Faces of HR: Jaspreet Randhawa, HR director at SaladStop Group, on fostering psychological safety at work

"HR isn’t just about policies; it’s about human connection. The strongest businesses aren’t built on processes alone, but on people who feel a deep sense of belonging," she stresses. 

For Jaspreet Randhawa, Human Resources Director at SaladStop Group, creating a workplace where employees feel safe to take risks and innovate is more than an HR initiative — it’s a necessity for business success.

Since joining the company in 2022, she has been a strong advocate for psychological safety, ensuring that employees feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute ideas without fear of judgment.

With over 12 years of HR experience under her belt, Jaspreet understands that true innovation stems from an environment where people feel supported to experiment, fail, and grow and believes that when employees are encouraged to challenge the status quo and push boundaries, businesses stay ahead of the curve.

Ahead of her session at #TalentTechAsiaSummit, Mary Ann Bundukin catches up with Jaspreet to discuss how cultivating psychological safety not only fuels innovation but also aligns personal growth with business success, therefore building stronger, more resilient teams for the future.

Q Thinking back to your first day in HR, what is the most important learning that sticks with you until today?

On my first day in HR, I quickly learned that people don’t leave companies; they leave bad experiences. Whether it’s poor leadership, lack of growth, or feeling unheard, these drive disengagement. That lesson still shapes my approach today— I prioritise listening, creating inclusive environments, and ensuring people feel valued. HR isn’t just about policies; it’s about human connection. The strongest businesses aren’t built on processes alone, but on people who feel a deep sense of belonging. My role is to bridge the gap between business needs and human aspirations, making work a place where people thrive, not just survive.

Q What steps do you believe are necessary to transform today's talent into the talent that the business needs?

To shape talent for the future, we must invest in continuous learning, adaptability, and inclusivity. Businesses need people who can evolve with industry changes, think critically, and embrace diverse perspectives. This means moving beyond rigid career paths and fostering cross-functional learning, mentorship, and upskilling. Leadership must champion psychological safety, allowing employees to take risks and innovate. It’s also crucial to embed purpose into work — people perform best when they believe in what they do. At SaladStop, we cultivate a culture where personal growth aligns with business goals, ensuring our people are always ahead of the curve.

Q Could you share emerging trends that you believe will have the most significant impact on HR in the next few years?

The future of HR will be shaped by AI-driven recruitment, skills-based hiring, and a stronger emphasis on employee well-being. AI will streamline hiring, but the human touch in recruitment and culture-building remains irreplaceable. Companies will move away from traditional resumes, focusing instead on skills, potential, and cultural fit.

Wellbeing — mental, emotional, and financial — will no longer be a perk but a core business strategy. Additionally, inclusive hiring will evolve beyond diversity metrics to creating truly equitable opportunities.

"At SaladStop, we’re already embracing these changes, ensuring our people-first approach remains our competitive edge in a rapidly evolving world."

Q What are you most looking forward to in your session at #TalentTechAsiaSummit?

I’m excited to connect with like-minded professionals who believe in shaping a better future for talent. HR is at a pivotal moment — technology is changing the game, but the heart of our work remains deeply human. I look forward to sharing insights on inclusive hiring, the future of skills, and how HR can drive meaningful business impact.

More than that, I’m eager to hear stories, exchange ideas, and learn from others. Conversations spark innovation, and this summit is the perfect place to challenge old ways of thinking and embrace new, transformative approaches to people and talent.

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