This edition features a handful The Most Prominent HR Consulting Company in India that are leading us into a better future.

1. Future for All
HR Consulting's Vital
Role in Fostering Diversity
and Inclusion in Indian
Businesses
www.cioworldindia.com
I N D I A
W RLD
HUMAN
TOUCH
-AN HR
CONSULTING
FIRM
TheMost
Prominent
HR CONSULTING
COMPANY
in India
KS Praveen
Founder and CEO
Transforming Global Business
Future by Empowering Human Lives
HR Transformation
How India's Premier HR
Consulting Companies are
Shaping the Future?
OCTOBER | ISSUE 02 | 2023

2. I N D I A
W RLD

3. TheMost
Prominent
HR CONSULTING
COMPANY
in India

4. usiness grows tenfold if people are at their happiest
Bbest. In the ever-evolving corporate landscape,
where businesses seek growth and excellence, the
true driving force behind success lies in the happiness and
fulfillment of its people. A simple yet profound belief
underscores this truth: “Happy People-Happy Business.”
When individuals are at their happiest, they not only
perform at their peak but also go beyond their innate
capabilities and talents. Deep within, every person craves
happiness, and it is this very aspect of human resource
management that forms the cornerstone of Human Touch,
The Most Prominent HR Consulting Company in India.
Founded in 2013, Human Touch–an HR Consulting Firm
is the brainchild of Mr. KS Praveen, a seasoned HR
professional with a rich and diverse industry experience
spanning nearly two decades. Mr. KS Praveen's journey in
the world of human resources has seen him thrive in leading
Indian and multinational corporations, including the Aditya
Birla Group, Grasim, Hitachi, Siemens, Neoteric, and
Pioneering
Human-centric
HR Solutions at
the Heart of HRM
with Human Touch

5. Editor’s
Note
Writer Corporation. His illustrious career has been marked
by his contributions in middle and senior management
positions, making him a stalwart in the field of HR.
What sets Human Touch apart from the rest is its
unwavering commitment to human-centric HR solutions.
Long before its inception, Mr. KS Praveen imprinted this
fundamental principle into the very core of the company's
ethos and every facet of its operations. The belief that
happiness is the catalyst for superior performance has been
embraced as the bedrock upon which Human Touch stands.
In the realm of human resource management, the emotional
Human Touch takes center stage. At Human Touch,
understanding the intricate nuances of human emotions,
aspirations, and ambitions is not just a prerogative; it is a
passion. The firm recognizes that the key to unleashing an
individual's full potential lies in creating an environment
where they can flourish and thrive, both personally and
professionally.
Mr. KS Praveen's profound experience and leadership have
imbued Human Touch with a unique perspective, blending
industry insights with a deep understanding of the human
psyche. This distinctive approach ensures that the firm's HR
solutions transcend conventional practices and delve into
the realm of human experience.
In this exclusive exploration of Human Touch in CIOWorld
India’s exclusive edition, we delve deeper into the
company's ethos, its visionary leader, and its transformative
journey. Through this lens, we unravel how Human Touch
has carved its niche as the most prominent HR Consulting
Company in India, delivering human-centric solutions that
not only drive business growth but also nurture the
happiness and fulfillment of individuals, making them the
true assets of any organization.

7. If you hire people just because they can do a job,
they’ll work for your money.
But if you hire people who believe what you believe,
they’ll work for you with blood, sweat, and tears.

8. KS
Praveen
KS Praveen
Founder and CEO

9. Transforming Global Business Future
by Empowering Human Lives
We define success
as more than the
comple on of an
assignment.
““

10. In the world of business, where profitability often takes
center stage, there’s a vital truth that’s often over-
looked: businesses are fundamentally about people.
Those companies that prioritize the well-being of their
employees, recognize their talents, nurture their personal
and professional growth, and contribute to fulfilling their
aspirations are the ones destined for long-term success.
Empowered individuals are the cornerstone of a thriving
and progressive society, where entrepreneurship plays a
central role in its development. Regardless of the nature of
a business, a robust focus on its people is the key to
ensuring all other facets align seamlessly, ultimately leading
to enduring success. This pivotal human resource compo-
nent is epitomized in every organization’s Human Resource
Management (HRM).
Approaching the HRM or People Management process can
be tackled in two distinct ways. The first involves managing
this function in-house, necessitating significant investments
in terms of full-time resources and capital to adequately
support an organization. However, this route demands
extensive time, resources, and capital investments and, if
not carefully considered, can prove to be costly, complex,
and ultimately inefficient in the long run.
This is precisely where the second option comes into play:
the possibility of partnering with Human Touch - an HR
Consulting Firm–a highly skilled, experienced, trustwor-
thy, and renowned human resource partner. The rationales
behind Human Touch’s distinction as the premier HR
Consulting Firm are manifold.
Human Touch, a distinguished HR firm, was established in
2013 within the dynamic cityscape of Navi Mumbai. Since
its inception, the firm has undergone continuous growth and
remarkable evolution, expanding its footprint to include
another office in Mumbai and establishing a presence in
Ranchi as well.
Firm’s Founder and CEO, KS Praveen reflects that as
they approach the end of 2023, they are poised to celebrate
a decade of delivering exemplary HR services to the
industry. Their heartfelt appreciation extends to all their
associates, friends, and well-wishers, whether through
direct or indirect support, who have been integral to their
entire journey.
Delving into the Business World
Over the course of a decade, Human Touch has expanded
Our philosophy,
Business of business
is people as they are
at the heart of any
business.
“ “

11. The Most Prominent HR Consulting Company in India

12. its HR services to encompass a wide spectrum of busi-
nesses, from multinational corporations (MNCs) to
prominent Indian conglomerates, small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs), and innovative startups spanning
various industries. KS Praveen notes, ‘In the realm of HR
consulting and outsourcing, our clientele spans diverse
sectors, including manufacturing, retail, FMCG, IT, real
estate, logistics, and services. We serve both traditional
companies and emerging startups.’
Among Human Touch’s esteemed clients are renowned
organizations such as Johnson Matthey, Eternis, BHEL, GE,
Bombay Dying, Deepak Fertilisers, APM, CMS, BKT,
Kalptaru, S Raheja, Jyothy Lab, GeeCee Venture, Hexagon,
i-Chess, INARCO, Rx Infotech, Lykis, Quantum, and
Choice Group in the large sector. In the SME sector, clients
include Snell, Greenifit, Neotech, Lamba Infra, Yash Power
Tech, MSA, and others.
KS Praveen emphasizes that as an HR firm, they firmly
believe that the quality and competence of individuals
represent the fundamental competitive advantage. There is
nothing more critical than acquiring and nurturing talent
through robust and effective HR practices.
Comprising a team of highly qualified industry
professionals, Human Touch operates under the guiding
philosophy that ‘the business of business is people,’
recognizing that individuals lie at the core of any enterprise.
The firm’s management consultants are passionately
dedicated to driving business outcomes while crafting client
solutions for sustainable growth. Human Touch’s strength
lies in its ability to harness the wealth of knowledge and
resources accumulated over years of steadfast industry
experience.
An Extraordinary Leadership
KS Praveen, a highly regarded senior HR professional
hailing from Navi Mumbai, defines success beyond the
mere completion of tasks. He pursues genuine business
outcomes through collaborative efforts with clients, aiming
to foster high-performance organizations. With nearly 25
years of diverse and extensive experience in the HR domain
across various industry sectors, he has held leadership
positions in both Indian and multinational corporations,
including the Aditya Birla Group, Grasim, Hitachi,
Siemens, Neoteric, and Writer Corporation.
KS Praveen completed his undergraduate studies in Arts at
St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi, followed by a full-time

14. Human intelligence and skills such as
crea vity, cri cal thinking, emo onal
intelligence, and complex problem solving
are s ll more valuable than siloed
technological development.
“ “
Pinky Kapoor
Co-founder and Director

15. PGDM in HR from XISS, Ranchi. Throughout his career,
he further enriched his knowledge with Management
Development Programs (MDP) from IIM-Ahmedabad and a
Senior Management Program (SMP) from IIM-Indore.
As the former Editor-in-Chief of ‘People Pulse,’ a
distinguished HR quarterly magazine, KS Praveen has also
authored a book titled ‘HR in a VUCA World,’ available
on platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. His expertise as a
corporate trainer and people coach encompasses a wide
array of areas, including communication and interpersonal
skills, team dynamics and goal setting, personal
empowerment, managerial effectiveness, leadership, time
management, and creativity.
In addition to his corporate endeavors, KS Praveen is
actively involved with numerous reputable institutions and
serves as a visiting professor for HR and OD subjects at
esteemed B-Schools, including IIMs, where he also offers
advisory services. Beyond his professional life, KS Praveen
is a connoisseur of art, music, and literature, with a keen
interest in spirituality. He is an ardent sports enthusiast, a
nature lover, and a wildlife aficionado, finding joy in
reading, traveling, and embarking on trekking adventures.
A Team of Accomplished Professionals
Pinky Kapoor, Co-founder and Director of Human
Touch, presents the diverse range of value-added HR
services offered by the company, stating that they are
dedicated to fostering the growth and excellence of their
clients by delivering the following services:
• Talent Acquisition Services spanning various functions
and sectors.
• Human Resources Consulting tailored for large
corporations and SMEs.
• HR Outsourcing, providing comprehensive end-to-end
HR support to startups and SMEs.
• Culture Building and Organizational Development,
primarily focusing on startups and SMEs.
• Business and Strategy Advisory, with a particular
emphasis on startups and SMEs.
With 18 years of industry expertise in Talent Acquisition,
Talent Management, Learning and Development, and HR
Consulting, Pinky Kapoor’s passion lies in these domains.
In her previous role, she led Leadership Hiring at Fact HR
Pvt. Ltd., successfully handling industry mandates.

16. At Human Touch, Pinky Kapoor assumes a pivotal role in
Business Development, offering proactive operational
support. She is responsible for devising strategies and
overseeing team management. Collaborating closely with
professionals and business owners, she has made a positive
impact on the industry. Her contributions have been
recognized and praised by peers and professionals, earning
her the ‘Women of Excellence Award’ from IAA (Interna-
tional Advertising Association) last year.
Pinky Kapoor actively participates in various business
organizations and NGOs, including her role as a senior
member of the BNI (Business Network International) -
Exponential chapter in Mumbai. Additionally, she has
served as Vice President of BNI - Exponential as part of the
leadership team.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Pinky Kapoor has a deep
love for reading, connecting with people from diverse
backgrounds, attending seminars and conferences, dancing,
running, and cycling. She has participated in numerous
marathons across Mumbai, amassing an impressive
collection of medals and certificates as a dedicated runner.
Her life philosophy centers on ‘Live and Let Live’ and the
belief that ‘Everything happens for a reason.’ Pinky
Kapoor is fervently dedicated to building winning teams,
fostering business growth, and championing
entrepreneurship.
Fulfilling Human Needs with a Personalized Approach
Describing Human Touch’s vision, Pinky Kapoor expresses,
“Our aspiration is to emerge as a world-class and
preeminent HR Consulting Firm within the industry. We
aim to achieve this by providing a diverse range of high-
quality services and solutions in the HR domain.”
Dr Shalini Sharma, PhD, who serves as the Chief
Happiness Officer, defines Human Touch’s mission as
follows: “We are committed to contributing to the growth
and excellence of our client organizations by actively and
empathetically addressing their personnel requirements
with a personal touch.”
As the CHO of the organization, Dr Shalini supervises HR
and Wellness, Finance, IT, Social Media, and CSR
activities. She holds certifications as a Happiness Teacher
and Yoga Teacher. On a personal note, she has a fondness
for reading, music, gardening, social work, and is a skilled
Mastercook.

18. Reflecting on his motivation to venture into the field of
human resource consultancy, KS Praveen shares that it was
the opportunity for freedom and the passion to create
something meaningful from scratch, build it up, and make a
genuine impact that drove his decision.
Strategic Human Touch Facets
*Proactive: “We are extremely passionate about our
approach and service delivery. We believe in delighting our
clients.
*Strategic: We have a strong strategic orientation and
firmly believe in adding value to our client’s business. A
Vision without a Strategy remains an Illusion.
*Adaptable: We mould ourselves as per the needs and
goals of our clients with utmost sincerity. Adaptability is
wisdom in action.
*Innovative: We are extremely creative and imaginative in
designing our HR Solutions for our clients. Creativity is
intelligence having Fun,” he adds.
Core Values- DNA
Pinky Kapoor adds, “Our clients admire our Mission and
Core Values with which we work. Our values are part of our
DNA. They guide how we work with our business partners,
within our communities and with each other.”
Touching Lives with Five Core Values
• Integrity: “We Act with Integrity, Respect and Trust.”
• Demonstrate a commitment to integrity and ethics.
• Show respect for and value all individuals’ diverse
backgrounds, experiences, styles, approaches and
ideas.
• Listen to others for understanding.
• Generate Trust.
• Accountability: Pinky Kapoor states, “We are all
accountable.”
• Take personal accountability for actions and results.
• Focus on finding solutions and achieving results.

20. • Actively engage in discussions and commit to deci-
sions once they are made.
• Keep promises and commitments made to others.
• Personally commit to the success and well-being of
teammates.
•Humility: Dr Shalini informs, “We have the humility and
desire to learn.”
• Value openness and curiosity to learn from anyone,
anywhere.
• Seek and provide honest feedback.
• Be open to personal change and continuous
improvement.
• Learn from mistakes and successes in equal measure.
• “We strive for simplicity,” she says.
•Passion: Pinky Kapoor says, “We are passionate about our
business.”
• Show pride in work.
• Promote a positive, energizing, optimistic, and fun
environment.
• Promote and implement creative and innovative ideas
and solutions.
• Value, promote, and fiercely protect Human Touch’s
reputation.
•Client Sensitivity and Commitment: Dr Shalini furthers,
“We are absolutely focused towards our Clients.”
• Extremely sensitive to client needs.
• Committed to long-term relationships with all their
clients.
• Offer the best services and delight them.
• Value clients’ feedback and suggestions.
The Priceless Human Inventiveness

21. As a thought leader in the industry, KS Praveen shares
insights on how the integration of modern technologies like
AI and ML is impacting the HR consultancy landscape and
discusses Human Touch’s approach to this transformation.
The HR sector has witnessed a continuous evolution driven
by technology, from the early days of the internet to the era
of mobile devices and the cloud, with AI and machine
learning being the latest additions.
According to him, the adoption of AI and ML in HR can
enhance productivity, reduce operational expenses, and
streamline the handling of repetitive, routine tasks. AI
excels in tasks that involve data-driven processes and
decision-making.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes that human intelligence and
skills, such as creativity, critical thinking, emotional
intelligence, and complex problem-solving, remain
invaluable and cannot be replaced by AI and ML.
Dr Shalini Sharma
Chief Happiness Officer

22. Obstacles Outwitted
KS Praveen acknowledges that they encountered numerous
obstacles along the way but overcame them as a resilient
and cohesive team. He discloses, “During the pandemic, we
encountered significant challenges as some of our clients
decided to discontinue our HR services in an effort to
reduce costs due to the prevailing uncertainties.”
Pinky Kapoor adds, “However, as we gradually emerged
from the pandemic, we rebounded by acquiring new clients,
and several previous clients also resumed their engagement
with us. We are currently performing well, and we
anticipate substantial growth for our firm as we move
forward.”
Rekindling the People Strategy
When asked about the significance of human resource
consulting services, the expected developments in the
future, and how Human Touch is innovating in this regard,
KS Praveen shares insights. He points out that the SME
sector, encompassing industries such as manufacturing,
infrastructure, services, food processing, packaging,
chemicals, and IT, employs approximately 40% of the
Indian workforce. However, its contribution to the GDP is
just slightly over 6%. KS Praveen reveals, “We have
identified the reason behind this disconnect: the absence of
a comprehensive People Strategy.” He emphasizes the need
for the sector to undergo transformation by adopting a
forward-thinking mindset and involving HR for continued
growth, and Human Touch is at the forefront of driving this
transformation.
KS Praveen underscores an essential characteristic of
Human Touch as a prominent HR consulting firm, stating,
“Our reputation lies in our ability to quickly grasp our
clients’ HR challenges and pain points and proactively offer
tailored support to address them.”
The Vital Factor
When offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to
enter the HR consulting solution industry, KS Praveen
simplifies the key factors:
• Develop a strong desire to enhance organizations by
creating and implementing effective HR practices.
• Build the competence to connect HR practices with the
specific business needs of client organizations.
Human Touch’s mission
is to contribute to the
Growth and Excellence
of its Client
Organiza ons by
proac vely and
sensibly mee ng their
People Needs with a
Human Touch.
“ “

23. A Future of Human Brilliance
Regarding their plans for scaling Human Touch’s
operations and services in the future, Pinky Kapoor
explains that their growth will primarily come from
acquiring additional clients, especially in the SME
sector, to provide them with essential HR support.
KS Praveen emphasizes their belief that businesses
cannot progress to the next level without a robust people
strategy. He asserts that firms like Human Touch offer
exceptional HR support, which is essential for
businesses to scale up and empower themselves.
Clients Praise & Appreciations for Human Touch:
* “Human Touch has always been a key resource for
Johnson Matthey. The team sounds optimistic, and hence

24. Human Touch’s Management
Consultants are deeply passionate
about driving business outcomes
while developing client solu ons for
sustainable growth.
“ “

25. the one can be relied upon when you give your commit-
ments.” - Human Resources, Johnson Matthey Chemicals
Ind. Pvt. Ltd. - Ist Client of Human Touch
*”We have been partnered with Human Touch for the last
several years, and they are providing Talent Acquisition
solutions to us. They maintain very high quality while
sourcing candidates for us. They have a very clear
understanding of the client’s requirements. They are very
much aligned with the client’s vision and provide very
customized service.”- Amit Ranjan - Human Resources,
Eternis Fine Chemical Ltd.
*”The LnD Sessions conducted by KS Praveen for our
officers/managers entitled ‘Business of Business is People’
were highly insightful and informative.” - Raju Advani,
Chief Manager - LnD, Indian Oil.
*”We have closely involved Human Touch in our
companyand they are doing a fabulous work for us in terms
of building HR Structures,formulating & implementing HR
Guidelines and defining and spreading Vision, Mission,
Core Values, People Engagements, etc.”-. Rajeev Sharoff,
Founder & Director -YPTS.
* “Human Touch takes care of entire gamut of HR so nicely
and seamlessly. They truly add Human Touch to an
organization. I would like to strongly recommend its HR
Services.”-Janaki Ramani, Founder of House of
Happiness.
* “Human Touch is our trusted and reliable HR Partner.”-
Nishit Shah, MD of Neotech.
* “Excellent! All the goals of the LnD Sessions by Human
Touch Team were fully achieved. The contents of each
session were very clear, and the participants found them
very simple to understand and relate to. They rated you
high in terms of your content delivery, best wishes.” - V P
Mathur -Sr. VP HR, BKT Industries.
*”Engaged Human Touch for designing KRAs for our entire
leadership team. Good quality job done by them.” Neha
Jain, CHRO - Choice International Ltd.
*”Human Touch has proactively & sensibly supported my
organization to go to the next level by designing and
implementing good HR Processes and building people
oriented culture.” - Manoj Dhanwani Founder & CEO of
Snell - an E Commerce Company.

26. * “Human Touch has been nicely supporting us in
transforming our organisation. Pinky Kapoor is an
excellent change agent.”- Shyam Raheja, Owner &
MD of S. Raheja Group.
* “Human Touch is an HR Firm I would like to
recommend for HR advisory and related services
basis our ongoing experience of working with them.”
- Varun Talcherker, Director & Owner of Display
House
* “Human Touch has been a great HR support to us
since the beginning of our Start-up” –Hitesh Hiran,
Co-founder & Director – Greenifit.
In addition to the core team and the extended team,
Human Touch is having several senior industry
professionals and prominent academicians on its
panel for guidance & support and we are highly
grateful to them.
• Dr. Vikram Parekh- Professor of Marketing &
Strategy at SIESCOMS, Navi Mumbai.
• Dr. Ranjeet Nambudiri - Dean at IIM Indore.
• Mr. Jaywant Amin - Independent HR & IR
Consultant, Mumbai.
• Mr. Laksman Sundar - Veteran Ad & Media
Person, Navi Mumbai.
• Mr. Kusumadhar -Senior HR Practitioner,
NCR/UK.
“Last but not the least our gratitude and thanks to Ms
Pranali Karanje for being instrumental in
establishing and expanding the TA Vertical in our
Firm with tremendous passion and involvement from
2013 to 2020.”
“And finally …. we are thankful to Mr. Agnel
D’Souza - Founder ACEF Global for always
honouring our Firm, Amrut & Neha of CreativFish
also for beautifully designing our Logo, Website, etc.,
and Mona Parekh/ASPA Digital for nice social
media support.”
“We at Human Touch are committed to two social
causes- Health n Wellness and Green
Environment,” concludes KS Praveen.

28. HR Transformation
26 | www.cioworldindia.com | October 2023

29. How India’s Premier
HR Consulting
Companies Are Shaping the
Future?
he world of Human Resources (HR) is undergoing
Ta profound transformation, driven by shifting
workplace dynamics, technological advancements,
and a renewed focus on the human element within
organizations.
In India, where a burgeoning workforce is poised to play a
pivotal role in the global economy, the role of HR
consulting companies has never been more critical. These
firms are not just service providers; they are architects of
change, sculpting the future of the workplace. As the
epicenter of this HR revolution, India boasts a cohort of
premier HR consulting companies that are driving
innovation, fostering talent, and reshaping organizational
structures.
The HR Landscape in India
India’s workforce is as diverse as it is vast, encompassing a
myriad of cultures, languages, and backgrounds. With over
a billion people, the nation’s labor force is a dynamic pool
of talent that has caught the attention of global corporations.
However, managing and optimizing this diverse workforce
comes with its own set of challenges.
The emergence of the gig economy, remote work, and the
need for upskilling in an era of rapid technological change
are just a few of the complex issues HR professionals face.
Moreover, as businesses evolve, HR strategies must evolve
in tandem, making HR consulting companies invaluable
partners in navigating this shifting landscape.
The Pioneers of HR Transformation
India’s premier HR consulting firms are at the forefront of
this transformation, offering a wide array of services that
encompass talent acquisition, performance management,
learning and development, organizational restructuring, and
much more. These companies are not mere advisors; they
are catalysts for change who bring a wealth of expertise and
innovation to the table.
Talent Acquisition and Management: In a highly
competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is
a perpetual challenge. HR consulting firms leverage data-
driven approaches and cutting-edge technologies to
identify, recruit, and nurture the right talent for their clients.
Leadership Development: Effective leadership is critical
to an organization’s success. These firms offer leadership
development programs that cultivate the next generation of
leaders, equipping them with the skills and vision needed to
steer organizations toward growth.
Digital Transformation: As businesses embrace
digitalization, HR consulting companies play a pivotal role
in ensuring that organizations have the digital capabilities
and talent needed to thrive in the digital age. They assist in
crafting digital HR strategies, implement HR technologies,
and drive digital skills development.
Employee Wellbeing: The wellbeing of employees has
taken center stage, particularly in the wake of the COVID-
19 pandemic. HR consulting firms are championing
initiatives that prioritize employee health, mental wellbeing,
and work-life balance.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): DEI is not just a
buzzword; it’s a fundamental aspect of modern workplaces.
HR consulting firms work closely with organizations to
create inclusive cultures that celebrate diversity and foster
equity.
October 2023 | www.cioworldindia.com | 27

30. Change Management: The ability to adapt to change is a
hallmark of successful organizations. HR consulting firms
specialize in change management, helping companies
navigate transitions smoothly and ensuring that employees
embrace change positively.
Shaping the Future of HR
As organizations grapple with the challenges posed by a
rapidly changing business environment, these consulting
firms are at the forefront, crafting innovative strategies and
implementing transformative solutions.
Agile Talent Management:
Strategic Adaptation: HR consulting companies are
helping organizations transition from traditional talent
management to agile models. They facilitate the
development of flexible workforce structures that can
swiftly respond to market demands.
Continuous Learning: Embracing lifelong learning is a
central theme. These firms advocate for continuous
upskilling and reskilling to ensure that employees remain
adaptable and competitive in the job market.
AI-driven HR Solutions:
Smart Automation: HR consulting firms are championing
the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine
learning into HR processes. AI-driven tools are streamlining
recruitment, automating routine tasks, and providing data-
driven insights for better decision-making.
Enhanced Candidate Experience: AI-powered chatbots
are being used to engage with candidates during the
recruitment process, ensuring a seamless and responsive
experience.
Employee-centric Wellbeing Programs:
Holistic Wellbeing: HR consulting firms emphasize
holistic employee wellbeing, addressing physical, mental,
and emotional health. They assist in designing wellness
programs that promote work-life balance, stress
management, and mental health support.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Promoting flexible work
arrangements, including remote and hybrid models, has
become a norm, allowing employees greater control over
their work-life integration.
Inclusive Leadership and Diversity Initiatives:
Promoting Inclusion: HR consulting firms work closely
with organizations to foster inclusive leadership practices.
They design diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategies that go
beyond compliance, encouraging diverse perspectives and
equitable opportunities.
Measurable Impact: Metrics and key performance
indicators (KPIs) are established to measure progress in
D&I initiatives. These firms advocate transparency and
accountability.
Redefining Employee Engagement:
Tailored Engagement: Personalization is key in
engagement strategies. HR consulting firms recommend
tailored approaches to understand individual employee
needs and preferences.
Feedback Loop: Regular feedback mechanisms, including
pulse surveys and stay interviews, enable organizations to
adapt quickly to changing employee sentiments.
India’s premier HR consulting companies are not just
responding to the changing HR landscape; they are actively
shaping its future. Their forward-thinking strategies and
commitment to employee-centric practices are redefining
the HR ecosystem, making it more adaptable, inclusive, and
technologically advanced. As organizations continue to
navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, these
consulting firms remain invaluable partners in driving HR
innovation and excellence.
28 | www.cioworldindia.com | October 2023

32. iversity and inclusion (D&I) have evolved from
Dbuzzwords to crucial components of successful
organizations worldwide. In India, businesses are
increasingly recognizing the importance of fostering diverse
and inclusive workplaces. However, achieving meaningful
progress in this area often requires specialized expertise, and
this is where HR consulting firms come into play. These firms
play a vital role in guiding Indian businesses on their D&I
journeys.
The Current Landscape of D&I in Indian Businesses
Before delving into the role of HR consulting in fostering
D&I, it’s essential to understand the current landscape in
Indian businesses:
Gender Disparities: Despite India’s advancements, gender
disparities persist in the workplace. Women are
underrepresented in leadership roles across many industries.
Cultural and Ethnic Diversity: India’s cultural and ethnic
diversity is unparalleled, but it’s not always reflected in
corporate settings. Many organizations still grapple with
inclusivity challenges.
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity: While there is growing awareness,
creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+
individuals in the workplace remains a challenge for many
companies.
The Role of HR Consulting Firms in Fostering D&I
HR consulting firms bring a wealth of experience and
expertise to the table when it comes to fostering diversity and
inclusion in Indian businesses:
Assessment and Strategy Development: HR consultants
conduct comprehensive assessments of an organization’s
current D&I landscape. They identify gaps and areas for
improvement. Based on this analysis, they help develop
tailored D&I strategies that align with the organization’s
values and goals.
Policy and Program Development: Crafting inclusive HR
policies and programs is a complex task. HR consulting firms
assist businesses in creating policies that promote fair
practices, equity, and inclusivity.
Education and Training: Effective D&I requires a cultural
shift within an organization. HR consultants provide diversity
and inclusion training for employees at all levels. These
programs raise awareness, challenge biases, and promote
inclusivity.
Recruitment and Talent Acquisition: Consultants help
organizations diversify their talent pools. They advise on
inclusive recruitment strategies and work to eliminate
unconscious biases in the hiring process.
Data-driven Decision-making: Data plays a crucial role in
tracking progress. HR consultants help businesses collect and
analyze data related to D&I initiatives, enabling informed
decision-making and the measurement of outcomes.
HR Consulting’s Vital Role in Fostering Diversity
and Inclusion in Indian Businesses

33. Success Stories
Several Indian businesses have reaped the benefits of HR
consulting firms’ expertise in fostering D&I:
Tech Giants: Leading technology companies have
collaborated with HR consulting firms to implement gender-
inclusive policies, mentorship programs, and initiatives
promoting diversity in tech roles. This has resulted in a more
balanced workforce.
Banking and Finance: Financial institutions have turned to
HR consultants to address gender pay gaps and create
inclusive workplace cultures. These efforts have boosted
employee morale and retention.
Startups: Many startups have embraced D&I from their
inception with the guidance of HR consultants. As a result,
they’ve cultivated diverse teams that bring varied
perspectives to the table, fostering innovation.
These leading consulting firms are spearheading D&I and
implementing best practices that are not only transforming
India’s workforce but also leaving a lasting impact on the
global HR ecosystem.
Data-driven Talent Acquisition:
Strategy: HR consulting firms are increasingly relying on
data analytics to identify and recruit top talent. They use
advanced algorithms to assess candidates’ skills, cultural fit,
and potential contributions to the organization.
Best Practice: The use of predictive analytics allows
companies to make informed hiring decisions, reduce
turnover, and enhance workforce diversity.
Leadership Development and Succession Planning:
Strategy: Identifying and nurturing future leaders is critical
for organizational growth. HR consulting firms create
tailored leadership development programs that focus on skill
enhancement and mentoring.
Best Practice: Customized leadership development
programs that combine classroom training, coaching, and on-
the-job experiences are highly effective.
Digital Transformation of HR:
Strategy: HR consulting firms assist organizations in
leveraging technology for HR processes. This includes
implementing HRIS (Human Resource Information
Systems), chatbots for employee inquiries, and data-driven
decision-making tools.
Best Practice: Integration of AI and machine learning for
predictive HR analytics enhances recruitment, employee
engagement, and performance management.
Employee Wellbeing and Engagement:
Strategy: Prioritizing employee wellbeing and engagement
is a cornerstone of HR consulting firms. They design
comprehensive programs that include mental health support,
flexible work arrangements, and recognition initiatives.
Best Practice: Regular surveys and feedback mechanisms
help tailor wellbeing programs to employees’ needs and
preferences.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):
Strategy: HR consulting firms work with organizations to
create DEI strategies that promote inclusivity and diversity in
the workplace. This includes diverse hiring practices,
inclusive leadership training, and cultural sensitivity
programs.
Best Practice: Establishing DEI metrics and accountability
mechanisms ensures ongoing progress.
Change Management:
Strategy: Successful change management requires clear
communication, stakeholder engagement, and a phased
approach. HR consulting firms provide guidance on planning,
execution, and evaluation.
Best Practice: A structured change management framework
that includes employee involvement and continuous feedback
is essential.
The Road Ahead
While significant progress has been made, there’s still much
work to be done in fostering diversity and inclusion in Indian
businesses. HR consulting firms will continue to play a vital
role in driving this change. As the business landscape
evolves, so too will the strategies and approaches employed
by these firms to create workplaces that celebrate differences
and promote inclusivity. Ultimately, HR consulting remains a
catalyst for positive change in Indian businesses, leading
them toward a more diverse and inclusive future.
Future for All
October 2023 | www.cioworldindia.com | 31

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