HR Movement: 18 Aug, 2023

1.

Former EVP-Infosys, Richard Lobo joins Byju’s

Lobo will play a key role guiding Byju’s leadership in shaping the company's evolution. His focus will be to create a unique work environment. Richard Lobo, a veteran in the field of human resources, and former EVP, Infosys, has been appointed as an exclusive advisor at Byju’s. His mission is to spearhead the transformation of the Indian edtech company’s human resources function. He will spearhead the company’s gamut of human resources and administrative operations, enhancing the company’s talent pool and fostering a conducive culture to drive its success. She will report to Amit Gupta, director, Interface Microsystems. Prior to joining Interface Microsystems, Mehta was associated with RR Kabel, where she spearheaded human resources operations for the consumer product sector. Moreover, she has worked with many companies such as HCL Technologies, Bharti Airtel, S Tel, and Luminous Power Technologies. This strategic maneuver reinforces Byju’s unwavering dedication to cultivating a culture centred around its employees. Lobo’s assignment at Byju’s follows his impressive 23-year journey at Infosys, where he held several leadership positions culminating in his role as EVP and head of human resources. In his new capacity, Lobo assumes an instrumental role in providing strategic guidance to Byju’s leadership, steering the course of organisational evolution. His primary objective is to curate an unparalleled working environment company’s workforce. This initiative harmoniously aligns with commitment to sustainable expansion guided by a people-first philosophy.

 

2.

Vaibhav Raghuvanshi elevated to head – talent & development, Schindler India

Raghuvanshi had joined Schindler as chief of staff in 2021 after moving from Mahindra, where he was HR head, Mahindra Genset Business and Industrial Engineers. Schindler India has elevated Vaibhav Raghuvanshi to the post of head of talent and development. Raghuvanshi had been serving as state head – field operations in West Bengal and Sikkim before that. He had joined Schindler India as chief of staff in 2021, based out of Mumbai. The promotion will see him back in Mumbai heading the HR centres of excellent of talent management, capability building, organisation development , as well as inclusion & diversity for Schindler India. A postgraduate in labour laws and welfare, from Pune University, Raghuvanshi holds a PGDM in human resource management. He served as senior executive HR strategies at the Future Group for two years, before joining Deloitte in 2013. As assistant manager – talent management and organisation development, he dealt with strategic projects, policies, programmes and initiatives implemented at the national level.

 

3.

iD Fresh appoints Megha Latawa as CHRO

Latawa moves from udaan.com, where she was head HR – customer discretionary categories. iD Fresh Food, the fresh food brand has appointed Megha Latawa, as its new chief human resources officer (CHRO). Latawa will oversee HR for the company’s Indian and international markets. Backed by over a decade of experience in HR, Latawa has worked across diverse industries, such as manufacturing, ITS & ITES, retail and e-commerce. Prior to joining iD Fresh, Latawa was heading the human resources function at udaan.com. She had joined udaan.com as HR lead & COE in 2020 and had been elevated to head HR – customer discretionary categories in 2021.

HR News: 18 Aug, 2023

1.

Kerala government staff to get Onam bonuses, allowances

Last year, despite economic difficulties, the government had provided bonuses of Rs 4000, a festive allowance of Rs 2,750, and an advance of Rs 20,000 for Onam. The Kerala government plans to give notable benefits to state government employees in the form of bonuses and allowances, on the occasion of the state festival, Onam. On 14 August, 2023, the Kerala government made ultimately decided to give out bonuses, in spite of its poor financial state, which even drove it to secure a loan of Rs 2000 crore to cover expenses in August. Last year too, the state government had disbursed a bonus of Rs 4000, a festive allowance of Rs 2750, as well as an advance of Rs 20,000 for Onam. In the year 2022, the bonus was given to workers whose cumulative salary, inclusive of dearness allowance (DA), was equal to or less than Rs 35,040. The finance department has proposed a modest elevation of this threshold to Rs 35,640 for the current year. It is important to highlight, however, that the overall count of individuals eligible for the bonus will remain consistent with the figures from the preceding year, ensuring a fair and equitable approach to rewarding the workforce.

 

2.

Marico grants 1,10,700 employee equity shares through ESOP

The face value of each share will be one rupee. Marico has distributed 1,10,700 equity shares to employees via employee stock option plans (ESOP). It has allocated these shares at a face value of one rupee each to its eligible employees. This allocation is part of the company’s ESOP 2016 schemes and has been executed in conformance to the exercise of stock options. The official announcement came through a filing with the stock exchange on 14 August, 2023. Each of the recently allotted equity shares holds a face value of Rs 1. The move has brought about an increase in the company’s ESOP 2016 schemes and has been executed in conformance to the exercise of stock options. The official announcement came through a filing with the stock exchange on 14 August, 2023. Each of the recently allotted equity shares holds a face value of Rs 1. The move has brought about an increase in the company’s paid-up share capital. Prior to the allocation of these equity shares, the company’s share capital consisted of 1,29,32,17,818 equity shares, each valued at Rs 1, that is, Rs 1,29,32,17,818 in total. With this recent allotment, this figure have risen to 1,29,33,28,518 equity shares, again valued at Rs 1 each, totalling to Rs 1,29,33,28,518.

 

3.

International students can work in the UK only after completing graduation

Only those who are pursuing postgraduate courses can take up part-time jobs. Students who are starting their courses in the UK from January 2023, will have to keep in mind the new visa rules that will impact their plans to work, if any. They will not be able to take up any work in the UK or take their dependants to the UK unless the complete their graduation course or are undergoing a postgraduate course or a research programme. This rule will affect innumerable Indian students who pursue part-time jobs in the UK, to be able to afford their fees and accommodation. That means, as per the new visa rules, international students pursuing graduation in UK colleges/universities, will not be allowed to take up jobs before completion of their studies. It is pertinent to mention here that over 1.3 lakh students went from India to study in the UK last year.

HR Learning: 11 Aug, 2023

1.

Oppo-TSSC tie-up to skill youth; 3rd phase of ‘Cyber Sangini’ launched

The smartphone firm has already benefitted over 5,000 women in Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand in the first two phases of the Cyber Sangini programme that aims to spread awareness about cyber security and safety. Oppo India has entered into an agreement with the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC), under which it aims to skill the youth of the country and also give them jobs at its manufacturing units. The Chinese consumer electronics firm is also partnering with the CSC Academy to roll out phase III of its Cyber Sangini Programme, under which it aims to train 2,500 women in Uttar Pradesh, in cyber skills. Phase I and II of the Cyber Sangini Programme has already been implemented in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand, where about 5,000 are benefitting from the training. The three-year long partnership of the smartphone brand with TSSC is expected to upskill and train the youth of the country and create a stronger environment conducive to innovation.

 

2.

Tech Mahindra is upskilling staff, training 8,000 in AI skills

The IT firm is looking at ways to fulfil the demand for generative AI and quantum computing solutions. Clearly, TechMahindra is prepping for the future, and is ensuring that its employees are an integral part of its endeavours to be future ready. Realising the need to invest in cybersecurity, quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to be able to offer ground-breaking solutions and services to its valuable customers, the company is training 8,000 of its employees in these technologies. Foreseeing the demand for and the need to embrace and take advantage of generative AI and quantum computing solutions , the firm has decided to invest in the learning and development of its employees, so that they are upskilled and reskilled.

 

3.

K Raheja Corp launches a women leadership programme

The programme called Sheroes has empowered 23 women leaders in the pilot edition. K Raheja Corp, a real estate company based out of Mumbai, has launched a women leadership programme for its employees. Named Sheroes, the company claims this programme has been a transformative development journey for 24 women employees. These women were handpicked and underwent a 4-month intensive learning journey. These women employees have been selected from all its group companies, which include Mindspace Business Parks, Chalet Hotels, Inorbit Mall, and K Raheja Corp Homes. The programme includes both onsite and offsite training sessions, group coaching, and application-based assignments. The programme was designed by the internal learning and development team. An external consultant was also roped in. Besides, the training sessions were executed by some experienced and specialised trainers, external speakers, and image consultants.

HR Movement: 11 Aug, 2023

1.

Deepti Mehta joins Interface Microsystems as CHRO

Mehta has worked with many companies such as HCL Technologies, Bharti Airtel, S Tel, and Luminous Power Technologies. Interface Microsystems has onboarded Deepti Mehta as its new CHRO, effective immediately. In the new role, Mehta will spearhead the company’s gamut of human resources and administrative operations, enhancing the company’s talent pool and fostering a conducive culture to drive its success. She will report to Amit Gupta, director, Interface Microsystems. Prior to joining Interface Microsystems, Mehta was associated with RR Kabel, where she spearheaded human resources operations for the consumer product sector. Moreover, she has worked with many companies such as HCL Technologies, Bharti Airtel, S Tel, and Luminous Power Technologies.

 

2.

Coca-Cola names Irene Tan as VP-HR for India & Southwest Asia

Irene Tan has taken up the role of vice president – human resources for India and Southwest Asia at Coca-Cola, relocating to India for her new responsibilities. Her immediate priorities will encompass the recruitment of future-ready talent, facilitating performance enablement, and nurturing employee development. Tan has been associated with Coca-Cola since 2012, initially as a talent sourcing consultant for the Asia Pacific region based in Singapore. Subsequently, she relocated to Shanghai and was promoted to the position of lead talent acquisition partner for Greater China and Korea. During her tenure in China, she launched a pioneering

campus recruitment programme for management trainees, emphasising gender and generational diversity within the business.

 

3.

Gaurav Shah joins NDTV as HR head

Shah's association with conglomerates like Reliance, Tata, and Adani enriches his experience and affirms his proficiency in diverse corporate environments. Gaurav Shah has been appointed as the new HR head at NDTV Group, a move that underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing its human resources leadership. Prior to this appointment, Shah was the general manager and senior HR business partner at Adani Enterprises from April 2023. With a distinguished career spanning over 19 years, Shah’s expertise in driving strategic and innovative initiatives aligns with business priorities to foster high-performance culture and engagement.

HR News: 11 Aug, 2023

1.

6% more reservation for most backward castes in Rajasthan

OBCs already enjoy 21% reservation in all state government jobs and education institutions, this additional reservation will give the most backward castes within OBC many more opportunities for education and government jobs. In addition to the 21 per cent reservation that OBCs enjoy in educational institutions and state-government jobs in Rajasthan, six per cent more seats within the Other Backward Classes (OBC) will be reserved for the Most Backward Castes. Rajasthan is readying for a caste census in the state, as revealed by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The most backward castes will be identified by the OBC Commission, which will then submit a report. Also, the Rajsthan government has done away with the requirement of immovable property when it comes to the 10 per cent reservation offered to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category in the State. Therefore, the members of EWS will also benefit more from reservation.

 

2.

Strikes across the world

In LA, city employees protested for better wages and fair labour practices, joining a string of recent strikes, including Hollywood writers. In Mumbai, wet lease bus drivers ended a seven-day strike after talks with the chief minister secured salary hikes and paid leaves. Thousands of Los Angeles city employees embarked on a 24-hour strike demanding higher wages and denouncing alleged unfair labour practices. The strike, organised by SEIU Local 721, encompassed various roles including sanitation workers, lifeguards, and traffic officers. Picket lines emerged early at sites like Los Angeles International Airport, while a substantial rally gathered at City Hall later in the morning. The union claimed that over 11,000 LA city workers participated, including mechanics, engineers, and airport custodians. SEIU Local 721 justified the strike by citing the city’s failure to engage in sincere negotiations and its imposition of labour practices that restricted both employee and union rights. This marks the latest in a series of strikes to impact Los Angeles, with Hollywood writers and actors, hotel workers, and school staff having engaged in protests in recent months. Even southern California ports experienced contract disputes.

 

3.

Canada eases rules for trusted employers to tackle labour shortages

The new programme will make it easier for employers who have a history of following  rules to hire foreign workers. To address labour shortages in certain job sectors, Canada is taking action. The government is launching a programme called the recognised employer pilot (REP) in September. This effort falls within the temporary foreign worker programme (TFWP) and aims to assist employers who consistently abide by the TFWP’s rules. The main goal of the recognised employer pilot is to simplify things for employers who have a history of following the TFWP’s guidelines. These responsible employers will get a special permission called labour market impact assessments (LMIAs). These permissions will be valid for up to 36 months, giving them more flexibility and reducing the need to renew often. Plus, the process to get these permissions will be made simpler, so employers can understand it better.

 

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HR Learning: 5 May, 2023

1.

Deliveroo’s student-internship programme to offer exposure to engineering talent

The interns will be given an opportunity to work at the food-tech firm’s development centre in Hyderabad. Students, fresh out of engineering colleges, will now have an opportunity to intern with Deliveroo, the global food-delivery company. The UK-headquartered company’s first ever paid internship programme for fresh graduates in India will be spread over six months, during which the students will be allowed to work at Deliveroo’s India Development Centre (IDC), in Hyderabad. Through this six-month internship programme, the interns will undergo a specialised learning plan with identified goals and collaboration opportunities. Through this six-month internship programme, the interns will undergo a specialised learning plan with identified goals and collaboration opportunities. 

2.

ChatGPT is dominating different fields – except this profession

Sorry, ChatGPT, looks like you'll have to stick to crunching data instead of numbers for now. But hey, at least you're still making us laugh! Move over, humans! GPT-4, the latest AI sensation from OpenAI, has been making waves with its impressive achievements, from acing the bar exam to nailing 13 out of 15 AP exams.

But when it comes to accounting, it seems like ChatGPT – the original version, at least – still needs some number-crunching practice. In a recent study by researchers at Brigham Young University and 186 other universities, ChatGPT went head-to-head against human accounting students. The ending? Humans took home the trophy.

As ChatGPT continues to skyrocket as the fastest growing tech platform ever, reaching a whopping 100 million users in no time, the debate about its role in education has been heating up.

To shed some light on its potential, lead study author and accounting professor, David Wood, enlisted 327 co-authors from 186 educational institutions in 14 countries. They threw a mind-boggling 25,181 accounting exam questions at ChatGPT, and  recruited Wood's own daughter, Jessica, and some undergrads from BYU to toss another 2,268 textbook test bank questions at the AI bot.  The results were intriguing, but not quite a slam dunk for ChatGPT. While it put up a valiant effort with an overall average score of 47.4%, the human students showed who's boss with an overall average of 76.7%. Ouch, tough luck, ChatGPT!

The AI model did have some shining moments though, acing questions on accounting information systems (AIS) and auditing, and even outperforming the students on 11.3% of the questions. But when it came to tax, financial, and managerial assessments, ChatGPT stumbled a bit, possibly because math isn't its forté.   

3.

Strength-based Approach to Talent Development: What, Why and How

The roadmap to building a high-performance organisation may be to focus on a strengths-based work paradigm. Are you someone who writes down a list of things and always sticks to them? Do you tend to be sceptical until given some proof? Do you always stick to your lane while driving, or do you tend to pick someone to race against? 

These were some of the questions that opened the webinar session on a strengths-based approach to talent development moderated by Puneet Pratap Singh, Regional Director-Research & Analytics, APAC, Gallup. The webinar featured HR industry leaders, including John K. John, Vice President - Learning and Development, Reliance Industries Limited; Krishnan Unni, Chief People Officer, Mega Lifesciences; and Manavi Pathak, Head - Learning and Organizational, Samsung R&D Institute India, as panellists.

Puneet set the context for the discussion on strengths by explaining that "Talent is like a fertile piece of land, a naturally recurring pattern of thought, feelings, or behaviours that can be productively applied. And strengths are the crops that grow from it, representing one’s ability to deliver near-perfect performance in a specific task consistently." 

Video Resource: https://www.youtube.com/live/-F7uQvZo8XE?feature=share