In an interaction with R AnandaKrishnan, Executive VP – HR and IT, TVS Motor elaborates on the evolving dynamics of leadership; the rise in digitization, and in the future, we can expect the surge in demand of the skill sets that are more digitally inclined.

How has the role of leadership evolved and what is the new normal when it comes to leadership expectations?

The role of leadership across industries continues to focus on employee well-being, business continuity, and stakeholder relations. This unprecedented situation comes with no ready playbook and leaders have to rely on their experience and instincts to strategize, plan, and execute the action.  This will also lead to cross-sharing with other companies and devising best practices. The focus will now be on keeping employees motivated to embark on this journey through uncharted territory. Leaders will lead with empathy, ensure transparently, and clear communication, and take measures that will keep employees inspired. Together, the teams have to now innovate to adapt as well as make the best of the new normal. 

How will the HR function evolve with this Pandemic in the long run?  Has the role transformed with this crisis?

These are unprecedented times as the world navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic. People across the world are hit by widespread panic and the stress of social distancing, and lockdowns. When it comes to organizations, employees are grappling with the uncertainty around business continuity, and job security. The role of Human Resources has expanded manifold to combat workplace challenges. HR practitioners are now essaying a variety of roles divided into employee well-being, and evaluating operations to facilitate business. Across the world, HR is monitoring the effective implementation of work from home practices, strategizing guidelines across touchpoints, and addressing factors to create a safe workplace now that operations have resumed.  The role of HR has to also take into account the challenges to mental well-being of employees, and physical well-being. This is in addition to regular employee communication to minimize panic, creation of employee engagement calendar to uplift the spirits, and continuous assurance of job security. 

What are some concepts you have kept in mind to ensure the remote work time is productive and successful?

From a functionality standpoint, we use tools like email, instant messaging, and collaborative conferencing tools. We take into account the bigger picture, and track overall productivity, not moment-by-moment activities. HODs are encouraged to keep an eye out for employee workload, productivity, and employee stress levels, and address concerns as appropriate.  Further, there is clear and consistent communication deployed to the employees through HRConnect. We have also launched a digital platform ‘Spotlight’ which recognises individual employee contribution, and keeps them motivated.

What precautionary measures have you taken for employees after resuming operations? 

Ahead of resuming operations, TVS Motor Company had created a compulsory online module charting hazard warning and personal protection guidelines in the wake of COVID-19.  The objective of the module was to create necessary awareness about safety and precautionary measures to be followed to contain the virus post lockdown.

· Transport: The employees receive travel guidelines for social distancing in both personal as well as company transport.

· Compulsory Masks: Employees have to compulsorily wear masks before leaving their homes, and it is mandatory to wear the same at all times in office premises as well as in transit.

· Entry to Factory Premises: The factory set-up has distance earmarked for social distancing from the gate to the respective work areas. All employees will have mandatory temperature check as well as need to use sanitizers at the entrance of the factory.

·  Safe Work Place:

a) Common TouchPoints: The company has worked towards minimizing the use of common touchpoints with innovations such as foot-operated water dispensers, automatic or elbow triggered hand sanitizers, disabled biometric system etc.

b) Social Distancing: Employees have to compulsorily maintain 1.5-meter distance in common areas such as canteen while walking in plant premises, and climbing stairs. Employees are encouraged to continue utilising collaborative digital platforms for meetings.

c) Work from Home: WFH practice will be the new normal for employees with consultation from managers.

d) Regular Sanitisation: Sanitisation will be undertaken across the factory, and office premises with chemicals approved by WHO and EPA.

e) Medical: Specific guidelines have been shared with employees to address medical emergencies in office premises.

·  Holistic care: Chief Medical Officer (CMO) approved guidelines have been shared with employees to stay safe beyond the workplace.

Going forward, which area do you foresee demand in jobs for the automotive sector?

All jobs in the automotive sector will continue to evolve with time. Speaking specifically of two-wheelers, they are now home to evolving trends such as cloud-based connectivity, ride by wire, light-weighting, electrification of powertrains, electronic fuel injection technology, and safety features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Therefore, companies will have to deliver high-quality riding experience to their customers by harnessing the power of Analytics, Artificial Intelligence(AI), Augmented Reality(AR), and the Internet of Things (IoT), and we foresee demand in the segment.

What are the skillsets required in this new time?

Employees have to continue building requisite skillsets for their field. Moreover, they need to work on their attitude by integrating high focus to ensure exceptional execution. This will help them learn fast, think on their feet, and adapt to the new normal. We strongly believe that the shift to digital will drive further growth opportunities.  Going forward, the skills in demand will be centered around artificial intelligence, machine learning, the internet of things, and similar digital elements.