Saranya Jayakumar | Associate Director of Organisation Development | LTIMindtree
Saranya Jayakumar was drawn to HR from an early age. She says, “In my very early years, I always was inclined to become an HR professional as I wanted to use my interpersonal skills in an area where I could best put them to use.” Her career choice was further solidified by her growing understanding of HR’s potential as a catalyst for managing and developing an organisation’s most valuable asset—its people.
Currently, Saranya serves as the Associate Director of Organisation Development at LTIMindtree, where she blends strategic acumen and people skills in her role. Her career trajectory is marked by a profound commitment to leveraging her interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities to enhance organisational effectiveness and employee growth.
Managing change at LTIMindtree
Saranya’s contributions to LTIMindtree have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of organisational change, particularly during a significant merger between the two large entities. Her role in this strategic change management initiative involved defining a new operational framework by thoroughly reviewing and integrating the frameworks of both organisations. She collaborated extensively with various stakeholders, gathering and analysing data to formulate a cohesive roadmap for the merged entity. “I was able to successfully demonstrate competencies that are key to becoming successful,” she notes. This effort involved resolving conflicts, managing difficult conversations, and detailing a comprehensive change management plan.
Another notable achievement in Saranya’s career is her involvement in developing a comprehensive talent framework that addresses the evolving needs of the technology sector. She spearheaded the creation of this framework that provides clarity on career tracks, role definitions, and proficiency levels. “I was part of a transformative journey, designing and creating a talent framework that solved the problem of defining a role for an employee within the organisation,” she explains. This framework has facilitated a clearer understanding of role requirements and empowered employees to identify skill gaps and pursue relevant learning opportunities, enhancing their competencies and delivering greater value to customers.
The role of HR in today’s business environment
Saranya has observed a growing disconnect between employees and organisations over the past few years, exacerbated by the shift towards hybrid work models. She notes, “My top learning from 2024 is that the engagement framework of any organisation needs to be relooked at and really strengthened to ensure that employees feel motivated and have a sense of belonging.” Strengthening online connections and developing engaging learning programmes have become crucial in maintaining employee motivation and connection in this hybrid era.
Saranya’s vision for HR in 2025 underscores her forward-thinking approach: “To remain focused on people, attract talent based on the right skill set, transition, and leverage the AI world in the best possible way.”
Reflections from 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 pivotal experience for Saranya. The assessment parameters tested her theoretical knowledge, analytical capabilities, and practical application of HR concepts. Saranya found the situational judgement tests particularly valuable for evaluating her problem-solving approach. “The situational judgmental test was very apt for me to determine how I would approach certain problem statements or scenarios in the most unbiased manner,” she recalls. The video interview and coaching rounds allowed her to articulate her experiences and learnings effectively, reinforcing her ability to apply and communicate her HR expertise.
The awards process has significantly contributed to Saranya’s leadership journey. “The journey has been extremely fruitful as it helped me look at the bigger picture clearly,” she reflects. Participation in the awards has enhanced her ability to build effective partnerships and foster impactful relationships within the HR domain, setting the stage for further professional growth and organisational impact.
Saranya Jayakumar exemplifies a dedicated and strategic HR leader whose focus on people management, problem-solving, and innovative talent development continues to drive her work. Her commitment to evolving HR practices and enhancing employee engagement underscores her role as a transformative force in the HR landscape.
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