13 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT LESSONS BY MR. RATAN TATA

Biggest HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT LESSON learnt from Mr. Ratan Tata- The heart and soul of a company lies in its HUMAN RESOURCES.

Please note- Human Resources refers to personnel or employees of the organisation. 

“Businesses need to go beyond the interests of their companies to all the communities they

serve” – Ratan Tata.

Once a reporter asked Ratan Tata (born 28 December 1937) an Indian industrialist, investor, philanthropist, and former chairman of Tata Sons., “Why is Mukesh Ambani the richest person in India and not Ratan Tata?’ His reply is rousing, “We are industrialist and they are businessmen. I don’t want India to be an economic super power; I want India to be happy country” HEROIC. Here is one more example of what Ratan Tata did for the employees of Taj hotel who were Mumbai Victims, which was the target of the terrorist on 26/11/2008.

What Ratan Tata did for the Taj Mumbai employees -

1.All category of employees including those who had completed even 1 day as casuals were treated on duty during the time the hotel was closed.

2.Relief and assistance to all those who were injured and killed.

3.During the time the hotel was closed, the salaries were sent by money order.

4.A psychiatric cell was established in collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Sciences to counsel those who needed such help.

5.The thoughts and anxieties going on people’s mind were constantly tracked and where needed psychological help provided.

6.Employee outreach centres were opened where all help, food, water, sanitation, first aid and counselling were provided. 1600 employees were covered by this facility.

7.Every employee was assigned to one mentor and it was that person’s responsibility to act as a “single window” clearance for any help that the person required.

8.Ratan Tata personally visited the families of all the 80 employees who in some manner – either through injury or getting killed – were affected.

9.The dependents of the employees were flown from outside Mumbai to Mumbai and taken care off in terms of ensuring mental assurance and peace. They were all accommodated in Hotel President for 3 weeks.

10.Ratan Tata himself asked the families and dependents – as to what they wanted him to do.

11.In a record time of 20 days, a new trust was created by the Tatas for the purpose of relief of employees.

12.This was the most trying period in the life of the organization. Senior managers including Ratan Tata were visiting funeral to funeral over the 3 days that were most horrible.

13.The settlement for every deceased member ranged from Rs. 36 to 85 lacs [One lakh rupee translate to approx. 2200 US $ in addition to the following benefits:

a.full last salary for life for the family and dependents;

b.complete responsibility of education of children and dependents – anywhere in the world.

c.Full Medical facility for the whole family and dependents for rest of their life.

d.All loans and advances were waived off – irrespective of the amount.

e.Counsellor for life for each person.

He always believed, “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together”. In this highly competitive business scenario only those organisations who consider their HR as the most valuable asset will not only survive but also flourish like Tatas. 

For detailed information on Human Resource Management please refer to my course on HRM.