Preeti Naik | Senior Manager in the HR Centre of Excellence (COE) | Khaitan & Co
Preeti Naik is driven by her intrinsic curiosity about people’s behaviour and the intricate interplay of motives, values, and beliefs in professional settings. This interest motivated her to pursue a career in HR and embark on a relentless pursuit of decoding the complex interplay of human behaviour and organisational dynamics. As a Senior Manager in the HR Centre of Excellence (COE) at Khaitan & Co, she exemplifies the qualities of curiosity and deep engagement in her approach to both life and work.
Decoding the true purpose of HR in the modern work environment
Preeti recognises that HR is not merely about implementing policies but involves a blend of art and science. She says that perspective has only grown in relevance over the past few years as HR increasingly becomes a critical element in strategic discussions at the highest levels of an organisation.
The evolution of the HR landscape in 2024 has provided Preeti with valuable lessons. She observes three fundamental shifts: the rise of technology and AI-driven tools, a heightened focus on employee well-being, and an increased emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). “Overall, the landscape has shifted towards a more adaptive, empathetic, and technology-enabled approach to managing talent,” she notes. This evolving environment underscores the need for HR to align organisational goals with the changing needs of employees, ensuring sustained engagement and performance.
Advocating for HR excellence at Khaitan
In her current role, Preeti leads significant projects within the HR COE, focusing on both process improvement and people development. “Being part of the Centre of Excellence team, I have the opportunity to lead many projects that have had an organisation-wide impact,” she notes. Her work involves conceptualising and ideating solutions and ensuring their effective implementation across the organisation.
One of her notable achievements is the development of a Performance Management System (PMS) and a Promotion Assessment Framework. These initiatives were crucial in modernising the company’s approach to evaluating and promoting talent. “I conceptualised the PMS process and Promotion Assessment Framework keeping in line with the changing paradigms of the industry,” Preeti explains. This framework has enabled the organisation to make more informed decisions regarding promotions and development, enhancing growth and efficiency within its distinct organisational model.
Preeti’s role extends beyond process development to enhancing people’s capabilities. The data-driven processes she has developed assist in assessing performance and identifying candidates for promotion, as well as those needing further development. Her efforts ensure that new methods are not only designed but also implemented effectively, with extensive training and support provided to stakeholders and HR teams. This comprehensive approach is crucial in maintaining the efficacy and alignment of HR practices with the organisation’s objectives.
Bringing innovation to HR
In addressing contemporary HR challenges, Preeti has tackled the complexities of managing a multigenerational workforce. She recognises that differing values, work expectations, and communication styles across generations require tailored strategies. “To address these expectations, we have developed programs that cater to the values of each generation,” she explains. These initiatives include immediate feedback mechanisms for younger employees, tenure-based recognition for older generations, and flexible work policies to accommodate diverse preferences.
Preeti’s proactive approach to crafting a hybrid working policy and developing diverse training methods highlights her commitment to creating a cohesive and inclusive work environment. Her focus on leveraging various communication methods and regularly assessing engagement levels ensures that all generations within the workforce are effectively supported and heard.
Journey with People Matters Are You In The List 2024 Awards, powered by Aon
Participating in the People Matters Are You In The List 2024 Awards, powered by Aon, has been a significant milestone in Preeti’s professional journey. She found the assessment process to be highly insightful, allowing her to identify her strengths and potential for growth. “The competency assessment allowed me to clearly identify my strengths and the areas where I need to focus on,” Preeti reflects. The experience provided her with a detailed report that has guided her development actions, including enhancing her leadership skills and expanding her professional network through engagement in industry events and groups.
Preeti Naik is a dedicated and forward-thinking HR professional whose curiosity and strategic insights drive her success in enhancing HR capabilities at Khaitan & Co. Her commitment to integrating technology, addressing multigenerational workforce challenges, and fostering continuous development underscores her role as a talented HR leader scripting the future of work.
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