Q&A: Working in HR at Reckitt Benckiser

As my first blog for myRBopportunity.com, I decided to answer a Q&A on my job in HR here at Reckitt Benckiser

1. Firstly, why Reckitt Benckiser? After your MBA from MDI, tell us how and why did Reckitt Benckiser happen?

Priyanka: Reckitt Benckiser is a company where in you can make your mark and contribute from day one. You get support from seniors to excel with learning opportunities to grow professionally in initial days of your career. As part of my academic programme/MBA I did my 2 months summer training in HR department of RB. My project work during internship was appreciated and I was give chance to present the same to country leadership for the job. The nature of the projects, learning and interactions during those 2 months helped me make my mind that RB because of its unique culture would be a right place to start my career with.

2. How is it working at RB in general?

Priyanka: Stretching oneself that extra bit and open to learning are the two words I would use to describe work for young professionals in RB.
3. You will complete 1 year at RB in a couple of month’s time. How has the journey been so far and how have you grown as both an individual and a professional at RB?

Priyanka: I have completed 2 years now in RB and journey has given me immense opportunities to grow both in my field and individually. The projects in different areas of HR including stints at different plant locations have taught me to cope up with difficult situations and stakeholders. I have got the opportunities to be on the same table and argue with heads and leaders in the functions . More than anything else now I appreciate how quick decisions and pragmatic approach is important in day to day working.
4. Tell us about your experience during your summer internship at RB?

Priyanka: Important project, good guidance and visibility to leadership is how I describe my summer internship. The project gave me opportunity not only to apply the concepts learnt in the class but also gave me sense to appreciate the business and understand FMCG industry as whole.
5. How challenging has your job been so far? How have your seniors assisted you with the same?

Priyanka: Partnering with Global functions like R&D, IS in India has given me immense opportunities to appreciate and resolve the HR issues of employees and at the same time interact with leadership in India and outside. Seniors in RB are always approachable, nothing stops be even from walking in Regional HR directors cabin and taking his opinion and help on something.

6. Tell us a little about the fun things at RB.

Priyanka: Work hard and party harder after office has been mantra for me so far; we do have acitivies like Fun Friday Diwali celebrations in the office however I do think as we grow in India the younger trainees and managers need to build more active societies to encourage more fun and multifunction interactions.
7. Would you recommend others to join Reckitt Benckiser and why?

Priyanka: I would recommend RB to those who have inner drive and passion to succeed in life and make that impact wherever they go. Those who are committed and hungry for success will get the opportunities to grow both in India and outside.

8. Where all have you travelled to while working with RB? And how have your travel experiences been?
Priyanka: I have spanned states like Karnataka, Uttaranchal, UP, Himachal, Tamil Nadu and many more for hiring and projects during last two years.

9. How is the office culture at RB? Is there too much of a junior/senior hierarchy or is it chilled out?

Priyanka: In RB your opinions are never rejected because you are junior. There is absolutely no hierarchy and culture encourages young professionals to raise their point and have healthy arguments and discussions with leaders across functions.

10. What are your future plans with RB?

Priyanka: Currently I am HR business partner for global functions R&D and IS in India, I would like to understand the jobs and manage talent in other functions/other geographies as well. In long term I would like to see myself at a place where I contribute in people strategies and decisions at larger level.
11. What has been the most interesting project you’ve worked on till now?

Priyanka: In a project I had to understand the jobs in IT function and benchmark them with industry and make recommendations on the compensation of the current incumbents. It has been one of the interesting projects as it gave me opportunity to interact with both internal and external partners. The project had live importance as the recommendations made were immediately implemented in the next cycle of compensation review.

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