Through an array of initiatives spanning from talent acquisition to career development, Bristlecone seamlessly integrates data-driven decision-making and cultural enrichment into its HR operations

In their continuous journey to better align with the evolving needs and aspirations of the workforce, Bristlecone, a Mahindra Group company, has transitioned from a traditional Human Resources (HR) function to a more holistic People and Culture (P&C) team. The strategic initiatives in P&C team has not only transformed Bristlecone’s workplace environment but have also garnered prestigious awards, affirming their leadership and innovation in the field.

Bristlecone was recently recognised at ET Human Capital Awards, an HR event organised by ETHRWorld. The Chief People Officer, Lisa Lesko was honoured as HR Leader of the Year and their People & Culture team was presented with a Gold Award for the second consecutive year.

These accolades reflect Bristlecone’s successful integration of initiatives like the Hi-Engage Framework Meta Competency framework, Horizon (Performance Management) framework and Talent Review exercise which have significantly enhanced team engagement, development, and performance.

In the dynamic landscape of corporate leadership, individuals who not only navigate change but thrive within it are rare gems. Lisa Lesko, Chief People Officer, Bristlecone, is one such example who embodies this exceptional caliber of leadership.

Her journey with Bristlecone commenced during a time of immense transformation. She joined the company amidst a seismic shift. Her visionary approach to embracing emerging technologies and digital capability building revolutionised its operations. Her commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, diversity, and inclusion boosted morale and catalysed creativity and it is entirely fitting that she was honored as the HR Leader of the Year by Economic Times in February 2024.

Under Ms. Lisa’s able guidance, Puja Narayan, Head of HRBP and team won the Gold award for HR Best practices and Shoba Sridaran, Head of Talent Development and team won the CLO of the year and Best LXP implementation award from The Economic Times.

Let’s understand how Bristlecone's HR function has evolved to adapt to emerging trends in strategic HR management and changes in the job market.

In the evolving landscape of human resources management, Bristlecone has kept its proverbial ‘eyes and ears’ open to what is happening within and influencing the organisation from outside. The HR function has adeptly adjusted and adopted real-time to meet the demands of strategic HR management and changing job market conditions through a series of transformative initiatives.

Automation and real-time reporting

Bristlecone automated routine tasks and implemented real-time reporting systems. This significantly enhanced operational efficiency and decision-making processes and has empowered HR professionals with the tools necessary to respond swiftly to market changes and internal demands, enabling them to allocate resources more effectively and identify areas for improvement in real-time.

In-house talent acquisition and enablement

It focused on building internal capabilities for talent acquisition and development with initiatives like enhanced referral programs and maintaining high offer-to-board stats underscoring the organisation’s commitment to fostering a self-sufficient and proactive HR function. This shift not only reduced costs but also cultivates a more engaged and retained workforce.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DE&I)

By prioritising diversity, equity, and inclusion, the organisation enriches its cultural fabric and better reflects the diverse markets it serves. This strategic focus not only enhances innovation and client relationships but also positions Bristlecone as a socially responsible and inclusive employer.

Leadership Development

With a focus on developing a ‘Moonshot Mindset’ among leaders, Bristlecone aims to foster a culture that supports ambitious growth goals. By enabling leaders to develop mastery in client relationships and visionary thinking, the HR function directly contributes to the strategic direction of the company.

Bristlecone’.s strategic adaptations in HR not only respond to immediate trends and market demands but also position the company for long-term sustainability and effectiveness. These initiatives foster a culture of continuous learning, engagement, and belonging, essential for maintaining a competitive advantage in today's dynamic global market landscape.

Taking care of its people

Bristlecone embarked on an Employee Value Proposition recharge exercise last year wherein the aim was to know what makes the diverse ensemble of people weave into “one bristlecone” – what makes them “feel” as an integral part of Bristlecone. These elements are classified under 6 tenets brought together under one statement – “At Bristlecone, we value individuals and offer flexibility to build a true inclusive culture. We offer diverse career opportunities that are rewarding and rich in learning”.

The ‘We Care’ initiative focuses on employee health and mental wellness, offering preventive measures and attractive benefits like annual health check-ups and maternity support programs.

Promotes a culture of acknowledgment and appreciation through formal recognition programs and demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity with diverse hiring practices.

The Hi-Engage Framework empowers managers to foster a motivated workforce, while continuous learning initiatives like "KnoWember Pragya" ensure development aligns with personal and organisational goals.

Events like People Week Celebration and Triumph Celebrations foster strong internal networks and community bonds, promoting a culture of shared success and collaboration.

Promotes growth within the organisation through internal mobility and career pathing, ensuring proactive talent development aligned with future leadership needs.

By integrating these strategic HR initiatives, Bristlecone not only supports the professional development and well-being of its employees but also ensures alignment with broader business objectives, cultivating a positive workplace culture crucial for both current and future success.