In the IT sector, HR responsibilities often involve a diverse range of functions. This includes establishing efficient processes and systems for task completion, ensuring adherence to working hour regulations, formulating policies for remote or hybrid work, coordinating events, overseeing performance management, creating career advancement paths, upholding the company's employer reputation, and handling various other tasks. Fermion Infotech stands as a distinguished partner, widely recognised for its IT services, outsourcing expertise, data mining capabilities, and innovative business solutions. Their commitment revolves around consistently elevating value for their clients, fostering robust strategic relationships, and establishing a reputable vendor status. Esha Nair, the Chief Human Resource Officer at Fermion Infotech, boasts extensive experience in the industry. She plays a pivotal role in supporting employee well-being and addressing various related issues, serving as a cornerstone for the organization.

During a close-knit interview, Esha provided valuable insights into the industry, offering a transparent view of the organization's operations and outlining her plans.

Walk us through your academic history and the previous industry expertise you bring to the forefront.

I hold a Bachelor's degree, and in addition, I've completed courses in HR mapping, and HR business partnering, and I'm a certified Posh consultant, providing training for companies. I also serve as an external member for a company and conduct training for IC members. Recently, I participated as a panel speaker in a virtual Posh session in Delhi. With 15 years of HR experience, 12 of which were focused on recruitment, I've handled everything from campus recruitment to virtual drives. Currently, I manage payroll and employee engagement activities, contributing to the holistic well-being of the employees. My diverse exposure has equipped me to handle various aspects of HR effectively.

Share your proficiency in recruitment gained throughout the years and the key areas you've honed in this sector.

Over the years, my recruitment expertise has broadened to cover diverse profiles, ranging from those available on Naukri portals to specialized roles like drivers for companies ruling the e-commerce sector requiring vendor references. I've not only handled niche profiles but also mentored teams dealing with such roles. My recruitment experience extends beyond hiring toplevel executives like CEOs and CFOs; I've actively recruited individuals at the grassroots level. Embracing technological advancements, we've implemented online interview platforms for assessing IT profiles, saving time in the hiring process. Additionally, I've successfully conducted campus recruitments to attract promising students. The dynamic nature of recruitment, whether organizing in-house drives or engaging with candidates during campus recruitments, remains a rewarding aspect of my career. Even today, given the opportunity, I'm enthusiastic about making phone calls and sourcing profiles for any disclosed position.

Provide an overview of Fermion Infotech, detailing your role and responsibilities as the CHRO.

Fermion Infotech, headquartered in Mumbai with an additional office in Pune, specializes in mobile applications, e-commerce development, and website creation. I've been part of Fermion for the past three years, joining during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO), my responsibilities cover various areas such as recruitment, payroll, employee engagement, rewards and recognition (R&R), and employee wellbeing. While I have a supportive team, I oversee and manage these aspects comprehensively, from planning to implementation.

As an HR leader, what do you consider to be the most significant challenges, and how do you navigate these obstacles to ensure success?

In the IT sector, there is often hesitancy to engage with HR, creating a communication barrier. To address this, I've introduced initiatives like 'Coffee with HR,' allowing employees to schedule informal chats to discuss work or personal matters. In the IT industry, people tend to isolate themselves, and fostering open communication has been crucial. Encouraging team members to talk about both work-related and personal issues has helped break down barriers and build a more connected and open work environment.

Can you share a significant professional milestone you've reached throughout your career and elaborate on why these achievements hold importance for you?

While not deemed a critical milestone, recent years have seen my interest in understanding and implementing Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) policies. Despite time constraints, I pursued certification, predating its legal mandate by six months. Conducting a session on sexual harassment in the workplace, I initially issued a disclaimer due to its sensitivity. However, the session resulted in many females and males feeling comfortable discussing the issue, creating an open and mature environment. While not a critical milestone, this experience left me with a sense of accomplishment, knowing I contributed positively to the workplace.

How do you anticipate the evolution of the Indian HR landscape in 2024? Which industry trends are poised to have the most profound impact?

Concerning 2024 trends, while I can't speak for all HR professionals, the ongoing dialogue on AI versus HR stands out. No entity can entirely replace the other, as the human touch remains irreplaceable. Moments like conveying congratulations on a promotion or bidding farewell demand a personal touch AI cannot replicate. Addressing employee well-being post-pandemic becomes crucial during this transition to a more normal work setting. Lastly, a shift toward prioritizing skillbased hiring over traditional emphasis on degrees is foreseen, emphasizing a more skills-oriented approach in HR practices.

Esha Nair, CHRO, Fermion Infotech

Esha Nair brings a wealth of experience to the realm of IT and non-IT recruitment, having navigated diverse sectors and gained insights into their unique cultures and norms. Known for her keen understanding of client requirements, she demonstrates a proactive approach in undertaking tasks assigned to her for the company's advancement. Esha upholds principles of honesty, sincerity, and hard work as her guiding mantra.