International HR Day : Shaping the Future of Work and Boosting Employee Engagement
Shaping the new future of work is an essential task in today’s rapidly evolving world driven by technological advancements, changing demographics, and shifting attitudes. HR professionals are embracing new innovations and one of the most significant changes is the shift toward digitalization with generative AI, Chatbots etc coming into picture.
Not only technology but also by implementing appropriate strategies, organizations can shape a future of work that is more inclusive, flexible, and aligned with the evolving needs and expectations of employees. Jayati Pardhy, Head of HR, Keka says that in an era of rapid transformation, the HR sector stands at the forefront of the digital revolution and organizational excellence. For example right now with the implementation of technology identifying and recruiting skilled individuals with expertise in cutting-edge technologies has comparatively become easy.
There is a projected surge of 40% to 60% in the recruitment of job positions involving the latest technologies such as AI, ML, Big Data, Cloud, and Cybersecurity in the coming quarters, shows a study by Spectrum Talent Management. Utilizing human analytics, promoting data literacy, and harnessing big data are key approaches to enhancing inclusion and diversity. Additionally, amidst layoffs, HR sector is also advocating for skilling, reskilling and upskilling of employee which adds to the overall organizational success, says Anil Agarwal, CEO and co-founder, InCruiter
Similarly, HR tech is also fueling employee engagement by providing innovative solutions that enhance communication, collaboration, and recognition. According to Sourabh Deorah, CEO & Co-Founder of Advantage Club, fostering employee engagement and satisfaction is the bedrock of thriving workplaces and their recent study reveals that recognition and rewards contribute to 55% increase in employee retention. He also emphasized the importance of creating a workplace culture that consistently recognizes and motivates employees so that the new future of work is where organizations thrive and individuals excel.
Not only technology but HR practices also play an important role in addressing workplace challenges. From startups to well-established companies all the organizations are creating new programs that support employee mental health, foster work-life balance, and fuel career growth. This includes providing access to training and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and wellness initiatives. Anupam Jauhari, HR Head, University Living recognizes this as an imperative approach and has been implementing policies like Mental Health Wellness, Employee Engagement and Retention Policy, Long Service Awards, and Distress Leave Policy (WIP) that have helped him to not only build a workforce that thrives amidst uncertainty but to also maintain diversity across all levels.
Rajendran Dandapani, Director of technology, Zoho Corp. , President – Zoho Schools of Learning
“Only a fool tests the depth of the river with both feet”. Warren Buffett often likes to quote this African proverb, which holds a lesson for us on this International HR Day. Entering this uncertain future at breakneck speed, where nothing seems clear-cut and well-defined, it is important that we hold on to at least a few “forever truths” firmly, while exploring the grey zones with caution and speed, in short iterations of learning loops.
Each of us from a different domain or industry has our own changing landscapes and accompanying challenges. Even so, the common enemies that we need to be wary of and the common allies we all have don’t change too much, too often.
Avoid micromanagement, eschew filling the workday completely with tasks to do, and instil a quest in each of them to find their own “WHY” that can align with the company’s own sense of mission.
Motivate your employees by empowering them, providing them a path to daily improvement, the space to take on new endeavours, and an overarching sense of purpose, irrespective of the work they do or the hierarchical level they are in.
Irrespective of our own age and experience and position in the organisational tree, I feel these are the only things we can do and remain people-first as we enter what could be the most challenging phases of our careers in this Age of AI.
Mahendran Dilli, Senior Vice President, RMG & Workforce Planning, Indium Software
“Post-pandemic, the Work, Workplace & Workforce are going through a major shift. Work (What needs to be done) is changing drastically with digital disruption. The workforce (right talent to do the work) don’t just look for jobs, they look for challenging opportunities and upskilling that enables growth in the foreseeable future. The workplace (where the work is done) is also shifting from WFH to hybrid models. With this intensity of change, it is imperative to ensure the future of talent acquisition is aligned with evolving talent and organisation needs. Workforce planning should influence the process of getting the ‘right talent at the right time at the right cost’. It is also important to sustain the human element & get the right balance of ‘Hi-touch vs Hi-tech’”.
Source: PR Agency
