Are You In The List 2024 Winner: Divya Jha on building resilience in HR

Divya Jha | General Manager of Human Resources |  Godrej Properties Limited

Inspired by the proverb, "Fall seven times, stand up eight," Divya Jha exemplifies resilience and a commitment to overcoming challenges in pursuit of success. She is a distinguished General Manager of Human Resources at Godrej Properties Limited, where she plays a critical role in shaping the organisation’s HR strategies and initiatives. 

Currently, she leads the HR Business Partner (HRBP) function for the Head Office and International Sales, alongside her responsibilities as the Center of Excellence (CoE) Lead for People Processes, Employee Listening, and Talent Acquisition. Her multifaceted expertise and dedication to developing people-centric solutions have driven the company’s growth and enhanced employee engagement.

Choosing a career in HR

At the core of Divya's approach to both her professional and personal life lies the trait of grit. "Grit, which encompasses passion and perseverance for long-term goals, has been my guiding principle," she states. This unwavering determination not only motivates her to strive for excellence in her work but also serves as a foundation for her professional growth. 

Divya's decision to pursue a career in HR stems from her fascination with people. "People have always intrigued me—understanding their core beliefs, motivations, inherent traits, and dreams," she explains. This profound interest has guided her career choices, allowing her to see herself as a business professional dedicated to crafting innovative people solutions that align with organisational goals while elevating individual potential.

Making HR humane and accessible at Godrej Properties

Divya's extensive career spans various sectors, providing her with a wealth of experience and insights into the HR landscape. She has worked at organisations like Idea Cellular, a fintech startup at the Aditya Birla Group, and Godrej Agrovet. In her current capacity at Godrej Properties, Divya oversees critical functions that contribute significantly to the organisation’s HR capabilities. As the CoE Lead for People Processes, she has implemented robust processes for performance evaluations, promotions, and feedback mechanisms.

"By implementing data-driven approaches and enhancing process efficiency, we have improved transparency, consistency, and fairness across our HR practices," she affirms. This strategic focus has led to clearer performance expectations and enhanced career progression opportunities for employees.

Furthermore, Divya's leadership in talent acquisition is characterised by her strategic collaboration with various business units to align recruitment strategies with organisational goals. This proactive approach has ensured the timely acquisition of critical talent, significantly contributing to the organisation's agility and capability to meet market demands. "Our approach extends beyond just identifying issues to actively implementing people-centric initiatives," she explains, highlighting the importance of creating a supportive work environment that increases employee well-being and retention.

Are You In The List 2024: A look back

Participating in the People Matters Are You In The List Awards powered by Aon has been a profoundly transformative experience for Divya. She says that the evaluation process provided valuable insights to ensure holistic development. “It has instilled in me a renewed sense of confidence, energy, and optimism as I embark on the next phase of my career,” she shares. The interactions with industry leaders and coaches have broadened her perspectives and equipped her with practical insights to drive meaningful change within her organisation.

HR: Reflecting and looking ahead

Reflecting on her learning from 2024, Divya says the need for agility and inclusivity in the evolving work landscape is paramount. “Navigating uncertainty and fostering an inclusive environment where individuals can thrive will be crucial,” she asserts, advocating for continuous upskilling and learning opportunities for employees. Her vision for HR in 2025 also reflects this ethos: "In 2025, my vision for HR is to be the trusted and agile partner creating people-centred solutions to drive organisational success."

Divya Jha leverages her grit, experience, and passion for people to create impactful HR solutions. Her commitment to building a culture of engagement, transparency, and continuous improvement positions her as a future leader in navigating the complexities of today’s workforce.

Meet other HR leaders and winners of the Are You In The List 2024 awards by following #AreYouInTheList.