Shreshtha Patnaik | Manager – HR Business Partner (HRBP) | Pidilite Industries Ltd.
Shrestha Patnaik’s journey into HR was fueled by an intrinsic desire to lead and connect with people. Reflecting on her early aspirations, she shares, “Within me, there was always a desire to lead and connect with people. I aspired to be a class monitor, team leader, or group captain. This innate inclination towards leadership and human connection led me to believe that HR was the ideal path for me.”
She is a seasoned HR professional and currently serves as the Manager – HR Business Partner (HRBP) at Pidilite Industries Ltd. With a career spanning over a decade, Shrestha has distinguished herself as a dynamic leader in the field, blending empathy with strategic acumen to drive transformative changes across organisations in diverse industries. This foundational belief has guided her approach throughout her career, where she has demonstrated a commitment to fostering positive organisational cultures.
Championing HR excellence in diverse industries
Shrestha played a pivotal role in establishing the Leadership Academy Model at Vedanta Limited, where she worked as an HRBP for the Aluminium Business. Transitioning to ICICI Bank, Shrestha’s contributions spearheaded the creation of a Recruitment Guidebook aimed at eliminating biases and enhancing compliance in hiring practices. Currently, at Pidilite Industries Ltd., Shrestha’s role as an HRBP involves overseeing organisational restructuring within the R&D functions. This restructuring optimises decision-making processes, reduces attrition, and improves productivity. Shrestha explains the impact of these changes: “By realigning the R&D teams and optimising workflows, we were able to enhance efficiency and innovation within the department.” Her work has led to the successful implementation of new Performance Management Systems (PMS) and career paths, significantly boosting employee engagement and motivation.
Challenges and opportunities for HR
Addressing the pressing issue of talent retention, Shrestha has implemented a comprehensive attrition analysis framework at Pidilite. This approach involves conducting detailed exit interviews, partnering with external consultants, and performing in-depth analyses to identify and address key factors contributing to employee turnover. “Through this detailed analysis, we identify ‘red areas’ within Pidilite—specific departments, verticals, and roles with higher attrition rates,” Shrestha notes. This initiative has already yielded significant results, with a notable reduction in attrition rates across critical areas such as manufacturing and sales.
Reflecting on the evolving landscape of work and HR in 2024, Shrestha highlights the accelerated integration of AI and the demand for greater flexibility in work settings as key trends. She says, “The rapid integration of AI into workflows has heightened the urgency for HR to focus on upskilling and reskilling initiatives, ensuring employees remain competitive and relevant.” This evolving landscape has underscored the need for adaptive HR strategies that accommodate new technological and social dynamics.
Experience with Are You In The List 2024 awards
Shrestha says her participation in the People Matters Are You In The List Awards powered by Aon has further enriched her leadership journey. The assessment parameters used in the evaluation process, including personality and cognitive assessments, have provided valuable insights into her strengths and areas for development. “The comprehensive evaluation process, coupled with opportunities to learn from experienced leaders and benchmark against peers, has given me a deeper understanding of my strengths and areas for growth,” she reflects. This recognition has enhanced her confidence and enabled her to align her efforts more closely with Pidilite’s strategic goals.
Shrestha Patnaik’s work is a testament to the transformative power of empathetic and strategic HR leadership. Her contributions have advanced organisational excellence and exemplified a deep commitment to fostering inclusive and effective work environments. Shrestha’s ongoing dedication to improving talent management and retention continues to drive meaningful change, positioning her as a leading figure in the HR community.
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