"Nurture Local Talent Pools To Drive Organisational Success"

Navigating the intricacies of human resource management (HRM) in a global context requires a delicate balance between uniformity and adaptability. Chandan Chattaraj, President - HR (India & Global) & CHRO, UFlex, explores strategies for effective HR management, innovative solutions to enhance employee engagement, leadership talent identification and development, and advice for aspiring job seekers and young talent in India. 

Excerpts: 

Balancing global consistency with local adaptability in HRM can be challenging. How do you think this can be managed effectively

Companies must employ a multi-modal approach to effectively manage the delicate balance between local adaptability and global uniformity in HR policies. They must prioritise cross-cultural training and initiatives to foster an understanding of cultural diversity among HR professionals and employees. By promoting cultural awareness, companies must ensure that HR practices resonate with local customs and norms, thereby enhancing employee satisfaction and engagement. In addition, companies should emphasise the localisation of recruitment and talent management efforts, recognising the significance of nurturing local talent pools in driving organisational success. This involves leveraging localised recruitment channels, partnering with regional educational institutions, and offering tailored career development opportunities to meet the aspirations of local employees. At UFlex, we place a strong emphasis on compliance with local labor laws and regulations, ensuring that HR practices align with legal requirements in all jurisdictions where the company operates.

With rapid advancements in technology, what innovative HR solutions can be leveraged by companies to enhance employee engagement and retention?

In leveraging advanced technology, companies should enhance employee engagement and retention through out of the box solutions with the help of technology. There must be a platform designed to serve as a central hub for a range of HR functions, offering personalised experiences that include learning management, performance management, career development and access to policies. In recruitment, tools like Taleo can be used in the hiring process, to ensure better alignment between candidates and job roles, thereby leading to enhanced retention rates.            

Could you elaborate on the employee feedback mechanisms that companies should implement to continuously monitor and improve their HR strategies?

We believe and value continuous feedback as a cornerstone of talent management strategy. Companies must implement multiple feedback mechanisms to monitor and enhance their people management initiatives. These mechanisms may include regular employee engagement surveys (both external and internal), town hall meetings, one-on-one discussions between employees and their managers, and skip-level meetings across all plant divisions and locations. Through these channels, valuable insights regarding employee sentiments, concerns, and suggestions are collected. This data-driven approach can empower companies to make informed decisions to continually enhance and refine their HR practices. 

What are some of the unique employee recognition programmes or incentives that companies can implement to reward and motivate their workforce?

To nurture a culture of appreciation and motivation, companies can introduce a range of distinctive employee recognition programmes and incentives. These initiatives can encompass high potential and performer awards, leadership awards and beyond-the-call-of-duty awards for exceptional performances. These efforts must be tailored to resonate with diverse workforce, fostering a sense of value and motivation among employees. At UFlex, we have inculcated a structure which rewards performers and felicitates those who go beyond call of duty.    

Given the importance of strong leadership, how can organisations identify and nurture leadership talent within their organisation?

Identifying and nurturing leadership talent is crucial for achieving organisational success. Companies typically identify potential leaders through performance evaluation, talent review exercises, and feedback from managers. By assessing individual competency gaps, employees receive tailored support to bridge these gaps. Once companies have identified the required competency gaps, they can provide tailored development opportunities, such as leadership development programmes, mentorship initiatives, and coaching to nurture and equip emerging leaders. This competency-based approach enables employees to enhance their competencies, guiding them on a focused learning path aligned with their professional aspirations and the organisation’s evolving requirements.

What advice would you offer to aspiring job seekers and young talent in India? 

For job seekers, it is crucial to adopt an active and multi-faceted approach to career development. They need to focus on continuous learning and skill development to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving job market. It is important to develop both soft skills as well as technical and domain knowledge to chart a successful professional journey. We encourage our employees to participate in networking events where they can gain knowledge by interacting with professionals from other industries. 

It’s important to have an effective resume and LinkedIn profile that highlights your strengths and accomplishments. Before attending interviews, make sure you research the company or organisation where you have applied for a role. Accept feedback positively while maintaining a favorable attitude along with persistence all through your employment search. Such principles will help young individuals navigate the employment landscape.