Best companies to work for 2012: HR policies need revision to cater to employees' needs, says SP Singh

Great Place to Work is one where employees trust the people they work for, have pride in what they do and enjoy the company of the people they work with.

The study conducted in India is based on the same model and methodology that is followed in carrying out similar studies elsewhere, including the US and the Europe where the results are published in the Fortune Magazine and The Financial Times, respectively.

Full Coverage: Best companies to work for

The list of top 50 and the list of best companies in various industry verticals, emerge as a result of the most extensive workplace study in India - " India's Best Companies to Work for" Study which is conducted by The Economic Times and Great Place to Work Institute, India (greatplacetowork. in).

The Economic Times spoke to SP Singh, Director (HR), NTPC Ltd on the biggest HR challenges faced currently, HR initiatives taken and qualities that the company looks for while hiring.

Duration at present job:

1 year 8 months

Past organisations you've worked with:

BHEL (1975-1984), NTPC (1984 onwards)

One HR initiative you are really proud of:

Bringing transparency in implementation of all policies. In particular, career growth, transfer and dealing with personal requests of employees.

Qualities you look for while hiring:

While technical competencies are an absolute prerequisite, they are not sufficient. We look for a positive attitude, learnability, overall personality and willingness to serve in a public sector.

According to you, the biggest HR issue at present:

In order to cater to the needs of the employees, HR policies needs to be revised. Keeping in view the diversified growth of the company, we need to continuously motivate our employees.

Your people mantras:

The SAS Way: S - Sensitivity, A - Acceptance to change and S - Selfempowerment

One message you'd like to give functional managers:

Even while we excel in our respective assignments, it is important to remember that we have to adhere to the values of family NTPC, to take everybody together while working as a team and stand true to our commitment given to the nation to make India self-sufficient in power.