How Seema Hallon Spearheads HR Excellence In Deriv's Multicultural Workforce

In a remarkable journey of growth and expansion, Deriv, one of the world's leading online trading platforms, celebrates its 25th anniversary with a notable presence across the globe. This impressive milestone is marked by a customer base exceeding 2.5 million individuals worldwide, a testament to the platform's reliability and effectiveness in the financial trading arena.

At the core of Deriv's success is its diverse and dedicated team of over 1,400 employees, representing more than 80 nationalities across 20 countries. This multicultural workforce is a crucial element of Deriv's global appeal and operational excellence. Among these international hubs, Dubai stands out as a key location for Deriv, housing 250 employees who are committed to providing best-in-class trading services to a growing clientele.

Leading the charge in ensuring Deriv's commitment to excellence in the UAE and beyond is Seema Hallon, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Seema's leadership is characterized by a dedication to maintaining high standards of integrity and a flawless commitment to employee welfare. Under her guidance, Deriv strives to be the employer of choice for professionals in the UAE and globally, offering an environment that fosters professional growth and personal development.

Personal Journey To Deriv

Seema, with her rich background in electrical engineering and a Master's in Biosciences, took a distinctive career path by combining her technical knowledge with human resources expertise. Starting her career in manufacturing, she quickly realized the need for a change, leading her to pursue an MBA with a specialization in HR. This unique blend of skills has enabled Seema to navigate both technical and people-related challenges in the workplace with ease. Her journey in HR began during an internship, where she learned the importance of empathy and strategic people management in achieving business success.

Upon moving to Dubai from India, Seema faced initial hurdles in securing an HR position, often being offered roles as an office manager instead. Nevertheless, her perseverance paid off, and she has now been a professional in the HR field for over 31 years. Throughout her career, Seema has been part of Dubai's transformative journey, appreciating its progress.

Embarking on an innovative journey in the corporate world, Seema carved a niche for herself by founding a boutique consulting company, notably staffed by an all-women team. This venture marked a significant leap in her career, focusing on refining Human Resource (HR) processes for large corporations and government bodies. Seema's firm specialized in creating streamlined HR systems, encompassing job descriptions, candidate evaluation mechanisms, and much more, thereby enhancing her expertise in the field.

The company's unique approach involved developing comprehensive appraisal systems, competency directories, and service standards, alongside extensive training programs, over a span of five years. A standout feature of Seema's enterprise was its emphasis on flexibility and comfort for working mothers, including Seema herself. This aspect not only facilitated a better work-life balance but also highlighted the entrepreneurial opportunities present in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, where adaptability and customization are highly valued.

By leveraging her knowledge and adapting it to meet the needs of her clientele, her firm achieved success and contributed to a more inclusive and accommodating work environment. This initiative has not only propelled Seema's career forward but has also set a precedent for how businesses can operate with a focus on employee well-being and diversity.

Seema's experience extends to working with semi-government organizations like Tejari, Dun & Bradstreet where she worked in MEA offices, and Eros Group, where she managed HR across different regions and industries. Her role at Deriv, a multinational organization, has been a culmination of her experiences, where she has had to adapt her HR approach to suit a multicultural workforce spanning 20 countries and encompassing over 70 nationalities. Deriv's rapid growth in Dubai from 25 to 250 employees in four years has underscored the importance of maintaining a value-driven organizational culture.

Employing Notable Strategies At Deriv

Seema's journey through a multi-faceted work culture, spanning various industries, has culminated in her current role at Deriv, where her diverse experiences have significantly enhanced her professional capabilities. Her tenure at Deriv, a leading trading platform, has been marked by a significant focus on HR training and development, underscoring the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

At the heart of Deriv's HR strategy is the Self Assessment Top Grading Interview (SATI), a meticulous 14-page questionnaire that plays a critical role in the company’s hiring process, ensuring that only the most suitable candidates are selected. This initiative is complemented by Deriv’s dedication to internal leadership development, which includes a variety of educational programs and opportunities for continuous learning, such as access to LinkedIn Learning for all employees and regular knowledge-sharing sessions.

Deriv's approach to employee development is comprehensive, extending beyond traditional training methods. The company's commitment to its workforce is evident in its structured learning paths, which have evolved from utilizing platforms like Udemy to integrating LinkedIn Learning. Furthermore, Deriv engages an external consultant for interviewing candidates for promotions, adding an impartial dimension to its evaluation process. This dedication to employee growth is reflective of Deriv's broader mission to invest in people as much as in its products, serving over 2.5 million people globally.

Building a Diverse, Inclusive and Gender-balanced Workplace

Seema emphasizes the importance of HR in retaining talent within an organization, outlining a four-pronged structure that includes Talent Management, Talent Development, Talent Acquisition, and Corporate Communications. A significant aspect of her role involves promoting inclusivity in Deriv’s Dubai office, which boasts over 30 nationalities. Celebrations of various national days and cultural festivals, along with team-building trips and events, are integral to fostering a sense of unity and belonging among employees.

Gender equality is a cornerstone of Deriv’s ethos, with a notable percentage of leadership roles held by women. Seema points out that women constitute 52% of Deriv's workforce and highlights the company's achievement in being recognized as a Great Place to Work for women in the UAE in 2023. She advocates for hiring based on passion rather than gender, underscoring the importance of creating competent roles that contribute to the organization's success. Deriv's commitment to inclusivity also extends to hiring people of determination, providing them with the necessary training to become employable. Not just within the UAE, Deriv is also working on CSR activities to uplift women in Rwanda and Paraguay by teaching them vocational skills.

Looking Ahead: Deriv’s Vision for the Future

Seema is very passionate on making Deriv employees’ place of choice to work. Her vision for Deriv's future is multi-dimensional, focusing on leveraging technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and foster excellence. She underscores the importance of viewing HR not merely as a function of liking people but as a strategic business component aimed at maximizing human potential. Seema’s insights into Deriv’s HR practices underscore the company’s dedication to fairness, competence, and personal well-being, setting a high standard for corporate culture and employee development.

Seema's journey and the strategic HR practices at Deriv illustrate the transformative impact of a multi-work culture and a deep commitment to employee development and gender equality. Deriv's forward-looking approach, emphasizing the use of technology and the value of internal talent cultivation, positions it as a leader in fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and innovative workplace environment. Her story is a testament to the dynamic nature of the HR industry and the pivotal role HR professionals play in shaping the future of organizations by focusing on the most vital asset: their people.