Lodha Group: A Prominent Real Estate Company

Lodha Group: A Prominent Real Estate Company, Renowned for its Finest Developments

About Lodha

Lodha has been delivering the highest level of design and craftsmanship, uncompromising quality and unparalleled service for over four decades making it India’s No. 1 real estate developer which is driven by the passion for building the world’s finest developments across its residential, commercial and digital infrastructure portfolio. The company has delivered ~100 million square feet of real estate and is currently developing more than 110 million square feet under its ongoing and planned portfolio.

Lodha is committed to being a net zero carbon emission company by acting in the larger interest of the environment and society. Additionally, its dedication to nation-building is evident in initiatives like the Lodha Genius Programme, in partnership with Ashoka University, aimed at unlocking the potential of young minds, and the Unnati program focused on empowering women. In more ways than one, Lodha is dedicated to “Building a Better Life.” This quote needs to be highlighted and emphasized more:

“I am immensely proud to announce that Lodha has received three prestigious accolades in the Great Place to Work’s Best Workplaces™ Lists 2024. We ranked #64 among ‘India’s Best Companies to Work For’ out of over 2000 large companies, we won India’s Best Workplaces for Millennials 2024: Top 50 , and are recognized as the ‘Best in the Real Estate Industry’. These awards are a true testimony of our warm and caring culture and our efforts in nurturing an outstanding work environment. I am grateful to our exceptional HR team and our associates whose dedication and commitment makes all the difference!” -Janhavi Sukhtankar

Introducing Janhavi Sukhtankar

The HR team at Lodha takes inspiration from the strong beliefs of their leader, Janhavi Sukhtankar, to drive a culture of excellence, growth and inclusivity. Janhavi’s nurturing leadership approach stems from her fundamental values of empathy and resilience. This is evident in the way the HR Function connects with employees at Lodha – prioritizing comprehensive development and cultivating robust relationships within the organisation.

Informed by her diverse experiences and global exposure, the HR strategies devised by Janhavi have stood the test of time. Each initiative and experience for the employees is crafted to deeply resonate with their needs and aspirations. Transparent communication, continuous learning opportunities and a steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion have proved crucial to ensure the reliability and excellence of the talent at Lodha. Under Janhavi’s leadership, the HR Function plays a central role in fostering an agile and dynamic environment, where every individual contributes to collective success and innovation.

Overview of Professional Journey and Leadership Mantra

Janhavi Sukhtankar’s professional journey is one of diverse experiences, each one bringing to light the immediate realities of a unique workforce, and eventually contributing to her evolution as a leader in HR. From her academic roots in Sociology to navigating the complexities of the pharmaceutical industry, her path has been marked by resilience, adaptability and a commitment to excellence.

Joining Lodha in 2012 marked a significant milestone in Janhavi’s journey. She found a home where her leadership values have flourished. She has played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s HR landscape, cultivating a culture of collaboration, growth and employee wellbeing. Her leadership mantra of authenticity and empathy has remained steadfast, inspiring those around her to believe in the Lodha’s EVP “Build the Best. Be the Best”

With a goal to create a lasting impact on the organisation, she inspires and enable employees to achieve their potential, Janhavi’s professional journey at Lodha is a testament to the transformative power of genuine leadership in HR within the context of a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation.

Overview of HR portfolio and the key elements that make it unique

Lodha’s HR portfolio is renowned for its commitment to assembling top-tier teams and fostering an environment that prioritizes learning, growth and support. Janhavi’s powerful and clearlyarticulated vision makes it possible for the HR strategies to be centred on comprehensive development, ensuring employees have ample prospects for career advancement, continuous learning and mentorship opportunities.

There is a resounding acknowledgement of these efforts from leaders and employees alike! An inclusive culture, championing diversity and equal opportunities, cultivates a balanced and productive workplace where every voice is valued.

HR, Initiatives, and Strategies

Lodha’s HR initiatives are anchored in a commitment to attracting top talent and nurturing a culture of inclusivity. Focussing on the right HR priorities, has enabled us to create a thriving workplace that empowers employees, promotes professional growth, and drives organisational success.

Key initiatives and drivers which complement our Leadership Vision include:

Talent Acquisition Strategy: The talent acquisition strategy has been significantly transformed to ensure early assimilation and success of all hires. A dedicated team has equipped stakeholders with tools and resources to achieve four key goals:

1. Amplifying the Employee Value Proposition: Providing a positive candidate experience that emphasizes individual growth and development.

2. Establishing Role Clarity: Providing clear career paths and an understanding of skill sets to help candidates make informed decisions.

3. Strengthening HR-Business Partnership: Ensuring hiring decisions are made by qualified individuals who prioritize business needs while promoting an inclusive culture.

4. Enabling Early Assimilation: Providing high-quality networking opportunities and mentorship to assist new employees.

Talent Assessment Champions (TACs): A unique initiative that engages a group of 70+ leaders to play a crucial role in evaluating culture fit, ensuring the right talent is selected and encouraging gender equity. TACs conduct final interviews, mentor new joiners and contribute to a supportive environment for new hires.

Campus Hiring: Campus programs to hire graduates from leading business and engineering schools, offering unique opportunities and perks. ‘Sales Campus Program’ was launched to integrate fresh MBA graduates in the Sales function. ‘Graduate Engineer Program’ has been instrumental in strengthening the talent pool in construction management. ‘The Lodha Global Management Program’ recruits from top-tier institutions, and offers a one-year programme that allows employees to tailor their career paths.

Employer Branding: Employer Branding is the essence of defining an organisation’s spirit, its uniqueness, and its core values. The Employee Value Proposition (EVP) – “Build the Best, Be the Best” – represents more than just a powerful statement; it embodies an unwavering commitment to excellence, fostering a culture of continuous learning, growth and societal impact.

In addition, the company is committed to fostering a positive work environment by implementing a range of thoughtful and impactful strategies to improve employee experience and encourage brand advocacy

Accolades & Achievements:

Great Places To Work (2024-25) – Recognized in three categories: 1. India’s Best Companies To Work For 2024: Top 100, 2. India’s Best Workplaces for Millennials 2024: Top 50 , 3.Best in Industry: Real Estate – This recognition reinforces Lodha’s reputation as an employer of choice, reflecting its consistent efforts in providing a conducive work environment.

Best Organisation for Women 2023 & 2024 by the Economic Times: Winning for the second time in a row acknowledges Lodha’s dedication to women’s empowerment and gender inclusivity.

Women Leaders Award by Jombay: Recognition for its focus on nurturing leadership talent and promoting diversity, particularly in leadership roles.

The Great Manager Awards (2022, 2023, 2024): Winning for three consecutive years underscores Lodha’s commitment to managerial excellence and highlights its successful efforts in cultivating effective leadership within the organisation.

Finest Places to Work on ET Now: Being featured in the ET Now television series highlights Lodha’s success in creating a workplace environment that prioritizes employee growth and well-being, distinguishing itself as exemplary within the industry.

HR 40 under 40 list: Individual recognition of HR team members’ leadership and innovation in the field, showcasing their contributions to HR efforts and overall organisational success.

Learning and Development: The Organisation is dedicated to investing in the ongoing learning journey by prioritizing the maximization of human potential through tailored learning opportunities. This approach nurtures a strong learning culture where employees are empowered to enhance their behavioural, functional and technical competencies.

The Lodha Development Centre (LDC) serves as a dedicated learning academy focused on cultivating a workforce with bestin-class skills and a ‘Do it Right, First Time’ attitude. Lodha collaborates with leading institutes both in India and abroad for comprehensive ‘Management Development Programs’ and executive education courses. It offers ‘skill enhancement’ opportunities through short-term certification courses and facilitates participation in seminars and conferences. The ‘Young Women Development Program’ aims to empower young women in their career progression.

A hybrid approach to training combines in-person and self-led online courses, complemented by customized programming for continuous professional development across all levels and functions.

‘Leadership Development program’ include personalized sessions to prepare select associates for future leadership roles. Development Journeys cater to high-potential associates, offering immersive experiences like cross-site exposure and handson assignments. Flagship projects feature exclusive in-house offerings tailored to Lodha’s culture and processes.

Technical and functional training sessions cover various niche concepts to strengthen associates’ techno-functional capabilities. Careers Progressions paths: Career progression paths begin with fostering career awareness by helping employees discover various opportunities within the organisation. This involves collaborative career guidance with managers to align skills and aspirations for job roles. Action planning is then implemented to address skill gaps through learning interventions, on-the-job training, job shadowing, and more.

The Organisation facilitates internal mobility’ for ambitious employees who want to gain new skill-sets and move into different roles. They receive support for career advancement through the PRISM Initiative. This initiative enhances the pursuit of career goals and growth opportunities within the organisation by enabling both inter and intra-departmental movements.

Leadership Connects: Lodha encourages regular and meaningful interactions between employees and leadership through dedicated sessions such as “Coffee with Abhishek,” where employees receive business updates directly from the MD, Abhishek Lodha, ensuring transparency and alignment across all levels. Additionally, the “Leaders Speak Series” features senior leaders from various departments sharing valuable insights about careers, while regular town halls facilitate dialogue and promote collaboration. These platforms serve as avenues for reinforcing a culture of high trust and high performance throughout the organisation.

Employee-Friendly Policies: Employee-friendly policies such as flexible working hours, nutrition basket for expectant mothers, travel support, and specifically health and wellbeing support are designed to address the diverse needs of its workforce. They Can you share some success stories or impactful moments you’ve experienced in your HR journey at Lodha, and what qualities you believe are essential for effective leadership in the HR sector? “One of the most impactful moments in my journey was the launch of our Leadership Development Program, which has groomed numerous leaders who today steer critical projects at Lodha which contribute to nation building.

Another proud moment is the recent one being awarded by ‘Great Places to Work’ and is recognised in three categories: 1. India’s Best Companies To Work For 2024: Top 100 , 2. India’s Best Workplaces for Millennials 2024 : Top 50 , 3.Best in Industry: Real Estate – This recognition reinforces Lodha’s reputation as an employer of choice, reflecting its consistent efforts in providing a conducive work environment.

The organisation believes in leading by example, especially when it comes to fostering a commitment towards a positive and inclusive work culture. By inspiring and motivating teams, it empowers the employees to reach their full potential. For Janhavi, effective leadership thrives on adaptability, strategic vision, empathy and an unwavering focus on the well-being and development of employees. Closing Message – “Lodha’s commitment to the philosophy of “Do Good, Do Well” shapes our approach to HR policies and culture, driving us to make a positive impact on society while achieving sustainable business success.

We believe that by doing good, we can also do well – creating value not only for our stakeholders but also for the communities we serve. I am thankful for being a part of the journey where success is measured not just by profits, but by the positive change we bring about.” have contributed to higher rates of woman employees joining back after maternity leave and increased retention over the years.

The priority is on employees’ well-being with a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support personal needs and address on-the-job risks or injuries. The healthcare policies include group mediclaim, personal accident cover, on-site health camps, and access to 24/7 medical consultations. Additionally, the “Golden Hour” initiative provides critical emergency support within the first 60 minutes of any workplace incident. These benefits ensure the employees feel valued and protected, enabling them to excel in their roles.

Employee Well-Being & Engagement Programs: At Lodha, “We Care” initiatives foster a compassionate and inclusive workplace culture through three main components: Employee Well-Being, Employee Engagement, and Leadership Connects. These initiatives are designed to promote team building, health and wellness, celebrate achievements, and cultivate a collective, inclusive team culture.

Wellness activities such as Zumba sessions, health check-ups are regularly conducted across all locations. These initiatives help employees maintain a positive and healthy lifestyle.

The Walkathon and participation in the Mumbai Marathon promote physical well-being and community engagement. “Gratitude Week” encourages employees to express appreciation, enhancing workplace positivity.

The engagement activities include fun activities, team outings, cultural events, and monthly birthday celebrations. These events promote connection and bonding among employees and their families.

Enhancing HR Operations with Digital Solutions: Lodha has embraced a digital revolution of innovative solutions to automate operations and optimize productivity. Not only has this enabled us to streamline core processes, but helped sharpen our focus on critical areas to partner with business for strategic goals. Employees now have seamless access to all required information and tools to manage their tasks productively via a single mobile application, enhancing efficiency and improving their overall experience.

HR Help Desk ensures prompt assistance for queries, while a Health App offers wellness benefits like teleconsultations and discounted lab tests, promoting employee well-being. User-friendly digital onboarding allows for an engaging joining experience for our new hires. Additionally, several e-Learning modules have enriched our learning landscape, providing employees with access to high-quality courses for personal and professional development. These digital initiatives not only enhance efficiency but also empower employees with convenient solutions.

Values and Culture Codes

Lodha’s Values
● We exist to exceed the expectations of our customers through innovative, world-class solutions
● We will go the last mile to do things right and seek excellence in all that we undertake
● We will work with the best people, treat them well, expect a lot and the rest will follow
● We will behave with honesty, integrity and ethics with all stakeholders of our organisation
● We will wholeheartedly contribute to our nation’s communities and its environment.

Lodha’s Culture

Established in 1980 and India’s largest real estate organisation, attributes its success to a steadfast commitment to customer-centric principles. Emphasizing quality and excellence, the company aims to deliver superior products and lifestyles tailored to residents’ needs.

Employees are encouraged to adopt a customer perspective, asking themselves, “Would I make the same decision if I were the customer or if this were my home?” This approach cultivates a culture of passion and purpose, driving employees to achieve results, excel in problemsolving, and innovate with meticulous attention to detail, thereby providing world-class solutions.

The company’s success story is built upon the unwavering dedication, discipline, integrity, and strong work ethic of its employees. These core values underpin the company’s growth and prosperity, enabling its workforce to achieve remarkable feats. Operating under the banner of ‘One Lodha,’ employees synergize their intellectual capabilities to ensure the best outcomes for all stakeholders, including customers, vendor partners, investors, and channel partners. This collaborative spirit underscores Lodha’s commitment to excellence and collective success across its diverse ecosystem.

The company achieved carbon neutrality in its operation earlier this year and targets to be Net Zero operations and products by 2050. It actively supports CSR initiatives focused on education and women’s empowerment. Employees actively contribute to community service, reflecting Lodha’s commitment to societal and environmental responsibility.

Vision For the Future of HR Department

The vision for the future of its HR department focuses on strategically integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with HR practices to drive organisational success. The company plans to leverage AI-powered tools to streamline talent acquisition, optimize workforce management, and personalize learning and development initiatives.

According to Janhavi, using AI’s predictive analytics will enable the company to forecast skill requirements and address issues proactively, significantly improving the employee experience with personalized support and guidance. This integration of AI is intended to be a transformative force for advancing talent development and leveraging opportunities that can take our achievements to new heights.

From an HR perspective, how does Lodha contribute to the Indian real estate market in attracting and retaining top talent, and what role does innovation play?

Lodha plays a pivotal role in the Indian real estate market by attracting and retaining top talent through competitive compensation, clear career progression paths and a culture of excellence and professional growth.

Innovation is integral to the company’s approach, as the company continuously integrates the latest technological advancements and industry trends into its HR practices. Lodha’s HR initiatives sets it apart as an employer of choice, positioning the organisation as a desirable workplace through a holistic framework.

How does Lodha integrate employee feedback and market trends into its HR policies and initiatives to ensure sustainability and adaptability?

Lodha has established multiple touchpoints for collecting employee feedback, including surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one meetings. This feedback is systematically analysed and used to refine HR policies and initiatives. Additionally, close monitoring of market trends through industry reports, benchmarking studies, and participation in HR forums ensures that strategies are both employee-centric and market-responsive.

This approach ensures that HR practices are sustainable and adaptable to the evolving industry landscape, allowing Lodha to stay ahead of the curve and meet the changing needs of employees and the market. The organisation nurtures a culture of continuous improvement and innovation where feedback is valued and acted upon.

Can you share some success stories or impactful moments you’ve experienced in your HR journey at Lodha, and what qualities you believe are essential for effective leadership in the HR sector?

“One of the most impactful moments in my journey was the launch of our Leadership Development Program, which has groomed numerous leaders who today steer critical projects at Lodha which contribute to nation building. Another proud moment is the recent one being awarded by ‘Great Places to Work’ and is recognised in three categories:

1. India’s Best Companies To Work For 2024: Top 100,
2. India’s Best Workplaces for Millennials 2024: Top 50,
3. Best in Industry: Real Estate – This recognition reinforces Lodha’s reputation as an employer of choice, reflecting its consistent efforts in providing a conducive work environment.

The organisation believes in leading by example, especially when it comes to fostering a commitment towards a positive and inclusive work culture. By inspiring and motivating teams, it empowers the employees to reach their full potential. For Janhavi, effective leadership thrives on adaptability, strategic vision, empathy and an unwavering focus on the well-being and development of employees.

Closing Message –

“Lodha’s commitment to the philosophy of “Do Good, Do Well” shapes our approach to HR policies and culture, driving us to make a positive impact on society while achieving sustainable business success. We believe that by doing good, we can also do well – creating value not only for our stakeholders but also for the communities we serve. I am thankful for being a part of the journey where success is measured not just by profits, but by the positive change we bring about.”

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