Winning Secrets: The 'A2H' of nurturing a thriving culture at Vena Energy

"From celebrating accomplishments to safeguarding health and wellness, each pillar of A2H is meticulously designed to create an environment of support and appreciation", Vena Energy's CHRO Anna Ho explains.

At Vena Energy, a renewable energy company operating in Asia Pacific (APAC), the secret to a thriving workplace lies in the A2H formula: Appreciation, Benefits, Culture, Development, Empowerment, Feedback, Giving, and Health & Safety.

This holistic approach aims to foster an environment where employees feel valued and supported, driving both personal and professional growth across the organisations 86 offices and sites in the region, Anna Ho, Chief Human Resources Officer, Vena Energy (pictured above, centre), tells us.

In this interview with Ho, let's find out more about what the A2H formula entails, and how, guided by this formula, the team walked away with a bronze win for 'Best Employee Engagement Initiative' at the Employee Experience Awards 2024, Singapore.

Q How would you describe the pillars of your employee experience strategy, and what are the principles you have taken into account to develop this?

In Vena Energy, our secret formula for success is A2H, akin to the life-sustaining essence of H2O water. A2H represents Appreciation, Benefits, Culture, Development, Empowerment, Feedback, Giving, and Health & Safety – the pillars of our holistic approach to employee experience and wellbeing. Just as water is vital for life, A2H nurtures a thriving workplace culture where every employee across our 86 offices and sites in the Asia Pacific region feels valued and cherished.

From celebrating accomplishments to safeguarding health and wellness, each pillar of A2H is meticulously designed to create an environment of support and appreciation. We champion continuous learning and empowerment, recognising the importance of inclusivity and personal growth. Moreover, our commitment to feedback and giving back to the community further strengthens our bond with employees and society at large.

With A2H as our guiding framework, Vena Energy prioritises employee welfare, fostering a workplace where individuals can flourish personally and professionally, mirroring the fundamental role of water in sustaining life.

Q In a world propelled by rapid change, what measures do you have in place to maintain a people-centric, human approach to your EX as it evolves?

In the dynamic landscape of today's workplace, prioritising the human element in the employee experience is non-negotiable.

We've woven empathy and flexibility into our cultural fabric, ensuring each team member feels valued and supported. Through initiatives such as pulse surveys and flexible work arrangements, we personalise our approach, recognising and accommodating the diverse needs of our workforce. Our cherished Vena Day serves as more than just a respite from work; it's a celebration of holistic wellbeing—a day dedicated to rejuvenation, connection, and the pursuit of individual passions.

Yet, our dedication extends beyond internal initiatives. We invest in our team's professional development through groundbreaking programs like the Vena Academy, all while fostering a spirit of community engagement through CSR endeavours and volunteer hours.

At Vena Energy, our commitment to our employees isn't merely a pledge; it's a way of life. We believe that by investing in our people, we're investing in a future where everyone can thrive.

Q What initiatives do you undertake such that the delivery of employee experience is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders in the organisation?

At Vena Energy, crafting an exceptional employee experience isn't just a task for HR; it's a team sport! We believe in the power of collective effort, where every stakeholder plays a pivotal role in shaping our workplace culture. Rooted in our A2H framework, we foster collaboration and accountability, empowering each team member to contribute to our shared journey.

Our "One Vena" ethos binds us together, driving initiatives like the Vena Stars programme and Women Empowerment spotlight, ensuring that each team member has a platform to shine. Through cross-functional task forces and regional town hall meetings, we invite diverse perspectives, sparking innovative solutions and fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.

Transparency is our watchword, with open channels of communication like the candid surveys and recreational clubs keeping us connected and responsive. And it doesn't stop there; through initiatives like #WalkingTogether, we extend our impact beyond office walls, uniting for meaningful causes and embodying our commitment to social responsibility.

At Vena Energy, excellence isn't a solo act; it's a symphony of collaboration, empowerment, and shared purpose.

Q Do you have words of wisdom to share with others in the industry on the best ways to keep your employee experience consistent and beautiful?

Listen intently to your employees. Understand their aspirations, concerns, and dreams. Then, take bold steps to meet them where they are, crafting experiences that resonate deeply. Foster a culture of trust and transparency, where every voice matters, and ideas flourish.

In this environment, employees thrive, knowing they are valued, supported, and empowered to bring their best selves to work every day.

Consistency and beauty in employee experience aren't just goals; they're the natural byproducts of a genuine commitment to authenticity, agility, and the unwavering belief that your people are your greatest asset.

Q Finally, what is the positive impact of employee experience that you’ve seen on the business as well as the workforce?

The positive impact of our employee experience initiatives on both the business and workforce has been profound. We’ve observed increased employee engagement, higher productivity, and greater retention rates across our 86 offices and sites. Our dedication is reflected in our stellar employee net promoter score of 31, which far surpasses the APAC and global energy benchmarks, according to the EngageRocket Survey.

Beyond these metrics, our inclusive and supportive environment has nurtured a diverse and innovative workforce, driving continuous growth and resilience. Accolades such as this award, and recognitions like "Best Workplace Culture & Engagement" and "Best Company to Work for in Asia" around Asia Pacific have significantly boosted team morale.

Events like Vena Day, where families take centrestage, and VE-volution 2.0 highlight our unwavering commitment to a positive workplace culture. Investing in employee experience is not just ethical but a strategic imperative that propels our organisation's success.'

Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets' section!

Photos / Provided