Beyond Conventional Hiring
Latha Narayanan
Head - Human Resources,
L&T Semiconductor Technologies
Latha Narayanan, Head of Human Resources at L&T Semiconductor Technologies, is a leader who thrives on innovation, agility, and excellence. With a relentless drive for growth, she constantly challenges the status quo, setting ambitious goals and surpassing them year after year. Her ability to think beyond conventional hiring practices has reshaped talent acquisition strategies, proving that creativity and adaptability are the keys to solving workforce challenges. One of Latha’s most remarkable achievements was spearheading an ERP hiring project in the real estate sector, which was deemed an impossible challenge due to a severe talent shortage. Instead of searching for rare ERP experts, she took a bold approach: hiring domain professionals from finance, sales, and marketing and training them in ERP. Within a few months, she and her team successfully onboarded 600 candidates, redefining recruitment strategies and proving that skill development can be a game-changer in bridging industry gaps. Her pioneering near-skill and cross-skill hiring model further cemented her reputation as an innovator. Faced with talent shortages in niche areas, she identified professionals with adjacent skills and trained them, creating a sustainable pipeline of talent ready to meet evolving business demands. These strategies filled immediate hiring needs and revolutionised workforce planning within the organisations she led. Beyond the boardroom, Latha draws strength from her deep-rooted spirituality, dedicating time to religious scriptures like the Bhagwatam and Narayanam. This balance between ambition and introspection shapes her leadership, allowing her to stay grounded while driving high-impact HR strategies. In this exclusive interview with TradeFlock, she discusses how she is transforming human capital management and setting new benchmarks for talent excellence in the semiconductor industry.
What prompted your transition from finance to HR?
My shift from finance to HR wasn’t planned; it was instinctive. While handling both finance and HR in a hospital’s personnel department, I discovered my passion for people-driven transformation. Finance was structured, but HR was dynamic, allowing me to shape careers, build teams, and drive organisational growth. I actively sought more HR responsibilities, and soon, it became my calling. Yet, my finance background remains a strength, giving me the ability to align HR strategies with business goals through data-driven insights.
How will AI reshape HR and workplace dynamics? Do employees fear job security risks?
The fear of AI replacing jobs stems from uncertainty and resistance to change. However, AI is not a threat; it’s a tool that enhances efficiency. Employees who focus on creativity, leadership, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence will remain indispensable. Instead of fear, I see curiosity. People want to understand AI’s impact and leverage it for productivity. The key is fostering a culture of continuous learning, where employees are being upskilled and reskilled, ensuring they stay relevant in the evolving workplace.
What are the key HR challenges in the manufacturing and engineering sectors?
The manufacturing and engineering sectors face distinct HR challenges, primarily in talent retention, skill shortages, and workforce transformation. Many roles require highly specialised expertise, but the industry struggles with a limited talent pool. With automation and Industry 4.0, there’s a growing need for reskilling and upskilling to keep employees relevant. Additionally, HR must balance traditional and modern work expectations—older employees value stability, while younger professionals seek flexibility, innovation, and career growth. Addressing these challenges requires strategic workforce planning, continuous learning initiatives, and fostering an adaptable, futureready organisational culture.
How has HR evolved over the years, and where do you see it heading?
HR has evolved from an administrative function to a strategic business driver. Earlier, it focused on payroll, hiring, and compliance, but today, it plays a key role in shaping workplace culture, talent strategies, and business outcomes. The rise of AI has further transformed HR, enabling data-driven decisions, predictive analytics, and smarter talent acquisition. However, while technology enhances efficiency, it can’t replace the human connection, trust, and culture that define great organisations. The future of HR lies in balancing AI-driven insights with genuine human engagement.
What is the most pressing HR challenge today, and how do you tackle it?
The greatest challenge in HR today is sustaining employee engagement in a rapidly evolving workplace. Employees no longer seek just stability; they want purpose, growth, and recognition. If they don’t find it, they’ll move on. HR must align individual aspirations with business goals, ensuring employees feel valued. Transparent leadership, open communication, and continuous learning opportunities are crucial. Providing mentorship, career progression, and a culture of belonging fosters deeper commitment. Organisations that prioritise employee wellbeing, empowerment, and innovation create an engaged workforce, driving both retention and productivity. Engagement isn’t just about perks—it’s about making people feel their work truly matters.
What’s your advice for young professionals pursuing a career in HR?
HR is no longer just about hiring and payroll. It’s a strategic powerhouse that drives business success. To excel, young professionals must stay adaptable. HR is now data-driven, AIpowered, and constantly evolving. Understanding business strategy is critical. HR isn’t a support function; it’s a key driver of growth, aligning talent with organisational goals. People skills like empathy, leadership, and communication are non-negotiable. Most importantly, be proactive. Don’t wait for challenges; rather, anticipate, innovate, and lead. If you’re passionate about shaping workplaces and driving change, HR offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact.
