What does the future of work look like? A panel of HR experts from top organisations delved into this question at People Matters TRWC, focusing on how personalised benefits and innovative workplace strategies are shaping the new normal.

A panel of HR experts from top organisations, including NatWest India, Zyla Health, DBS Bank India, and Bausch + Lomb, shared insights on how to design employee benefits that truly matter, fostering well-being and engagement across diverse teams. 

"Insurance is more than just a policy," asserted Navin Chaudhary, Head of Rewards at DBS Bank India. He explained how organisations can elevate insurance benefits to a strategic tool for employee well-being. By offering additional perks like dependent education support, companies can create a stronger emotional connection with their workforce.

Aarti Kohli, Director of HR at Bausch + Lomb, highlighted the importance of holistic well-being. She noted that today's employees seek more than just a paycheck; they crave purpose and meaning. By investing in mental, physical, and financial health, organisations can create a thriving work environment where employees can flourish.

Hyper-personalisation emerged as a key theme, with panellists discussing how benefits can be tailored to individual preferences. The 70-20-10 learning model, traditionally applied to skill development, was proposed as a novel approach to health and wellness strategies. DBS Bank's "wellness wallet" was highlighted as a pioneering initiative that allows employees to curate their own benefits package, reflecting their diverse needs and aspirations.

Poulomi Saha, Head of Reward Pension Benefits at NatWest India, shared her organisation's approach to the hybrid work model. By reframing it as "in-person collaboration," they've successfully implemented a flexible structure that allows employees to balance work and life.

Aarti highlighted the importance of timely and meaningful recognition. Their organisation's "Moments of Recognition Every Day" (MORE) program combines instant rewards with long-term recognition, ensuring that employee contributions are acknowledged and appreciated.

As organisations continue to innovate in employee benefits, a shared sentiment among the panellists was that the future lies in hyper-personalisation. While technology enables this shift, a human touch remains essential. By combining digital tools with compassionate, meaningful benefits, organisations can build supportive environments that value each employee as an individual. These innovative benefits go beyond perks; they’re key to fostering a resilient, engaged workforce prepared for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.