Throw some light on the prior industry experience that you bring to the table. How did your prior industry experience shape your leadership style?

I come from a small town in Orissa – Berhampur. Moved to Bangalore for my post-graduation, which became my grooming ground and helped me shape my thoughts and personality. My love for people interactions and desire to have a positive impact on the lives of people as much as I can, led me to the field of HR.

However, the journey began in the fast-paced and constantly evolving world of IT and then transitioned to the exciting world of QSR and hospitality. As a leader, I approach my work with a combination of strategic thinking and empathy, always striving to create a workplace culture that inspires and supports our talented workforce to drive business success. My philosophy of 'leading with heart' means that I take into consideration not just the business needs, but also the well-being and professional growth of each individual on my team. I take pride in my ability to navigate complex and challenging situations with a unique blend of analytical and creative problem-solving skills, delivering results that make a positive impact on both the organization and its people.

Tell us about the different responsibilities you shoulder at Nandos.

I am currently responsible for enabling and enhancing the experience for over 500 talented people in our business at Nando’s India. Developing & executing HR programs, change management initiatives, and looking after all aspects of people capability including talent strategy, employee engagement, adherence to cost targets, cadre building & capability development, performance management, and rewards are my responsibilities while keeping business priorities in mind. I am also responsible for building up & driving store excellence through a trained and engaged workforce. My primary focus at this point in time, knowing that there is a growth phase for the company, is hiring and retention of skilled workforce for the company.

How has the post-pandemic world impacted the challenges you have to face as a Human Resource leader? How do you overcome the roadblocks that you face?

Although the world has largely emerged from the emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and has settled into 'a new normal,' there are still roadblocks to work through.

Today more than ever, employees seek purpose and value in their work. They want to know the long-term vision and where do they fit into these plans. It has become imperative to ensure that employees understand their place within the bigger picture and how their contributions help the business reach goals and succeed.

Hiring and retention is another pressing challenge that we encounter. As HR professionals, to retain valuable resources, we should ensure that there is a healthy work culture, lucrative compensation programs, and standardized HR policies, and align our organizational goals to satisfy employees.

Tell us about some of the key milestones you have achieved throughout your professional journey. What has been your success mantra?

The highlight of my career has been the ability to positively impact the mindset and work practices of individuals and teams I have worked with, enhance HR culture within organizations, and add value to the business. Despite the numerous awards I have received, such as the CEO Award, Outstanding Contribution in Business HR Award, and Best HR Partner Award, the true recognition of my efforts is when former employees reach out to express the positive impact I have made on their lives and careers.

How do you foresee the Indian Human Resource landscape evolving in the near future? Which industry trends will have the strongest impact going forward?

The function of human resources has undergone significant transformation in recent years, elevating its importance as a critical component of a thriving business. Today, perhaps more than ever, a strong and mission-driven HR department is vital to running a successful business. It has become very essential to manage business continuity through a balanced talent experience. Expectations from HR have seen a shift from being a support function to a business driver and becoming the enablers of performance in the organization. With the constant evolution of technology and the overall dynamics of the business environment, HR professionals have to keep themselves up to date with such changes. HR professionals must focus on and bring about the transition from employee well-being to a healthy organization focusing on physical health, mental health, social health, financial fitness, and community services.

Ruchira Priyadarshini, Director - People At Nando's India., Nandos

Ruchira is dedicated to promoting a sense of belonging and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, and her expertise enables her to drive impactful people strategy and create value for the business. Her commitment to building strong partnerships with people across the organization and her ability to design and implement high-impact strategies make her a driving force for positive change in the workplace.