SHEFALI TOMAR

Transforming HR Practices in Indian Healthcare

SHEFALI TOMAR

Vice President-People & Culture,

CK Birla Healthcare

Healthcare is a dynamic sector with immense potential for growth and innovation, yet it grapples with formidable challenges. These include stringent regulatory requirements, the constant demand for specialised talent, high turnover rates, and the imperative to maintain quality patient care amidst budget constraints. Shefali Tomar, Vice President-People & Culture at CK Birla Healthcare, has navigated these challenges adeptly through strategic HR initiatives. Under Shefali’s leadership, the hospital has not only strengthened its talent acquisition and management strategies but has also fostered a culture of continuous learning and innovation. At CK Birla Healthcare, Shefali has pioneered initiatives that directly confront these sector-specific challenges. She has implemented robust HR strategies aimed at optimising recruitment processes to attract and retain top healthcare professionals. Her focus on fostering a supportive workplace culture not only enhances employee satisfaction but also mitigates burnout, which is crucial in an industry known for its demanding work environments.Furthermore, Shefali champions the integration of HR technology dashboards, providing real-time insights into key metrics that enable proactive decision-making and resource allocation. This technological advancement ensures compliance with regulatory standards and enhances operational efficiency, thereby elevating the hospital’s overall service delivery capabilities. By standardising HR service delivery through Service Level Agreements (SLAs), Shefali has streamlined processes and improved service quality across the organisation, addressing critical needs in healthcare service consistency and reliability.TradeFlock interviewed Shefali to learn more about how she drives the hospital’s success and what she has for herself.

What key experiences shaped your twodecade journey in HR and people management?

Throughout my two-decade HR journey, I’ve traversed diverse roles that have shaped my expertise. Starting at HSBC, I honed my skills in recruitment and talent management. At DCM Shriram, I navigated the complexities of industrial relations in manufacturing. Max New York life insurance deepened my strategic HR partnership in the fast-paced financial services sector. Accenture challenged me to innovate in talent development within IT. Transitioning to healthcare, I tailored performance systems at a medical device startup and led impactful HR initiatives at Max Healthcare. International exposure in Canada’s public healthcare sector broadened my regulatory insights. Each role has enriched my strategic HR acumen across diverse industries.

What other technologies, apart from AI, do you leverage to simplify operations?

Beyond AI, we utilise a suite of technologies to streamline HR operations and boost efficiency. Our robust HRMS integrates recruitment, onboarding, payroll, performance evaluation, and employee data management, enhancing accuracy and insight into key metrics. Advanced data analytics and predictive modelling complement AI by forecasting workforce engagement trends and guiding recruitment and retention strategies. Compliance software ensures regulatory adherence. Employee engagement platforms foster transparency and collaboration, and telemedicine and remote work technologies enable flexible healthcare delivery and workforce management. These integrated tools drive operational agility, innovation, and sustainable growth in our healthcare operations.

What personal routines help you stay productive and focused?

To stay productive and focused, I maintain a positive and energetic mindset. My daily routine includes waking up at 4:00 a.m. to meditate, which centres my thoughts and clears my mind. I also hit the gym to keep my body fit and my energy levels high. Meditation helps me stay balanced and strengthens my personal and professional relationships. I stay connected with my network for fresh insights and support, enhancing both my work and personal life.

What are your current challenges, and how are you addressing them with your experience?

In my current role within the healthcare sector, I tackle formidable challenges with strategies honed from extensive HR experience and industry insights. Retaining skilled healthcare professionals in a fiercely competitive market is pivotal. Drawing from my successes at Max Healthcare, I prioritise robust employee engagement and dynamic career development to meet the evolving demands of our workforce.Ensuring organisational cohesion amid rapid growth and diversification remains a critical endeavour. Building on my strategic initiatives at Max New York Life Insurance, I closely align cultural initiatives with our strategic imperatives, fostering unity across mergers, acquisitions, and expansions. I leverage precise data insights from HR analytics and employee feedback to drive agile decisionmaking, swiftly addressing retention risks and regulatory complexities. I am advancing our workforce planning capabilities to solidify our standing as the employer of choice in healthcare, harmonising HR strategies with our overarching organisational goals for enduring success.

What are your key strengths in people management, and where do you seek improvement?

As a seasoned leader in people management, my strengths are rooted in strategic alignment, collaborative leadership, and fostering a culture of engagement and development. These strengths have been honed through transformative experiences, such as my tenure at Max New York Life Insurance, where I successfully aligned HR strategies with business imperatives, driving tangible organisational outcomes. Strategic alignment involves integrating HR initiatives like talent acquisition and leadership development closely with broader business goals, ensuring HR’s role in achieving sustainable growth and performance. Collaborative leadership fosters an environment of trust and synergy across teams, promoting innovation and collective achievement. I prioritise employee engagement through tailored programmes that enhance morale, motivation, and professional growth, fostering a workplace where individuals thrive. Despite these strengths, I recognise the importance of continuous improvement. I aim to deepen my expertise in advanced HR analytics and technology integration, leveraging data-driven insights for informed decision-making and operational excellence. Strengthening change management skills is crucial for navigating organisational transitions and fostering agility amid evolving market dynamics. Additionally, leveraging global HR leadership practices and digital skills will enable me to support diverse teams effectively and drive inclusive growth strategies.