HR’s Role in Crisis Management and Business Continuity – Insights from Industry Leaders

In an ever-evolving world, the ability to effectively manage crises and ensure seamless business continuity has become a critical need for organizations across sectors. At a recent panel discussion titled “HR’s Role in Crisis Management and Business Continuity,” top HR leaders gathered to share their experiences and strategies. The panel included prominent HR heads and executives from diverse industries, each bringing unique perspectives to the table. The event highlighted the pivotal role that HR plays in fostering resilience and supporting business continuity during times of adversity.

Panelists

  • Aman Tyagi – General Manager – HR, Genus Power Infrastructures
  •  Rani Mahey – Group Vice President – HR, Modern India Enterprise 
  • Abhishek Chatterjee – Senior Asst. VP – HR, ITI Data 
  • Sudhir Mateti – Head – HR, Syntel Telecom – A Division of Arvind Limited
  • Shiv K Bhagat – Head – HR, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India 
  • Shilpa Pal – Sr. Vice President & Global Head HR, 3i Infotech Ltd 
  • Anupama Pillai – Global TA & Country HR Head, HCLSoftware 
  • Deepa Shetty – Global Group Head – HR, Enovccon Group of Companies 
  • Alka Suryawanshi – HR Partner for Startups & Principal Consultant, ApolisHR 
  • Veena DSilva – Senior VP & Global Head- Talent Acquisition, Qualitykiosk Technologies 
  • Dr. Brillian S.K – Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer, TimesPro 
  • Dev Mani P – Head of HR, Operations, Hippo Homes 
  • Nupur Phatak – Founder & CEO, Nuarsh TechServe 
  • Atul Tiwari – Chief HR Officer, Spice Money 
  • Harsh Raj Jain – Head – Talent Acquisition, Ebix 
  • Gaurav Soni – Associate Vice President- HR, Coforge 
  • Manjiri Kulkarni – Human Resources Consultant

Insights and Strategies from Industry Experts

1. Proactive Crisis Planning Aman Tyagi, General Manager – HR at Genus Power Infrastructures, emphasized the importance of proactive crisis planning. He urged organizations to develop and routinely update crisis response plans that integrate HR policies to ensure agility in adapting to unforeseen events. By laying a strong foundation, organizations can navigate challenges with minimal disruption.

2. Communication Strategy Rani Mahey, Group Vice President – HR at Modern India Enterprise, highlighted clear communication as a cornerstone of effective crisis management. Transparent and timely communication keeps employees informed, reduces anxiety, and maintains alignment. By establishing robust communication channels, HR can help sustain trust and engagement during crises.

3. Prioritizing Employee Well-Being Abhishek Chatterjee, Senior Assistant VP – HR at ITI Data, discussed the need for prioritizing employee well-being. In challenging times, HR should provide support systems, such as mental health resources, flexible work options, and wellness programs. These resources help employees manage stress and stay productive, fostering a resilient workforce.

4. Cross-Departmental Collaboration Sudhir Mateti, Head – HR at Syntel Telecom, emphasized that collaboration across departments is vital. By working closely with IT, operations, and other functions, HR can craft a cohesive crisis response plan that leverages expertise from multiple areas, creating a more holistic approach to crisis management.

5. Leveraging Technology for Real-Time Insights Shilpa Pal, Sr. Vice President & Global Head HR at 3i Infotech Ltd, spoke on the role of technology in enhancing crisis management efforts. Using data analytics, HR can gain real-time insights into employee sentiment and operational hurdles, empowering quick and informed decision-making.

6. Training and Development Anupama Pillai, Global TA & Country HR Head at HCLSoftware, stressed the importance of continuous training and development. Regular simulated exercises and workshops help employees practice crisis response scenarios, fostering agility and preparedness within teams.

7. Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in Crisis Response Deepa Shetty, Global Group Head – HR at Enovccon Group, discussed the need for inclusive crisis management strategies. Recognizing and addressing the diverse needs of employees ensures that every voice is heard, enhancing resilience across all levels of the organization.

8. Long-Term Business Continuity Planning Alka Suryawanshi, HR Partner for Startups & Principal Consultant at ApolisHR, explained that HR’s role extends beyond immediate crisis handling. Long-term business continuity planning is essential to prepare for future disruptions. This forward-thinking approach enables organizations to recover and thrive in the face of challenges.

9. Establishing Feedback Mechanisms Veena DSilva, Senior VP & Global Head – Talent Acquisition at Qualitykiosk Technologies, underscored the importance of continuous improvement through feedback. Gathering employee insights on crisis response effectiveness allows organizations to refine strategies and ensure they stay relevant.

10. Learning from Past Experiences Dr. Brillian S.K, Executive VP & Chief People Officer at TimesPro, emphasized that reflecting on past crises is critical for adaptation. By analyzing and learning from previous responses, organizations can evolve their strategies and better prepare for future challenges.

11. Leadership Engagement in Crisis Management Dev Mani P, Head of HR and Operations at Hippo Homes, noted the significance of leadership support. When leaders actively back HR initiatives during crises, it fosters a culture of resilience and motivates employees to remain committed through difficult times.

12. Cultivating an Innovative Mindset Nupur Phatak, Founder & CEO of Nuarsh TechServe, encouraged HR teams to embrace innovation. By fostering creativity and exploring new solutions, HR can contribute to more effective crisis management and facilitate organizational growth even amidst challenges.

Final Thoughts: HR as a Catalyst for Resilience and Continuity

The panel discussion provided invaluable insights into HR’s evolving role in crisis management and business continuity. By focusing on proactive planning, effective communication, employee well-being, and continual improvement, HR leaders can play a vital role in helping organizations navigate crisis successfully. The session underscored that HR is no longer a support function but a strategic partner in fostering resilience and ensuring that organizations are prepared for the unexpected. Through collaborative and innovative approaches, HR professionals continue to be the backbone of organizational resilience.

In a world where change is constant, HR’s commitment to people and processes empowers businesses to adapt, recover, and ultimately thrive.

About ISBR Business School: ISBR Business School, located in Bangalore, India, is a premier institution dedicated to providing world-class education in business and management. Accredited by the NBA and recognized by the Association of Indian Universities and the Ministry of HRD, Government of India, ISBR has consistently been ranked as a platinum institute by AICTE-CII. With a diverse student body, a strong emphasis on industry collaboration, and a curriculum designed to foster innovation and leadership, ISBR Business School is committed to shaping the business leaders of tomorrow. The school’s robust placement record and partnerships with top global companies underscore its commitment to excellence and career readiness for its students