Ms. Shital Salunke: Cultivating Spaces where Individuals and Organizations Thrive in Harmony

Behind every successful organization is a clear understanding of its most valuable asset: its people. Human Resources, often seen as a functional part of business, has evolved far beyond administrative tasks. In the current competitive world, HR professionals are not just the gatekeepers of hiring, but rather the foundation on which a company’s culture, performance, and future growth are built. They ensure that the right talent is nurtured, challenges are addressed, and new strategies are introduced to create an environment where individuals and organizations flourish together.
For those walking the path of HR, finding a role model can be a game-changer, someone who not only masters the art of people management but also embodies the spirit of continuous growth and innovation. This is where Ms. Shital Salunke’s journey stands out. Her career is a living example of what it means to shape the future of an organization through people.

Ms. Shital is a dynamic and results-driven HR professional whose extensive experience and dedication to fostering a positive workplace culture have made her a prominent figure in human resources management. Currently serving as the Site HR & HR Business Manager (HRBM) at CNH Industrial, she plays a crucial role in driving the company’s human resources strategy and aligning it with the organization’s broader objectives. With a proven track record in diverse sectors and an impressive career spanning over a decade, Ms. Shital has demonstrated exceptional leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering employee growth and organizational excellence.

A Voyage of Growth and Versatility

Ms. Shital’s career trajectory is defined by a deep understanding of the multifaceted nature of human resources, along with a genuine passion for learning and development. Her journey started in 2003, when she began her career in HR & Admin at Tuskar Trading Pvt Ltd.

In 2008 she joined as an Assistant Officer HR & Admin at Subros Ltd., a leading player in the automotive industry. Here, she learned the foundational aspects of human resources, including employee management, payroll processing, and administrative support. During this early phase of her career, Ms. Shital honed her skills in organizing and streamlining various HR processes, such as recruitment, training, and ensuring smooth employee operations.

Her next major career milestone came in 2012 when she joined SAERTEX India Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the SAERTEX Group in Germany. As an HR and Admin Officer, Ms. Shital expanded her expertise in employee relations, compliance, and organizational support. She became adept at managing employee engagement, ensuring that all HR processes were in line with company objectives, and collaborating with different departments to create a more harmonious work environment. This experience not only enhanced her HR knowledge but also allowed her to develop a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between organizational goals and employee satisfaction.

Shaping Ideal Organizations

In 2013, Ms. Shital took on the role of Senior HR & Admin Executive at Renfro India, where she not only managed the HR functions but truly transformed them. Under her leadership, she oversaw a range of key HR responsibilities—recruitment, employee retention, compensation and benefits, industrial relations, and compliance management. Her efforts went beyond routine HR tasks, as she strategically contributed to the company’s growth and its evolving workforce needs.

Creating a Positive Culture:

One of Ms. Shital’s standout qualities has always been her ability to create a positive organizational culture. She worked tirelessly to foster employee involvement and motivation. She believed that engaged employees lead to higher productivity, and this belief was reflected in the high levels of employee satisfaction and retention at Renfro India. Through her consistent focus on teamwork and open communication, she not only managed to maintain but also enhance the morale and motivation of the employees, even during challenging times.

Employee Engagement & Development:

Ms. Shital was more than just an HR executive—she was a true advocate for personal and professional growth. Her strategic approach to training and development programs ensured that every employee had the opportunity to enhance their skills and further their careers. From onboarding new employees to overseeing exit processes, she ensured smooth transitions at every stage, making sure each individual felt valued and supported throughout their journey with Renfro India.

Compliance and Industry Standards:

Compliance management was another area where Ms. Shital truly excelled. She made certain that Renfro India adhered to all relevant labor laws and industry standards. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to stay updated with changing regulations ensured that the company maintained its credibility and built trust with its workforce. This proactive approach not only safeguarded the company from legal issues but also reinforced Renfro India’s commitment to ethical practices.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

In June 2015, Ms. Shital joined POSCO Electrical Steel India as Assistant Manager for HR and Administration, stepping into a role at one of the world’s largest steel manufacturers. This prestigious opportunity allowed her to expand her expertise in global HR practices, with a special focus on performance management, employee motivation, and training.

Ms. Shital’s leadership in Industrial Relations (IR) stands out as one of her key strengths. As one of the few women to have handled complex IR issues, she demonstrated remarkable skill in maintaining plant harmony and managing employee relations in a high-pressure environment. Her ability to bridge gaps between management and employees not only ensured compliance with labor laws but also fostered a positive, collaborative atmosphere within the plant. This was no small feat in an industry where IR can be particularly challenging.

Her strategic approach included managing end-to-end recruitment, implementing employee retention programs, and streamlining training initiatives to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. She also led compensation and benefits structures while overseeing statutory compliance. Above all, her resilience and leadership were crucial in aligning HR operations with POSCO’s broader business objectives, contributing directly to the company’s growth and operational efficiency.

Ms. Shital’s work in Industrial Relations, coupled with her leadership in handling complex employee relations matters, underscores her exceptional capabilities and sets her apart in a predominantly male-dominated field. Her legacy at POSCO is marked by her ability to lead with purpose, ensuring both employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Creating a Cohesive Work Culture

Currently, Ms. Shital serves as Site HR & HR Business Manager (HRBM) at CNH Industrial, a global leader in agricultural and construction technologies. She is the first female employee hired at the Pune plant, and notably the only woman handling Industrial Relations (IR), maintaining harmony within the plant. Her pioneering role in this male-dominated field highlights her exceptional leadership and resilience.

Beyond her HR and IR responsibilities, Ms. Shital also manages key site operations like security, transport, canteen, housekeeping, and administrative functions. She builds strong external relations with government authorities, media, police, and regulatory bodies, ensuring smooth communication across all levels.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Ms. Shital has successfully balanced her personal, professional, and social life. She has taken several initiatives that reflect her commitment to both her work and the community. Notably, she has sustained key drives initiated during her tenure, such as:
Support for the Clean India Drive: Every year, along with plant employees, she leads a plastic-free drive at Raigad Fort, collecting plastic bottles that are then sent to NGOs for recycling and creating jackets through a “Waste to Best” concept.

Inclusivity Initiatives: She champions the idea of celebrating Men’s Day alongside Women’s Day, promoting gender equality at CNH.
Plantation Drives: She actively participates in environmental initiatives, such as annual plantation drives to give back to nature.
Marathons and Health Initiatives: For the past six years, Ms. Shital has participated in marathons alongside employees, promoting physical fitness and team spirit.
Social Responsibility: Ms. Shital initiated Individual Social Responsibility (ISR) by celebrating special days with special friends, inviting them to participate in national celebrations like Independence Day and Republic Day, and donating clothes and groceries to those in need.

With her passion, determination, and positive attitude, Ms. Shital manages these diverse responsibilities and social causes with grace. She truly exemplifies leadership, not only at work but also as a socially responsible individual who is making a lasting impact on both her company and the community.

Medals of Merit

With over 19 years of experience, Shital Vikas Salunke has made significant contributions across various aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, industrial relations, employee retention, performance management, statutory compliance, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Notably, she was the first female employee at CNH Pune and has been instrumental in achieving operational excellence, which ultimately led to her elevation to Site HR & HR Business Manager for Crop Harvester GPL India.

Shital’s accomplishments extend beyond her professional role. She holds a Guinness World Record for cycling,( Completed Pune to Kanyakumari 1700kms cycling) has completed several challenging treks( 31 treks) , embarked on solo biking expeditions( Bullet solo biking from Manali to worlds highest motorable pass Khardungla), and participated in numerous marathons. Her personal achievements reflect her determination and adventurous spirit.

In addition to her professional success, Shital has displayed exceptional leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring minimal disruption to operations. She played a vital role in supporting rural areas by donating funds for oxygen tanker transportation and organizing medical aid. Furthermore, her commitment to fostering a sense of unity within the organization and her community involvement are evident through her efforts in planting 10,000 trees with the NDRF team.

Shital is recognized as a role model for achieving a work-life balance and is known for her perseverance, innovative approach, and global HR perspective. She has built a strong network in society and with government officials, setting her apart from others in her division and plant.

Overall, Shital Vikas Salunke’s extensive experience, professional accomplishments, personal milestones, and contributions to social causes highlight her exceptional leadership, dedication to community welfare, and her ability to inspire others to strive for excellence both professionally and personally.

Emphasizing the Importance of Continual Learning

Ms. Shital’s career trajectory is a testament to her unwavering commitment to personal and professional development. She believes in the power of continuous learning and strives to implement this principle within her work environment. Through her dedication to learning new skills and staying updated on industry trends, Ms. Shital sets an example for her teams and colleagues, encouraging them to pursue growth opportunities and embrace change.

Her approach to HR management is reflective of this mindset. By fostering an environment that encourages learning, skill enhancement, and innovation, Ms. Shital has been able to contribute to the long-term success of the organizations she has worked for. Her leadership is characterized by a blend of experience, adaptability, and a passion for continuous improvement, making her a valuable asset to CNH Industrial and the broader HR community.

Laying an Ideal Foundation

As a passionate HR leader, Ms. Shital’s vision for the future centers on the importance of creating environments that prioritize employee well-being, professional development, and a healthy work-life balance. She envisions an organization where employees are empowered to take ownership of their career paths, supported by a system of mentorship, growth opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of human resources, Ms. Shital remains focused on advancing her career by integrating the latest technological tools and strategic initiatives into HR practices. She is committed to staying at the forefront of HR innovation and ensuring that her teams are equipped with the resources and skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern business environments.

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