Suraj Padmanabhan from Thumbay Group received the HR professional of the year (private sector) award at the MENA HR Excellence Awards held at Sofitel The Palm Dubai on May 1st, 2017 as part of the 12th Human Capital Forum.
He was awarded for his exceptional performance in aligning the HR function with the organisation’s strategic direction, promoting a people-centric culture, implementing innovative training programmes and focusing on the overall wellbeing of their people.
Suraj has been repeatedly recognised for his leadership, strategic thinking and results-driven approach to people management.
In this interview, Suraj talks about how he tackled some of the main challenges he faced in the past 12 months.
What are some of the steps you’ve taken as the Talent Acquisition Manager in the past 12 months to ensure talent development and retention within your organisation?
- Recruiting right candidate in the 1st instance
- Refinement of TA policies and procedures based on business excellence model
- Converting candidate to a quality employee through relevant training and development program, career growth planning and consistent engagement programs
- Driving innovation through employees
- Positive candidate experience and engagement – refined MRF forms, post interview feedback, hiring transparency, post placement feedback, equal employment opportunities
- IDP (Individual Development Plan) and CDP (Career Development Plan) alignment with PMS (Performance Management) system
- Internal job posting to encourage internal talent pool and career growth
- Work life balance and happiness initiatives apart from policy changes, designation revision and salary scale up-gradation
What were the main challenges you had to tackle in your way?
- Sourcing the right talent to compete with the global market and rapid expansion of the group
- Sustaining brand relevance and brand image – help potential candidate connect with the brand for their career and join at reasonable salary scale
- Sustaining diversity through identification of the right candidate from different part of the world
What advice would you give to rising HR professionals in the region?
Stay updated and with global practices, be open to change, imply continuous learning and development, take risks & be the game changer.
What do forums like the Human Capital Forum serve to achieve?
These forums provide opportunities to discuss & build resilient workplace, opportunity to discuss the transformation of Human Capital, network building opportunities with like-minded professionals, management and leadership issues are approached with a practical focus, conviction and experience from global leaders.
