HR plays a critical role in navigating a company through periods of rapid growth or change. This is done by ensuring strategic workforce planning, preserving culture, managing change, enhancing leadership, supporting well-being, and aligning policies with business goals.
Through these efforts, HR builds a strong foundation for sustainable success and helps the organization thrive during transitions. Kanika Mathur, Chief People Officer at Atisfy is one such leader who leads the people strategy and operations. She is committed to providing a culture of diversity, inclusion, and empowerment for the employees, and to delivering value and impact for business and growth.
The Transformative Leadership Journey
Kanika comes from a middle-class background and started her career in the technical industry in the 2000s. An accidental assignment turned into a full-time role where she discovered her genuine interest in understanding people, solving problems, and shaping workplace culture.
In 2003, when she joined BHP Billiton as a Team Administrator with a role that blended Admin and HR responsibilities, she realized her passion for Human Resources. Over the past 24 years, with 21 of those years dedicated to HR roles, she has grown into a passionate leader who values empathy, diversity, inclusivity, and equity. Her experience at companies like Schneider Electric, Encore Capital, and Genpact have provided her with invaluable insights into managing human dynamics at the highest levels.
Some of the significant achievements of Kanika Mathur were being part of the global deployment of HRIS, cultural transformation initiative in global organisation, leading creation of CoE for verticals, and championing D,E & I initiatives in the global environment. Navigating through change management, aligning diverse teams with a unified vision, and providing a culture of inclusivity and innovation were pivotal experiences. Leading HR through economic downturns, including the global financial crisis, was a challenging yet defining period for her. Managing HR functions across different geographies has broadened her perspective on the complexities of leading a diverse and dispersed workforce. It has taught her the importance of cultural sensitivity, a global mindset, and the ability to balance local needs with global strategies.
Strategies to Overcome Challenges
As a Chief People Officer (CPO), navigating HR challenges is a critical aspect of Kanika’s role, especially in the fast-paced environment of a tech scaling startup. Here are some of the challenges she has addressed in her career.
1. Scaling Workforce While Preserving Culture
Rapid growth can dilute company culture. Kanika Mathur emphasized cultural alignment in recruitment and onboarding, integrated core values, and implemented a buddy system for new hires. Regular check-ins helped maintain the essence of the organization.
2. Preventing Employee Burnout
The high-pressure environment can lead to burnout. Kanika introduced a holistic well-being approach, including flexible work arrangements, optional leave system and work from home arrangement.
3. Retaining Top Talent
Competitive offers from other companies can be a big challenge. Kanika Mathur focused on creating a supportive environment with competitive compensation, personalized career development plans, and regular stay interviews to address concerns and reinforce employee commitment.
4. Managing Organizational Change
Scaling startups often go through periods of rapid change, whether due to scaling, market shifts, or organizational restructuring. Kanika prioritized transparent communication and developed a change management framework that involved employees in the process, giving them a voice in how changes were implemented. This inclusive approach helped build trust and minimized resistance to change.
5. Integrating HR Technology
Implementing HR technology risks losing the human touch. Kanika Mathur ensured that technology-enhanced, rather than replaced, personal interactions, balancing automation with human oversight in key areas like performance reviews.
Commitment to Employee Growth
Nurturing and retaining top talent is critical for sustaining growth and maintaining a competitive edge. Kanika achieves this by creating an engaging Employee Value Proposition (EVP). She promotes a culture of continuous learning and development. Additionally, she implements Agile Performance Management to enhance productivity. Kanika also encourages a strong sense of ownership and autonomy among employees. She prioritizes employee well-being and work-life balance, recognizing their importance. She also fosters a strong sense of community and purpose within the organization.
To support career growth, Kanika Mathur offers competitive and transparent career pathways. Lastly, she recognizes and rewards excellence to motivate her team. By focusing on these areas, the company creates an environment where top talent is motivated to stay, thrive, and contribute to the company’s ongoing success.
To ensure continuous learning and development for employees at Atisfy, Kanika prioritizes a strategic and multifaceted approach that empowers employees to grow alongside the industry’s advancements.
- By cultivating a culture of lifelong learning, she promotes an environment where continuous education and skill development are integral to the company culture. This is achieved through regular communication from leadership and celebrating learning achievements.
- Kanika Mathur emphasizes tailored development opportunities by recognizing individual career aspirations. Data-driven tools help recommend targeted resources, enhancing employee engagement and retention.
- Kanika utilizes advanced e-learning platforms to provide flexible, on-demand learning opportunities. Employees can access a variety of courses at their convenience, integrating learning into their daily routines. She promotes knowledge sharing through cross-functional projects and workshops, allowing employees to learn from each other’s experiences.
- Kanika Mathur prioritizes emerging leaders by offering mentorship, and creating a culture of continuous feedback that helps employees improve in real-time, supported by regular check-ins and performance reviews. Kanika ensures training programs align with industry developments, preparing employees to meet future challenges effectively.
The Future of HR Practices
The role of HR has undergone profound transformations through ages, evolving significantly. The present need of HR is to move away from being stewards of employment to stewards of work to stewards of humanity, guiding the organizations with a visionary approach that will help to integrate AI and human capabilities more seamlessly. Several emerging trends in HR are set to shape the future of work. These trends reflect the developing needs of the workforce, technological advancements, and the shifting dynamics of the global economy. Some of the impactful trends, according to Kanika are:
Hybrid and Flexible Work Models
The shift to remote and hybrid work is permanent. HR will need to refine policies that balance business needs with employee preferences, enhancing productivity and collaboration.
1. Employee Well-being and Mental Health
There is a growing focus on holistic well-being, particularly mental health. HR must develop comprehensive programs that support work-life balance and foster a culture of openness around mental health.
2. Data-Driven HR and People Analytics
The use of data in HR will increase, enabling informed decision-making and personalized employee experiences. HR professionals will need to enhance their data literacy to implement strategic practices effectively.
3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
DEI will be a critical business strategy. HR must lead initiatives that create inclusive environments and ensure transparency in measuring progress.
4. Upskilling and Reskilling
Continuous learning will be essential as skill requirements evolve. HR will design programs that align with future needs, fostering a culture of ongoing development.
5. AI and Automation
The rise of AI will streamline HR processes while maintaining the human touch. HR leaders must ensure the ethical use of AI and address potential biases.
6. Purpose-Driven Organizations
Employees seek purpose in their work. HR will embed organizational values into the culture, enhancing engagement and retention.
Balancing Technology and Humanity
Balancing HR digitization with the human aspect is essential for enhancing the employee experience. Kanika Mathur approaches this balance by prioritizing people over technology, ensuring that digitization initiatives focus on understanding employee needs and organizational culture. Automating routine tasks, like payroll, allows HR professionals to engage in more meaningful activities, such as career development.
Technology can also provide personalized experiences by creating tailored development programs and learning paths based on individual employee data. Maintaining human connection is vital in a digital-first environment; therefore, digital tools should facilitate communication and collaboration among employees. Establishing continuous feedback loops from employees helps refine HR technologies to better meet workforce needs.
People-Centric Leadership Style
Kanika’s leadership style is people-centric, strategic, and inclusive. It is a blend of empathy and a growth mindset, guided by core values that emphasize integrity, accountability, and innovation. These principles enable her to lead effectively as a Chief People Officer, ensuring that both the organization and its people thrive. She prioritizes open communication, active listening, and empathy, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to contribute and grow. She believes that diversity in thought, background, and experience leads to better decision-making and innovation.
Advice for Aspiring HR Professionals
For aspiring HR professionals who want to make a significant impact in their organization. Kanika Mathur has the following advice,
- Understand the organization’s goals and align HR initiatives to support them. Build relationships with key stakeholders to position HR as a strategic partner.
- Stay updated on industry trends and technologies. Invest in education through certifications and workshops to remain relevant and innovative.
- Develop emotional intelligence to build trust and foster strong relationships. Practice active listening and create a supportive team culture.
- Advocate for inclusive practices and ensure all employees feel valued. Measure and track DEI efforts to hold the organization accountable.
- Leverage data-driven decision-making to enhance HR processes. Get familiar with HR technologies to develop evidence-based strategies.
- Collaborate with leadership to define and communicate core values, ensuring they are integrated into the employee experience.
- Cultivate a growth mindset to navigate challenges effectively. Stay calm and flexible in the face of change.
- Engage with HR communities and seek mentorship to gain insights and support for your career growth.
- And last but not the least, don’t be afraid to fail—it’s an inevitable part of growth and learning. Every setback is a lesson that brings you one step closer to success. However, what’s crucial is how quickly you bounce back. Resilience is key; the faster you rise after a fall, the quicker you’ll be back on track, ready to tackle the next challenge with newfound wisdom. Remember, it’s not the failure that defines you, but how you recover and move forward