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"High employee engagement is linked to improved business performance, making it vital for retention and operational efficiency," Sainursalwa Saini, CHRO, Bank Pembangunan Malaysia, affirms.
In today’s fast-evolving workplace, the ability to adapt, inspire, and innovate in HR practices has become a critical differentiator for organisations. For Bank Pembangunan Malaysia, the journey to HR excellence has been fuelled by a commitment to creating supportive, inclusive environments that align talent strategies with business goals.
From addressing workplace challenges with personalised learning formats to fostering open communication and a feedback-rich culture, the bank aims to redefined what it means to prioritise employee engagement and development. This dedication earned the team recognition at the HR Excellence Awards 2024, Malaysia, with a bronze award for 'Excellence in Talent Management'.
In this interview, Sainursalwa Saini, Chief Human Resource Officer, Bank Pembangunan Malaysia, takes us through the motivations, challenges, and inspirations behind her and her team's success.
Q What was the motivation that sparked your passion & business case for pursuing your outstanding people strategy?
Developing an outstanding people strategy is driven by several key motivations. Personal experiences with workplace challenges inspire a commitment to creating supportive environments. High employee engagement is linked to improved business performance, making it vital for retention and operational efficiency. Emphasising diversity & inclusion fosters innovation and better decision-making.
As remote work becomes more prevalent, adapting strategies to meet new employee expectations enhances organisational agility. Prioritising health and wellbeing boosts morale and productivity, while a strong focus on learning & development equips staff to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape. Establishing a feedback-rich culture encourages open communication, enhancing satisfaction and performance.
By aligning people strategies with these motivations, banks can drive positive business outcomes, ensuring they remain competitive in a dynamic market.
Q Looking back, can you share a challenge that you overcame in your journey of HR excellence? How did you triumph?
One significant challenge that we have faced in our journey toward HR excellence is determining the value for each position, but our approach stands out because our talent management team can uncover and maximise the unique strengths of every role within our company. This capability enables us to align positions with our strategic goals effectively, ensuring that each team member contributes optimally to our success and competitiveness in the industry.
What we thought would be easy also had challenges during our transformation process. At first, we discovered that not all employees responded equally well to the same learning methods. To cater to diverse learning preferences, we offered a variety of learning formats, including workshops, webinars, interactive online courses, and hands-on training sessions. This multi-faceted approach ensured that every employee could find a learning style that suited them best.
Employees were also required to complete pre- and post-assessment surveys to gauge their skill improvement. We also initiated a transparent communication strategy to gather feedback and allowing employees to voice their concerns and suggestions.
Q Beyond the recognition, what impact do you hope your feature in the HR Excellence Awards would have on the HR community and manpower landscape?
Being featured in the HR Excellence Awards is expected to significantly impact the HR community and the broader manpower landscape. We aim to inspire best practices by showcasing innovative strategies, encouraging other organisations to elevate their HR and talent management standards. This recognition can also foster collaboration among HR professionals, promoting a sense of community where insights and challenges are shared, leading to collective growth and more effective solutions.
Moreover, we seek to highlight the strategic role of HR in driving organisational success, shifting perceptions to position HR as a vital contributor to business strategy rather than merely a support function.
By emphasising these elements, we hope to contribute to a more dynamic HR landscape that enhances effectiveness and competitiveness across the industry, ultimately benefiting both organisations and their employees.
Q Could you share some advice you would give to others aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
Focus on continuous learning by keeping up with industry trends and best practices through workshops and courses. Building strong relationships inside and outside your organisation is crucial as these connections can provide valuable insights and support. Embrace data-driven decision-making—using analytics can really help align HR strategies with business goals.
It is also important to create a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, which boosts engagement and innovation. Keep communication open, i.e., encourage feedback from employees and foster a culture of trust.
Lastly, make sure HR initiatives align with your organisation’s objectives, showcasing HR as a key player in the business.
Q Let's talk inspiration! Who has been a driving force behind your success?
A key driving force behind our success have been the support and mentorship of inspiring leaders. Their guidance helped shape our understanding of strategic HR practices and the importance of aligning talent management with organisational goals. Additionally, we have drawn inspiration from thought leaders and authors who advocate for innovative approaches to HR, emphasising on employee wellbeing.
Colleagues and team members also play a vital role in our journey. Their collaboration and feedback have impacted positively to our success. Witnessing the positive impact of effective HR practices on employees and the organisation fuels our passion and commitment to excellence in the field.
This blend of mentorship, collaboration, and a focus on meaningful outcomes continues to drive our success.
Chief Human Resource Officer
Bank Pembangunan Malaysia
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
Photo: Provided
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