“Time To Go Beyond Traditional HR Responsibilities”

Neena Abraham, President-HR, CES Group of companies has over 20 years’ experience in HR with some of the world’s leading IT organisations and has made a mark in strategic business initiatives, workforce development, analytics, project management, stake holder management, communications, Problem solving, organisational change, programme management, recruitment, resourcing, business restructuring, employee relations and other organisational consulting functions.

Since 2018, she is heading the Global HR function as President Human Resources for the group companies of CES. Excerpts:

What drives you?

There are many factors that drives one in professional & personal life. As a woman leader even today one of the biggest factors are about breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. My major motivation is to prove through my work and pave the path for more woman leaders. Simultaneously, my role gives me an opportunity to create a workplace where all employees feel valued and respected, regardless of their gender, race, or other characteristics. I pride on being a people’s person not a manager and constantly strive in contributing to individual life’s by not just motivating them but empowering them to be better professionals and individuals. Finally, in my role, I get to constantly learn, improve my skills, and take on new challenges to ensure smooth functioning of the organisation.

What are the key areas that you intend to focus on for your organisation to run effectively and efficiently?

HR has evolved to be a strategic partner to business and as a leader, I recognise that HR plays a key role in the organisational effectiveness of a company. Over the years I have learnt and understood the areas that truly make a difference in organisational effectiveness are: Return on Value (ROV), Customer Experience, Employee Experience, and Culture. Predominantly my focus happens to be in these four areas. The focus is also on understanding and integrating with the business to drive business performance and key deliverables.

Strategies and techniques that you believe in to solve employees' problems and achieve an organisation's goal?

I think today is the time for us in HR to go beyond handling the usual traditional HR responsibilities—overseeing employee satisfaction, workforce engagement, benefits and compensation, diversity, and the like. To ensure the same here are three activities I think are critical: predicting outcomes, diagnosing problems, and prescribing actions on the people side that will add value to the business. Creating ways to blend business and people acumen should follow. Redesigning career tracks and talent reviews will take the company further still.

How has your organisation helped you in bringing out your best potential?

Executive leadership have been very supportive enabling me to break the Glass ceiling, paving a way for all the other women employees. As a women HR leader getting a seat at the table has been a difficult journey but glass ceiling is more of a systematic issue and not an interpersonal or individual problem. Our organisation has been trying to implement structured systems and practices to break glass ceilings and make space for women.

How is technology enabling women employees in your organisation and also, are there regular trainings provided for constant upgradation?

Our organisation recognises that technology opens up a world of opportunities for women employees, enabling them to work flexibly, remotely, and collaborate more efficiently. We have invested in tools and technology that enables women to work from anywhere, giving them greater flexibility to balance work and family responsibilities.

Training is the key for the growth of the organisation. Online training courses, and e-learning platforms assists especially the women team members to acquire new skills, certifications, at their own pace. Special emphasis is given on Upskilling and Returnship programmes for women.

We strive hard through use of technology and training programmes to help women employees in organizations to overcome barriers, develop new skills, and advance their careers.