Employees today seek more than just a paycheck. They demand workplaces that care for their entire being. Businesses that prioritise employee well-being are not only attracting top talent but also driving innovation and productivity.

However, understanding what truly impacts workplace well-being is no simple task. HR professionals face the challenge of analysing and understanding workplace culture in-depth to create an environment that not only supports employees but also fosters productivity. In doing so, they can build spaces where people thrive, both personally and professionally. 

In an exclusive conversation with People Matters, Harshavardhan Kundalkar, Chief People Officer at Daimler Truck Innovation Centre India (DTICI), shared his insights on building a supportive, nurturing, and productive workplace. According to Harshavardhan, the foundation of this kind of culture lies in fostering a growth-oriented environment where talent has access to the resources and opportunities needed for their wellness, development, and success.

Read here the complete interview: 

In your view, what specific strategies have been effective in fostering a healthy and valued work culture, and are not just policies? What role does leadership play in championing this?

At the core of a thriving work culture are behaviours, not just policies. We believe in creating an environment of psychological safety, where employees feel secure to express ideas, concerns, or even challenge the status quo without fear of repercussions. Our emphasis on a speak-up and feedback culture ensures that open dialogue is encouraged and valued at all levels.

Leadership plays a pivotal role in this. Leaders are not just decision-makers but role models who reflect the values we strive to uphold. They demonstrate vulnerability by acknowledging their own challenges, creating space for authenticity and trust, practising active listening, embracing multi-perspectives, and regularly reflecting on their own leadership approach to foster inclusivity and continuous learning. This combination of trust, openness, and leadership commitment builds a workplace where employees feel genuinely heard, respected, and motivated.

How do you prioritise the growth journey of your workforce? Can you share examples of how you identify and nurture high-potential talent?

We prioritise the growth journey of our workforce by focusing on opportunities for continuous development and meaningful career progression. A key aspect of this is the internal talent marketplace, encouraging employees to explore career movements within the organisation for diverse experiences and skill expansion. Our performance management philosophy emphasises both performance and potential, ensuring we reward achievements while nurturing future capabilities. 

Additionally, we offer various career acceleration frameworks that fast-track the development of high-potential employees from various cohorts, empowering them to own their growth journey.

With DTICI’s diverse global workforce, how do you foster a sense of unity and belonging while also valuing their diverse needs and preferences?

Our ‘You Make Us’ philosophy embodies the belief that everyone contributes uniquely to our collective success. Our shared goal of redefining the commercial vehicle industry unites our diverse global workforce. Our leadership behaviours are anchored on collaboration and teamwork, ensuring that while we respect and value diverse needs and preferences, we work together seamlessly towards our collective vision. This approach fosters a strong sense of belonging while celebrating the diversity that strengthens us.

What specific initiatives at DTICI help promote DEI across various levels of the organisation? How do you measure the success and impact of these initiatives?

At DTICI, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a key priority embedded in our ambition charter. Our DEI vision is: "We foster an INCLUSIVE culture, where you can be your AUTHENTIC self and REALISE your true potential." Among various aspects of diversity, we currently focus on gender diversity, with conscious efforts toward sensitisation and capability building. We also have Employee Resource Groups (ERG) to support and nurture talent.

We believe that DEI is a vital focus area — not something to be solved instantly but a continuous journey. Our success is measured not just through metrics but by building an environment where diverse talents can thrive, and we remain committed to refining our efforts at every step.

What sets you apart in the industry when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent?

‘The Best Products, Best Engineering Center and Best People’ is the ideology that steers DTICI. We offer challenging and global opportunities that allow individuals to innovate and shape the future of the automobile industry. 

Our focus on well-being offerings ensures that our employees feel valued and supported, while our commitment to continuous learning opportunities enhances both personal and professional growth. Most importantly, we emphasise on collaboration and inclusivity, creating an environment where talent can thrive. Together, these elements make DTICI a compelling choice for those looking to make an impact in the automotive sector.

How do you approach employee well-being at DTICI to ensure a healthy work-life balance?

We believe that a healthy work environment is essential for both employee well-being and organisational success. Our approach to employee well-being focuses on a wholesome framework that encompasses multiple dimensions, including physical, emotional, social, parental, workplace, financial, and environmental well-being. Our programmes and resources support each of these areas, promoting flexibility and a healthy work-life balance. 

As the world of work continues to evolve, are you rethinking any policies or initiatives to build a more people-centric culture in alignment with these changes? 

As the world of work continues to evolve, we recognise that excellence is not a destination but a journey. We are committed to rethinking our policies and initiatives to build a more people-centric culture that aligns with our core principles. We always strive to do the best for our people, ensuring that their needs and aspirations are at the forefront of our efforts. By adapting and innovating, we aim to create an environment that empowers our employees and elevates their development and well-being.