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Vivek Tripathi
Vivek Tripathi
Head of Human Resources - AU Small Finance Bank Ltd.

Mr. Vivek Tripathi is the Head of Human Resources at AU Small Finance Bank Ltd. He is a transformational leader, with exemplary vision for the organization. His focus is to contribute in building a forever institution with camaraderie and togetherness. He has more than 17 years of experience of working with banks & various other sectors.
Vivek is also managing Sustainability team at AU Bank and is a key contributor in the field of sustainable banking and fosters green financing. During his tenure as head HR, Vivek has taken the HR team and the Bank to new heights by receiving various accolades on Asia pacific level, in the BFSI sector and many more on regional level. 
He is recognized among top 100 leaders in Asia by white page international. He is an alumnus of IIM, XLRI & a certified NLP practitioner. His indefatigable spirit keeps the engines of the team ignited & the light of the brand shining. 

Q:What motivated you to pursue a career in human resources, and how has your journey led you to this point of recognition?
A:My pursuit of a career in human resources stemmed from my passion for making a meaningful impact in people’s life. While initially, I aspired to become an IAS officer as they run the overall management and administration, later I was inspired by the idea of making a difference in people's lives by standing up for them and ensuring that systems run effectively for their benefit. I saw parallels between an HR's role and that of an IAS officer. This realization and my fascination led me to purse a career in HR.

Throughout my career, I have focused on implementing innovative practices aligned with my organization's values and my objective has always been to foster an environment where they can thrive. This commitment to nurturing talent and driving organizational success has led to the recognition of our hard work and initiatives on various platforms, underscoring our achievements and dedication.
Q:As an award-winning HR professional, how do you balance the needs and expectations of employees with the goals and objectives of the organization?
A:At AU, we balance the needs and expectations of employees with the goals of our bank through a multifaceted approach. We have established robust mechanisms for regular feedback within our organization, including pulse surveys, real-time employee sentiment monitoring, and leader connect sessions. Additionally, one-on-one discussions play a significant role in our strategy.

We leverage social listening tools such as Glassdoor, Indeed, and LinkedIn to engage with current and potential employees, communicate our goals and objectives, and gauge reviews and feedback to understand their expectations. By actively seeking feedback, we can promptly identify emerging issues and trends. We respond to these insights by implementing policies that align with the overall goals of our organization.

Our commitment to addressing employee needs is unwavering, and we strive to foster a culture of openness, trust, and collaboration. This holistic approach ensures that we not only meet the expectations of our employees but also drive the success of our bank. 
Q:In your experience, what qualities and skills are essential for HR professionals to succeed and make a positive impact in today's dynamic workplace environment?
A:According to me, the essential qualities for HR professionals include empathy, compassion, resilience, clear communication skills and the courage to voice dissent when necessary for employee well-being.

Additionally, mastering the art of recruitment is very important if you aspire to become Head of HR. Personally, my efforts in talent acquisition have significantly bolstered my growth and understanding of the industry. Talent acquisition is often overlooked, but I believe it's crucial for understanding the organization holistically. Remember, without business, there is no organization, and without people, there is no business—people come from talent acquisition. Therefore, without talent acquisition, there is no organization.

Moreover, in my eyes, HR is not a generalist role; it is a specialized, skillful, and professional role, similar to that of a doctor. Being a good HR professional requires a qualified degree as well as practice with human psychology and behavior, just as a doctor requires a professional degree and years of practice. The best doctor is the one who has both qualification and practice. This approach towards HR can drive success for business through it’s people.
Q:What do you think about the process adopted by PeopleFirst HR Excellence awards, while selecting the final winners?
A:I believe the process adopted by this award for selecting the final winners is both fair and thorough. The inclusion of a jury round ensures that each company has an equal opportunity to showcase its achievements and contributions. This allows for a comprehensive evaluation that considers various factors, ultimately resulting in a well-deserved recognition for the winners. Overall, the process ensures transparency and fairness, which is essential for upholding the integrity of the awards.
Q:Would you recommend PeopleFirst HR Excellence awards, to more members of your fraternity and why?
A:Yes. I would say this platform recognizes excellence, innovation and contribution of companies to the HR field.