Smriti Khanna believes in and practices the power of empathy. "My approach to life and work is fundamentally grounded in empathy. It's about understanding people's perspectives and needs and creating environments where they can thrive," Smriti affirms. As the Vice President of HR at WOW Skin Science, she embodies a strategic, empathetic approach to human resources, driving inclusivity, innovation, resilience, and employee well-being within the organisation. 

Embarking on a career to empower individuals 

Smriti's journey into HR was sparked by the desire to add tangible value to businesses through strategic talent interventions that empower individuals and build inclusive workplaces. "HR allows me to make a significant impact by aligning people's capabilities with organisational goals," she explains.

Looking ahead to HR in 2025, Smriti envisions a dynamic, data-driven, and technologically enabled function that not only supports business growth but also champions employee well-being and development. "In 2025, HR should be a strategic partner leveraging technology and data analytics to drive informed decisions and create sustainable, inclusive cultures," she states.

Championing HR capabilities at WOW Skin Science 

At WOW Skin Science, Smriti has played a pivotal role in developing HR capabilities that align with the organisational vision. She has spearheaded initiatives ranging from talent management systems to crisis response protocols to enhance organisational efficiency and employee engagement. "My focus has been building a robust HR framework that integrates talent management with technological advancements," Smriti elaborates. Her initiatives include:

• Implementing a comprehensive talent management system that streamlined recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning processes, ensuring efficient operations and optimal retention of top talent
• Leading culture change initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the organisation, fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture
• Introducing data analytics in HR decision-making enabling real-time insights into employee concerns and needs, which in turn enhances engagement and productivity.

"These efforts have improved HR operations and contributed significantly to organisational resilience and growth," Smriti reflects. Her strategic approach to HR has positioned WOW Skin Science as a leader in employee-centric practices amidst evolving workplace dynamics.

Solving modern-day HR challenges

Addressing the biggest challenge in HR today, Smriti identifies the need to adapt to rapid changes while prioritising employee engagement and well-being. "Flexible work arrangements, continuous learning programs, and robust employee engagement frameworks have been instrumental in navigating these challenges," she notes. Stating the changes witnessed in the workplace in 2024, Smriti underscores the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and a supportive work environment. "The emphasis on employee well-being and continuous learning has grown significantly," she observes. These insights have shaped her approach to fostering a culture that values trust, autonomy, and growth.

Journey with Are You In The List 2024 awards

Participating in the People Matters Are You In The List 2024, powered by Aon awards has been very rewarding for Smriti's leadership journey. "The assessment process provided invaluable insights into my strengths and need for development," she acknowledges. The feedback reinforced her effectiveness in driving change, fostering collaboration, and promoting organisational diversity. "The recognition from these awards has validated my leadership capabilities and inspired me to further elevate HR practices within and beyond WOW Skin Science," Smriti reflects. Her commitment to continuous learning and advocacy for strategic HR practices underscores her role as a catalyst for positive organisational change.

Smriti Khanna is an exemplary HR leader, leveraging empathy, strategic foresight, and technological innovation to drive organisational success and nurture a thriving workplace culture. Her vision for HR in 2025 reflects a commitment to harnessing data and technology to create inclusive, resilient, and future-ready organisations.

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