Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd., also known as Baurs, a leader with diversified interests across various business verticals in the country, is gearing up for organization-wide people transformation initiatives that are centered around the new workplace norm, to build existing capabilities and be better prepared to take on new challenges.
Spearheading all employee experience efforts at Baurs is none other than versatile business and people’s professional, Ken Vijayakumar in the capacity of the company’s Deputy General Manager of HR, Administration, Purchasing and Sustainability Ken is also the current President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (CIPM), the leading professional body for human resources management in the country. Ken was recently recognized as the Most Outstanding HR Business Leader of the year 2022 by the CEO Magazine Sri Lanka.
Baurs recently introduced a child support benefit for the first time in Sri Lanka, which can immensely benefit its employees in the midst of accelerating economic challenges. The company continues to stand by its employees at all times, as displayed on numerous occasions previously including during the height of the pandemic by ensuring job security including various philanthropic donations and psychological wellbeing programs.
Some of its initiatives include 15 days paternity leave, employee assistance programs including those related to relief, priority for internal talent mobility when newer opportunities arise, swift onboarding and integration programs including valuable welcome packs, value boxes where one could purchase daily snacks from a self-serving facility, etc. Baurs pursue active listening, engaging and recognizing its colleagues’ milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries and achievements through internal channels such as Yammer, in addition to having an active social media presence for higher employee value proposition.
An employee’s growth and success are based on the famous 9 block grid which takes into account one’s performance as well as potential, allowing greater transparency and removing any possible biases that stands on the way including those of the supervisor.
Last year, Baurs also launched the Baurs Leadership Grooming Programme (BLG) with the aim of providing comprehensive training and development for employees, preparing them to take on future leadership roles, propelled by its rigorous expansion poised by dynamic business growth. Baurs also partners with AIESEC Association internationale des étudiants en sciences économiques et commerciales (International Association of Students in Economics and Business) to promote youth leadership among university students and create career opportunities through planned internship placements.
The company strongly believes in one’s personal growth and encourages employees to pursue higher education and attain professional qualifications. Those in the managerial and categories above are also encouraged to obtain membership of various professional bodies both locally and internationally, including taking up office bearer positions among such. They are also groomed with specialized corporate and social etiquette programs.
During April last year, Baurs also officially incepted the Baurs Toastmasters Club (BTC) under the guidance rendered by the long-standing Colombo Toastmasters Club, and the membership is borne by the company as well. This allows employees to equip themselves with the skills and confidence in developing their public speaking abilities and a wide array of communication etiquettes.
Baurs believes in equal opportunity employment and has a company-wide DEI policy ensuring that all its employees indulge in a culture that inculcates respect, honesty and integrity. In 2021, Baurs committed to the UN Global Compact corporate responsibility initiative and its principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption.