In Conversation With Jayanthi Vaidyanathan, Vice President and Head HR, PayPal India

Can you describe your journey in the HR domain and highlight key milestones or experiences that have shaped your career?

My career journey of over 20-plus years in HR hasn't been a straight line – they've been a vibrant jungle gym! Each twist and turn, from Covansys's strategic somersaults to Fidelity’s product experience which exposed and ingrained me with business orientation skills, and Ma Foi's bird's-eye view of HR strategic consulting all added new rungs to my career ladder. Sterling Resorts was an early playground where I discovered my love for building employee havens, and at PayPal India, where I’ve spent 15 years, I get to put that passion and all those learnings to work every day on driving strategic outcomes for the business and amazing experiences for employees. It's all about weaving employee well-being, strategic smarts, and constant improvement into a magic carpet that keeps PayPal India and my learning at an all-time high.

Recent Graduate Program Impact: How has PayPal India's recent Graduate Program proven effective in addressing talent shortages, and what notable impacts or success stories can you share about its contribution to building a robust workforce? 

Our Recent Graduate Program has long been a successful avenue for PayPal to strengthen our talent pipeline and also engage with next-generation talent to spur innovation. The program's efficacy lies in its emphasis on hands-on projects, mentorship opportunities, and curated workshops, creating a dynamic environment that nurtures talent and innovation. In 2023, we actively partnered with 40 colleges across India resulting in an impressive pool of over 25,000 applicants. On average, 70% of talent who participate in PayPal’s Recent Graduate Programme join us full-time as employees in India.

Through this outreach, we’ve also been able to reinforce our diversity across our workforce. We’ve seen the benefits of a multi-generational workforce, as employees from each generation bring unique value through personal experiences and skills.

The impact of our Program extends beyond recruitment; we’re shaping a vibrant community of skilled professionals aligned with PayPal's core values, and reinforcing our position as a leader in the fintech industry.

Fostering Diversity in Tech: Diversity and inclusion are essential in the tech industry. How does PayPal India incorporate diversity into its talent pool through initiatives like the Recent Graduate Program, and what steps are taken to ensure a diverse and inclusive tech workforce?

A diverse workforce comprising individuals with unique backgrounds, experiences and skills is critical to fostering innovation and sustaining competitiveness. By leveraging the insights and creativity of younger professionals, we infuse new energy into teams and contribute to the development and growth of talent in the industry.

We have established leadership principles grounded in core values such as inclusion, innovation, collaboration, and wellness. These principles serve as a common set of expectations for all employees, fostering a culture that celebrates uniqueness and encourages employees to bring their inimitable personalities to work. By actively engaging in mentorship programs, volunteering, and skill-based mentoring, we strengthen collaboration among teams and ensure that diversity is not just a buzzword but a lived reality within our workforce.

Adapting to Tech Evolution: In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, staying current is crucial. How does PayPal India cultivate a culture of continuous learning and upskilling among its workforce to keep them at the forefront of technological advancements?

We embrace a multifaceted approach, offering a diverse range of learning options that allow employees to tailor their development paths to align with individual interests, skills, and competency requirements. In 2022, over 6,200 employees in India actively participated in skilling initiatives, resulting in savings of over 14,000 development days. Our engagement with local fintech players through various platforms such as tech talks, hackathons, guest lectures, and mentorship programs is testament to our commitment to encourage innovation. By providing robust learning opportunities and fostering a collaborative ecosystem, we ensure our workforce is well-equipped to navigate the dynamic tech landscape.

Collaboration with Educational Institutions: Building a strong tech talent pipeline often involves collaboration with educational institutions. Could you elaborate on how PayPal India engages with academia to shape the curriculum or provide mentorship to students, especially those participating in the Recent Graduate Program?

Collaborating with educational institutions is central to our tech talent strategy. We've moved beyond guest lectures – our partnership with ICT Academy's Student Enablement Program redefines the game. This 140-hour journey equips final-year students with not just AI and data skills, but also the professional polish needed to thrive. Our inaugural program empowered 2,500 students, and we aim for 3,400 in this most recent edition, with a focus on women and underprivileged youth. Out of the enrolled students, 70% get placement opportunities.

Our employees actively mentor these future stars, ensuring a seamless transition from textbooks to the real world. It's about co-creating a future where graduates aren't just qualified, but Industry 4.0-ready leaders. We're building this talent pipeline hand-in-hand with academia, because a thriving digital future needs responsible, skilled citizens.

Measuring Success in Talent Development: How does PayPal India measure the success of its talent development initiatives, particularly the Recent Graduate Program? Are there specific metrics or key performance indicators that demonstrate the effectiveness of these programs in nurturing and retaining top-tier tech talent?

We measure the success of our programs through various metrics that encompass factors crucial for nurturing and retaining top-tier tech talent. Firstly, applicant volume and quality are assessed to ensure we have a robust pool of candidates. Diversity and inclusion metrics are monitored to promote a varied and inclusive workforce. Retention rates are closely tracked, providing insights into the program's effectiveness in retaining top talent post-graduation. Employee satisfaction surveys also play a pivotal role in gathering participant feedback, guiding improvements and adjustments.

In addition, the impact and contribution of real projects undertaken by recent graduates are evaluated to gauge their significance for PayPal's business and customers. The participation rates in training workshops and events are monitored as well, along with an assessment of their effectiveness in enhancing the skills and knowledge. By consistently reviewing these metrics, we are able to comprehensively measure the success of these talent development initiatives.

Future Trends in Tech Recruitment: Considering the ever-changing tech landscape, what trends do you foresee in tech recruitment, and how is PayPal India positioning itself to adapt and stay ahead in attracting top talent in the future?

Several trends are emerging that reshape the approach of companies in attracting top talent. Notably, there is a heightened emphasis on diversity and inclusion, recognizing the valuable contribution of people from varied backgrounds. Fintech businesses are actively promoting diversity across gender, ethnicity, and age, aiming to foster a workplace culture that values and leverages differences.

Moreover, a shift towards a more holistic talent management approach is evident, acknowledging that competitive pay alone is not enough to attract and retain exceptional professionals. We are investing in mentorship, leadership development, and training programs to provide employees with a sense of direction, room for growth, and a positive work environment, recognizing these elements as crucial for employee satisfaction and loyalty.

Additionally, the recognition of the pivotal role culture plays in recruitment and retention is a key trend. We are cultivating a strong culture of innovation, collaboration, and experimentation. This not only attracts passionate individuals but also ensures that employees feel valued by the organization, contributing to their long-term commitment.

HR As Business Partners: How do you ensure that HR strategies align with the overall business strategy and contribute to the company's success?

At PayPal, we believe our people are our greatest asset. That's why aligning HR with business goals isn't just a box to tick, it's woven into our DNA. We listen to the pulse of the business, build talent pipelines that fuel ambition, and nurture a culture of innovation where every employee thrives. Through data-driven insights and strategic partnerships, we ensure HR initiatives aren't just supporting, but actively propelling PayPal's journey to redefine financial services.