Secret Recipe to Creating Engaged Teams: Fostering Culture of Purpose & Utilizing Technology as An Enabler

By: Harpreet Kapoor, CEO, Kognoz Talent Solutions | Tuesday, 22 August 2023

As the CEO, Harpreet leads Talent, Learn & Engagement consulting, products and solutions for ASEAN Region at Kognoz Talent Solutions. She has over 10 years of experience in working deeply in the areas of HR transformation, Organization Design, Learning & Development, Talent Management, Engagement, Well-Being with a holistic approach on developing practices, policies, and digital enablement.

In a conversation with Women Entrepreneur India, Harpreet delves into the nitty-gritty of building an engaged workforce in the post pandemic world. She also draws from her deep expertise in HR management to speak about the importance of promoting diversity and the role new-age tech trends will have on the overall HR landscape. Here are choice excerpts from the conversation.

You joined Kognoz in 2017 and have since risen the ranks to become the CEO of the firm. What motivated your growth journey within the organisation?

My tenure at Kognoz has proven to be remarkably fulfilling, offering an extensive array of enriching experiences. The exposure I gained throughout my tenure here has been truly exceptional, granting me invaluable insights and opportunities for growth. Central to my journey has been the presence of exceptional mentors and leaders who have adeptly imparted the essential tenets of consulting, instilling within me a comprehensive understanding of its core principles.

An aspect that has been particularly noteworthy is the degree of autonomy I've been entrusted with. This autonomy has not only allowed for the cultivation of self-drive but has also served as a platform to exhibit my passion. The thrill of initiating various client projects and setting up an entire new practice of HR Technology Consulting and observing their progression into substantial entities has endowed me with a sense of deep gratification.

In essence, my association with Kognoz has been characterized by a professional journey that has been both challenging and immensely rewarding. The combination of robust mentorship, autonomous responsibilities, unwavering self-drive & reflection and the gratification derived from witnessing the impact created for numerous clients has culminated in an exceedingly enriching career trajectory.

Much was discussed about the pandemic’s impact on the way companies and employees’ function. In your opinion has the global pandemic brought about any lasting changes from the ‘people’ perspective? If yes, please elaborate.

Global pandemic has undeniably ushered in changes from the 'people' perspective in the corporate world. At Kognoz, we've closely observed and participated in this transformative journey.

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of flexible work arrangements and highlighted that productivity doesn't necessarily depend on physical presence. Additionally, this shift also brought attention towards employee well-being, maintenance of a healthy work-life balance and the criticality of employee support and engagement.

Organizations, now, have been recognizing the need to prioritize mental health initiatives, foster a sense of belonging, and offer continuous learning opportunities to remote and hybrid teams.

From a technological standpoint, the pandemic expedited the journey of digital transformation and integration of AI and automation. Organizations have realized that these technologies not only enhance efficiency but also allow HR professionals to focus on more strategic, value-added tasks.

Overall, the pandemic has set organizations in motion to rethink their approach to talent management. Flexibility, empathy, and agility are now at the forefront of HR strategies.

In today’s highly competitive business landscape, companies struggle to create a highly engaged workforce. In your opinion how can leaders create ‘purpose-driven’ organizations with truly engaged-employees?

In today's fiercely competitive business landscape, fostering a purpose-driven organization with deeply engaged employees is indeed a challenge. However, it’s a tremendous opportunity for leaders and organizations to differentiate themselves and build a strategic blend of visionary leadership and purposeful HR technology transformation.

To begin with, leaders must articulate a clear and inspiring organizational purpose that goes beyond profits. A compelling purpose aligns employees around a shared mission, providing them with a sense of belonging and direction. Communicating this purpose consistently and authentically is key.

Then, leveraging technology thoughtfully will amplify the journey towards engagement. Adopting HR digital transformations that connect individual goals with the overarching purpose of the organization helps employees see the impact of their contributions. AI-powered feedback platforms facilitate continuous growth, while data-driven insights guide personalized development plans.

In addition, empowering employees to make a difference fosters a sense of ownership and engagement. This could involve initiatives like employee-led innovation projects or social responsibility programs that align with the company's purpose.

By fostering a culture of purpose and utilizing technology as an enabler, leaders can cultivate highly engaged teams that drive innovation and long-term success.

How important is it for companies today to create a diverse and inclusive workforce? How does a diverse workforce impact a company’s productivity and profitability?

In today's business landscape, fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce is imperative. A diverse workforce enhances creativity and innovation by bringing together a range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas. This leads to more robust problem-solving and a wider array of solutions.

Inclusive environments empower employees to contribute their unique strengths, which not only boosts morale but also drives higher engagement levels.

Moreover, diverse teams resonate better with a global customer base. They understand diverse customer needs and preferences, resulting in more relevant products and services. This alignment enhances customer satisfaction and brand loyalty, ultimately positively impacting a company's profitability.

Research consistently shows that diverse companies tend to outperform their less diverse counterparts in terms of financial performance. Organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusion are more likely to attract top talent, fostering a culture of meritocracy where employees feel valued and supported regardless of their background.

At Kognoz, we believe that by harnessing the power of diversity through technology, companies can unlock unprecedented productivity, innovation, and profitability in the dynamic business landscape.

Technology has been a disruptive force for the entire HR landscape and AI has emerged as one of the most talked about technologies. In your opinion how can AI impact the HR industry and the way in functions?

AI has emerged as a transformative force in the HR landscape, reshaping the way organizations manage their workforce and enhance employee experiences. AI-driven analytics enable organizations to make informed decisions by extracting valuable insights from vast amounts of data, aiding in strategic workforce planning and predictive analysis.

Personalization is another key aspect. AI facilitates customized learning and development paths, tailoring training to individual needs and career aspirations. Chatbots and virtual assistants enhance employee engagement by providing instant support for routine inquiries, freeing HR professionals to focus on more strategic tasks. AI-driven sentiment analysis tools gauge employee satisfaction and well-being, enabling proactive interventions. Performance evaluations become more objective and unbiased through AI-powered tools that eliminate human biases.

This synergy between AI and HR creates a more agile, insightful, and people-centric future for organizations, propelling them towards growth and success.