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"If we say wellbeing matters but reward burnout, employees will believe our actions, not our posters. Rewards should reinforce the culture we want to build and reflect our promises to employees," she reminds us.
Posters may say that wellbeing matters. Leaders may speak about building trust. But employees are likely to look first at the behaviours an organisation recognises and rewards.
For Debica Sigamani (pictured above), this is where the real work of Total Rewards begins. The Chief Talent Officer at Omnicom Media believes that rewards should never contradict the culture an organisation is trying to create. When the message is that employee wellbeing matters, for example, recognising burnout and overwork sends a very different signal.
It is a perspective shaped by a career that began unexpectedly. Encouraged by a manager who saw potential in her, Debica entered HR through staffing and onboarding — before finding inspiration in leaders whose commitment to people made her want to stay in the profession.
Over more than 15 years, she has worked across manufacturing, technology startups, hospitality, and advertising, leading people initiatives spanning talent, culture, organisational transformation, and employee development. Throughout these diverse environments, human-centered approach and adaptability have enabled her to lead complex change, talent development, and DEI efforts.
Ahead of #TotalRewardsMY, Debica speaks to Mary Ann Budunkin about why fairness does not mean treating every employee in the same way, how transparency shapes perceptions of rewards, and why taking time to exchange real-world experiences matters.
Q What first drew you to HR, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
I fell into HR by accident. It was never part of the plan. My manager saw something in me that I couldn't see myself, encouraged me to give it a try, and I started in staffing and onboarding. What made me stay were the incredible leaders I worked with and their passion for people was contagious.
Since then, HR has shaped me as much as I've shaped organisations. It has taught me empathy, resilience and humility, and given me the privilege of being part of people's biggest milestones.
Q Can you share the core belief that guides your approach to designing rewards strategies that truly support employees?
My biggest belief is simple: don't reward the opposite of what you're trying to encourage.
If we say wellbeing matters but reward burnout, employees will believe our actions, not our posters. Rewards should reinforce the culture we want to build and reflect our promises to employees. Consistency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of every good rewards strategy.
Q What is one common misconception about Total Rewards that you'd like to challenge?
One misconception is that fairness means everyone gets the same thing.
It doesn't. Employees don't usually mind that someone earns more; what they mind is not knowing why.
"The real currency isn't equality, it's transparency."
When decisions are consistent, well explained, and aligned with the organisation's values, people are far more likely to see them as fair.
Q Please tell us a fun fact about yourself that people may not know.
Wish I had a cool answer to this. I'll politely exercise my right to remain mysterious.
Q As a speaker at #TotalRewardsMY, what do you hope attendees will take away from your session?
I hope attendees take a break from firefighting, step away from relying on AI for a moment, and spend time learning from real experiences.
Conferences are one of the few places where you can hear honest stories, the successes, the failures and everything in between from leaders who've actually been through it.
If people leave with one practical idea, one assumption challenged, or one conversation they're excited to have back at work, I'll consider that a success.
I want to attend the conference: If you're keen to attend this closed-door conference, kindly register your interest here. For speaking opportunities, please write in to Mary Ann Bundukin. We look forward to welcoming you!
I want to sponsor: Engage in meaningful dialogue through dedicated speaking slots, roundtable discussions, and at your booths! If your organisation provides any talent solutions and products that you'd like to showcase, you’ll fit right into this event. To learn how you can sponsor, please reach out to a member of our team now!
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