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Gaurika Tandon
Gaurika Tandon
BBCL (Times Group), Head- Learning, Talent & Engagement

Gaurika boasts over 19 years of experience in Human Resources spanning Consulting and Corporate sectors. With a background in diverse industries such as Media, HR consulting, Pharma & Healthcare, Manufacturing, BPO Services, and ITES, she has spearheaded HR Transformation initiatives focusing on work, workplace, and workforce dynamics.

Her expertise extends to managing HR interventions across various geographies, including India, US, APAC, MEA, fostering a deep understanding of cultural nuances and corresponding human capital requirements. Her extensive portfolio encompasses HR Transformation strategies such as HR Strategy development, Organization Design, Business Partnering, Talent Management, Human Capital Metrics, and Change & Communication Strategies, tailored to meet the unique needs of different industries.

Currently, Gaurika serves as the Head of Learning, Talent & Engagement at BCCL, overseeing the formulation and execution of capability enhancement programs, employee communication strategies, and engagement initiatives for over 6500 colleagues. Drawing from her previous roles as a business partner, where she supported revenue and cost functions, she leverages her profound experience to enhance organizational capabilities and nurture future-ready talent. She remains committed to partnering with businesses to drive substantial enterprise value.

An alumnus of ISB and Symbiosis, Gaurika holds a degree in Economics from Delhi University, India. She is a certified Coach and diversity & culture facilitator, with a passion for travel and avid reading. She staunchly believes in the importance of continuous learning, viewing it as an indispensable component of personal and professional growth.

Q:What advice would you offer to aspiring HR professionals who aim to excel in their careers and make a meaningful contribution to their organizations?
A:As an HR professional striving for excellence, I would advise aspiring colleagues to focus on continuous learning and development. Embrace opportunities to expand your skill set beyond traditional HR functions, such as understanding business operations and leveraging technology. Cultivate strong interpersonal skills and empathy to effectively engage with diverse teams. Most importantly, champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to foster a culture of belonging, which is integral to organizational success and employee well-being.
Q:Mentorship and leadership development are crucial for organizational growth. Can you share your insights on how HR can facilitate leadership development programs effectively?
A:Absolutely, mentorship and leadership development are pivotal for organizational progress. HR plays a critical role in facilitating effective leadership development programs. Firstly, identify potential leaders through robust talent assessments. Then, tailor development plans to address their individual needs and aspirations. Implement a mix of formal training, coaching, and mentoring initiatives to nurture their skills and competencies. Encourage participation in cross-functional projects and provide opportunities for stretch assignments to hone their leadership abilities in real-world scenarios. Lastly, establish a culture of continuous feedback and learning to sustain their growth journey, a practice we actively follow at BCCL.
Q:What role, according to you does an award play in boosting morale and productivity of the employees?
A:An award serves as powerful recognition, affirming an individual's contributions and accomplishments within the organization. Beyond mere acknowledgment, it fosters a sense of pride and validation, boosting morale significantly. When employees feel appreciated and valued, they become more engaged and motivated to excel in their roles. This, in turn, enhances overall productivity as they strive to maintain or surpass the standards that earned them recognition. Additionally, awards can inspire healthy competition and drive a culture of excellence, encouraging continuous improvement and innovation among team members. At BCCL, we firmly believe in recognizing efforts as a cornerstone of our organizational culture.
Q:How do you think PeopleFirst HR Excellence awards contributes towards felicitating exceptional contributions towards HR fraternity?
A:External awards such as the PeopleFirst HR Excellence Awards provide a platform for HR professionals to assess themselves on a global level. These awards offer an opportunity for professionals to benchmark their practices against industry standards and best practices worldwide, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
Q:Would you recommend PeopleFirst HR Excellence awards, to more members of your fraternity and why?
A:Certainly, I would recommend the PeopleFirst HR Excellence Awards to fellow fraternity members. These awards offer valuable recognition for exceptional achievements in HR. Participating provides opportunities to learn, network, and enhance credibility within the industry.