Janik Jayasuriya: Championing HR to drive business

“HR is more than a department; it is a fundamental pillar of business operations.”

In the realm of business operations, the significance of Human Resources (HR) cannot be overstated. This is especially true for Janik Jayasuriya, the Founder and Managing Director of Celeste Daily, who has integrated HR into his family business, Jaysons Group—developers of the iconic Little England Cottages gated community in Nuwara Eliya—and his venture, Celeste. Janik’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of HR in driving business success and fostering a thriving workplace culture.

A leap of faith in trying times

In 2020, amidst the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, Janik took a bold step away from his established career to venture into retail, aiming to ensure the daily essentials for his family and friends were delivered right to their doorsteps. This leap of faith not only met the immediate needs of his community but also opened new job opportunities during a challenging time. The overwhelming demand for these services extended beyond his network, reaching a broader community deprived of essential supplies.

Janik’s initiative quickly expanded beyond his initial circle, serving a broader community deprived of essential supplies. Celeste Daily, which began as a response to a crisis, has since become a pioneering model of Quick Commerce in Sri Lanka. Over four successful years, Celeste has grown to operate four locations, fulfilling over 2,000 orders daily and serving a loyal customer base of 60,000. Available 24/7 on platforms like UberEats and PickMe Market, Celeste offers a wide array of products, covering over 2,500 SKUs, and serves as a fulfilment centre manager for multiple international FMCG brands.

One of the key reasons for such great business results is the team, a team that is looked after by the HR Department.

How to strategically integrate HR

In today’s fast-paced business world, HR professionals and business leaders play a vital role in shaping an organisation’s culture and success. They create inclusive, supportive work environments that foster growth and development while also setting the company’s vision and strategy.

Drawing on his Business Administration background in Hospitality Management from the Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland, Janik views HR as crucial in aligning workforce management with business goals. His approach is that HR needs to evolve continuously, embracing diverse personalities and adapting to the shifting demands of employees, particularly the dynamic and passionate Gen Z.

He also highlights the strategic role of HR in creating a fun and flexible workplace that resonates with the values of a passionate workforce. Recognising that the Gen Z generation is motivated more by their love for their work than by financial rewards, Janik emphasises the need for HR to adapt and align with these values.

“HR’s influence extends beyond managing employee relations and benefits. It creates a ripple effect that can transform the entire organisation. HR can implement inclusive and effective practices by understanding the unique business context, considering location-specific dynamics, and being mindful of cultural and language differences. By doing so, you are creating a culture of love and togetherness.”

Message to aspiring professionals

Janik encourages young and aspiring HR professionals and business leaders to develop soft skills, embrace continuous learning, and approach leadership with authenticity and humility. His success with Celeste Daily demonstrates that with the correct HR practices, businesses can navigate challenges, drive innovation, and achieve long-term success.

“Don’t limit yourself to just one area of expertise. Have faith, keep learning, and understand the business. More importantly, approach every situation with an open mind and empathise with people. Do not turn a blind eye when someone from your team needs you the most,” Janik advises.

As Celeste Daily grows, Janik remains committed to his vision of a human-centric business model. His innovative approach to HR and dedication to his team set a benchmark for leadership in the modern business landscape. Janik’s story is a compelling reminder of the transformative power of HR in shaping successful and resilient businesses.