Sudipto Basak, HPCL

sudiptobasak@hpcl.in

In today’s ever-evolving business realm, nurturing genuine connections with both employees and stakeholders stands as a pivotal strategy for sustaining a competitive edge. At Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), we acknowledge the profound impact of storytelling as a formidable instrument for achieving this objective. “HP Unplugged”, our pioneering platform, epitomizes the ethos by commemorating the distinctive experiences and triumphs of extraordinary individuals. This chat show-based communication platform, in a mere 4 months, has garnered more than 50,000 views and 1300 hours of watch time.

HP Unplugged: An Inspirational Platform

Envisioned with the goal of “spotlighting remarkable narratives and talents,” HP Unplugged serves as a platform for diverse voices. Through a uniquely crafted chat show, a first in the industry, it showcases the boundless resilience of the human spirit. In this chat show, we interview high-achieving individuals who act as lighthouses of ingenuity, inspiration, and leadership.  Here’s how HP Unplugged has proven instrumental for HPCL:

Employee Engagement: The oil and gas industry often encounters distinct challenges in fostering employee engagement. Factors such as geographically dispersed workforces, intricate technical environments, and entrenched hierarchical structures can breed a sense of detachment from the company’s core values. HP Unplugged bridges this gap by featuring interviews with prominent figures within HPCL, including the C&MD, Directors, and other senior leaders. This approach nurtures a sense of connection between leadership and employees, breaking down hierarchical barriers and fostering open communication. By unveiling the human facets of our leaders, we provide employees with insights into the company’s overarching vision and strategy, thereby cultivating a shared sense of purpose and belonging.

Employer Branding: The ability to attract and retain top-tier talent is paramount for any organization. However, the oil and gas sector sometimes grapples with competing against industries perceived as more progressive or innovative. By showcasing inspiring stories such as that of Mr. Pujyam Mishra, an accomplished para-athlete and a recent addition to the HPCL team, we position HPCL as an inclusive and forward-thinking employer that values diverse talent and achievements transcending conventional work experiences. This not only underscores HPCL’s commitment to investing in its workforce through training and development initiatives but also celebrates individual journeys, fostering a sense of pride and loyalty among employees. Strategically disseminating HP Unplugged content through internal communication channels such as company newsletters and internal social media platforms further amplifies its message and resonance within the organization.

Industry Recognition: By featuring Shri Arup Basak, the national coach of the Indian Table Tennis team, HP Unplugged transcends internal boundaries, positioning HPCL as a thought leader within the oil and gas industry. This not only garners industry recognition but also fortifies relationships with external stakeholders. Collaborations with external figures can yield valuable partnerships and knowledge-sharing opportunities, ultimately benefiting the entire industry.

Diversity of Voices and Going Beyond Hierarchy: HP Unplugged adopts a designation-agnostic approach to featuring stories. We believe that inspiration and valuable lessons can come from individuals across all levels of the organization. This provides a more holistic perspective on the diverse experiences and contributions that make HPCL successful.

Harnessing the “Power of Networks” The efficacy of HP Unplugged hinges on the concept of “leveraging the currency of networks.” Both internal and external networks are indispensable for a company’s competitive advantage. Here’s how HP Unplugged facilitates this:

Internal Networking: Interviews with HPCL directors foster a sense of community and shared purpose across diverse departments and locations. Employees gain insights into various facets of the company’s operations, promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange. For instance, an interview with the Director of Refineries may inspire a Marketing employee to explore new business prospects related to refined products. This cross-departmental understanding is crucial for fostering innovation and problem-solving within the organization.

External Networking: Featuring industry luminaries like Shri Arup Basak enables HPCL to connect with a broader audience beyond its immediate workforce. This strengthens ties with external stakeholders such as industry associations, government bodies, and potential business collaborators. These connections can pave the way for fresh collaborations, opportunities for knowledge exchange, and a more robust overall industry ecosystem.

Employee Advocacy: HP Unplugged content is disseminated across various social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. This encourages employees to share these stories, effectively serving as advocates for HPCL and amplifying its reach. Employees emerge as brand ambassadors, bolstering the employer brand and attracting potential talent aligned with HPCL’s values and culture. This organic reach through employee advocacy holds significant sway in today’s digital landscape.

Quantifiable Outcomes and Future Endeavors
The early outcomes of HP Unplugged are promising. With nearly 20,000 views across multiple platforms, the initiative demonstrates its potential to resonate with a wide audience. However, the true impact extends beyond these initial metrics. HP Unplugged nurtures a culture of inspiration, collaboration, and pride within HPCL, fostering heightened engagement and productivity among employees. A robust employer brand not only attracts top talent but also reduces recruitment expenses while fostering a more innovative and competitive workforce. These factors ultimately translate into a sustained competitive advantage for HPCL in the marketplace.

Looking ahead, HP Unplugged is poised to further evolve. We intend to feature a broader array of stories, encompassing not only leadership but also exemplary contributions from high-performing employees across various departments. Additionally, in celebration of International Women’s Day, HP Unplugged recently showcased eight episodes spotlighting women leaders, further enriching our narrative tapestry and reaffirming our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Capturing the richness of human experience goes beyond simply featuring different job titles. HP Unplugged strives to explore a wide range of personal and professional journeys. We look for interviewees who have overcome challenges, persevered through difficult circumstances, or achieved remarkable feats outside of their work at HPCL. These diverse perspectives not only inspire employees but also showcase the well-rounded individuals that make up the HPCL workforce.

In conclusion, HP Unplugged stands as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling in forging connections, fostering a vibrant organizational culture, and enhancing competitive advantage. As we chart our course forward, we remain steadfast in our dedication to amplifying voices, inspiring minds, and shaping a brighter future for HPCL and beyond.

Posted in HR Insights | No Comments »

Share your Thoughts

Subscribe
Our Newsletter