Innovation is at the core of SMS India's success, nurturing a culture that promotes creative thinking and continuous improvement. Leading decarbonization projects with partners such as JSW Steel, SAIL, and the innovative EASyMelt technology in collaboration with Tata Steel, alongside Quality Circle enhancements at its Indian workshop, have propelled significant advancements. This commitment to innovation was recognized when SMS India was named the most innovative technology partner by Tata Steel in 2024. The company's state-of-the-art production facilities, including the Bhubaneswar workshop and the upcoming facility in Sanand, Gujarat, further demonstrate its dedication to growth. These facilities support local initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Make in Odisha,' with substantial investments aimed at increasing production capacity and expanding market reach.
Mr. Sanjeev Sharma, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at SMS India Pvt Ltd., discusses the company's strong employee development programs and significant corporate social responsibility projects in an interview with Mr. Nirmalya Mukherjee, the magazine's editor. Under Mr. Sharma's leadership, SMS India received the Great Place to Work certification in 2024, highlighting its dedication to creating a positive and supportive workplace. The company's modern HR practices have made it a strategic partner in both employee and business development. SMS India also has a higher employee retention rate than the industry average.
Nirmalya Mukherjee: Thank you for talking with us, Mr. Sharma. Could you elaborate how does SMS India differentiate itself in the competitive landscape to attract and retain top talent, and what strategies do you employ to maintain a strong employer brand? Additionally, what are some of the key employee-friendly policies at SMS India that help foster a supportive and inclusive work environment?
Sanjeev Sharma: SMS group prides itself on creating an inclusive workplace where every employee, regardless of their role or background, can reach their highest potential. The company provides various development programs, including the Leadership Entry Program, Expert Development Program, and the flagship women's initiative 'Women@SMS Grow', to ensure that all employees have access to growth opportunities. This commitment to inclusivity is further reinforced by transparent hiring processes and internal job postings, allowing employees to pursue their career aspirations within the organization. We encourage our employees to choose their career within SMS group and many of our top positions were filled by our talented employees in India and worldwide. We recruit Graduate Engineer Trainees /Management Trainees and train them with the latest technical knowledge while developing their managerial skills with different soft skills programs. Many of these GET’s have been working with us from last 15 odd years and are leading many sub depts in the company.
SMS India extends support to employees and their families through various employee-friendly policies. The Family Assistance Policy provides financial support and medical benefits to families of deceased employees. The Education Assistance for Children Policy supports children's higher education for families with low income. The Financial Assistance Policy provides loans for emergencies. Facilities such as crèches support working mothers with newborns and toddlers.
The Women@SMS Grow initiative is a comprehensive five-month program dedicated to the holistic development of female employees. This program is structured as a transformative journey, consisting of various modules that focus on both personal and professional growth. The aim is to equip women within the organization with the tools and opportunities they need for career progression and personal well-being. The curriculum includes modules such as Leading Self, Building Your Brand & Influence, and Executive Presence, covering topics like cultivating a growth mindset, enhancing self-awareness, and developing leadership presence.
The Expert Development Program (EDP) is designed to enhance professional effectiveness by nurturing talent and grooming high-potential individuals. This program offers holistic development through training, formulation and implementation of Individual Development Plans, soft skill coaching, project execution, and perspective enhancement through book reviews.
In partnership with leading healthcare organizations, SMS India provides employees with comprehensive medical reports derived from health surveys and assessments. This collaboration integrates data analytics to offer insights into workplace health trends, covering topics such as chronic diseases, lifestyle diseases, mental and metabolic health, and the impact of the workplace environment on health. Recommendations for improving health outcomes within the organization are also provided.
Nirmalya Mukherjee: Under your able leadership, SMS India earned the Great Place to Work® certification 2023-24. How has SMS India been acknowledged as a leading workplace?
Sanjeev Sharma: SMS India's commitment to fostering an enriching and supportive work environment was recognized with the prestigious certification as a Great Workplace in its first attempt itself by the Great Place to Work® Institute, India (GPTW) last year. This certification is a testament to the company's dedication to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture that values trust, fairness, respect, pride, and camaraderie among its employees.
The certification process involved a comprehensive evaluation comprising two key components: an employee survey and a culture audit. The employee survey assessed the perceptions and experiences of employees regarding their workplace, focusing on elements such as trust, fairness, respect, pride, and camaraderie. The culture audit analyzed the company's management and HR practices, emphasizing leadership credibility, trustworthiness, fairness, respect, pride in the company, and camaraderie among employees.
The findings from this assessment highlighted SMS India's success in cultivating a workplace that prioritizes employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, professional development, open communication, and equal opportunities. The organization's emphasis on physical and mental health, coupled with its diverse and inclusive culture, ensures that differences are welcomed and respected. Continuous opportunities for professional growth are provided through various training and development initiatives, while open, transparent, and honest communication is encouraged across all levels.
This recognition as a Great Workplace solidifies SMS India's reputation as an employee-centric organization. It reflects the company's current achievements in creating a positive work culture and sets a benchmark for continuous improvement and excellence in HR practices. By maintaining a focus on the core values, SMS India not only enhances its employer branding but also strengthens its position as a leader in the metals industry, committed to the well-being of its employees and the communities it serves. Our employees will be taking the GPTW survey this year as well. We will be looking forward to it.
Nirmalya Mukherjee: How does SMS India contribute to society? What is your strategy for CSR?
Sanjeev Sharma: The company's strategic focus on CSR encompasses four critical areas: Education, Women Empowerment & Skill Development, Wellness & Sanitation, and Sustainability. Through targeted educational initiatives, SMS India is cultivating a skilled workforce, fostering gender equality, and enhancing employability by improving skill sets. By emphasizing wellness and sanitation, the company is dedicated to raising health and hygiene standards within communities. Its unwavering commitment to sustainability highlights a pledge to environmentally friendly practices, ensuring a sustainable future. Our CSR projects and programs closely align with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).These efforts not only tackle societal challenges but also strengthen community relations enhancing SMS India's appeal as an employer of choice.
Our CSR vision is deeply rooted in the core value of CARE. We look out for people's health, safety, and wellbeing. We are united in our commitment to creating value for the community we live in.
Nirmalya Mukherjee: How does SMS India contribute to educational development, and what specific programs have been most successful in enhancing educational opportunities for underprivileged communities in the locations SMS India operates?
Sanjeev Sharma: SMS India recognizes education as a transformative force for societal progress. The company's initiatives in this domain are aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for underprivileged and differently abled children. Projects like the "Anganwadi Centre Renovation" have significantly improved early childhood education facilities, creating safer and more conducive learning environments. The "Education Enhancement Program" has been instrumental in supporting over 700 students, providing them with computer training, remedial education, and life skills sessions, thereby achieving near-universal computer literacy. Furthermore, the project "Creating an Enabling and Inclusive Environment for Children with Disability" has facilitated better access to education for differently abled children by providing safe transportation options.
Nirmalya Mukherjee: How does SMS India customize its training programs to address the unique needs of women from various socio-economic backgrounds? Additionally, what partnerships have you formed with local NGOs or government agencies to facilitate the delivery of skill development programs?
Sanjeev Sharma: Empowering women through skill development and entrepreneurship is a key focus of SMS India's CSR activities. The pivotal women entrepreneurship program exemplifies this commitment by empowering 80 women with the mentorship and support needed to develop sustainable enterprises, significantly enhancing their self-reliance and family incomes. Additionally, skill development programs in areas like Yerwada and Rajabazar offer courses in tailoring and beauty services, equipping women with practical skills and financial literacy to improve their livelihoods. SMS India has collaborated with local NGOs for implementing these projects.
Additionally, SMS India's CSR initiatives include the Advanced Welding Centre at the Government Industrial Training Institute in Bhubaneswar. This center equips students with cutting-edge skills, preparing them for future challenges. By promoting industry-academia collaboration, SMS India not only enhances its employer brand but also contributes positively to society, setting a benchmark for corporate responsibility in the metals sector. Through these comprehensive efforts, SMS India continues to lead by example, demonstrating how CSR can be a powerful tool for business success and community development.
SMS India’s Skilling & Livelihood Empowerment Project has been recognized with the prestigious ‘Best Skill Development Program Initiative of the Year’ award at the Indian CSR Awards 2024. This accolade reflects our commitment to advancing skill development and empowering communities.
Nirmalya Mukherjee: What are the specific goals and objectives of the wellness and sanitation program?
Sanjeev Sharma: SMS India's wellness and sanitation initiatives aim to create healthier living environments that prevent disease and enhance quality of life. For example, the Sanjoe Rehabilitation Center in Faridabad has undergone significant upgrades to improve living conditions and hygiene for differently abled children, including the installation of ADA-compliant features and energy-efficient solar panels. The objectives of the project were to ensure safety and accessibility, promote health and well-being, and improve operational efficiency by reducing maintenance costs. The project aimed to create a supportive, inclusive, and sustainable environment for the residents, thereby enhancing their quality of life and well-being.
Our CSR initiatives let our employees help improve society and make a real difference in the lives of the underprivileged. They keep us humble, caring, and build a positive work environment through skilling initiatives.
Nirmalya Mukherjee: Are you supporting initiatives promoting renewable energy sources or energy efficiency improvements, and how are your CSR activities addressing them?
Sanjeev Sharma: Sustainability is a cornerstone of SMS India's CSR approach, emphasizing resource conservation and ecological balance. The installation of on-grid rooftop solar panels at the Sanjoe Rehabilitation Center in Faridabad exemplifies SMS India's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and operational costs. This initiative supports environmental sustainability by decreasing reliance on external electricity sources, reflecting the company's dedication to promoting a greener future. Earlier this year, a similar on-grid rooftop solar power panel installation was completed at Ramkrishna Mission Vidyamandira in Belur Math, Howrah, West Bengal.
SMS India was honored at the 5th ESG Summit & Awards 2024 with ESG Awards in three distinguished categories, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Recently, our esteemed customer JSW Steel rated us as ‘ESG Score A – Excellent’ on compliance to ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) principles. This certification was provided by CRIF Solutions Private Limited, a Credit Rating Agency enrolled for conducting the ESG assessment through Synesgy platform.
Globally, SMS group is a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the steel industry. With over 150 years of history, SMS group has aligned its operations with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, investing in green technologies and sustainable practices. Their recycling programs for steel scrap and other materials exemplify their commitment to promoting a circular economy.