Ritika Sharma | Talent Acquisition Specialist | Boston Scientific

For Ritika Sharma, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Boston Scientific, her journey in HR has always been centered around the people. With expertise in talent acquisition, team building, technical recruiting, Sharma has experience leading various projects across different HR functions. She also believes the pandemic has had a lasting impact on how we work and that the move from work from office to work from home has put much needed focus on employee wellbeing. 

Sharma feels 2023 was a year of stabilisation for the entire industry. “The chatter around AI/machine learning has made everyone curious and has ignited a sense of healthy competition,” she said. 

HR is all about people

Sharma strongly believes that the HR function is by the people, for the people and all about people. “What really excited me about HR is that it is truly the backbone of the organisation with no scope to fail – that makes work really exciting,” she said. 

Evolution of HR 

"We have seen the time when we, as a function, went from simply being the ‘Personnel Department’ to ‘Human Resources’,” Sharma said, talking about the kind of evolution HR has seen over the last few years. 

“With newer generations and a brand new demographic entering the workforce, it is time for another evolution of Human Resources,” she said, adding that the world has already taken a step towards introducing AI in most facets of work and how it is important for every organisation – irrespective of its make up – to view HR with one single lens. 

Another challenge HR faces everyday is perception. “Even today, a lot of people feel that the work of the HR department revolves around making rangolis on Diwali, celebrating birthdays, hosting annual parties – that is a big myth! I feel it is a thankless profession but I do believe the day is not far when HR as a profession will get the respect it deserves,” she elaborated. 

Learnings from Are You In The List Awards

“This test was like looking at myself in the mirror and remembering the time I’ve spent in HR and how far I have come. Viewing my eight years through six stages was indeed the best experience,” she said. 

“The six stages helped me share my experiences, and it is these experiences that we derive our strength from. I believe each one of us has that uniqueness within ourselves and People Matters Are You In The List 2023 powered by Aon made me meet my "Unique code" and I got a platform to share it with the world.” 

What’s Next?

“Digital transformation is an area that HR has to take initiative in. Within the HR function, there are lots of areas that need to be focused on including enhancing employee experience, advancing capability building and retaining talent in the organisation,”  Sharma said.  

To get to know the experiences of all the People Matters Are You In The List winners, follow the #AreYouInTheList.