From developing better work models to meaningful reward programs to understanding each and every employee, humanizing the workplace comprises many facets

Samra Rahman, Head of People and Culture, Hero Vired belives that her organisation focuses on how organisations shape an empathetic work environment —from productivity to flexibility, well-being, health, and everything in between, it is essential to listen to all employees. A positive employee experience at a workplace empowers a company to thrive and build a strong work culture. From developing better work models to meaningful reward programs to understanding each and every employee, humanizing the workplace comprises many facets.

1. How would you describe the work culture at Hero Vired?

Hero Vired has a vibrant and energetic environment and it boasts of a lively culture that allows employees to stay motivated and engaged. Our teams are passionate about what they do, and together we strive to make our workplace dynamic and one which encourages personal and professional growth. At Hero Vired, we have established a culture where all ideas are appreciated and applauded. Our team leaders are supportive and caring; and take the time to celebrate every individual’s success.

2. As Hero Vired focuses on healthy work culture, what measures has the company undertaken to promote positive employee experience?

We are strong advocates of an open culture where every individual is empowered to approach senior leadership with their questions and concerns. We believe in minimizing hierarchies and breaking down barriers to facilitate open communication and collaboration. Our teams interact on a daily basis, share ideas and engage in healthy debates without any negative sentiment. We encourage our employees to express their opinions freely and openly, which fosters a culture of trust, respect, and openness. We value diversity and believe that every voice deserves to be heard. At Hero Vired, we strive to create a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and stimulating, where employees can unleash their potential and achieve their career aspirations.

3. How does Hero Vired engage with their employee to enhance employee productivity?

At Hero Vired, we fundamentally believe that when leaders work alongside their team members, growth is inevitable. We understand the importance of collaboration, and we encourage our leaders to work closely with their teams to achieve better results. We believe that our leaders are truly hands-on, and they lead by example. We do not believe in a designation-based hierarchy, instead, we promote a culture where everyone is encouraged to roll up their sleeves and get work done. We believe that this approach fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among our team members, leading to better results and overall success. At Hero Vired, we are committed to creating a workplace culture that values teamwork, innovation, and excellence, and we believe that this is the key to our continued growth and success.

4. Good health is essential for better work productivity. How is the company helping employees in managing workplace stress? What are a few practices considered by the startup to ensure well-being at the workplace?

We understand the importance of a stress-free workplace and promote a culture that values employee well-being. We believe that creating a healthy work environment is essential for employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity. Our company culture is built on transparency, open communication, and trust, which encourages our employees to speak their minds freely and without fear of judgment. We also promote work-life balance by offering flexible schedules, and time-off policies that enable our employees to take a break and recharge when needed. We believe that taking care of our employees' mental and physical health is essential, and we offer a range of wellness initiatives, including yoga, meditation, and celebrations in intervals. At Hero Vired, we are committed to creating a workplace culture that promotes positivity, growth, and employee well-being, and we believe, that this is the key to our continued success.

5. What is the current headcount of the company? Mention a few talent acquisition strategies that Hero Vired has kept in consideration while hiring freshers?

We are proud to be nearly 325 employees strong, and we owe much of our growth to our referral policies. We believe that our employees are our best advocates and that their positive experiences and feedback are the strongest endorsement of our company. Our referral policies encourage our employees to refer their friends and acquaintances to join our team, and we have witnessed a significant uptake as a result. This is a strong affirmation of the quality of our work environment, company culture, and career growth opportunities that we offer. We are grateful for the trust and confidence that our employees have in us, and we remain committed to creating a workplace that fosters excellence, innovation, and employee satisfaction. At Hero Vired, we are always on the lookout for talented individuals who can help us achieve our goals, and we welcome referrals from our employees as well as other sources.

6. How does Hero Vired reduce employee turnover with a strong talent retention strategy along with attracting new talent?

Turnover is evitable when the vision of the employee is not aligned to that of the company. We are meticulous with our efforts to find the reason when an employee decides to part ways. Our efforts include giving space for candid discussions and genuine attempt to address their concerns. As an organization we too understand the value of doing the right thing for the employee. It is our fundamental belief that all our employees are valuable and their reasons of departure whether small or big can be reversed with slight course correction by us. This has helped us retain our talented and skilled employees.

7. What are Hero Vired’s plans to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace in the future?

Our workplace is already remarkably diverse. For us talent is talent regardless of background, preferences or regionality. We appreciate the positive intent of an employee to put in their best show to help Hero Vired achieve its business goals. We do not discriminate and shall never do so. We will always have talent and skill as the core value to hire individuals. We encourage the confluence of different personalities and talent at work which exponentially increases free flow of ideas and a more successful future.

8. What are some common barriers to humanizing the work experience, and how can they be overcome?

Humanizing the work experience is an essential aspect of creating a positive and supportive workplace culture. However, several common barriers can make this a challenging goal to achieve.

One of the most significant barriers is the pressure to prioritize productivity over employee well-being. In many workplaces, there is a culture of overwork and burnout, where employees are expected to work long hours and sacrifice their personal lives for the sake of the company. To overcome this barrier, companies need to prioritize employee well-being by offering benefits such as flexible schedules, time off, and mental health support services.

Another barrier is the presence of a hierarchical and rigid corporate structure. This can create a power dynamic that prevents employees from feeling comfortable speaking their minds or sharing their ideas. To overcome this barrier, companies need to create a culture of open communication and collaboration, where every employee's voice is heard and valued.

A lack of diversity and inclusivity can also be a barrier to humanizing the work experience. Employees from marginalized communities may feel excluded or discriminated against, which can lead to a negative work environment. To overcome this barrier, companies need to prioritize diversity and inclusivity by implementing hiring practices that prioritize diversity, offering training on cultural competency, and creating employee resource groups that celebrate different cultures and identities.

In conclusion, overcoming the barriers to humanizing the work experience requires a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. Companies need to prioritize employee well-being, promote open communication and collaboration, and prioritize diversity and inclusivity to create a positive work environment that values every employee.

9. How can managers and leaders foster a culture of empathy and connection in the workplace?

Managers and leaders can foster a workplace culture of empathy and connection by prioritizing relationships and communication. They can lead by example and demonstrate empathy and connection themselves, actively listening and acknowledging emotions. They should encourage open communication and create a safe space for employees to share their thoughts and feelings. Leaders can also promote team-building activities and encourage collaboration, which can foster a sense of community and belonging. It's important to recognize and celebrate individual contributions, which can create a positive work environment and increase employee satisfaction. By fostering a culture of empathy and connection, managers and leaders can create a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and motivated to do their best work.

10. How can a more human-centered approach to work benefit both individuals and organizations as a whole?

Adopting a more human-centered approach to work can benefit both individuals and organizations. Here are some ways it can do so:

Improved well-being: A more human-centered approach prioritizes employee well-being, leading to improved job satisfaction, reduced stress, and better mental and physical health.

Increased engagement: Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to be engaged in their work and perform at a higher level, leading to increased productivity and better business outcomes.

Openness: A more human-centered approach encourages collaboration, open communication, and creativity, leading to greater innovation and new ideas.

Enhanced reputation: Companies that prioritize employee well-being and a human-centered approach to work can attract and retain top talent, leading to a positive reputation and increased brand loyalty.

Positive impact on society: A human-centered approach to work can lead to positive social impact, as companies prioritize ethical and sustainable business practices and contribute to their communities.

In conclusion, adopting a more human-centered approach to work can benefit individuals by improving well-being and engagement, while benefiting organizations through increased innovation, a positive reputation, and a positive impact on society. It's a win-win approach that can create a better future for everyone involved.