Nachiket Anekar wants HR leaders to become resilient. "Resilience, to me, is the cornerstone of both personal and professional growth," Nachiket reflects. It's about adapting to change, embracing challenges, and continuously evolving to meet new demands." As the General Manager of HR at _VOIS (Vodafone Group), he is a dedicated HR leader known for his resilience, strategic acumen, and commitment to fostering inclusive and high-performing workplace cultures.

A career driven by an interest in human behaviour 

Nachiket's journey into HR was driven by a profound interest in understanding human behaviour within organisational contexts and the belief that leveraging this understanding can significantly enhance organisational effectiveness. "I've always been fascinated by the dynamics of human behaviour within structured environments," Nachiket explains. "This fascination led me to choose HR as my career focus, where I could directly contribute to making work environments more productive and fulfilling." Nachiket's academic pursuits, culminating in a master's degree in psychology obtained in May 2024, underscore his commitment to deepening his knowledge and skills in understanding human psychology and behaviour within organisational settings.

Sharing what he has learned from 2024, Nachiket notes HR's pivotal role in navigating change and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. "This year has underscored the importance of adaptability and inclusivity," he notes. "Hybrid work models and the emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion have become critical drivers of organisational success." Looking ahead to HR in 2025, Nachiket envisions a future where technology complements a human-centric approach, prioritising employee well-being and future-proofing skills. "In 2025, my vision for HR is to harness technological advancements while maintaining a 100% human mindset," he articulates. "This entails prioritising employee well-being and equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape."

Developing strategic HR goals across industries

Throughout his career, Nachiket has played a pivotal role in enhancing HR capabilities across various domains and organisations. His experience at Philips Lighting (now Signify) and Gillette (P&G) equipped him with valuable experience in talent acquisition, rewards, benefits and HR business partnering. In his current role at _VOIS, he is establishing an efficient near-shore centre in Romania to optimise HR service delivery for Vodafone Germany, showcasing his strategic agility.

He also spearheaded comprehensive medical policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring employee well-being and enhancing the organisation's Employee Value Proposition (EVP). He led the leadership hiring portfolio during the transition to _VOIS, setting the foundation for a robust executive talent pipeline. "My decade-long journey in HR has been about driving strategic initiatives that build a resilient and engaged workforce," Nachiket reflects. "By aligning HR practices with organisational goals, I've contributed to creating a culture of continuous growth and success."

Nachiket identifies the primary challenge facing HR today as fostering resilience, agility, and engagement amidst rapid technological advancements and evolving employee expectations. "The landscape of work is evolving rapidly," Nachiket observes. As HR professionals, we must navigate diverse workforce generations—from Baby Boomers to Gen Alpha—ensuring inclusivity and alignment with business objectives."

Reflections from Are You In The List 2024 awards

Participating in the People Matters Are You In The List 2024, powered by Aon Awards gave Nachiket valuable insights into his leadership strengths and development needs. "The assessment process offered a holistic view of my leadership capabilities," Nachiket shares. "It was a transformative experience, helping me understand my leadership style and providing actionable feedback for my growth." He adds that sessions with industry leaders, including Vikram Bector, offered mentorship and guidance that enriched Nachiket's leadership journey.

"Participating in this prestigious award has boosted my confidence and credibility as an HR leader," Nachiket concludes. "It has reinforced my commitment to driving impactful change and innovation within _VOIS and beyond."

Nachiket Anekar’s resilience-driven leadership in HR, combining strategic foresight with a deep understanding of human behaviour to foster inclusive and high-performing workplace cultures, makes him a leader to watch out for. Nachiket envisions a future where HR can leverage technology to prioritise employee well-being and continuous development, ensuring that organisations remain adaptable and successful in an ever-changing business landscape.

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