In the business world where change is constant and clarity is rare, leaders like Neha Ahuja stand out by bringing both precision and purpose to the workplace.
In this edition of our Quick 5 Interview Series, we spoke with Neha Ahuja, Human Resources Manager at Abu Dhabi Precast LLC, who combines sharp strategic thinking with deep human empathy. In this candid conversation, she reflects on what anchors her leadership in uncertain times, challenges surface-level myths around employee engagement, and shares how she’s harnessing technology and personalization to redefine recognition and well-being in today’s dynamic work environments.
Here is the excerpt from the candid conversation with Neha Ahuja, an HR Leader with over 14 years of experience in Organizational Development, Strategy, and HR Business Partnership across diverse industries in the UAE and India. Her vision is to create inclusive workplaces where well-being, growth, and innovation go hand in hand, shaping not just organizational performance but also employee happiness and long-term sustainability. This is reflected in her commitment towards research and thought leadership, which lies at the intersection of AI, leadership,
and sustainability. Recently, Neha won the Most Admired Women Award 2025 by AdvantageClub.ai in the Achiever category.
Read below:
Q1: In the midst of constant change, what daily thought or mantra helps you stay focused on what truly matters?
A1. My daily mantra is to focus on perfection while embracing progress. I remind myself that growth is a journey, not a race, and even small steps taken consistently can lead to meaningful results. During times of uncertainty, striving to do things with precision while continuing to learn keeps me grounded and focused. This mindset ensures that I prioritize quality, people, impact, and long-term growth rather than being distracted by the chaos of change.
Q2: In your opinion, what’s the biggest misconception companies have about employee engagement, and how do you challenge that mindset?
A2. I believe the biggest misconception is that engagement is limited to fun activities or occasional perks. While those may add value, real engagement comes from trust, recognition, and the opportunity to grow. Employees are truly engaged when they feel heard and when their contributions are linked to the organization’s larger vision. I challenge this mindset by aligning strategies and policies that create genuine belonging and empower employees to thrive.
Q3: As the nature of work changes, what innovative approaches are you taking to recognize and reward keep employees, especially in a hybrid or remote environment?
A3. I strongly believe recognition should be immediate, meaningful, and inclusive, regardless of where employees work. I’ve introduced digital platforms for instant rewards, virtual celebrations, and appreciation messages that reach people in real time. At the same time, I encourage leaders to personalize recognition, so it resonates with individual employees.
Q4: Gamification is on the rise in employee engagement strategies. What role do you see gamified rewards and recognition programs playing in the future, and how can AI-powered platforms enhance this experience for employees?
A4. Gamification excites me because it makes recognition continuous, interactive, and fun, rather than a one-time activity. It creates healthy competition and motivates employees to consistently give their best. I see AI-powered platforms taking this even further by tailoring recognition to individual preferences, predicting disengagement, and offering rewards that truly matter to each employee.
Q5: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations in both your professional career and personal life? How do you see the future of employee wellbeing and HR tech evolving in the years to come?
A5. Professionally, I aspire to keep shaping HR as a true business partner that drives growth while also nurturing talent and well-being. I also want to continue contributing through research and publications on AI-enhanced HRM, sustainability, and leadership. Personally, I value balance, continuous learning, and relationships that enrich both my personal and professional life.
I see the future of HR tech evolving into a holistic space where AI not only provides predictive insights but also complements the human touch, enabling organizations to care for employees in a more complete and empathetic way.
Conclusion
From advocating for trust-driven engagement to championing tech-enabled gamification and balancing AI with the human touch, Neha Ahuja’s perspectives offer a refreshing blend of insight, intention, and innovation.
We have many more such interesting conversations lined up for you. Stay tuned!
