Prasanth Edassari brings over two decades of expertise in people management, backed by an MBA in Human Resource Management from Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom. With a passion for harnessing the power of human potential, he believes in the mantra “Profits through People Power.” His journey into HR began with early roles in administration and customer service, where he witnessed firsthand the transformative impact talented individuals can have on an organization’s success.
Prasanth Edassari | Global Chief Human Resources Officer | House of Shipping
We, at EliteX, are honored to introduce Prasanth Edassari as one of the 10 Extraordinary HR Leaders to Watch in 2024.
What sets Prasanth apart as an HR leader is his adept balance between fostering employee happiness and driving business productivity. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep understanding of people management, he navigates the intersection between human capital and organizational success. Staying abreast of the latest trends in HR is a priority for Prasanth. He actively networks within the HR community and attends conferences to remain updated. Additionally, he leverages online resources like Google to stay informed about emerging best practices.
“Approachability, bravery for change, and a keen understanding of human psychology define impactful HR leadership.” – Prasanth Edassari
One of Prasanth’s proudest achievements was leading House of Shipping to be recognized as a Great Place to Work. This accomplishment reflects his dedication to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture, where approachability is key. In his HR journey, Prasanth has faced challenges in advocating for the importance of prioritizing employee well-being to senior management. However, he overcomes such hurdles by cultivating relationships, managing egos, and demonstrating the value of investing in people.
To foster a positive workplace culture, Prasanth emphasizes attracting individuals not only for their technical skills but also for their attitude and adaptability. Clear organizational policies and open-minded leadership further contribute to nurturing a supportive environment.
Prasanth Edassari is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within his organization, which comprises approximately 50 nationalities with a gender diversity split of 52/48 (48% being females). In recruitment, he advocates for considering these demographics to ensure a balanced approach.
Regarding the future of work, Prasanth believes that human significance will endure alongside technological advancements. He emphasizes the need for HR professionals to adapt by unlearning and relearning HR practices while staying updated on technological advancements. Balancing employee needs with organizational goals is paramount for Prasanth. He underscores the interconnectedness of these needs and communicates transparently with employees to assess alignment. Consistent feedback and communication foster mutual understanding.
During the 2008 recession in the UAE, Prasanth faced a challenging HR situation involving a significant redundancy plan. Instead of layoffs, he devised initiatives to reduce payroll costs and engage employees as brand ambassadors to boost sales, showcasing his commitment to talent retention. To aspiring HR professionals, Prasanth advises cultivating advanced psychological capabilities, honing relationship-building skills, and fostering a mindset for change. He recommends reading on human psychology and business journals to develop a unique skill set for impactful HR leadership.
“HR’s evolution lies in embracing technological advancements while preserving human significance.” – Prasanth Edassari
Looking ahead, Prasanth envisions HR evolving into a strategic business partner with a focus on techno HR capabilities. Bridging the gap between generations within organizations presents both a challenge and an opportunity, requiring innovative approaches to talent management. In driving employee engagement and retention, Prasanth emphasizes creating an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to share their ideas without fear. Consistent engagement activities, such as surveys and cross-functional knowledge sharing, reinforce this sense of belonging.
For Prasanth, HR plays a pivotal role in organizational success by prioritizing the well-being and development of employees. Just as Richard Branson advocates, by taking care of employees, organizations can cultivate a workforce that is committed to delivering exceptional results.
“Profits through People Power: My mantra for turning around organizations’ bottom line.” – Prasanth Edassari
