BSH Home Appliances' resilient talent strategy: Poonam Agarwal

Get valuable insight into HR trends, workforce management, and fostering a growth mindset in this interview with Poonam Agarwal of BSH Home Appliances.

With a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry and Human Resources, and an additional specialization in Labour Laws and Labour Welfare, her expertise spans strategic HR management, talent acquisition and development, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness. In conversation with Poonam, we dive deeper into BSH Home Appliances’ approach to HR management, employee engagement, and fostering an inclusive and growth-oriented culture.

HR practices must evolve to include robust learning and development programs centered on design thinking and cognitive learning, empowering employees to adapt to technological advancements. 

Clear performance metrics, coupled with continuous feedback, foster a high-performance culture (HPC), motivating employees towards excellence and ultimately benefiting consumer satisfaction and organizational success.

Employee engagement and culture play a significant role in fostering a positive work environment. Could you share some initiatives that BSH Home Appliances has implemented to drive engagement and strengthen culture?

At BSH Home Appliances, fostering employee engagement and a positive work culture is paramount. To achieve this, we have implemented several initiatives aimed at driving engagement and strengthening our organizational culture.

This approach fosters an environment where employees feel empowered to share insights, ideas, and concerns, nurturing a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. In addition to communication, we place a strong emphasis on employee well-being by offering comprehensive wellness initiatives. Furthermore, we are committed to supporting career development by providing various opportunities such as learning programs, mentorship, coaching, and support for education and digital certifications.

 With employee wellness as the cornerstone of a thriving organizational culture, can you shed light on the initiatives BSH has in place to support its employees' welfare and provide flexibility?

At BSH, we understand that employee wellness is important to fostering a thriving organizational culture. Keeping this in mind, we have implemented several initiatives aimed at supporting our employees' welfare and providing flexibility to ensure a healthy work-life balance. These programs include resources such as annual health checkups and counseling services, providing our employees with the support they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

How does BSH foster a culture of continuous learning and a growth mindset among its employees?

In addition to formal training programs, we encourage a culture of coaching and mentoring, providing opportunities for employees to learn from experienced professionals and industry experts. The concept of a growth mindset harmonizes seamlessly with BSH's emphasis on cultivating a high-performance culture, where continuous learning and improvement are paramount.

Our unique talent management programs not only identify potential leaders but also provide them with the necessary development opportunities to grow into leadership positions within the organization.

How does BSH promote an inclusive culture, ensuring collaboration and equity across diverse talent?

Through these sessions, we aim to empower our workforce with the knowledge, tools, and perspectives necessary to champion diversity, embrace inclusivity, and foster a culture where every individual feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. In addition to awareness sessions, our inclusive hiring practices ensure a diverse talent pool through bias-free recruitment processes. In closing, as organizations strive to attract and retain top talent,

what advice would you give to HR leaders in building an employer brand that resonates with prospective employees?

This begins with defining a compelling Employer Value Proposition (EVP), highlighting the unique culture, opportunities for growth, and benefits offered by the organization. Investing in employee development, promoting diversity and inclusion, and fostering a positive work environment are key aspects of a strong employer brand. 

By implementing these strategies, HR leaders can create a compelling employer brand that attracts top talent and fosters long-term retention within the organization.

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