The Middle East’s oil and gas industry faces a complex HR environment. Leaders must navigate a multifaceted challenge, demanding a blend of experience, expertise and dedication. From attracting skilled talent in a competitive market to fostering knowledge transfer as veterans retire, effective HR strategies are crucial. By bridging the generational gap and promoting continuous learning, these leaders ensure a resilient workforce equipped to tackle future challenges.
Leading the charge within this volatile sector is Manisha Ramchandani, serving as the Regional Human Resources Manager at Sonangol P&P Iraq. With nearly 15 years of invaluable experience under her belt, Manisha is committed to maintaining the competitive edge of her company amidst the shifting market dynamics. With a proven track record in well-reputed organizations, Manisha brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her role. Holding an Assoc. CIPD credential and a prestigious UAE Golden Visa, she embodies commitment and eligibility within the region’s workforce.
As Manisha steps into her role, she takes charge of various HR functions crucial to the company’s success. From talent acquisition and succession planning to compensation and benefits management, she manages a collection of HR strategies tailored to the oil and gas sector’s unique demands. Her expertise extends to policy development, project management, employee and labor relations, government liaisons, HR surveys, data analysis, organizational effectiveness, and change management.
Driven by a positive and interactive approach, Manisha’s passion for her work prevails. She thrives on delivering continuous improvements, aiming to support both business objectives and employee well-being through strategic and innovative HR solutions.
Resilience and Growth
Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Manisha embarked on a journey that led her to excel as an HR leader across diverse industries. With 15 years of expertise spanning marine consultancy, pharmaceuticals and oil and gas, she found herself overseeing HR operations regionally in the UAE and Iraq. For Manisha, the foundation of her success lies in ‘respect for all cultures and traditions.’
In the UAE, she found a melting pot of diversity, describing it as ‘a safe haven for almost 200 different nationalities & cultures.’ Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, she witnessed equal opportunities fostering growth and development. Additionally, she finds herself fortunate to be associated with development project driven by visionary leadership H.E. Minister of Oil (Iraq), Hayan Abdul-Ghani Abdul-Zahra Al-Swad
Throughout her career, Manisha witnessed significant regulatory changes from the recession-era implementations to present-day policies like the Wage Protection System and Job Loss Insurance. These changes underscored the country’s commitment to social security and employee well-being.
Manisha admires the middle east region long-term vision which perseveres through global challenges and crises. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to HR strategies tailored to diverse cultural and regulatory landscapes.
Cultural Adaptability
For a global or multi-regional organization’s success, Manisha believes in the necessity of adapting HR strategies to suit cultural nuances. Her journey exemplifies the importance of respect, adaptability and continuous learning in navigating diverse environments.
In navigating the complexities of global HR management, Manisha employs key considerations and strategies tailored to diverse regions:
- Cultural Sensitivity and Understanding: Manisha emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural nuances in each region. “Invest time in understanding the cultural nuances,” she advises. This includes communication styles, hierarchy preferences and work-life balance expectations.
- Localized Policies and Procedures: Develop HR policies aligned with local laws and cultural norms. Manisha stresses the need to communicate these policies effectively. “Clearly communicate these policies to employees,” she asserts, ensuring resonance with cultural contexts.
- Legal Compliance: Stay abreast of labor laws and compliance requirements in each region. Collaborate with legal experts to ensure adherence to specific regulations.
- Diversity and Inclusion Programs: Tailor diversity initiatives to address unique demographics and cultural aspects. Foster inclusivity that respects diversity across locations.
- Compensation and Benefits Localization: Adjust compensation packages considering cost of living and market rates. Be mindful of cultural attitudes towards transparency and benefits.
- Language Considerations: Address language barriers by providing HR materials in the local language, facilitating better understanding and compliance.
- Local Hiring and Talent Development: Develop region-specific talent acquisition strategies. Manisha emphasizes the importance of national workforce development and career progression through learning platforms.
- Global HR Technology Solutions: Implement customizable HR technology solutions to meet regional needs. Utilize technology for consistent data management while accommodating local variations.
- Employee Engagement Initiatives: Design engagement programs sensitive to cultural preferences. Regularly solicit feedback to understand unique needs and concerns.
- Crisis Management Planning: Develop crisis management plans tailored to regional differences. Ensure employees are well-informed about emergency procedures relevant to their location.
By adopting a proactive and flexible approach, HR professionals like Manisha adapt strategies to accommodate diverse cultural and regulatory nuances. Through continuous assessment and refinement, they foster effective work environments across diverse geographic locations.
Communication in Times of Change
In the wake of the pandemic, HR professionals worldwide navigate unprecedented change, embodying traits of effective leadership, clear communication and strategic change management. Manisha shares her insights into communication techniques vital for managing change effectively:
- Create a Compelling Vision: “Clearly articulate the vision and purpose behind the change,” says Manisha. Align the change with organizational goals to inspire and motivate the team.
- Identify Change Champions: Empower change champions to advocate for the change and address concerns at the grassroots level. They serve as ambassadors, fostering buy-in and support among colleagues.
- Communication Planning: Develop a comprehensive communication plan outlining key messages, channels and timing. Utilize various mediums such as engagement events, social media updates and one-on-one discussions to ensure widespread understanding.
- Open and Transparent Communication: Foster an environment of openness and transparency. Acknowledge challenges and uncertainties, providing regular updates on progress. Address concerns honestly to build trust.
- Two-Way Communication: Encourage two-way communication, allowing team members to express thoughts and concerns. Actively listen to feedback and integrate insights into the change strategy.
- Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence, recognizing the emotional impact of change. Provide support mechanisms and acknowledge individual experiences to help navigate through uncertainty.
- Development of New Policies & Processes: Implement flexible timelines and provide training on new policies and processes. Be adaptable and communicate support for employees’ professional development during and after the change.
- Celebrate Milestones and Successes: Recognize and celebrate achievements during the change process. Positive reinforcement boosts morale and reaffirms progress.
- Continuous Feedback Loops: Establish feedback mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of the change strategy. Use insights to make real-time adjustments and improvements.
- Leadership Visibility: Ensure leadership visibility and involvement throughout the change process. Accessible leaders guide the team with clarity and reassurance.
- Post-Change Evaluation: Evaluate the success of the change initiative post-implementation. Gather feedback to identify areas for improvement in future change efforts.
Through clarity, empathy and resilience, HR professionals like Manisha lead teams through significant change fostering a positive and adaptive organizational culture. Their communication techniques are pivotal in guiding teams through uncertainty towards a brighter future.
Talent Tales
“Each Aspect of HR has its unique rewards in shaping the culture, effectiveness and success of an organization,” says Manisha. Here’s a breakdown of HR’s key components:
- Performance Management: Aligning individual objectives with organizational goals fosters engagement and motivation among employees.
- Compensation: A well-structured compensation system is vital for attracting and retaining top talent, impacting morale and reinforcing HR’s value as strategic partners.
- Policy Development: Crafting inclusive, diverse and equitable policies forms the foundation of a positive and productive organizational culture.
However, for Manisha, Talent Acquisition stands out. “That thrill of finding the perfect candidate, attracting, hiring, and seeing them thrive within the organization is incredibly satisfying and inspiring.” It’s also a direct contribution to organizational growth. Talent acquisition epitomizes the excitement of shaping the future workforce and witnessing their impact firsthand.
Empowering Growth
In a significant move towards enhancing talent management and career progression, Manisha initiated a transformative mentorship program dubbed ‘Star Competition.’ Here’s how it unfolded:
- Structured Mentorship Platform: Recognizing the necessity for structured talent development, Manisha led the design and launch of a mentorship platform. It matched experienced employees with junior staff based on career goals, skills and interests.
- Interactive Interface: The platform featured an interactive interface enabling employees to explore internal job opportunities, set goals and track progress. On-the-job training sessions were also conducted to equip mentors and mentees with the necessary skills.
Manisha notes, “Star Competition promoted a culture of knowledge sharing, skill development and career guidance.” This fostered open communication and facilitated collaboration between distinguished performers and expatriates at middle and senior management levels, enriching the succession planning strategy.
The initiative yielded tangible results—enhanced employee engagement, career satisfaction and overall performance. Employees felt more supported in their career journeys further fostering increased motivation and a stronger sense of belonging.
Moreover, the mentorship program catalyzed leadership development among mentors and provided invaluable learning experiences for mentees. Consequently, the workforce became more cohesive and knowledgeable with heightened loyalty and commitment to the organization. Manisha’s ‘Star Competition’ exemplifies the power of proactive talent management in driving organizational excellence.
Driving Positive Outcomes
The intricate realm of HR operations is where Manisha thrives on the challenge of meeting expectations while driving positive outcomes within various organization. Here’s a glimpse into her multifaceted approach:
HR Operations
- Streamlined Processes: Manisha prioritizes efficiency and accuracy by streamlining HR processes. Automation, digital systems and standardized workflows minimize administrative burdens, empowering HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives.
- Compliance and Risk Management: Proactive compliance and risk management strategies ensure adherence to labor laws and industry standards. Regular audits and policy reviews keep HR abreast of legal requirements, mitigating potential risks.
Government Relations
- Stakeholder Engagement: Building positive relationships with government agencies and policymakers is key. Keep abreast with communication and collaboration on public policy matters foster productive partnerships.
- Compliance Monitoring: Monitoring compliance with laws and regulations is paramount. Staying updated on legislative changes and conducting assessments help address compliance gaps effectively.
Organization Effectiveness
- Performance Management Framework: Manisha establishes a robust performance management framework aligning individual and team goals with organizational objectives. Clear expectations and regular feedback drive performance improvement.
- Change Management Capabilities: Effective change management is vital for organizational effectiveness. Communication plans, training initiatives and engagement activities support employees through periods of transition.
Manisha emphasizes that these strategies are tailored to each area of expertise and are designed to drive effectiveness, efficiency and positive outcomes. By transparently communicating these strategies across regions, she fosters a cohesive and high-performing organizational environment aligned with the organization’s goals and values.
Manisha’s approach underscores the importance of agility, foresight and collaboration in navigating the complexities of HR operations, government relations and organizational effectiveness.
From Manual to Automated
When considering the robust landscape of HR Operations, technology’s impact is undeniable, bringing forth significant enhancements. “There are now unlimited options available for modern, cloud-based HR management systems,” notes Manisha. These systems cater to diverse needs, from payroll to talent management.
However, the real passion lies in laying the groundwork for transitioning from manual to automated processes. Alignment of stakeholders and envisioning efficient workflows are crucial steps. This foundation reflects positively on HR Operations showcasing its evolution and adaptability.
Manisha emphasizes, “That’s where we take pride as key strategic HR Partners for business.” By spearheading this transition, HR professionals ensure business continuity and operational efficiency. Their role extends beyond administrative tasks, shaping the organization’s future through innovative HR strategies.
Manisha’s expertise in HR operations spans across various SMEs, where she spearheaded the development of automated systems from scratch. “The integrated HR system streamlined various processes, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and learning and development,” she explains, emphasizing its multifaceted benefits:
- Efficiency and Accuracy: Automation reduced manual tasks, enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing errors in payroll and benefits processing.
- Enhanced Employee Experience: Self-service capabilities empowered employees to manage their information, view paystubs and participate in training, fostering engagement.
- Data-Driven Insights: Robust reporting tools provided valuable workforce insights, aiding in informed decision-making and strategy development.
- Compliance and Security: Features ensured regulatory compliance and data security, mitigating risks and safeguarding sensitive employee data.
- Streamlined Recruitment and Onboarding: From job posting to orientation, the system optimized recruitment processes, enhancing the onboarding experience for new hires.
The initiative resulted in tangible improvements—increased operational efficiency, data accuracy, compliance management, and employee satisfaction. This shift allowed HR to focus on strategic initiatives and talent management, driving continuous improvement within the organization.
The integration of modern HR systems marked a significant stride in enhancing HR operations, setting a strong foundation for ongoing optimization and innovation in talent management and service delivery. Manisha’s commitment to leveraging technology for HR excellence exemplifies the transformative potential of strategic HR leadership in today’s dynamic business landscape.
Fairness Amidst Constraints
“Balancing fair compensation structures with budgetary constraints requires a strategic approach,” emphasizes Manisha. She adds that continuously seeking ways to optimize manpower costs and align individual objectives with strategic business goals gives an edge.
Her approach ensures a balanced, engaged and motivated workforce:
- Strategic Alignment: Ensuring individual objectives are aligned with business goals & optimizing manpower costs while fostering growth are the real Balancing scales for Strategic alignment.
- Cultural Impact: Introducing structured Compensation and Benefits cultivates a culture of respect for HR, eliminating salary variations and promoting transparency.
For HR professionals, emphasizing key principles and strategies is crucial in justifying compensation decisions. By aligning individual goals with organizational objectives, maintaining budgetary balance and prioritizing employee engagement, HR ensures fair and transparent compensation practices. This approach retains talent while enhancing organizational culture and performance. Here’s how she achieves this delicate equilibrium where she balances fairness with fiscal responsibility:
- Market Research and Benchmarking: Regular market research and benchmarking ensure that compensation packages remain competitive within industry standards. Manisha emphasizes that understanding industry benchmarks is crucial to ensure competitiveness.
- Alignment with Organizational Goals: Compensation structures must align with organizational goals and strategies. Linking compensation to performance and strategic objectives prioritizes spending effectively.
- Budget Forecasting: Collaboration with finance and senior management aids in understanding budget constraints and forecasting future scenarios. This enables compensation adjustments in line with financial capacity.
- Total Rewards Approach: Manisha advocates for a total rewards approach encompassing benefits and non-monetary perks. She encourages contingency-based reward systems targeting the retention of key performers.
- Variable Pay and Performance-Based Incentives: Implementing performance-based bonuses incentivizes exceeding performance expectations, tying compensation increases to individual and organizational metrics.
- Communication and Transparency: Open communication about compensation philosophy builds trust and manages expectations. Transparency, even within budgetary constraints, fosters understanding.
- Flexibility in Compensation Packages: Flexible compensation packages cater to individual preferences, further reducing strain on the budget while providing personalized options.
- Regular Compensation Reviews: Regular reviews identify disparities and ensure fairness by complying with legal requirements to maintain pay equity.
- Negotiation and Communication Skills: Strong negotiation skills aid in articulating the value of compensation packages, even if they deviate from external benchmarks.
By adopting these strategies, organizations can effectively navigate the balance between fair compensation and budgetary constraints. Manisha’s approach promotes equity, talent retention and financial sustainability.
Building a Resilient Workforce
In competitive industries like oil and gas, talent acquisition and succession planning demand a strategic edge. Manisha underscores the following key strategies:
- Employer Branding: Developing a strong employer brand is essential and this includes highlighting organizational values, innovation, safety, and career development opportunities to attract top talent.
- Professional Development & Succession Planning: Emphasize continuous learning and succession planning to nurture talent. Clear career progression paths and targeted training groom future leaders for critical roles.
- Safety Culture and Compliance: Prioritize safety culture and compliance with industry regulations. Demonstrating commitment to a safe working environment is crucial in the oil and gas sector.
- Innovative Recruitment Strategies: Stay ahead in recruitment by highlighting employer value propositions and leadership culture. Keep the workforce engaged through employee referral programs to maintain a competitive edge.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Foster diversity and inclusion to create an inclusive workplace culture. Actively seek talent from diverse backgrounds to enrich the organization’s talent pool.
Manisha’s approach ensures a compelling employer proposition, attracting top talent and securing a sustainable pipeline of leaders for future success in the oil and gas industry.
