Exclusive Interview with Vinod Mehta, CHRO - Teleperformance in India & APAC
Posted on 07-30-2024, Read Time: 5 Min
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Where do HR leaders draw inspiration from? What are their worst nightmares? How did they stand the test of the changing times?
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Vinod Mehta is the Chief Human Resources Officer of Teleperformance for India & APAC. Vinod is a seasoned HR professional with versatile experience in People Practices, Organizational Development, Talent Management, HR Systems, and HRSS. With nearly 25 years of experience across Human Resources, Recruitment, Employee Relations, HR compliance, and HR Transformation, Vinod is a Master of Business Administration, specializing in Human Resources and Law. Vinod is also an advocate of Diversity and Inclusion at Teleperformance in India. In an exclusive interview with HR.com, Vinod touches upon the importance of cultivating diverse talent, future HR trends, and his learnings and challenges, among others. |
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: What has your HR journey been like, and what influenced you the most to have a positive impact on your career?
Vinod: My professional journey has spanned 17 years at Teleperformance, a period that has been both rewarding and transformative.
I have worked across various domains, from recruitment and employee relations to compliance and organizational transformation, during this period. This has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how different aspects of people management interconnect and contribute to a company's success.
The company's core values - Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, Innovation, and Commitment - have been the bedrock of my career development. Our focus on organizational development and talent management has shaped my perspective on what it means to nurture and empower a workforce.
I have worked across various domains, from recruitment and employee relations to compliance and organizational transformation, during this period. This has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how different aspects of people management interconnect and contribute to a company's success.
The company's core values - Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, Innovation, and Commitment - have been the bedrock of my career development. Our focus on organizational development and talent management has shaped my perspective on what it means to nurture and empower a workforce.
Q: What is your biggest challenge at this moment? How do you plan to address it?
Vinod: Currently, our biggest challenge is hiring diverse talent. While it is challenging, it is also enlightening for us as we see this as an opportunity to grow, create and strengthen our organization.
We are addressing it through our #DiversityHiringFest initiative, which fosters a non-judgmental environment with equal opportunities for all. It has gained over 4,00,000 impressions on social media and brought in 255 new joiners since February 2024.
Diversity is not just a buzzword for us — it is a key driver of innovation and growth. We are refining our hiring practices, building partnerships with diverse communities, and investing in employee training, employee well-being and employee engagement.
At Teleperformance in India, we have increased our diversity ratio from 33% women to ~40%, while globally, Teleperformance has 54% women employees. We have also increased women's representation in our executive committee.
We are addressing it through our #DiversityHiringFest initiative, which fosters a non-judgmental environment with equal opportunities for all. It has gained over 4,00,000 impressions on social media and brought in 255 new joiners since February 2024.
Diversity is not just a buzzword for us — it is a key driver of innovation and growth. We are refining our hiring practices, building partnerships with diverse communities, and investing in employee training, employee well-being and employee engagement.
At Teleperformance in India, we have increased our diversity ratio from 33% women to ~40%, while globally, Teleperformance has 54% women employees. We have also increased women's representation in our executive committee.
Name: Vinod Mehta
Designation: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Teleperformance, India & APAC
Total number of employees: 90,000+ in India
When did you join the current company: July 2007
Total experience in HR: 24+
Hobbies: Cooking and spending quality time with family
Designation: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Teleperformance, India & APAC
Total number of employees: 90,000+ in India
When did you join the current company: July 2007
Total experience in HR: 24+
Hobbies: Cooking and spending quality time with family
Q: How do you see workplace culture evolving over the years?
Vinod: I have seen workplace culture evolve significantly to become more inclusive, adaptive and technologically advanced. I believe a positive workplace culture will continue to prioritize flexibility, diversity, and employee well-being.
This shift reflects broader societal changes and the evolving expectations and requirements of the workforce. Today's employees, particularly younger generations, seek more than just a paycheck – they want purpose, growth opportunities, and a work environment that aligns with their values. Consequently, companies are reimagining their organizational culture to foster a sense of belonging, encourage authenticity, and support work-life integration.
Last but not least, technology is also playing a crucial role in this cultural transformation. The rise of remote and hybrid work models has forced organizations to rethink how they maintain cohesion and engagement across distributed teams. We are seeing a greater emphasis on digital collaboration tools, virtual team-building activities, and flexible work arrangements.
This shift reflects broader societal changes and the evolving expectations and requirements of the workforce. Today's employees, particularly younger generations, seek more than just a paycheck – they want purpose, growth opportunities, and a work environment that aligns with their values. Consequently, companies are reimagining their organizational culture to foster a sense of belonging, encourage authenticity, and support work-life integration.
Last but not least, technology is also playing a crucial role in this cultural transformation. The rise of remote and hybrid work models has forced organizations to rethink how they maintain cohesion and engagement across distributed teams. We are seeing a greater emphasis on digital collaboration tools, virtual team-building activities, and flexible work arrangements.
Q: Can you share the top three learnings from the challenges you faced?
Vinod: The following are the top learnings that have shaped my approach to HR, making me more resilient, principled, and open-minded in facing future challenges.
First and foremost, agility and adaptability are crucial. The business landscape is ever-changing, and we must be ready to adjust our strategies and approaches to stay relevant.
Secondly, this adaptability needs to be balanced with a steadfast commitment to our core values. Even as we evolve, it is vital to keep our fundamental principles intact – they are the compass that guides us through change.
Lastly, embracing diversity has been both a challenge and a revelation. While hiring a diverse workforce can be complex, I have seen firsthand how it fuels innovation, drives growth and results in business benefits.
First and foremost, agility and adaptability are crucial. The business landscape is ever-changing, and we must be ready to adjust our strategies and approaches to stay relevant.
Secondly, this adaptability needs to be balanced with a steadfast commitment to our core values. Even as we evolve, it is vital to keep our fundamental principles intact – they are the compass that guides us through change.
Lastly, embracing diversity has been both a challenge and a revelation. While hiring a diverse workforce can be complex, I have seen firsthand how it fuels innovation, drives growth and results in business benefits.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from? What do you say to those struggling to find a place in the boardroom?
Vinod: Drawing inspiration for professional growth is vital, and for me, it often comes from activities outside of work, such as networking, traveling or cultivating a hobby.
One must have a multidimensional role to play at work and at home. A hobby is important as it serves as a source of relaxation and a way to gain fresh perspectives that I apply to my role in HR, fostering creativity and innovation. In my case, it is cooking and exploring culinary adventures in my free time.
To those struggling to find their place in the boardroom, I offer three pieces of advice: First, nurture your unique perspective — let your voice be heard. Your individual experiences and insights are invaluable assets that can enrich discussions and decision-making. Second, persistence is key — establishing influence and credibility takes time and dedication. Lastly, bring your authentic self to work. Masks don’t last long, so be your true self.
One must have a multidimensional role to play at work and at home. A hobby is important as it serves as a source of relaxation and a way to gain fresh perspectives that I apply to my role in HR, fostering creativity and innovation. In my case, it is cooking and exploring culinary adventures in my free time.
To those struggling to find their place in the boardroom, I offer three pieces of advice: First, nurture your unique perspective — let your voice be heard. Your individual experiences and insights are invaluable assets that can enrich discussions and decision-making. Second, persistence is key — establishing influence and credibility takes time and dedication. Lastly, bring your authentic self to work. Masks don’t last long, so be your true self.
Q: How do you draw the line to achieve work-life balance?
Vinod: Drawing the line for work-life balance has become more crucial than ever in our new ‘work from anywhere’ reality.
The pandemic accelerated the shift towards flexible work, making it the new normal. However, it also blurs the boundaries between professional and personal life.
It is essential to set clear boundaries and stick to them. Designate specific work hours and a dedicated workspace, even when working from home. I also engage in a few activities that help me disconnect, like cooking or spending quality time with family.
The key is to leverage the flexibility of remote work while maintaining structure. This approach allows us to meet evolving work demands without sacrificing personal well-being, ultimately leading to better productivity and job satisfaction.
The pandemic accelerated the shift towards flexible work, making it the new normal. However, it also blurs the boundaries between professional and personal life.
It is essential to set clear boundaries and stick to them. Designate specific work hours and a dedicated workspace, even when working from home. I also engage in a few activities that help me disconnect, like cooking or spending quality time with family.
The key is to leverage the flexibility of remote work while maintaining structure. This approach allows us to meet evolving work demands without sacrificing personal well-being, ultimately leading to better productivity and job satisfaction.
Q: What fundamental change(s) (in terms of culture) have you brought into your company?
Vinod: One of the most significant changes has been fostering a more inclusive and collaborative environment. We have established a judgment-free zone where ideas are encouraged, mistakes are embraced as learning opportunities, and individual differences are celebrated.
We have also worked to create a culture where diversity is celebrated, and every team member feels valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. One of our core initiatives, #ChampionsOfTP, focuses on fair hiring practices aimed at underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities. Currently, we employ 1,100 individuals with declared disabilities, including 250 who are deaf or hard of hearing.
We have also worked to create a culture where diversity is celebrated, and every team member feels valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. One of our core initiatives, #ChampionsOfTP, focuses on fair hiring practices aimed at underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities. Currently, we employ 1,100 individuals with declared disabilities, including 250 who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Q: What are the major trends you see impacting HR in the next few years?
Vinod: As HR continues to transform, it will play an increasingly crucial role in shaping the future of work and fostering resilient, adaptable organizations.
In the coming years, we anticipate a heightened emphasis on diversity and inclusion, as organizations increasingly recognize these as key drivers of business success. Employee well-being, with a particular focus on mental health, will rise to the forefront of corporate priorities. The normalization of flexible work arrangements will continue, with HR departments taking on the challenge of managing complex hybrid work models.
Moreover, we expect to see the rapid adoption of data-driven decision-making across all HR functions. Additionally, there will be a strong push for upskilling and reskilling initiatives to help employees adapt to the accelerating pace of technological change.
These trends underscore HR's evolving role as a strategic business partner, driving organizational success through people-centric strategies and innovative approaches. As we believe, each interaction matters.
In the coming years, we anticipate a heightened emphasis on diversity and inclusion, as organizations increasingly recognize these as key drivers of business success. Employee well-being, with a particular focus on mental health, will rise to the forefront of corporate priorities. The normalization of flexible work arrangements will continue, with HR departments taking on the challenge of managing complex hybrid work models.
Moreover, we expect to see the rapid adoption of data-driven decision-making across all HR functions. Additionally, there will be a strong push for upskilling and reskilling initiatives to help employees adapt to the accelerating pace of technological change.
These trends underscore HR's evolving role as a strategic business partner, driving organizational success through people-centric strategies and innovative approaches. As we believe, each interaction matters.
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