What Holds an Organization Together? Upeka Jayawardena Weighs In

What is HR, if not the glue that holds everything together?

asks Upeka Jayawardena, the Human Resources Manager at Uswatte Confectionery Works Pvt Ltd. It’s a bold statement, but as she shares her journey and insights, it’s clear she’s not wrong.

With over 15 years of HR experience, Upeka’s career began in 2008 as an HR Intern at Sussex College Network Head Office. She quickly rose through roles at UB Finance, progressing from Junior Executive to Senior Executive over five years. Leadership roles at Senok and Hingurana Group further honed her expertise, and today, as HR Manager at Uswatte Confectionery Works, she draws on this rich experience to create a people-focused, performance-driven workplace.

Her academic credentials, including an MBA from the University of Colombo and a PQHR from CIPM, complement her professional journey, blending strategic insight with practical knowledge.

For Upeka, HR isn’t about pushing papers or sitting behind a desk drafting policies. It’s about people, their growth, challenges, and their place in an organisation. “My job is to ensure that everyone feels supported, connected, and in the right place at the right time. It’s a balancing act, but one that’s worth every moment.”

From Macro to Micro: Embracing Both Sides of HR

Having experienced both macro and micro levels of HR, she brings a nuanced perspective to her role at Uswatte Confectionery Works. In her previous roles, she managed HR across two groups of companies, focusing on broader policies and high-level strategies.

“Macro-level HR is about seeing the big picture,” Upeka explains. “You look at overall organizational goals, craft policies that align with them, and ensure systems are in place for seamless operation. But with that scale comes challenges, like communication gaps and the need to balance competing priorities across diverse cultures.”

At Uswatte, her responsibilities have shifted to what she calls a more micro-focused approach. With the factory and office located on the same premises, she has daily, direct interactions with employees, from the factory floor to management.

Micro-level HR allows you to be hands-on,” she says. “I can connect with individuals, address issues immediately, and ensure consistency in applying policies. It’s more personal and impactful in the company’s day-to-day running.

Importantly, Upeka emphasises that neither approach is superior to the other; they are simply different. “Both macro and micro HR have their unique challenges and rewards. At the macro level, you are shaping the direction of an organisation. At the micro level, you ensure the small, everyday details align with that vision. The key is to adapt and deliver what the organisation needs at each level.”

Keeping Up in a Rapidly Changing World

When Upeka stepped into the field of HR, the workplace was a different world. Fast-forward to 2024, and the industry has undergone a seismic shift. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, and evolving generational mindsets have redefined what it means to work in HR.

“Technology is transforming the way we work,” she reflects. “But no matter how advanced AI or data tools get, they are just tools. It’s still people who bring purpose and impact to an organization.”

Staying relevant in this fast-paced environment, she says, comes down to one thing: a commitment to learning. “The moment you stop learning, you start falling behind. I have made it a habit to learn from everyone around me—not just mentors but even my team and peers. Everyone has something to teach.”

She chuckles, acknowledging how people themselves have evolved over the years. “The qualities and attitudes have shifted too. Today, adaptability and resilience are essential, not just in HR, but for anyone navigating a world that changes as quickly as ours.”

Similarly, resilience is a recurring theme in Upeka’s perspective. “Difficulties are inevitable,” she says matter-of-factly. “You can’t remove them permanently, but you can minimise them. And more importantly, you can show people the positive side of challenges. That’s what resilience is – bouncing back stronger. Change is constant, and the best way to thrive is to keep moving forward, learning, and adapting.”

A Leader Who Inspires

Upeka’s leadership philosophy is as straightforward as it is impactful. “Start from scratch and never stop learning,” she advises.

Be passionate about what you do, stay ethical, and don’t waste time. Learn from everyone, even from your juniors. Inspire people to take on challenges and make them feel you’re there for them.

Her approach has worked. Under her leadership, Uswatte has created an environment where people feel valued and heard. “HR isn’t just about policies; it’s about people, and when you focus on people, the rest takes care of itself.” she highlights.

So, how does HR glue everything together? According to Upeka, it’s about resilience, connection, and a relentless focus on people. She says, “When HR is strong, the whole organisation thrives.”