Snehankita Bose | Senior Vice President of Human Resources | HSBC
Snehankita Bose has come to understand the real purpose of HR in today’s world. “I’ve realised that HR isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions and creating an environment where people can thrive,” she asserts. This insight guides her daily work and informs her vision for the future of HR.
She is an accomplished leader and currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at HSBC, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping and driving HR strategies that align with the organisation’s overarching goals. With a profound understanding of the intricate relationship between people and organisational success, Snehankita embodies the values of authenticity and purposeful engagement in her work. “HR isn’t just about policies and processes; it’s about shaping the employee experience, fostering collaboration, and driving performance,” she explains, reflecting on her journey in the field.
A passion for people and performance
Snehankita’s career in HR was ignited by a curiosity about the dynamics between individuals and the organisations they serve. Her realisation that effective HR practices can transform workplace cultures led her to pursue a career that fosters environments that empower employees to thrive.
In 2024, Snehankita’s insights into the evolving talent paradigm crystallised into several key learnings. “The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid work models,” she explains, leading organisations to prioritise flexibility, trust, and technology to support collaboration. Additionally, she highlights the increased focus on employee well-being, with mental health support and work-life balance taking centre stage. Snehankita also underscores the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives, which are now considered essential for fostering a culture of belonging.
Her vision for 2025 is clear: “I envision a function that delivers on the organisation’s strategic objectives through creativity in curating bespoke employee propositions, leveraging the power of AI, coaching leaders and employees to drive superior business outcomes, and fostering a culture that makes employees thrive.” This forward-thinking approach underscores her commitment to integrating innovative solutions that enhance the employee experience while driving business success.
Designing agile HR processes at HSBC
Snehankita believes that a fundamental aspect of successful HR leadership is a deep understanding of business dynamics, teams, and employees. Her commitment to enhancing HR capabilities within HSBC is exemplified by her leadership of a gamified initiative designed to encourage HR team members to deepen their business knowledge. “It’s a muscle that each team member collectively developed over time as a discipline,” she describes, highlighting the importance of fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.
This initiative, which included leader talks and business buddy connections, has resulted in a heightened understanding of the business landscape across all levels of the HR team. By equipping her colleagues with the necessary business knowledge and skills, Snehankita enhances the team’s ability to curate solutions that prioritise customer needs—both for the organisation and its employees. “This knowledge assists our team members in understanding the pulse of the business, helping to foster trust and credibility with stakeholders,” she notes.
Managing the expectations of a diverse workforce
Snehankita recognises that one of the most pressing challenges facing HR today is the need to reimagine policies and initiatives in light of the evolving expectations of the younger workforce, particularly Generation Z and younger millennials. “Attracting, engaging, and retaining the gen-next is a key focus area for all,” she asserts, noting that digitally native employees bring unique preferences and expectations to the workplace.
Snehankita has spearheaded in-depth studies to address this challenge, utilising focus groups and benchmarking across industries. Her findings emphasise that the younger workforce is purpose-driven and values wellness, flexibility, and engagement. “I am currently exploring focused interventions to enhance our proposition regarding these elements,” she reveals. A significant achievement in this regard has been the launch of a Reverse Mentoring initiative designed to foster dialogue between C-suite leaders and younger employees, thereby enhancing understanding and engagement.
Reflections from Are You In The List 2024 awards
Snehankita’s participation in the People Matters Are You In The List Awards powered by Aon has proven to be a stimulating experience, providing her with a platform for self-discovery and reflection. “The whole process is holistic and comprehensive, weaving in elements around domain knowledge, cognitive skills, and behavioural aspects,” she notes. The coaching sessions and interactions with esteemed HR leaders have enriched her perspective, allowing her to internalise valuable insights into effective leadership.
She notes that the opportunity to engage with industry stalwarts, particularly during the final jury round, has deepened her understanding of the qualities required in an HR leader. “I learned the art of brevity and the importance of making an impact in as little as 10 minutes,” she reflects, emphasising that the journey has been invaluable regardless of the outcome.
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