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Independence is a habit
Freedom at work doesn’t just happen—choose it
Sadia Vali
August 19, 2025
Hey there,
Back from the long Independence Day weekend? 🙋♀️
Some of us still unpacking from trips. Some of us still unpacking from… naps. 😴
But hey—Independence Day isn’t just about parades, laddoos, and tricolor selfies. It’s a reminder: freedom isn’t a one-day event. It’s a daily choice.
At work, it looks like:
✨ The freedom to pitch that wild idea without hearing “but we’ve always done it this way.”
✨ The freedom to grow without someone setting a ceiling above your head.
✨ The freedom to be judged by what you do, not where you come from.
🌟Spotlight: PM Modi’s Announcement
One of the landmark moments this Independence Day was Prime Minister Modi’s announcement of the ₹99,446 crore PM-Vishwakarma Yojana (PM-VbRY).
Why does this matter for the HR and talent world?
It’s aimed at boosting traditional skills and artisanship, bringing lakhs of people into the formal economy.
This will create new pathways for employment, skilling, and inclusion, strengthening India’s workforce.
For HR leaders, it signals a reminder: the future of work isn’t just tech-driven—it’s also about empowering communities, skills, and traditions that form India’s backbone.
💭 Independence at Work – Here’s What Saurabh Has to Say
India celebrated its 79th Independence Day with pride and unity. But as Saurabh points out, there’s a paradox: while our economy is now the 4th largest in the world, many professionals still don’t feel truly free at work.
Too many workplaces run on control and outdated hierarchies, where authority outweighs autonomy. Employees often feel like resources to be managed, instead of individuals to be empowered.
“If India wants to claim the third spot on the global stage, we can’t just tweak policies—we need a real culture shift,” Saurabh reminds us. That means:
Progressive leadership 👩💼
Open, honest conversations 💬
Trust that empowers 🌱
He also points back to Daniel Pink’s Drive: real motivation doesn’t come from perks or penalties—it comes from autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
And he leaves us with a powerful reflection:
👉 What does independence at your workplace look like? How does it inspire you to grow?
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🚀AI-Powered Hiring: Screen, Score, Shortlist, Hire
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💡 Quick tip: Giving your team autonomy in hiring doesn’t just save time—it builds a workplace where people actually feel free to do their best work.
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These sessions are designed to foster open dialogue, meaningful peer exchange, and trusted community building — all in a safe, curated space.
Whether you're navigating transformation, scaling culture, or simply seeking clarity in a noisy world of work, these roundtables are for you.
We’re heading to the following cities soon — we’d love to have you join us:
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🔒 Note: This is a senior HR leaders-focused event, and registrations will be reviewed and approved by our team to ensure a curated experience.
We can’t wait to see you there — and hear what’s on your mind.
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✅TSOW HR Meetup in Chandigarh, Saturday, August 30
Join us for an insightful evening focused on the future of HR. Connect with like-minded professionals, gain valuable perspectives, and walk away with new ideas—and a digital certificate. Enjoy complimentary coffee, snacks, and engaging conversations. Seats are limited. Register today!
✅ TSOW HR Meetup Hyderabad Saturday, September 6
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✅TSOW HR Meetup in Pune, Saturday, September 13
Be part of an inspiring evening dedicated to where HR is headed. Meet professionals who share your passion, discover new ways of thinking, and leave with fresh strategies—and a digital badge to show for it. Spots are limited—grab yours now!
We hope this edition got you thinking about freedom, autonomy, and smarter ways to work.
Before you head out, we’d love your input:
What’s the biggest freedom you wish for at work? |
Here’s to building workplaces where everyone feels valued, motivated, and free to do their best work every day.
Until next time, stay curious, stay empowered, and keep making work better!
Stay awesome,
Team TSOW