Making workers smile, the HR way

That human resource managers play a key role in defining the work climate of a company through care programmes meant for the internal customers — the employees — was highlighted at "Radiance-A Learning Symposium" organised by the University Business School (UBS) here on Sunday.

A lively exchange of ideas marked the interaction between the future managers and the alumni of UBS who had been invited to share their experiences in the field of human resource management. The function was addressed by Amar Deepika, GM, HR, Punjab Tractors Ltd, Harshvendra Soin, GM, HR, Bharti Cellular Ltd, Archana Soin, Manager, HR, Glaxo Smith Kline, and Harvinder Singh Sra, Senior Manager, HRD and Personnel, Vardhman Group. Dr P.P. Arya welcomed all on behalf of the UBS.

Amar Deepika dwelt on the need for a manager to adopt rigorous working styles upon entering an organisation. Communication skills and a problem solving approach coupled with vibrancy were essential for managers to shape themselves into team leaders, she felt.

Harshvendra Soin listed the various 'work improvement initiatives', 'care orientation' and 'recruitment and PMS' strategies of his company, among other things. "To relieve the monotony of the workplace, we have a different theme every week for Friday dressing among our employees. It won't be surprising if I conduct a job interview dressed as a freedom fighter on that day!" he quipped in a lighter vein. On a serious note, he commented that though their reward and recognition schemes like 'dil se' and 'spot the hero' had gone a long way in boosting employee morale, the 'work-life balance' was an area that still needed improvement.

Outlining the 'Role of a Manager' in the contemporary world, Archana Soin pointed out that the present trend was that companies were outsourcing a lot of HR functions — like time office and security — and handling only key operations such as performance management, etc. The need of the hour was that managers should play informational, decisional and interpersonal roles, she felt.

Offering advice to the budding managers, Harvinder Sra said, "On joining a new organisation, it is imperative to ask two questions: first, what the organization is all about and, secondly, how you can contribute to it?"

Dr. S.C. Chadha, the placement coordinator, under whose able guidance "Radiance-2005" was organised, proposed the vote of thanks.

— Chetna Keer Banerjee