BW People: CHRO Akhilesh Guleria Interview

Published By: Bw People

Published Date: 27-11-2023

In this interview, Akhilesh Guleria, CHRO at Reliance General Insurance, shares how he leverages his diverse experience to shape human resource strategy by aligning it with organisational goals. The first thing he does is form partnerships with the business and functions to have an understanding of their needs and difficulties.

""The most critical areas are identifying and acquiring the right talent through a meticulous recruitment process, ensuring a comprehensive training program to enhance skills and capabilities and implementing a people-focused strategy,"" says Guleria.

His team prioritises creating an enabling environment through digitalisation, streamlining HR processes and enhancing communication. For continuous learning, they've implemented the iLearn platform offering ""learning on the go"" with over 80 behavioural and 50+ product modules, alongside the Saksham training program targeting specific skill sets.

Drawing from his Indian Army background, Guleria embraces being a servant leader who prioritises team wellbeing. ""This approach involves active listening, fostering collaboration and providing support to enable the team's success,"" he explains.

To build resilience, they've created robust support systems, including R-health Assist and R-Mitr counselling programs. ""We have persistently ensured psychological safety at the workplace,"" Guleria notes.

Their ""LIVE SMART"" company philosophy drives continuous improvement across functions, with HR transformation focusing on a modern operating model, future-proofed team competencies and technology enablement.

Looking ahead to 2024, Guleria predicts, ""India will continue to do well. Specifically, the younger workforce will not hesitate to try new professions & continue to diversify in new areas,"" emphasising skill training for youth from smaller towns to prepare them for emerging opportunities.