Few leaders truly embody the blend of innovation, holistic leadership, and strategic vision that defines modern success. One such leader is Ashwani Prashara, HR Director of Hydrocarbon at Reliance Industries Limited. As a special guest on the first episode of Season 3 of People Matters Unplugged, Prashara offers invaluable insights into building a resilient, agile, and future-ready workforce.
Prashara’s extensive global experience, spanning over 32 years across the entire HR spectrum, provides a blueprint for organisations aiming to attract, retain, and develop top talent in today’s competitive environment. His approach to leadership and talent management is not just about implementing best practices but about fundamentally understanding the dynamics of creating a thriving organisational ecosystem.
According to him, building a strong employer brand transcends traditional marketing efforts. It is about cultivating an organisational environment where employees feel genuinely valued, cared for, and see clear paths for their growth. This environment, meticulously nurtured over time, plays a crucial role in attracting top talent and ensuring that every stage of the employee experience—from recruitment to retention—is thoughtfully crafted and aligned with the company’s values and goals.
Balancing stability and flexibility in organisational structure
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a solid yet flexible organisational structure is essential. Prashara believes that such a structure should provide stability while offering employees the flexibility to adapt to changes and seize new opportunities. This adaptability is particularly crucial during major transformations, such as digital integration and the incorporation of workplace intelligence. The combination of structure and flexibility empowers teams to respond effectively to change, fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.
A key component of Reliance Industries’ approach to employee well-being is the “We Care” initiative, which Prashara passionately discusses. This program, which gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, offers holistic support not just to employees but also to their families. From daily check-ins to vaccination drives and educational support for children, “We Care” epitomises the company’s commitment to the overall well-being of its workforce. Such initiatives strengthen the employer brand, enhance employee loyalty, and position the organisation as a desirable place to work.
For Prashara, the true measure of an organisation’s success in attracting and retaining talent lies in employee advocacy. He notes that employee recommendations and low attrition rates are key metrics for assessing the effectiveness of these strategies. Furthermore, continuous external benchmarking is crucial to ensure that the organisation not only keeps pace with industry standards but also sets new benchmarks for others to follow.
Continuous Talent Management: A strategic imperative
At Reliance, talent management is an ongoing process that involves multiple stakeholders. The company employs learning and talent councils, annual talent reviews, and action-driven plans to identify and fill gaps, ensuring that it remains sustainable and capable of meeting future challenges. This comprehensive approach ensures that the organisation is not just reacting to changes but proactively shaping its future in a way that aligns with its long-term vision and values.
Prashara’s leadership philosophy at Reliance Industries Limited revolves around a forward-thinking approach that emphasises preparing for future skills and building a resilient workforce today. His strategic vision ensures that Reliance is not only equipped to handle current challenges but is also well-prepared for what lies ahead.
Prashara places a strong emphasis on mentorship, particularly with a coaching mindset. At Reliance, mentoring is not just about guiding; it’s about fostering continuous learning and development across all levels. This includes innovative initiatives such as reverse mentoring, where younger employees share their insights with senior leaders, and programs focused on empowering women leaders. These initiatives are crucial in equipping the next generation of leaders to navigate the complexities of the modern business world effectively.
Agility in the face of disruption: A cultural imperative
In a business environment characterised by what Prashara terms as a “tsunami of disruption,” he argues that agility must be embedded in the organisational culture. This agility is driven by constant communication, transparency, and openness. However, Prashara makes it clear that agility cannot be the responsibility of HR alone; it requires the collective effort of the entire organisation. This mindset enables Reliance to adapt quickly, innovate continuously, and maintain a competitive edge. The culture of agility at Reliance, coupled with a commitment to transparency and candid communication, allows the organisation to navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving business landscape effectively.
Communication, according to Prashara, is the cornerstone of effective change management. For any change to be successful, communication must be engaging, transparent, and bidirectional. It’s not enough to simply disseminate information; there must be a genuine connection with employees, addressing their concerns, and ensuring they understand the organisation’s direction and the benefits for them.
Prashara emphasises that technology plays a pivotal role in this process, especially in facilitating digital transformation. By automating routine tasks, technology frees up time and mental resources, enabling leaders and employees to focus on larger, strategic goals that drive the organisation forward.
Prashara’s insights, as shared in the latest episode of People Matters Unplugged, provide a compelling vision for the future of work. His focus on building a strong employer brand, fostering a flexible and supportive organisational structure, and cultivating a culture of agility and continuous learning offers a roadmap for organisations aiming to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world. Under his leadership, Reliance Industries continues to set the standard for excellence in human resource management, demonstrating that with the right approach, any organisation can attract, retain, and develop top talent in the industry.
As People Matters Unplugged Season 3 dives “From Inspiration to Action,” we focus on turning strategic insights into tangible HR outcomes. Stay tuned for episodes that shape the future of work.