Design thinking for improving employee experience: a case of a food tech company

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate applicability of design thinking in creating employee centric HR solutions. This application is studied in the context of a food tech company. A design thinking process for arriving at an HR solution for employee experience management is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a single case study method. The HR professionals of a food tech company were interviewed to relate their narratives with the existing conceptual framework on design thinking.

Findings

It was found that the firm focused on the technological supremacy as well as developed an engaged and motivated team of delivery boys. This provided the required competitive advantage and growth. The first step in implementing the HR solution was to collect primary data for insights into the pain and gain points in employee’s day to day routine. Using the lens of empathy, multiple touch points through incentive policies, rewards, work engagement tools, feedback, inclusive decision making, and technology enabled learning solutions were designed. These signaled a caring and employee centric leadership and built future orientation and engaged the employees.

Practical implications

By demonstrating the applicability of design thinking and linking it to the HR solutions, a conceptual model relevant to the Food Tech industry was proposed. By integrating the process used to reach the solution, a modified model can be developed by other HR professionals working in any other Food tech company, aggregator/ service providers or logistics companies.

Originality/value

The study is among the initial studies to approach design thinking for HR solutions in a food tech industry.

Citation

Sinha, A., Varkkey, B. and Meenakshi, N. (2020), "Design thinking for improving employee experience: a case of a food tech company", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 8-11. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-11-2018-0154