Leaders are role models, and there is indeed a lot to learn from their journeys. In the case of HRs, they are people leaders and torchbearers to drive business performance. Zaitun Khan, The HR Director at MouthShut.com is such an advocate of reaping a win-win situation for both employers and employees.

With more than 14 years of rich expertise, she forms the most accurate picture of an HR professional. Almost a superhuman in her ability to bring career shifts in people's lives, to design effective policies, and consistently ensure each employee knows that he/she truly matters to the organization. She onboarded MouthShut.com in 2016. Carrying the experience of working in several companies such as Mahindra Lifespace Developers, MattChariot Education and Technology, and others, she has made MouthShut exceptional in integrity, emotional intelligence, organizational culture, and operational skill.

The following excerpt is an exclusive conversation between Zaitun Khan and Women Entrepreneur India that briefs her role as HR and her strategies that drive the business and employee welfare.

Throw some light on your educational background.

I have done my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from SVKT College in 2005, followed by a degree in business administration. However, coming from a family of lawyers, I was also determined to have that degree for myself. So, went ahead to pursue my Bachelor of Law – LLB, Criminology and Business Law from NBT Law College. In all my years of experience, I found that my law degree aided me in understanding the subtleties of being associated with the IT industry since the start of my career. I might sound a little studious to you but yes, I will have to admit that I was that studious girl in my school and college juggling multiple roles of a bright student, school head girl, and friends to so many.

Enumerate the major facets and achievements of your professional journey.

I think one of the most important facets of my professional journey is breaking the glass ceiling to make sure that the employees can achieve growth and can relate with the management goals to have a smooth work-life balance. As I strongly believe personal achievements lead to the company’s success. And as the saying goes ‘When people go to work, they shouldn't have to leave their hearts at home.” – Betty Bender.

What were the initial challenges at MouthShut that taught some crucial lessons of HR functions?

I think one of the most challenging parts was managing the entire company’s HR singlehanded. It was the biggest task I have ever undertaken. For a very long time, I have been the sole point of contact among the employees and the CEO. I have taken up roles that require fine expertise and skillsets. Being able to lead the departments and also helped in the creation of new teams, especially for marketing and communications. Through this, we have been able to achieve significant brand recognition.

How do HR-Leaders help in increasing employee productivity and can manage multiple self-service transactions on the go?

One of the most important parts is to keep the employee morale-up, in a high-stress environment. An IT company comes with a lot of challenges, and most days are a blur of codes and testing. During these times, it’s the job of HR to keep a check on everybody’s mental health. Especially with the pandemic, it is now more important than ever. Regular interactions and small zoom meetings have kept us all sane. There always has to be an emotional and intellectual connection between the two. We have always promoted the concept of SAY-STAY AND STRIVE.

“Zaitun is one of the youngest directors in the history of Mouthshut.com that is only because of her sheer dedication and passion for her work”

Illustration of the transformational measures that carry out at MouthShut. Also, tell us how you are integrating technology in the HR process.

One of our most transformational measures is that of the meal program. We believe that a full stomach and a healthy meal comprise a huge part of the mental well-being and productive environment. We provide the employees with healthy breakfast, lunch, and evening snacks, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Concerning technology, being an IT company, technology is a huge part of the hiring process. We use various platforms to reach out to potential employees. We also have a carefully curated questionnaire that the employees are required to fill. This is then added to the system and the most promising candidates are shortlisted based on their academic performance, work history, and personality.

Mention about recognitions or milestone that bestow utmost satisfaction to you

Being a very active individual, I was always into multiple things and I have excelled in most of them. The first most important role that has been handled is that of being the head girl in my school.

In the past, I also have the experience of running an academy of my own which involved soft skills training for individuals.

A very mentionable feather to my hat would also be that of winning the beauty pageant of Miss Devlali Camp. Apart from that, I have also been awarded the Employee of the Month for more than once with Mouthshut.com, which is quite a tough nut to crack considering the stringent parameters they follow to nominations.

Leaders Note on her Roles at MouthShut

I have experienced the essence of every role in the business! I would like to thank our CEO, Mr. Faisal Farooqui, with his trust and belief in me I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to manage the entire functionality of the HR team and swap hats of HR to other roles in Customer Relations, Sales, Software Development as and when needed.

I did manage a couple of events pre-pandemic for our employees for Data Security and Confidentiality policies and also for financial investments programs.