HR leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the success and sustainability of an organization. Effective HR leaders are not just administrators of policies and procedures; they are strategic partners who drive organizational growth and culture. By prioritizing talent management, employee well-being, and strategic alignment, HR leaders help build a strong, resilient, and high-performing organization.
Early in her career, Reem Algasim realized the profound impact of aligning people strategies with organizational goals. It inspired her to focus on creating environments where employees feel empowered, engaged, and aligned with a shared purpose. Today, as the Head of Human Resources at Signify, Reem has successfully led HR transformations and implemented diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across various regions, including North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Reem, a distinguished global HR leader with extensive experience in talent management, employee engagement, and strategic workforce planning, holds a Master’s degree in Business Management and International HR Management from Grenoble École de Management, France. Reem’s global perspective and cultural sensitivity make her adept at addressing HR challenges in diverse environments. Living and working in diverse cultures has honed her ability to blend global standards with local nuances.
Throughout her journey, she has championed many initiatives where she identified and nurtured high-potential talent, and which addresses skill gaps through tailored learning. These programs reflect Reem’s belief that talent management is about unlocking potential and building a culture where individuals thrive.
The Company
Signify is a global leader in connected lighting solutions, transforming spaces through innovation and sustainability. It specializes in connected LED and conventional lighting for both professional and consumer markets. With a focus on sustainability and technological advancements, Signify aims to unlock the extraordinary potential of light to create brighter lives and a better world.
The Company has illuminated landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Marina Bay Sands, provided 1.2 million energy-efficient streetlights in Saudi Arabia, and delivered advanced smart lighting solutions for hotels, offices, and public projects worldwide.
As Head of HR, Reem aligns people strategies with Signify’s vision of innovation. Her role encompasses talent acquisition, Saudization, and employee engagement while fostering a culture of inclusivity and agility. She leads transformative initiatives, empowering employees with critical skills, which also integrates local talent into leadership and technical roles.
Overcoming Challenges
One significant challenge Reem faced in implementing HR transformations, was driving cultural transformation with limited resources. To overcome this, she adopted a crowdsourced engagement model, empowering employees to co-create the cultural shift. This approach included roundtables, idea sessions, and behavioural workshops, inviting employees at all levels to shape the company’s cultural evolution. By embedding Signify’s values into behaviours, employees became champions of change. This strategy fostered trust, ownership, and alignment, enabling faster adoption of new initiatives and long-term cultural shifts. The success of this employee-driven transformation reinforced Reem’s belief that impactful HR change happens when driven by the workforce it serves.
Impact of DE&I initiatives
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are integral to Signify’s success. Through initiatives like Saudization, it has aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, creating opportunities for local talent while enriching the workforce. Programs like female workshops have increased representation and built an inclusive culture. Diverse teams drive innovation, which is evident in business projects, where international and local talent collaborate to deliver sustainable solutions. “DE&I has not only enhanced creativity and employee satisfaction but also strengthened our market competitiveness, making inclusivity a core driver of growth and innovation,” says Reem.
Ensuring HR Initiatives’ Quality and Effectiveness
Signify’s HR strategies are data-driven and agile. Through engagement surveys and real-time feedback loops, Reem and her team evaluate initiatives like Unlock Performance, a feedback-driven system replacing traditional ratings with regular check-ins. This fosters transparency, collaboration, and alignment.
They also prioritize continuous listening to adapt strategies to workforce needs. Programs like L.E.D. Academy are refined based on feedback, ensuring alignment with business goals and market dynamics. This approach creates a responsive HR ecosystem that supports employee growth and organizational success.
Relying on Innovation
Signify is deeply committed to innovation, which is embedded in its DNA. The company continually challenges itself to push the boundaries of lighting technology, resulting in groundbreaking advancements such as Li-Fi, 3D printing for sustainable lighting designs, and digital solutions that bring natural light indoors. Signify invests 4.8% of its sales in R&D and collaborates with over 100 universities and institutions to drive continuous improvement and technological progress. With 17,750 patents to its name, Signify remains at the forefront of the industry, pioneering solutions that enhance energy efficiency, connectivity, and the overall quality of life.
Innovation also underpins HR at Signify, by integrating AI-driven tools and launching programs like skills-based programs, planning to offer personalized learning, improved talent pipelines, and driven engagement. Behavioural activation workshops further align values with actions, enhancing collaboration and accountability.
“Our focus on digital transformation ensures teams are equipped with modern tools, enabling agile, data-informed decisions. Innovation isn’t just about tools; it’s about fostering an adaptable workforce ready to navigate the future,” says Reem.
Achieving the Goals of Sustainability and CSR
Sustainability is central to Signify’s mission. Through energy-efficient products, it contributes to global environmental goals. On the HR front, initiatives like MISK partnerships integrate young Saudis into corporate roles, supporting Vision 2030 and building a sustainable talent pipeline. By aligning people strategies with environmental and social goals, it ensures responsibility and impact in every aspect of its operations.
Signify is dedicated to achieving ambitious sustainability goals through its comprehensive “Brighter Lives, Better World 2025” program. The company is committed to doubling its positive impact on the environment and society by leveraging the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a strategic compass. Key initiatives include transitioning to 100% renewable electricity in operations, achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and promoting energy-efficient lighting solutions to reduce global electricity consumption for lighting by over a third. Signify’s efforts also focus on circular economy principles, sustainable materials, and phasing out plastic packaging, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to creating a more sustainable future.
Reckoning the Future
Reem believes that the future of HR lies in adaptability, strategic foresight, and inclusivity. With automation taking over routine tasks, HR will focus on culture-building and leadership. At Signify, her team is embracing this through AI literacy programs and an agile HR strategy that prepares employees for a tech-driven future. Signify’s phased AI integration strategy, combining training and experimentation, ensures seamless adoption while maintaining human-centric values. By embedding digital tools and continuous learning into its processes, it is building a workforce that thrives in an evolving landscape.
“My vision for Signify is to lead in innovation and people strategies. Over five years, I aim to strengthen leadership pipelines, embed digital transformation, and enhance employee engagement through programs like L.E.D. Academy and Game Changers. By investing in our people, fostering inclusivity, and aligning HR with business goals, we’ll position Signify as a global benchmark for innovation and adaptability,” says Reem.
Words of Wisdom
Reem’s advice to other companies looking to enhance their HR practices and employee engagement is:
“Start by listening. Engagement begins with understanding employees’ needs and aspirations. At Signify, platforms like coffee corners, town halls, and roundtables ensure open dialogue and management accessibility. Agility is equally vital. Invest in digital tools and innovative programs that adapt to evolving workforce dynamics. Lastly, celebrate employees. Recognition is a cornerstone of engagement and growth, fostering a culture where people feel valued and motivated.”
A Quote to Live By:
One quote that resonates with Reem is: “Take care of your thoughts when you are alone and your words when you are with people.”
“It reflects the importance of self-awareness and interpersonal care. As a leader, it inspires me to support and elevate those around me while fostering well-being and purpose,” she concludes.
Quote: “My passion lies in driving meaningful transformation that benefits both the workforce and the organization.”
Quote: “By bridging business goals with workforce well-being, I ensure innovation thrives within a high-performing and motivated culture.”
