Meet Gokul Jayaram 👋
Gokul is a Global HR Business Partner with 10 years of experience, passionate about positioning HR as a strategic partner, trusted by the business and deeply connected o employees.
Insights from Gokul Jayaram
1) On Culture: What’s one thing you or your team does regularly to build a strong, positive workplace culture?
We prioritize building genuine connections with employees at all levels. This involves regular informal and formal check-ins, designed not just as updates, but as opportunities to listen to their experiences, understand motivations and address challenges. My approach, which I encourage within the team, is to replace 'HR speak' with clear, candid conversations, particularly when addressing sensitive matters. This transparency and directness, handled responsibly, are foundational to the positive and strong workplace culture we aim for.
2) On Impact: What’s one HR initiative you led or supported that made a clear impact on your team or company? What changed because of it?
To improve our approach to org design and workforce planning, I created a seemingly simple but effective framework for the Marketing department. Previously, explicitly linking business goals to resource allocation could be challenging. My framework provided a clear pathway: starting with company OKRs, we systematically identified resource and capability gaps for each Key Result (KR). These insights were then translated into targeted HR actions – hiring, upskilling, internal mobility or process efficiency – and continuously refined in discussions with senior leadership, resulting in well-informed and optimized hiring plans. Leaders now have a clear, data-driven approach to connect their business objectives directly to resourcing decisions and justify their investments.
3) On the Future: What’s one key skill or mindset you think every HR professional in Singapore will need in the next 5 years - and why?
Adaptability. The rapid pace of transformation and technological advancement requires being constantly adaptive and resilient. While AI can come in to support foundational knowledge, true value will come from HR leaders who can leverage that to quickly pivot strategies, redesign roles and champion upskilling in response to these changes. This adaptability is essential for HR to not only support but also drive business agility and help our workforce thrive, ensuring we remain competitive.
4) What’s one HR initiative or practice you believe more companies should adopt to build stronger teams or workplaces — and why?
I believe more companies should adopt a 'problem-first' practice. Before any new HR initiative or policy is rolled out, this practice requires a structured assessment answering - what specific problem are we trying to solve, what's the impact on our teams and culture, and what are the risks and trade-offs we're accepting. Adopting this ensures HR initiatives are targeted, genuinely beneficial and build a stronger workplace by proactively solving real issues rather than just adding processes.
5) What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their career in HR or people leadership?
My key advice is to embrace the art of balancing analytical thinking with building emotional intelligence from day one. HR and people leadership isn't black and white, you'll constantly navigate subjective situations. Success and fun comes from understanding your own strengths in both these areas and learning how to weave them together to support and lead others effectively.
6) What’s one workplace trend you’re excited about — and one you’re cautious of?
Like everyone, not yet knowing but eagerly anticipating how far AI can progress HR.
Connect with Gokul Jayaram.
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As Singapore marks 60 years of progress, SG60: 60 People Leaders Shaping Workplaces honours the people leaders building cultures where people thrive.
Each spotlight captures authentic experiences and actionable wisdom from HR professionals making a difference in Singapore’s evolving world of work.