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"By embracing the unique perspectives and talents of our diverse workforce, we create an environment that not only attracts top talent but also fosters growth," the HR, Communications & Admin team says.
Leading the energy industry requires more than just innovation — it demands a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Vena Energy is setting a new standard by fostering a culture where every voice is heard and valued, even in traditionally male-dominated sectors like energy. This inclusive approach drives collaboration, enhances employee wellbeing, and promotes sustainability. It also played a key role in success at the HR Excellence Awards 2024 in Singapore, where the Vena Energy team won the Bronze award for 'Best HR Team.'
Following this achievement, Vena Energy's HR, Communications & Admin team shares with HRO how a 'Talent Powerhouse' is being ignited to cultivate sustainable energy champions — a strategy pivotal to the company's success.
Q What was the motivation that sparked your passion & business case for pursuing your outstanding people strategy?
At Vena Energy, the driving force behind our people strategy is our vision to build a 'Talent Powerhouse' — a community that inspires and empowers lifelong champions of sustainable energy. This commitment is brought to life through our 'A2H' framework, which encompasses appreciation, benefits, culture, development, empowerment, feedback, giving, and health & safety. This holistic approach ensures that our 80 offices across the Asia Pacific foster a thriving, collaborative environment where every employee feels valued and supported.
By leveraging the unique perspectives and talents of our diverse workforce, we create a workplace that not only attracts top talent but also nurtures their growth. This strategy fuels our mission to accelerate the energy transition in the Asia Pacific, aligning with our broader goals of sustainability and operational excellence.
Q Looking back, can you share a challenge that you overcame in your journey of HR excellence? How did you triumph?
One of our most significant challenges was integrating a workforce of over 30 nationalities across multiple jurisdictions. We recognised that this diversity was a key driver for innovation. Our team cultivated an environment where every voice is valued.
Key initiatives, such as the 'Vena Stars' programme and cross-cultural appreciation workshops, fostered collaboration and high performance. The Vena Stars programme, which enables employees to nominate peers for recognition, has been instrumental in building trust, empowerment, and a culture of genuine appreciation.
By embracing a "One Vena Energy" mindset, we pioneered innovative engagement strategies that have set industry benchmarks.
This journey reinforced the importance of empathy, adaptability, and a shared vision, uniting diverse perspectives and driving both personal and organisational growth.
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?
Our feature in the HR Excellence Awards underscores the collective efforts and dedication of our HR, Communications & Admin team, and we hope it serves as a source of inspiration for the wider HR community. This recognition highlights the importance of prioritising diversity, equity, and inclusion, setting a benchmark for cultivating a culture where every voice is valued — particularly in traditionally male-dominated industries like energy.
By sharing our journey, we aim to encourage HR professionals to adopt innovative practices that enhance employee wellbeing, foster collaboration, and drive sustainability. Initiatives such as our A2H framework exemplify the significance of building a supportive and appreciative workplace culture.
As a leader in APAC’s renewable energy sector, Vena Energy not only addresses economic and environmental challenges but also champions inclusivity. Our impressive employee net promoter score of 31, exceeding both APAC and global energy benchmarks, reflects our success in fostering robust employee engagement, even in the face of industry-wide gender disparities.
Q Could you share some advice you would give to others aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
For aspiring HR practitioners, our advice is to lead with empathy and adaptability. Embrace diversity as a driver of innovation and stronger problem-solving, and cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Foster open communication to build trust and collaboration across teams.
Lead by example by empowering colleagues to take ownership of their roles and align with a shared vision. Treat challenges as opportunities for growth and prioritise continuous learning — both for yourself and your team — to nurture a culture of excellence and resilience.
Above all, prioritise employee wellbeing — engaged, happy employees are the foundation of any successful organisation.
Q Let's talk inspiration! Who has been a driving force behind your success?
The driving force behind our success at Vena Energy is undoubtedly each other. As a team, we are a vibrant blend of diverse talents, with members from varied backgrounds — business professionals, entrepreneurs, and stay-at-home parents — fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. We leverage our expertise and external focus, contributing individual strengths to the collective. United by positive energy, we execute with precision and edge, empowering one another to reach new heights.
This synergy allows us to complement each other's strengths, learn from best practices, and drive excellence.
Together, we are not only building a successful organisation but also cultivating a workplace where everyone is empowered to thrive and contribute to our purpose of engineering a greener future.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
Photos: Provided
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