In an interaction with Higher Education Review Magazine, Balasubramanian Sethuraman, Head - of Human Resources, Parekh Integrated Services Pvt Ltd. shares his views and thoughts on the various aspects of the importance of corporate communications in an organization, the latest HR industry trends and the best practices and more. Balasubramanian is an extensive experience in talent acquisition, strategic HR, organizational design & development, learning & development, coaching & mentoring talent management, employee engagement, employee relations, & welfare, and many more.

Corporate Communication & HR Operations Go Hand-in-hand to Empower Talent & Ignite Success?

The importance of communication cannot be overstated, as “wherever life exists, communication exists” it is around us like air. Since time immemorial, communication hold its importance in uplifting life be it personal or professional, however with evolving corporate culture now it is showcasing its true potential to mankind. While avidly navigating through every challenge and change posed to the corporate world, communication proved itself as an essential tool in simplifying corporate affairs; this is why mastering communication has never been this vital. Today we do spend 70–80 per cent of our working time on some kind of communication (reading, writing, and listening to our co-workers). Hence, it is considerable that communication is the golden ticket for any organization to sail towards success.

Enlighten us on the importance of corporate communications in an organization?

No job advertisement has ever been published without highlighting that the candidate must possess good communication skills, if this can’t justify the need and importance of Communication skills in the workplace, nothing else can ever will. Effective workplace communication is the key to driving team collaboration and cooperation for better results across individuals, teams, and organizations. As employees always have to get in contact with their clients and other stakeholders, they are required to have a clear and strong message about strategy, customer service and branding, which again entails good communication skills. Moreover, Good communicators are vital to a business's profit margin and reputation. Employees who communicate well and understand the company's vision help catalyze the firm’s journey towards success by boosting morale, engagement, productivity, and satisfaction.

How to stay abreast of the latest HR industry trends and best practices?

This is no secret that change is the only constant, and to remain at the edge in any industry one needs to embrace change and navigate through it. The HR industry is rapidly evolving and leveraging a significant impact on headhunting. Hence, making high time for HR professionals to keep pace with software, tools, and automation solutions that can further boost their efficiency and enhance the hiring process. Staying updated with the latest HR trends and best practices can lead to enhanced knowledge that helps in effectively carrying out responsibilities However, this is a never-ending process, and one needs to be consistent and allocate specific time for learning. To lead the sector with utmost efficiency one needs to keep an eye on business news, industry publications, and reports to understand how HR practices are adapting to new challenges and trends in the broader business landscape. Reading case studies, research papers, newsletters and whitepapers on HR practices is a big plus. Also investing in ongoing learning and professional development opportunities such as enrolling in HR certification programs, webinars, online courses, or workshops offered by reputable training providers cannot be skipped. These programs cover the latest HR trends and best practices that not only equip professionals with the latest discussions and trends in the field but also help them to lead an innovative approach that allows both the organization and the employee to leap.

How do people leverage different communication channels to reach and attract diverse candidates?

Reaching and attracting diverse candidates requires a thoughtful and inclusive approach that utilizes various communication channels effectively. However, sourcing candidates on different communication channels is not a one-way communication, one needs to build and nurture connections to hunt the potential candidates. As all communication channels are not created equal when it comes to sourcing candidates, some platforms may be more considerable than others based on industry type, target audience, and employer brand. Post-selection of the appropriate platform for sourcing candidates, optimization of the hiring person’s profile and content to attract a vast talent pool is also paramount. The recruiter’s profile should showcase the company's culture, values, and achievements, as well as its credibility and expertise as a recruiter. Also, posting relevant and engaging content in the form of text, images, videos, podcasts, and live streams that showcase open roles, employer brands, and industry insights is a big plus to reach out to potential candidates.

What is the role of corporate communications in talent acquisition?

Corporate communications play a crucial role in talent acquisition by helping to attract, engage, and retain top talent for an organization. It is highly responsible for creating and disseminating job postings across various channels, including the company website, job portals, social media, and professional networks. It crafts a positive and appealing image of the organization as an employer by shaping and promoting the employer brand. Throughout the talent acquisition process, corporate communications ensure consistent and transparent communication with candidates, which includes sending acknowledgement emails, updates on the hiring process, and timely feedback. Thereby, helping foster a positive candidate experience that further enhances the company's reputation. Also, it helps showcases the company's culture, values, mission, and the unique benefits it offers to employees. This, in turn, helps attract potential candidates who align with the company's values and work culture.