Imagine walking into an organisation where innovation pulses through the hallways, diversity is embraced at every level, and employees are genuinely excited to contribute their best each day. In an era defined by rapid change, from global pandemics to the complexities of the workforce, the imperative to cultivate such a culture has never been felt more.

Runaya is at the forefront of this cultural revolution, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices with a people-centric approach. Their commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment ensures that every team member feels empowered, valued, and inspired to drive their collective success.

Today’s workforce is more critical and demanding than ever before. They seek environments that not only offer professional growth but also align with their personal values and aspirations. Employees want to work for organisations that prioritise well-being, foster inclusivity, and encourage continuous learning and development. In this landscape, building a culture of excellence is not a luxury but a necessity for organisations to attract and retain top talent, both old and new. The question then arises: How can organisations bring innovation into play?

The Foundation of Innovation: Vision and Values

The foundation of innovation begins with a clear and compelling vision that is supported by core values resonating throughout the organisation. This vision must be communicated consistently and passionately, ensuring every employee understands their role in driving the organisation forward. When employees feel valued and connected to the organizations mission, they are inspired to strive for excellence in every endeavour.

At Runaya, we believe that the people are an invaluable asset to us and we strive to successfully cultivate a culture of innovation through our commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and employee well-being. We actively encourage role mobility to foster a diverse and enriching professional journey for the employees. Serving as a north star, our company’s vision guides decisions and behaviours of the people while the core values act as a moral compass, creating a unified organisational culture. These elements together foster a sense of purpose and belonging among employees, making them more engaged and motivated.

Inclusivity and Diversity: The Pillars of Strength

In today's globalised world, a diverse and inclusive workplace is not only an imperative but also a strategic advantage. Research consistently shows that diverse teams are more innovative and effective in problem-solving. By fostering an environment that attracts and retains a broad spectrum of talent, companies can leverage the unique perspectives and experiences of their workforce.

For instance, achieving significant representation of women employees across diverse functions and actively recruiting from various geographical regions contributes to economic development and enhances organisational resilience. Embracing diversity in all its forms fosters a culture of innovation and creativity, driving the organisation towards excellence. At Runaya, our workforce is notable for its diversity, with a 55% representation of women employees across diverse functions. We have achieved this level of representation is achieved through deliberate efforts to recruit from various geographical regions, including underrepresented areas like Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura. These initiatives not only contribute to economic development in these regions but also enhance our organizations resilience and innovation capabilities.

Moreover, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee feels supported and valued by offering comprehensive support for paternity, maternity, and adoption, ensuring that our employees can navigate their personal and professional lives with confidence.

Empowerment through Role Mobility and Career Development

Moreover, to pave the way towards innovation in the HR practices, it’s imperative to provide employees with opportunities for growth and development. This involves creating pathways for role mobility, enabling individuals to explore different functions and broaden their skill sets. Encouraging role mobility fosters a diverse and enriching professional journey for employees. Programs designed to nurture talent from the ground up, such as structured mentorship and training initiatives, exemplify a commitment to developing future leaders. For example, many organisations have initiatives to provide newcomers with personalised support, mentorship, and training, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to excel in their roles.

We at Runaya believe in empowering our employees through job rotation across various locations and functions, providing them with the autonomy to take up additional roles and explore new profiles. This approach not only broadens their skill set but also enhances their understanding of the business from diverse perspectives. To further support career development, we have inhouse flagship programme called ACTUP (Accelerated Career Growth & Competency Upgradation). ACTUP is designed to provide fast-track career growth by offering elevated roles and increased

responsibilities, giving our employees the opportunity to lead from the front. This comprehensive program ensures that the young leaders are well-equipped to drive innovation and contribute to the company's success. 20% of our employees are recognized under this initiative, holding critical responsibilities.

Work-Life Balance and Employee Well-being

Organisations that prioritise work-life balance and provide comprehensive support for personal and professional needs are more likely to foster a motivated and engaged workforce. Progressive policies aimed at supporting all employees, including comprehensive benefits for paternity, maternity, and adoption, are essential.

Creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels supported and valued requires a genuine commitment to understanding and addressing the diverse needs of employees. This includes implementing measures such as security and transportation assistance, especially for those working night shifts. Such initiatives not only ensure safety but also empower all employees to thrive.
Being in the manufacturing sector, we recognize the unique needs of the employees and are committed to creating a flexible and supportive workplace. To empower the female employees and help them balance work and home life, we also offer one day of ‘No Questions Asked’ work from home each month. Additionally, we also provide flexible work arrangements both before and after maternity breaks, ensuring that the employees can transition smoothly back into their roles while managing their personal responsibilities.

Mentorship and Leadership Development

A culture of innovation thrives on strong leadership at all levels. Mentorship programs play a crucial role in developing future leaders by providing guidance, support, and opportunities for learning. Effective mentorship ensures that all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. Leadership development should permeate every level of the organisation, from campus recruits to top executives. By investing in leadership capabilities across the board, companies can build a robust pipeline of future leaders who are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of a dynamic business environment.

Through Runaya’s V-Connect program, we have partnered with Korn Ferry to fast-track the growth of our freshers. Newcomers receive personalised support, mentorship, and training to help them excel in their roles. This investment in talent development has paid off, with 30% of freshers stepping up to lead the respective teams and verticals.

Performance Recognition and Wealth Creation

To sustain a culture of innovative HR practices, recognizing and rewarding performances is fundamental. When employees see that their hard work and contributions are acknowledged and rewarded, they are more likely to remain engaged and committed. Wealth creation schemes that tie cash-based incentives to both business and individual performance are exemplary models in this regard.

The impact of financial empowerment on fostering loyalty and long-term commitment are seen clearly in form of significant rise in retention rates. By guaranteeing that every employee benefits from the organizations success, companies can cultivate a more fulfilling and motivating work environment.

Recognizing the importance of financial empowerment, at Runaya, we include every employee in the wealth creation scheme. This cash-based incentive program is tied directly to both business and individual performance, giving everyone a stake in the company’s success. Since implementing this initiative, the company’s retention rate has increased by approximately 25%, highlighting the impact of financial empowerment on employee loyalty and long-term commitment.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

A culture of innovation is characterised by a relentless pursuit of continuous improvement and growth. This requires fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to think creatively, take risks, and learn from failures. Organisations must provide the necessary resources and support to enable innovation, from cutting-edge technology to collaborative spaces that facilitate idea-sharing and experimentation. Moreover, establishing feedback mechanisms that allow for regular assessment and refinement of processes is crucial. By actively seeking input from employees and leveraging data-driven insights, companies can identify areas for improvement and implement changes that drive better outcomes.

The Road Ahead

In conclusion, I would like to reflect again on how brining innovation to the HR practices doesn’t just come from a well-articulated strategy or robust processes but also from a deeply ingrained culture that nurtures talent, encourages innovation, and fosters a sense of belonging. Recognizing and executing innovation is an ongoing journey that demands commitment, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the people within organisations. It is about creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

As Peter Drucker said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” To navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape, we must remember that innovation is not a destination but a continuous journey. By committing to these principles, we can create workplaces that are not only successful but also vibrant and fulfilling for everyone involved. The future belongs to those who build it with excellence in every step.