Is HR Still Just About Hiring and Firing?
Not anymore. The role of HR has evolved from administrative support to a critical strategic pillar in driving business performance. Today, HR leaders are expected to build resilient cultures, champion mental health, drive DEI initiatives, and align talent strategies with long-term business goals. And leading this transformation from the front is Swati Raj, Head of Human Resources at Bhoruka Park Pvt. Ltd.
With a career spanning renowned organizations like Baxter, CPA Global, and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Swati has consistently placed people at the heart of every organizational decision. Her expertise lies in balancing compliance with compassion and results with relationships. However, her true distinction lies in her fierce advocacy for mental health and inclusive workspaces.
So, how does a leader go from handling routine HR operations to becoming a voice of change for thousands of employees? Let’s uncover the journey, philosophies, and vision that make Swati Raj one of the most dynamic HR leaders to watch in 2025.
The Early Journey
Swati didn’t start her career with HR in mind. With roots in pharmaceutical finance and intellectual property services, her initial roles exposed her to cross-functional teams and multi-region projects. But somewhere along the journey, a realization struck: “I always found myself drawn to the people’s side of the business—the teams, the culture, the stories behind performance,” she recalls.
This instinctive passion became a defining moment. Swati transitioned into human resources, bringing with her a rare blend of operational understanding and human-centered thinking. Her tenure at Baxter reinforced the need to balance regulatory rigor with employee welfare, while her rest of the tenure at Schuelke India, Pearl Global India enabled her an opportunity to manage teams across borders and shape global HR policies. At Faces Canada/ Purplle , she delved deep into strategic HR operations and crisis management.
“Each experience shaped me. But the real turning point was understanding that good HR isn’t just about policy—it’s about empathy, empowerment, and purpose,”
Swati Raj
Leading with Purpose in Action
Founded in 2005, Bhoruka Park Pvt. Ltd. is a trusted name in sustainable development and commercial tech parks. The company’s legacy is built on innovation, eco-conscious growth, and stakeholder trust.
As the Head of HR, Swati shoulders the responsibility of building a work culture that mirrors these values. “Our mission isn’t just to develop industrial spaces—it’s to create environments where both businesses and people thrive,” she explains.
Swati’s responsibilities include overseeing talent acquisition, culture transformation, compliance, performance management, and most notably, well-being programs that ensure employees feel seen, heard, and supported.
Making Mental Health a Business Priority
Swati’s most impactful contribution? Destigmatizing mental health in the workplace.
“Mental health isn’t a luxury conversation—it’s a leadership imperative,” she asserts. Recognizing the growing anxiety, burnout, and emotional strain in corporate settings, Swati Raj wants to facilitate & lead the implementation of robust support systems at Bhoruka Park. These include mental wellness helplines, emotional safety workshops, mindfulness programs, and specialized manager training to detect and support signs of distress.
Her goal? To build a psychologically safe workplace where employees feel empowered to seek help without judgment. “The stigma won’t disappear overnight, but it starts with one honest conversation at a time,” she says.
Culture, Collaboration & The Human Touch
Ask anyone who has worked with Swati in any capacity and they’ll tell you: Swati leads with a rare human touch. She’s approachable, empathetic, and deeply committed to building a community, not just a workforce.
“Culture is more than Friday pizzas or open-door policies,” Swati says. “It’s about how we make people feel every day. It’s how we treat each other when no one’s watching.”
Under her leadership, She plans to launch at Bhoruka Park several engagement initiatives, peer mentorship programs, and inclusion campaigns that celebrate employee voices across levels. “Diversity and inclusion aren’t boxes to tick—they’re the future of business success,” she adds.
Adapting to Change: Agility in a Post-Pandemic World
The pandemic redefined the workplace—and HR’s role along with it. From managing remote work to addressing employee burnout.
But her approach was clear: Lead with clarity, care, and communication. “People don’t need perfection from their leaders. They need transparency, empathy, and a roadmap for what’s next.”
She also ensured continuous upskilling of HR practices with real-time pulse surveys, tech-driven performance reviews, and hybrid workforce models. “Change is inevitable. The question is—are we listening to what that change demands from us as leaders?”
Key Achievements & Recognition
- Introduced digital HR tools to streamline onboarding, feedback, and recognition systems.
- Championed internal mobility and cross-functional learning to reduce attrition and boost engagement.
- Recognized as one of Rising HR Professionals in 2024 for her work in HR domain
But what does Swati Raj value the most? “When an employee tells me they felt supported through a difficult time—that’s my real ROI.”
The Qualities That Define Modern HR Leadership
When asked what makes an HR leader truly impactful today, Swati doesn’t hesitate:
- Empathy over ego.
- Listening before leading.
- Curiosity as a compass.
- Adaptability in action.
“The world of work is not the same as it was even five years ago. Today’s HR leaders must be cultural architects, mental health advocates, tech-savvy collaborators, and inclusive storytellers—all rolled into one,” she explains.
She believes the next wave of leadership will be defined by emotional intelligence, cross-functional agility, and the courage to challenge outdated norms.
Setting Boundaries, Living Fully
How does a leader so deeply involved in people’s lives create space for her own?
“For me, work-life balance starts with respecting your boundaries. I treat my time with family and myself as non-negotiable,”
Swati Raj
She believes that wellness isn’t the absence of work—it’s the presence of alignment. “You lead better when you’re well. And when leaders lead well, organizations flourish.”
Outside of HR, Swati is an avid explorer, constantly curious about new cultures, ideas, and personal growth practices. “Exploring keeps me grounded. It reminds me that there’s always something more to learn—about the world and ourselves.”
Inspirations and Guiding Lights
Swati Raj finds inspiration in everyday leaders—people who rise after falling, who lift others without seeking credit, and who lead with quiet conviction.
“My biggest inspiration isn’t just one person—it’s every mentor, colleague, and team member who reminded me that leadership is about impact, not titles,” she shares.
She also draws strength from the stories of employees she has helped over the years. “Their resilience, honesty, and feedback have shaped me more than any book or course ever could.”
A Look Ahead: The Road for Bhoruka Park Pvt. Ltd.
With Smart Commercial Tech parks, eco-conscious development, and people-first innovation at its core, the company is gearing up for its next phase of expansion.
Plans include:
- Integrating sustainability benchmarks into all HR and operational functions.
- Deepening its wellness and DEI frameworks to attract next-gen talent.
What sets Bhoruka Park apart? “We don’t just build parks—we build. spaces that are designed to be hubs of productivity, well-being, and long-term partnerships,” says Swati.
Her Advice? To aspiring HR professionals and business leaders, Swati offers this:
“Start with purpose. Don’t chase roles—chase problems worth solving. Stay curious, be kind, and remember that real leadership is not about knowing everything. It’s about being brave enough to learn in public, to admit when you’re wrong, and to uplift others as you rise.”
Closing Thoughts: Leading with Heart in the Age of Change
Swati isn’t just leading HR—she’s redefining it. At a time when workplace culture, employee well-being, and organizational agility are under the spotlight, her human-centered leadership is setting a benchmark for others to follow.
Under her guidance, Bhoruka Park Pvt. Ltd. isn’t just creating physical spaces for growth—it’s cultivating emotional spaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered.
As the workplace continues to evolve, leaders like Swati remind us that it’s not just about how we build companies, but about how we build people. And when people thrive, businesses don’t just grow—they transform.
Testimonials:
- Hitachi Energy – “The location and infrastructure are generally well-regarded, making it a comfortable place to work.”
- Ametek – “Good Customer support / addressing issues on priority / open space / Green environment”
- SKAD IT Solutions – “Well designed, offering a modern & spacious layout, appreciate the green spaces & surroundings.”
5 Success Mantras from the Transforming Journey of Swati Raj
1. Empathy Is the New HR Strategy
“Good HR isn’t just about policy—it’s about empathy, empowerment, and purpose.”
Swati believes that listening, understanding, and caring about people are what truly shape a successful organization, not just the rulebook.
2. Mental Health Is a Leadership Imperative
“Mental health isn’t a luxury conversation—it’s a leadership imperative.”
From helplines to mindfulness programs, Swati has championed emotional well-being as a core part of workplace culture, helping Bhoruka Park become a psychologically safe environment.
3. Culture Is Built in the Everyday Moments
“Culture isn’t about Friday pizzas—it’s how we make people feel when no one’s watching.”
Swati fosters a workplace where inclusion, respect, and everyday acts of kindness matter just as much as performance metrics.
4. Boundaries Build Better Leaders
“You lead better when you’re well. And when leaders lead well, organizations flourish.”
Swati promotes work-life balance not just as a wellness perk, but as a strategic leadership responsibility.
5. Be Curious, Be Kind, Be Brave
“Don’t chase roles—chase problems worth solving.”
Swati encourages emerging leaders to stay curious, admit when they’re wrong, and rise by lifting others—a philosophy that has defined her success and leadership journey.
