From National impact to HR excellence, applying Sachindra’s strategic insight

In today’s dynamic work environment, effective HR management requires more than traditional practices—it demands strategic foresight, innovative thinking, and a deep commitment to creating value. Sachindra, the Associate Chief Digital Economic Officer at ICTA, embodies these qualities through his impactful role in advancing national initiatives.

Throughout his career, Sachindra has played a pivotal role in various projects that have impacted Sri Lanka’s IT and business sectors. Notable among his achievements are his contributions to the development of country branding and business development strategies. In 2012, he was instrumental in crafting a comprehensive country branding document to present Sri Lanka to global entities like Gartner. His efforts in the Sri Lanka IT BPM sector further solidified his role in shaping the country’s IT and BPO landscape.

Fostering growth of startups

Sachindra’s leadership extends to industry development programs, where he has had the privilege of leading multiple teams at ICTA. These teams have overseen diverse areas, including start-ups. In 2015, he led a team focused on fostering innovation and development within the tech sector. His involvement with Spiralation, a government-run tech incubator, and support for tech startups reflects his objective to expand the ecosystem and enhance the overall industry landscape.

In addition, his work with the team behind “Disrupt Asia” from 2016 to 2019 exemplifies his ability to drive community growth and continously support emerging tech enterprises. Alongside his teams, Sachindra’s efforts have contributed to expanding the ecosystem, helping at least 75% of supported companies thrive. Today, these startups have significantly grown and have contributed to Sri Lanka in notable ways.

Connecting the Dots: Sachindra’s Journey with HR

Sachindra’s journey offers some great takeaways for anyone in HR looking to make an impact. Here’s how you can draw from his experiences:

Adopt a strategic outlook

Look at how your HR initiatives fit into the company’s broader goals. Aligning your efforts with the organization’s overall vision helps make sure your work supports the bigger picture. Keep this strategic perspective in mind to contribute effectively to the company’s success.

Facilitate communication

Focus on improving communication and collaboration across different teams. Building strong connections between departments can make a big difference. When everyone works together smoothly, it creates a more cohesive and effective work environment.

Flexibility

Similarly, remote opportunities should be given strong consideration. This is where startups can acquire more talent in comparison to enterprises that are limited by geographical constraints. By offering remote work options, startups can tap into a broader talent pool, attracting skilled professionals who value flexibility and work-life balance.

Create a supportive work environment

Work on developing a supportive and motivating environment. Recognize achievements, encourage career growth, and foster a culture of feedback and appreciation. A positive work culture helps keep employees engaged and satisfied

Encourage innovation

Provide opportunities for employees to share their ideas and experiment with new approaches. Supporting creativity and being open to fresh perspectives can lead to great improvements and innovations within the organization

Recruitment marketing

Develop a strong employer brand to attract top talent. Highlight the startup’s culture, mission, and growth opportunities

Referral programs

Encourage current employees to refer candidates by offering incentives. This can help find talent that fits the company culture

Competitive compensation and benefits

While startups may not always match the salaries of larger companies, they can offer equity, flexible work arrangements, and unique perks to attract and retain employees. In conclusion, Sachindra added,

“To truly excel, focus on your North Star—the guiding vision that directs your efforts”

In HR, this means keeping the big picture in mind and working towards the overarching goals of the organization. Manage people with a sense of unity and cohesion. It’s crucial to lead from the front while also supporting and uplifting those around you. It’s also important to embody the servant leadership style and act as a facilitator, ensuring your team has the resources and support they need to succeed. Sometimes, HR roles may not always receive the recognition they deserve, but remember, a truly effective HR strategy is one where employees are happy and the company flourishes as a result. It’s about fostering an environment where passion and dedication drive success, regardless of titles or high salaries. What truly matters is the impact you make and the difference you bring to your team and organization which further impacts the Country.