Market View

Adaptive HR in a Dynamic World: Navigating Diversity, Jurisdiction, and the Modern Workforce

Interview with

Pavitha Prabu

HR Director for Global ETO – Europe, Schneider Electric

About Pavitha Prabu

Pavitha Prabu serves as the HR Director for Global ETO – Europe at Schneider Electric, where she oversees HR strategies and performance for over 4,000 employees across more than 15 countries. With over 15 years of strategic HR experience, she is committed to fostering a corporate culture that promotes engagement, motivation, and diversity. Prabu leverages her expertise in HR analytics to optimise people metrics and drive data-driven decision-making, underpinning her role as a key leader in aligning the company's vision and values with its HR practices.

As the work environment evolves, how have your HR strategies, technology, and processes adapted?

The evolving work landscape has prompted a significant overhaul of our HR strategies. Central to this shift is the cultivation of an inclusive culture and the harnessing of technology to facilitate seamless collaboration. We have successfully implemented adaptable and comprehensive work policies, adopted digital collaboration platforms, and delivered extensive diversity and inclusion training. Our primary focus is to foster a strong sense of connection and appreciation within our workforce, thereby promoting a culture of belonging. Furthermore, we are committed to providing accessible professional development opportunities to all employees, regardless of their geographical location. This approach has empowered us to maintain agility and responsiveness in the face of a dynamic global work environment, ensuring our readiness for the future of work. These are indeed exhilarating times for HR, as we stand ready to embrace innovation in order to effectively navigate the evolving work landscape.

With operations spanning multiple jurisdictions, how do you manage the complexities involved?

Managing operations across various jurisdictions involves a careful, nuanced approach. We tackle these complexities by fostering clear and open communication, deepening our cultural awareness, and ensuring our policies are adaptable and sensitive to local norms. This strategic approach was crucial during the pandemic, highlighting our ability to adapt quickly and provide targeted support to our employees worldwide. Our dedication to navigating these challenges with agility and sensitivity has proven essential in maintaining a globally supportive and cohesive work environment.

The modern workforce is notably diverse and decentralised. How do you address these challenges?

Addressing the challenges of a diverse and decentralised workforce by promoting a culture of inclusion is foundational to our HR strategy. We emphasise transparent communication, cultural awareness, and equitable professional development opportunities. Leveraging advanced technology for collaboration and promoting an inclusive workplace culture, we strive to ensure every team member feels valued and empowered. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside flexible work arrangements, enables us to support all employees effectively, fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Can you share how an adaptive HR approach has been crucial in overcoming recent challenges?

HR individuals or teams must be agile and adaptive to support employees, address their concerns, and ensure a productive workforce through any transition. Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic was a recent testament to the importance of an adaptive HR approach. We quickly implemented new policies, expanded mental well-being support, and facilitated the development of new skills for the changed work environment. This adaptability was essential in maintaining employee engagement and productivity, demonstrating our resilience and the effectiveness of our HR strategies in responding to global crises.

How do you anticipate HR management will evolve in the future?

The future of HR is expected to be influenced by rapid technological advancements and shifts in workplace dynamics. Data analytics will have a growing impact on HR decision-making, while digital tools will be increasingly emphasised to bolster employee engagement and performance management. It's crucial to tailor our processes to align with the preferences of the workforce demographics. We need to be agile, embracing new technologies and methodologies to meet their expectations. As performance assessment methodologies move towards more qualitative approaches, this underscores a trend towards valuing individual contributions and continuous learning, positioning us to address the evolving needs of the workforce with innovation and empathy.

How do you ensure your HR platform remains flexible and adaptable to changing business needs?

Maintaining flexibility and adaptability in our HR platform involves continuously evolving our processes and technologies. A significant part of this is aligning with the younger generation's preferences for digital and innovative ways of working. Moreover, our shift towards evaluating impact rather than traditional performance metrics reflects a broader move towards a more inclusive and developmental approach to HR. In an era where each individual's unique skills and backgrounds are valued, the need for formal performance reviews might diminish. This perspective is crucial for fostering an environment where open dialogue and mutual trust prevail, ensuring everyone has the potential to thrive.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric is a global leader in energy management and automation, dedicated to advancing the digital transformation of energy management and automation in homes, buildings, data centres, infrastructure, and industries. With a rich history spanning over 180 years, Schneider Electric is renowned for its deep commitment to providing innovative and sustainable solutions that address efficiency and sustainability challenges. The company operates in over 100 countries, offering integrated efficiency solutions combining energy, automation, and software. In its mission to empower all to make the most of their energy and resources, Schneider Electric leads the digital transformation of energy management and automation, ensuring Life Is On everywhere, for everyone, at every moment.