From talent management to AI integration, Janhavi Sukhtankar details Lodha's unique HR strategies and practices
Janhavi Sukhtankar, Head of Human Resources at Lodha, recently talked to ET Edge Insights about the company’s methods for hiring new people, its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and how it uses technology in talent management and other HR tasks. Sukhtankar emphasised the correlation between the organisation’s pioneering approaches and its guiding principles, which align with the Lodha Group’s five values.
Innovation
Innovation is at the heart of Lodha’s HR operations, stated Sukhtankar. She discussed two distinct initiatives: the Talent Assessment Champion (TAC) programme and the mentorship programme for new hires. As part of the TAC programme, functional experts and competent managers from a range of roles are chosen to help with hiring and interviewing new employees. This programme offers new employees a dedicated resource for guidance and support during their initial year, resulting in lower attrition rates by creating a sense of comfort and inclusion.
DEI
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are also fundamental to the organisation’s culture, said Sukhtankar stressing that the company’s approach to DEI is organic, aiming to create an environment where all employees feel they belong. This includes embracing diversity of thought and behaviour beyond just focusing on gender or special needs. This inclusive culture naturally enhances the company’s diversity.
Sustainability practices
Sustainability is another core aspect of Lodha’s philosophy, encapsulated in the mantra, “Do good, do well.” Sukhtankar explained that the company’s commitment to doing good extends to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. The HR department plays a significant role in fostering social impact, ensuring that all actions are heartfelt and not merely for compliance.
When talking about technology in HR, Sukhtankar agreed that artificial intelligence (AI) could completely change the hiring process. As an experiment, Lodha is exploring how AI can streamline resume screening and improve the calibre of recruits during the recruitment process. The objective of this exercise is to consistently enhance the recruitment procedure and attract even more exceptional individuals.
