Roshni Durai Rajan | Country HR Head | WSAudiology
Roshni Durai Rajan approaches her life and work with a deep sense of curiosity and wonder. Her decision to pursue a career in Human Resources stemmed from this inclination. “I have always been drawn to roles that require versatility and the ability to wear multiple hats,” Roshni explains. She now serves as the Country HR Head for India at WSAudiology, where her dedication to continuous learning and strategic HR practices has significantly shaped the organisation’s human resources landscape. With a career built on versatility and strategic insight, Roshni personifies the dynamic nature of modern HR leadership.
Choosing HR for its intersectionality
From an early stage, Roshni was drawn to roles that demanded a broad skill set and the ability to manage diverse responsibilities. HR, in her view, is integral to nearly every organisational decision, from setting up new offices to acquiring companies and hiring talent. “Today, HR’s role extends beyond traditional boundaries, becoming pivotal in partnering with executives to drive decisions across various domains,” she asserts. This centrality and dynamic nature of HR are what make it an exciting and fulfilling career choice for her.
In 2024, Roshni’s top learning has been the critical importance of recognising and addressing the diverse perspectives of different generations in the workplace. “My top lesson from 2024 is the critical importance of recognising and addressing the diverse perspectives of different generations in the workplace,” she states. Understanding these generational differences is essential for creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and engaged. This awareness is crucial for fostering a cohesive and dynamic workplace culture that leverages the strengths of all generations.
Aligning HR and business strategy and WSAudiology
As Country HR Head, Roshni is responsible for aligning the HR department with WSAudiology’s vision and goals. “My task is to understand how to evolve the HR department in alignment with our organisation’s vision and goals,” she says. This involves reviewing industry best practices and crafting strategies that deliver a world-class employee experience. Her focus on continuous improvement aims to enhance engagement, satisfaction, and performance across all levels of the organisation.
Roshni’s approach to developing HR capabilities is multifaceted, combining strategic vision with practical execution. Her work in talent management and HRBP has been instrumental in creating work environments where employees can thrive. She has been pivotal in designing and implementing innovative onboarding processes, development programs, and offboarding experiences. Her commitment is evident, “Whether it’s through innovative onboarding processes, implementing development programs, or enhancing offboarding experiences, I strive to ensure that every HR initiative is aligned with the broader organisational goals.”
Finding innovative solutions to complex talent challenges
One of the most pressing challenges facing HR today is establishing and leveraging accountabilities within the organisation to harness HR’s potential fully. Roshni highlights the need for HR to empower people managers and ensure effective use of technology. “The primary challenge for HR today is to establish and leverage accountabilities within the organisation to harness HR’s true potential,” she says. She focuses on developing and investing in people managers, providing them with the tools, development paths, and career support necessary to align with the organisation’s goals. This involves revisiting and revising policies to adapt to a growing and dynamic workforce.
Roshni also addresses the challenge of managing a multigenerational workforce. She recognises the need for HR to drive real change by influencing and empowering managers to take ownership of people-related decisions. “One of the biggest issues in HR today is the need for HR to drive real change by influencing and empowering managers to take ownership of people-related decisions,” she explains. Her approach includes comprehensive training programs that enhance coaching and leadership skills, ensuring managers effectively advocate for their teams. Additionally, she focuses on leveraging new technologies and providing ongoing support to build digital dexterity across the organisation.
A crucial part of her role involves staying updated with industry trends and engaging with thought leaders. Roshni regularly participates in conferences like People Matters TechHR and invests in continuous self-development. These activities have been essential in keeping her strategies fresh and effective. “Engaging with thought leaders, attending conferences like People Matters TechHR, and continuous self-development has been pivotal in keeping my strategies fresh and effective,” she notes. This proactive approach enables her to bring innovative solutions to her organisation, driving significant value and impact.
Experience with 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 an insightful experience for Roshni. The assessment process provided valuable lessons for her leadership development. “The rigorous evaluation criteria challenged me to push my boundaries and reflect on my leadership capabilities,” she notes. The opportunity to network with industry peers and engage in coaching sessions broadened her perspective and inspired her to think creatively about HR initiatives. “Programs like Are You In The List Awards play a crucial role in keeping my personal mantra of continuous learning and development alive,” Roshni asserts. This recognition validates her efforts and motivates her to contribute more significantly to her organisation and the HR community.
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