In today’s evolving workplace, where technology and empathy must coexist, leaders like Sumitra Krishnamurthy are charting a thoughtful path forward.
In this edition of our Quick 5 Interview Series, Sumitra shares powerful insights on balancing emotional resilience with business priorities, shedding light on how to reengage teams when motivation wanes, and using data without losing the human touch.
Here is the excerpt from the candid conversation with Sumitra Krishnamurthy, who leads strategic HR initiatives at Hitachi Payment Services Ltd, with a focus on transforming the Performance Management System, Talent Management, Employee Experience, and Expatriate Management. Her contributions extend to designing a future-ready Talent Framework, facilitating leadership reviews, and launching capability-building programs. A key highlight of her role involves reimagining employee engagement through AI-driven interventions, focusing on building a transparent, inclusive, and high-performing workplace that puts people at the center of progress. She is also a winner of the Most Admired Women Award 2025 by AdvantageClub.ai in the Achiever category.
Read below
Q1: What’s one belief or mantra that keeps you grounded in high-pressure HR situations? How do you stay emotionally resilient when balancing people-first decisions and business priorities?
A1: “Every challenge is an opportunity to build trust”. It shifts my mindset from reactive to proactive, reminding me that even the most difficult moments, whether it’s navigating layoffs, resolving conflicts, or implementing change, can be used to strengthen relationships and credibility. To stay emotionally resilient, I rely on anticipating possible outcomes and preparing thoughtful responses. This approach not only reduces stress but also empowers me to lead with empathy and clarity.
Q2: Employee engagement is a continuous effort. What strategies do you use to measure engagement levels across teams, and how do you pivot when you see a dip in motivation?
A2: Employee engagement is a continuous journey, and my key strategy revolves around fostering a culture of camaraderie, recognition, and purpose. I regularly measure engagement levels through a mix of pulse surveys, one-on-one check-ins, and team feedback sessions. When I notice a dip in motivation, I pivot by re-engaging teams through collaborative initiatives, peer appreciation programs, and instant gratification. I create spaces where engagement is not just monitored but actively nurtured.
Q3: With the rise of AI in HR, how do you preserve the human touch in a world of smart nudges and predictive analytics?
A3: While technology helps streamline processes and surface insights, it’s the empathy, intuition, and personal connection that truly drive employee trust and engagement. I use AI tools to identify patterns and anticipate needs, but I ensure that follow-ups, whether it’s a coaching conversation or a recognition moment preserve the human touch. By combining data-driven intelligence with emotional intelligence, I strive to create an HR experience that is both efficient and deeply personal.
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 AdvantageClub.ai enhance this experience for employees?
A4: Gamification is transforming employee engagement by making recognition, rewards, and learning more interactive, personalized, and fun. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition among teams.
In this evolving landscape, AdvantageClub.ai can play a pivotal role by offering a dynamic platform that helps HR teams track engagement metrics, tailor rewards to individual preferences, and create moments of celebration that feel meaningful and timely, thus turning everyday achievements into engaging experiences.
Q5: What does the ‘future-ready’ workplace look like to you? How does AdvantageClub.ai help create an environment where employees feel continuously recognized and motivated?
A5: According to me, a future-ready workplace is one that seamlessly blends technology, personalization, and emotional intelligence, and the one that prioritizes flexibility, inclusivity, and continuous feedback, while fostering a culture of recognition and purpose. In this evolving landscape, AdvantageClub.ai can play a vital role by offering AI-powered nudges, personalized rewards, and gamified experiences. It helps HR teams celebrate achievements in real time, tailor appreciation to individual preferences, and maintain a consistent rhythm of motivation.
Conclusion
As AI, gamification, and predictive tools continue to transform how we work, Sumitra’s vision of a future-ready workplace champions a workplace that is not only digitally enabled but also emotionally intelligent, adaptable, and deeply personal.
We have many more such interesting conversations lined up for you. Stay tuned!
