Balancing
Synopsis
In recent years, workplace dynamics have shifted from traditional management to a more social and sociological focus, impacting both corporate environments and educational institutions. The pressure to achieve has become a constant theme, leading to a culture where only high performers are recognized. This trend affects various fields, including medicine, where corporate hospitals impose performance targets even on highly skilled professionals.
The Covid-19 pandemic intensified these pressures, as remote work blurred the lines between personal and professional life, creating an atmosphere of continuous performance demands. Many employees faced the fear of job loss, leading to detrimental effects on their family lives and well-being.
While workplace stress was once openly discussed in social settings, the decline of the joint family system in India has diminished available support networks. Consequently, many individuals now grapple with their challenges in isolation, often reluctant to seek professional help.
This combination of high expectations and a lack of support has led to an environment where HR teams are increasingly viewed as enforcers of employee harassment, particularly in highturnover industries like IT. Negative portrayals in media reflect the growing discontent within the corporate world, where even a simple lunch meeting with HR can evoke fear of termination.
Addressing these issues is crucial to foster a healthier workplace culture. The challenge lies in redefining success and support within organizations to create an environment where employees feel valued and empowered.
5:15 PM Registration & High Tea
6:00 PM Welcome Address
Gp Capt R Vijayakumar (Retd), VSM
Executive Director, Madras Management Association
Opening Remarks
Mr N Sathiya Moorthy
Convenor, Policy Matters - Chennai
Address by the Speakers
Dr. Ravi Samuel, Ph.D
Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapist
Ms Sheetal Rajani
Regional HR Head – Chennai &
Global Head – Engagement with Purpose
Tata Consultancy Services
Speaker from IIT Madras
Q & A
Concluding Remarks
7:30 PM
Vote of Thanks
Profile
Dr. Ravi Samuel, Ph.D Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapist
D has over 20 years of experience in treating people with ural, psychological, psychiatric problems, marital problems and corporate mental health issues. He also provides Cognitive Rehabilitation for patients with brain damage and dementia (Alzheimer\’s Disease) related disorders
Education
1986-89: Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Loyola College, Chennai, India.
1989-91: Master of Arts, Social Work, Loyola College, Chennai, India.
1998-99: Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Research Methodology, Thames Valley University, London, UK.
1998-03: Master of Philosophy, M.Phil. Social Work, Loyola College, Chennai, India.
2007-2014: Doctorate in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, Madras University, Chennai
Current Positions
Consultant Psychotherapist: Thirty Two years in India and one year in UK of clinical experience among people with emotional, behavioural and psychiatric Problems
External Faculty: Institute for Psychotherapy & Management Sciences, Old Sathya Studios, Adayar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Hon Secretary: Vision Age India – A registered voluntary organisation for the welfare of the elderly.
Membership: Associate Member - Indian Psychiatric Society
Professional Training
1998-1999: Trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy by Mr. Allan Davidson, Cognitive Behaviour Therapist at Dept. of Clinical Neurology, Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG.
Courses Attended
1999 - Short course on Dementia and Neuropsychiatry in National Hospital, Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London.
1999 - Basic Clinical Audit course in North wick Park & St. Marks NHS Trust, London.
2000 -Indo-UK Workshop on Epilepsy at the ITC Park Sheraton, Chennai.
2001 -Basic Research Methodology Course at the International Epidemiology Conference, Malaysia
2001 -Advanced Research Methodology Course conducted by King’s College, London at National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore.
Publications & Presentations: He has published in many National and International Journals and Chapters in a few books, including a chapter in a book published by the UN. He has presented many scientific papers at many National and International conferences.
Profile
Ms Sheetal Rajani
Regional HR Head – Chennai & Global Head – Engagement with Purpose
Tata Consultancy Services
An established HR practitioner and Employee Experience Architect specializing in building the human capital capability to drive growth, innovation and continuous improvement. In her current role, Sheetal is the Regional HR Head for Chennai managing the people processes and practices for the largest branch of TCS with a Head Count of 88000+ associates. In addition, she heads the Engagement with Purpose function for TCS globally. In this role, she is responsible for crafting and deploying an employee engagement and experience strategy that effectively engages and inspires talent to deliver their best performance and thereby drive business outcomes.
Sheetal has well rounded 22 years of HR functional experience in Talent Management, DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), Leadership Development, Talent Analytics, Talent Engagement and Talent Acquisition. In addition, she is an Agile practitioner, Agile Ninja Coach, Design Influencer and TBEM assessor.
Having spent 19+ years with TCS, Sheetal has rich diverse experience in various HR functions and geographies. In her last role, Sheetal was heading the Human Resources function of Travel Transport and Hospitality Americas business unit. Her previous experience includes leading the Diversity and Inclusion initiatives in the Corporate Talent Management team working with and consulting senior leadership on tailored key talent development interventions. Prior to that, she was the Country HR Head of TCS BeLux operations based out of Brussels overseeing all facets of the Human Resources function in the region. In addition, she also led the Talent Management initiatives as a Process owner for Europe geography.
Sheetal is passionate about people development and is a certified Korn Ferry Potential Assessment coach An avid learner, fitness enthusiast, explorer with varied interests from spirituality to cooking, she loves to meet people and learn from life’s experiences
Sheetal holds a Master’s in Business Administration specialising in Systems and HR from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore - India
