Driving Excellence With A People-first Mindset
Wasanthi Stephen
Group Chief Human Resources Officer
Janashakthi Group
“Janashakthi Group doesn't just follow trends; it sets them, with a strong focus on creating a workplace where like-minded people can connect, collaborate and celebrate growth”
Asian corporate culture has long been respected and admired for its discipline, work ethic, efficiency, and dedication to achieving excellence. Continuing the same legacy, Janashakthi Group (JXG), a standout in its industry, is redefining corporate norms by fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of background, can flourish. The company’s commitment to inclusivity is not merely about meeting quotas; it’s about leveraging the full potential of a diverse team to drive the company forward. Janashakthi Group’s dedication to gender diversity is evident in its current statistics, which show that women hold 22% of board positions, 30% of senior management roles, and 39% of lower managerial posts.
Their story is not just about statistics; it’s about the smiles of employees who feel valued, the breakthroughs achieved through collaborative effort, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that drives every project. It’s a tale of a company that understands that its greatest asset is its people and that by nurturing their growth, the company itself will soar to new heights. We spoke to Wasanthi Stephen, Group Chief Human Resources Officer of Janashakthi Group to understand how the company continues to set new standards in the corporate world. Among its notable achievements are high ratings in the Great Place to Work survey which highlights its outstanding work environment. We also learned about the strategies the company has deployed to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who work there and those who aspire to.
How does Janashakthi Group integrate its core values into daily work life?
At Janashakthi Group (JXG), our core values— Ethical and Honest, Collaborative, Respectful, Performance-driven, and Transparent—are central to whatever we do. We honour these values through biannual “Value Awards” and uphold integrity with a zero-tolerance policy on breaches and harassment, supported by whistleblowing channels. While recognising and rewarding performance is a priority, we do it through appraisal and bonus schemes, and additional recognition is given via monthly and quarterly awards. We foster collaboration with outbound and cross-department training opportunities and ensure transparency with town hall meetings, an initiative called “Coffee with the CEO” sessions, and our financial reviews. These practices embed our core values into our corporate culture, ensuring they are actively lived by all employees.
What unique health and wellness perks does Janashakthi Group offer to support employee happiness and work-life balance?
Recognising the importance of a healthy and balanced workforce, Janashakthi Group offers comprehensive health and wellness programmes for its employees. We prioritise mental health by offering confidential sessions with a professional female counsellor and grief management support. Our annual wellness initiatives, such as the “Walk to Sigiriya!” challenge and yoga sessions, promote physical health and team spirit. The “JXG Fun Squad” enhances workplace engagement with events like movie nights, karaoke, and breakfast gatherings. To foster work-life balance, we provide comprehensive childcare support within our corporate office, including play areas and nursing pods. Our generous parental leave policies include 12 weeks of paid maternity leave, with an option for an additional two months at half pay and two weeks of paid leave for new fathers. Flexible work hours and remote work options enable employees to manage their professional and personal responsibilities effectively.
What qualities do you believe define strong leadership within the Janashakthi Group?
Leadership is undeniably one of the most critical factors driving Janashakthi Group’s success. Our leadership is rooted in a deep sense of family unity, where we inspire, guide, and work side by side to achieve great things. It reflects our origin as a family organisation. We have a flat organisational structure where we value simplicity and a down-to-earth approach, which creates an environment where everyone feels connected and respected.
What unique training programs are in place to ensure continuous employee growth?
“The will toWIN, the desire toSUCCEED, the urge to reach full POTENTIAL, … These are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.”
At Janashakti Group, we make all of it happen. We ensure continuous employee growth through a comprehensive Learning and Development framework tailored to individual and group needs. Training needs are assessed via appraisals and career discussions. Our programs cover soft skills, technical expertise, and leadership development, with partnerships with universities and industry experts for enriched learning opportunities. We also offer 360-degree feedback, toastmasters, and an accessible Learning Management System. We also carry out weekly internal knowledgesharing sessions named “Pens Down Thursdays,” fostering a collaborative environment. We also have educational & professional qualification loan systems and subscription payments that are aimed at encouraging further growth and development.
Which innovative employee recognition practices have you found most effective in boosting the morale of employees and why?
In my experience with Janashakthi Group, innovative recognition practices like Value Awards have significantly boosted employee morale by celebrating individual achievements and reinforcing company values. Sales-related awards are also designed to foster healthy competition and motivation within teams. Tangible rewards, such as monetary gifts and overseas trips, serve as powerful incentives for exceptional performances.
