How does HR help in shaping a work ethos that supports business agility and long-term growth?
AM: The HR function plays a strategic and foundational role in building a workplace culture that enables business agility and long-term sustainability. This is not just about setting policies, about building trust, open communication, and grassroots-level transformation.
In 2002, I joined an Indian MNC in the engineering sector facing serious operational issues and a pending long-term wage settlement. The workplace was tense with an aggressive union stance and fear among employees. The goal was to stabilize the situation and foster a productivity-led culture. I started by engaging with the SBU Head and function leaders, but quickly realized real understanding would only come from the workers. So, I launched a 12-day two-way communication campaign, meeting every employee and union representative personally. I listened to their concerns and clearly explained the need for collective responsibility.
This trust-building effort led to a...
