling opportunities, and fosters meaningful engagement, ensuring employees and the…
A recent study highlights Germany’s growing labour shortage, projecting a potential 10 per cent decline in its workforce by 2040. The country must attract a significant influx of skilled foreign workers to sustain its economy, but challenges remain despite recent reforms to its labour migration laws. As per the study, Germany requires at least 2,88,000 skilled immigrant workers annually to maintain its current workforce of 46.4 million. A more pessimistic scenario estimates that 3,68,000 workers per year may be needed until 2040, slightly tapering off after that. The impending departure of the baby boomer generation from the labour market is…
In the modern workplace, data is no longer a hidden ally —it has become the guiding force steering organisations through the complexities of talent management. Workforce analytics, once considered a supplemental HR tool, now serves as a strategic compass, allowing companies to predict attrition, optimise team performance, and shape a thriving workforce in an increasingly competitive world. “People analytics is not just about crunching numbers; it’s about empowering organisations to address challenges proactively and make informed decisions,” says Vivek Tripathi, VP-HR, Newgen Software. For many companies, this transformation has become the bedrock of their talent strategy. One of the most…
CEAT Tyres, a key player in the RPG Group, is rewriting the narrative in traditionally male-dominated fields such as manufacturing and sales by setting an ambitious goal of achieving 25 per cent gender diversity by 2025. This initiative goes beyond mere representation, focusing instead on empowering women to lead, thrive, and succeed in roles often deemed unconventional. “Diversity has a strong business connection, but more importantly, it’s our way of making the world a better place to live and work in,” says Somraj Roy, CHRO, CEAT Tyres, reflecting the company’s commitment to inclusivity as a core value and strategy. Our…
In the heart of Hyderabad’s tech and healthcare ecosystem, Evernorth Health Services, the pharmacy, care, and benefits solutions arm of Cigna, is taking a bold step forward. The company’s new Global Capability Centre (GCC) is more than just an operational expansion; it’s an opportunity to tap into India’s wealth of talent and innovation. With plans to hire 1,000 employees in its initial phase, Evernorth aims to make this centre a cornerstone of its global operations. “Hyderabad offers the perfect combination of talent, infrastructure, and innovation,” says Yadhu Kishore Nandikolla, HR Director, Evernorth Health Services India. “Our decision to establish a…