Performance Boosters: Recognising And Rewarding Excellence

In an exclusive conversation with BW People, Neeraj Sharma, vice president- total rewards, Asia Pacific, Synchrony said that the human managers must nurture a culture that prioritises the holistic health of its employees and recognises and rewards their efforts. 

Can you share a few strategies to create a supportive, diverse, and inclusive workplace culture?

Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace necessitates a forward-thinking strategy. Organisations must proactively establish well-defined diversity and inclusion (D&I) policies and effectively communicate them to all employees. Leadership plays a pivotal role by endorsing these policies and fostering an environment that appreciates and respects all perspectives. Additionally, actively seeking to recruit individuals from diverse backgrounds and ensuring equal opportunities for career growth are crucial steps towards achieving this goal.

To achieve this, some of the strategies that can be employed include inclusive hiring practices, diversity training, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), inclusive leadership and transparent communication across the organisation. 

How can organisations leverage transforming technologies to enhance employee experience?

Organizations can leverage technology to enhance employee experience by adopting modern communication tools, such as team messaging platforms and video conferencing software, to ensure seamless collaboration. Technology also plays a vital role in transforming the feedback process into a more personalised and effective one. Utilising specialised feedback tools or AI-powered chatbots enables the collection of valuable feedback and the identification of areas for growth. This personalized approach helps employees feel supported and appreciated for their contributions, fostering a sense of value within the organization.

Leveraging transforming technologies can significantly enhance the employee experience at any organisation. The organisations should look at transforming the traditional methods to digital onboarding, collaboration tools, learning and development platforms, employee feedback systems and personalised employee portals for better employee engagement and experience. 

How can HR professionals design health policies to ensure the physical and mental safety of employees?

We believe HR professionals should offer robust health insurance coverage, including preventive care, mental health services, and access to wellness programmes. Encouraging flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, can promote work-life balance and reduce stress. HR must nurture a culture that prioritises the holistic health of its employees like mental well-being, destigmatizing seeking help, and promoting open communication about overall health.

The well-being of employees is of utmost importance to us, and therefore, we have implemented policies such as comprehensive health insurance, mental health support services, flexible work arrangements and wellness programmes including yoga and fitness sessions. 

What role do employee recognition and rewards play in enhancing employee performance?

Employee recognition and rewards contribute to a positive and fulfilling workplace culture. Several methods can be used to recognise and reward the employees to enhance their performances, including:

Employee Appreciation Programmes: Regularly acknowledging employee contributions, milestones, and achievements reinforces a sense of value and motivates employees to excel.

Peer Recognition: Encouraging peer-to-peer recognition, allowing employees to appreciate each other's efforts and creating a culture of mutual support and camaraderie.

Career Advancement Opportunities: Recognising high performers and offering them opportunities for career growth reinforces their dedication and commitment to the organization.

Employee Awards and Honors: Organising employee award ceremonies to recognise outstanding contributions, inspiring others to strive for excellence.

What is the role of employee benefits in attracting and retaining top talent?

A range of benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off are essential components that demonstrate an employer's commitment to employee welfare. We have curated inclusive and supportive initiatives such as offering gender affirmation surgery and hormone therapy coverage to support employees in their journeys. The company also extends coverage for same-gender and/or domestic partners in its group medical insurance policy, ensuring that all relationships are equally acknowledged and encouraged.

We also provide benefits such as freezing eggs and sperm, as well as surrogacy coverage. These options empower individuals to manage their family planning in alignment with their career and educational pursuits. The maternity plans support employees at all stages of parenthood. Notably, we make sure to include same-gender partners and domestic partners in these benefits. We have also increased coverage limits to specially-abled siblings.