| | AUGUST - 2023MANAGEHRMAGAZINE.COM8In MyOpinionPEOPLE-FIRST CULTURE: ENABLING PERFORMANCE THROUGH EMPATHYBy Permpreet Soomal, Chief People Officer, Capital One CanadaI've seen the incredible power of empathy and its far-reaching impact on people and businesses. Throughout my career as an HR leader, I've aspired to support people­both personally and professionally­within financial services. Seeing this core value embedded into the DNA of Capital One Canada is what inspired me to take up the role of Chief People Officer.I believe that an organization is best suited to meet customers' needs and drive business results when the needs of its associates are understood and supported. Empathy begets empathy; when we take care of our people, they are better equipped to deliver innovative solutions that are rooted in empathy and care for their customers. This is the people-first culture we continue to nurture at Capital One Canada.Prioritizing Well-BeingA people-first culture requires an investment in the associates' well-being. At Capital One Canada, that comes in many forms. From supporting physical and financial well-being to social and mental well-being, which includes individual benefits like $3,000 a year for each associate's mental health counseling (and an additional $3,000 for each dependent), as well as our Take Some Time leave that allows our associates to take up to six months of protected leave to volunteer, travel, or be with family.We also strive for systems change to reinforce a culture of well-being when we find and meet that sweet spot of enabling performance through flexibility. Our innovative Permpreet Soomal
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