The real estate sector is one of the most globally recognized sectors and Indian real estate sector has witnessed high growth in recent times with a rise in demand for office and residential spaces. Between January 2021 and September 2021, private equity investment inflows into the real estate sector in India stood at US$ 3.3 billion. K Raheja Corp is a success story spanning four decades and stands today as one of India’s leading real estate developers. From exquisite residences to adaptive workplaces, skillfully created hotels and convention centres to outstanding retail destinations, the K Raheja Corp has significantly impacted the evolution of modern-day living.

Urvi Aradhya has been instrumental in inducting the choicest talent pool and integrating best people practices at K Raheja Corp, leading the group’s human resource function as the Chief Human Resources Officer. A statistics graduate with a PG in Human Resource Management, Urvi’s diverse career spans over two decades across multiple industries, performing all her duties to the best of her capabilities. Here are some highlights from our recent interaction with Urvi.

Give Us A Brief Overview Of K Raheja Corp.

K Raheja Corp is one of India’s leading real estate developers and has constructed numerous residential, hospitality and commercial projects. We have been ahead of the curve in the green development sector, pioneering the industries’ responsibility towards contributing to a green society. Besides our eco-friendly constructions, we are committed to developing large, green expanses across the country. Backed by the belief that ‘people are a company’s greatest asset and competitive advantage’, K Raheja Corp leads the way with exemplary HR policies, judiciously collated from the best across industries, to ensure employee engagement and fulfilment.

Take Us Through Your Early Educational Jour-Ney And The Prior Industry Experience. What Are The Various Roles And Responsibilities That You Shoulder As The CHRO At K Raheja Corp?

I am a statistics graduate and have completed my Post Graduation in Human Resource Management from the University of Mumbai. Prior to joining K Raheja Corp in 2007, I led the HR function at Parle Bisleri. At K Raheja Corp group,we have introduced a multi-channel, innovative, technology-driven recruitment approach whose benefits are seen at the bottom line, along with steering human capital strategies to achieve highest levels of performance.

we focus on nurturing the ecosystem while challenging limits to drive growth across the spectrum of companies within the group. My key strengths lie in human capital management, culture transformation, performance management, leadership development, succession planning, learning and development, compensation and HR technology interventions.

Tell Us The Business Challenges You Face In Your Current Role And How You Counter Them? What Are Some Of The Key Business Strategies And Tools That You Leverage To Ensure Organi-Zational Success

I acknowledge that a diverse workforce brings different perspectives to the table. Therefore, We have integrated diversity and inclusion strategies in business processes across recruitment, performance management, leadership assessment, and many. We introduced some industry-first policies, including ‘Aanchal’ curated to assist young mothers; ‘Pride Side’ an inclusive diversity policy ‘Relaunch Policy’ designed to help talent on a career break; ‘Adoption Assistance’ policy - which financially assists employees along with providing paid leave for the adoptive parent employee; and others like ‘Time off for Volunteering’ and ‘Benevolent Scheme’ to name a few.

In Your Opinion, What Are Some Of The Most Significant Milestones You Have Achieved Throughout Your Professional Journey? What Has Been The Driving Force Behind Your Suc-Cess As A Business Leader?

Our policies and progressive and inclusive work cul-ture have ensured Great Place to Work certification for the group, weaving transparency and accountability into the system. K Raheja Corp was the first real estate company to implement the SAP HR module, which also won the group the Best Implementation Award by SAP India. As one of the finest places to build careers, the company has also won laurels at the Asian HR Leader-ship Awards. Believing in my team is as essential as my belief in myself, driving me to become a successful business leader.

How Has The Human Resource Industry Evolved In The Last Few Decades? What Steps Do You Take To Keep Yourself Aligned With These Evolutions?

Over the years, HR function has evolved tremendously and has undergone drastic changes in last decade. From a support function, it is now a Business Partnering function. Its core responsibility has changed and they need to make the Organization future ready with right kind of development Programs for key talent and high performers in constant evolving times we are in.

"A great vision without great people is irrelevant "

Technology in HR is at forefront and use of it to create best in class employee experience is a key focus currently. I continually partake in workshop and training programs to keep myself abreast of the changes with programs like Streategic Human Resource Management by IIM-Ahmedabad, Leadership for Top Management by ISB-Hyderbad to name a few.

Urvi Aradhya, Chro, K Raheja Corp

A sought-after speaker at national-level hr conclaves, forums, & management schools, urvi is an experienced hr professional with a diverse career spanning over two decades. She believes in giving back to the hr fraternity & devotes time to mentoring & nurturing young professionals. Sensitivity, authenticity & gravitas are qualities she brings to the ever-evolving business environment.

Awards And Recognition:

ET Prime HR Leader of the Year, ET Prime Women Leadership Awards 2020

HR Business Influence Leadership Award, World HRD Congress 2016

HR Leadership Award, Global HR Excellence Award 2015

Women at Work Leadership Award, Asian HR Lead-ership Award, Dubai 2014

Innovation in Management, TSCFM, Mumbai 2014 .