Malvika Tayal | Senior HR Manager | Nestlé Global Services India

Malvika Tayal believes in the power of people. She says, "The foundation of organisational success lies in the people who comprise the workforce." As the Senior HR Manager at Nestlé Global Services India, she is recognised for her profound expertise in human resources and her commitment to designing conducive work environments.

With a career spanning several years in HR, she has cultivated a deep understanding of talent management in organisational success. Her journey in HR is marked by a dedication to aligning employee aspirations with organisational goals, creating a thriving workplace culture.

The key to succeeding in HR: Resilience and continuous learning

Resiliency is at the core of Malvika's approach to her personal and professional life. She describes this trait as essential for adapting to changing circumstances and embracing new opportunities. "Resilience allows me to remain flexible and open-minded, enabling me to adjust my strategies and plans as needed," she explains. This adaptability has equipped her to navigate complex challenges, seize new opportunities, and lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Malvika's diverse experiences across various HR functions have provided her with a holistic understanding of the discipline. Her tenure at Nestlé and previous roles at organisations like IBM and Honeywell have allowed her to develop comprehensive skills essential for leading HR teams. Her ability to collaborate and influence outcomes is a testament to her strategic mindset and dedication to organisational excellence. In 2024, one of Malvika’s key learnings has been the importance of HR as a strategic partner to business. “The business needs and employee needs have completely transformed, especially after the pandemic,” she reflects. She says HR professionals must drive change and foster a culture of belongingness to adapt to these evolving demands.

Looking ahead, Malvika envisions HR evolving to enable future-ready skills, mindsets, and leadership that leverage technology, embrace diversity, and prioritise employee well-being. “My vision is to create a culture of belongingness in the new ways of working,” she states, highlighting the need for HR professionals to lead change management effectively.

Building HR capacity at Nestlé

Throughout her career, Malvika has significantly contributed to enhancing HR capabilities within her organisations. One of her notable achievements was spearheading the establishment of HR processes for a new unit at Nestlé. “This experience not only challenged me but also accelerated my learning curve,” she recalls. She successfully designed and implemented HR policies, established recruitment and onboarding processes, developed performance management frameworks, and created employee engagement initiatives. Her efforts resulted in a remarkable reduction in turnover rates, keeping them below 5%.

Malvika’s strategic decisions have consistently supported her organisation's broader goals. She emphasises the importance of navigating complex organisational structures and addressing ambiguity. Her experience at Nestlé has further refined her skills in quick decision-making and adaptability. "I have thrived in such environments, demonstrating resilience and flexibility in handling evolving priorities and challenges," she notes.

Making employee well-being a priority 

Recognising the importance of employee well-being in today’s work environment, Malvika has initiated comprehensive mental health programs at Nestlé. "Employee well-being is vital, especially in a high-paced environment where burnout is a real risk," she asserts. These programs include access to counselling services, stress management workshops, and regular wellness check-ins, all aimed at fostering a supportive work environment.

Additionally, Malvika has actively addressed the challenges posed by a multigenerational workforce. She believes that "understanding and catering to the unique needs of employees from different generations is essential for maintaining a harmonious and productive workplace." To this end, she has developed tailored onboarding programs, flexible work arrangements, and career development opportunities that resonate with employees' diverse needs.

Experience with Are You In The List 2024 awards

Participating in the People Matters Are You In The List 2024 awards powered by Aon has been a deeply enlightening experience for Malvika. She describes the assessment process as instrumental in understanding her leadership strengths. "The evaluation highlighted my inherent strengths and areas of improvement, allowing me to tailor my leadership approach," she explains. The mentorship and networking opportunities provided during the awards process have enriched her leadership journey, helping her refine her skills and inspire her team effectively.

Malvika Tayal exemplifies a dedicated and resilient HR leader whose strategic vision and commitment to employee well-being have made a significant impact at Nestlé Global Services India. Her ability to adapt to changing circumstances, design a culture of belonging, and champion employee development makes her a promising HR leader to watch out for. 

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