Diversity Ratio In Leadership Positions Key: Subhadeep Khan, CHRO, BALCO

With an engineering degree, Subhadeep started his professional journey as an Area in charge to oversee plant operations at Vedanta Resources Limited. 16 years back, a day in his shoes meant procurement planning and overseeing logistics in addition to his primary KRA. 

After tasting success in multiple roles within the organisation, Khan made a switch to the HR domain. Initially, he found it difficult to collaborate with fellow HR colleagues as he was considered an outsider to this function. However, his merit and expertise in plant operations made it easy for him to make the smooth transition. From improving the diversity ratio in leadership positions and bolstering employee engagement objectives, Khan took quick and rapid strides as an HR leader.

"I was able to gradually make a mark for myself within my company in the HR function by driving key HR initiatives", he says.

A people manager at heart

Khan exhibited impeccable skills in managing people and resources when it came to crisis management. In his view, the two time-tested strategies of open communication and bottom down approach always work.

When it comes to day-to-day decision-making, he believes in the inclusion of all employees, their ideas, and their perceptions of the business, to make the most informed decisions.

According to Khan, diverse people should be present while making any major decision so that different perspectives can be brought forward while ensuring that all members of the business community feel included and valued.

Talking about his short-term and long-term goals, employee well-being has been an area of focus for Khan.

“Multiple findings indicate that employee mental health is worsening - triggered rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout. This is creating problems at work and has prompted employers to act,” says an empathetic HR leader.

While creating a better employee experience is one of the top priorities for Khan, transforming the HR function with technology has become a daily part of his to-do list. 

On being asked about his long-term vision, the dynamic leader says that his focus is to create more leaders and build a succession pipeline with diversity as a key parameter. Well, if last year’s numbers are anything to go by, Khan seems to be living his vision and empowering people at work as a consequence.