A storm of organisational disruptions brewing fast; HR needs to run towards it

The SHRM Annual Conference and Expo 2024 (SHRM24) took place in Chicago last June, and I had the privilege of attending the coveted conference this time as well, representing Sri Lanka. 

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from over 400 speakers and attend over 375 sessions to explore the latest trends in the ever-evolving HR landscape, from talent acquisition to mental health to HR technology. 

This time, breaking the all-time attendance record, the conference welcomed more than 26,000 participants from over 80 countries. The honour of attending this mega HR event was unexplainable, and the passion of the people for the quality of content delivered I witnessed was impeccable. 

A storm is coming

Addressing the gathering, SHRM CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. warned the 26,000 attendees of a looming ‘polycrisis’ facing HR professionals. Amid a dramatic backdrop of thunderstorms, he emphasised the urgent challenges of a skills deficit and the rapid advancements in AI technology. Outlining a formidable set of challenges HR will face in the coming years, Taylor ominously said, “A storm is coming for HR.” 

Taylor also elaborated on the growing skills gap, noting that technology is expected to transform nearly one-third of all jobs worldwide in the next decade. “Because of technology, globalisation, and demographic shifts, we are asking more of employees than we’ve ever asked before — we’re asking them, in short, to be superhumans,” Taylor said.

He discussed SHRM’s partnership with the Educational Testing Service in the United States to create a ‘skills-first talent practices credential’ to bridge the education gap. Taylor urged HR professionals to proactively embrace AI, warning that failure could be detrimental to their roles and their organisations.

“If used correctly, AI could be a golden opportunity and an enhancement for the workforce. However, that requires HR to shelve its defensiveness and join every conversation about AI in the workplace. The need is urgent as the AI revolution in the workplace is inevitable, not a ‘maybe,’” Taylor said at the conference.

HR has to run headlong to the storm

Taylor said future forecasters project that AI will be everywhere within just a few years, and the proliferation of AI-driven jobs will be one of our most volatile social and political issues. According to reports, AI will make 30% of the world’s workforce jobless in the next seven years. While new jobs will be created, Taylor said, nothing won’t be approaching one-to-one parity.

“This is why HR should run headlong into this storm,” said Taylor. By saying that, he predicted that AI’s increasing role in the workforce might influence political leanings and social identities, with concepts like universal basic income gaining traction. Regardless of the election outcome, Taylor assured that SHRM would continue to advocate for workers by engaging with top decision-makers in Government.

Following opportunities, not dreams 

At the conference, Today Show weatherman Al Roker captivated attendees with a discussion filled with humour and reflections on curiosity and kindness. Roker offered advice to young people and HR professionals, stressing the value of curiosity and seizing opportunities. He encouraged individuals to explore different paths and remain open to unexpected career changes. He also highlighted the importance of civility and respectful dialogue in the workplace, underscoring SHRM’s “1 Million Civil Conversations” campaign. Roker reflected on historical periods of polarisation and urged people to focus on commonalities rather than differences.

Addressing HR professionals directly, Roker advised them to be visible and engaged within their organisations, not just in times of crisis, while emphasising the importance of fostering a positive workplace environment.

The conference concluded with an impactful presentation by Emmy award-winning talk show host Sherri Shepherd. Shepherd shared her inspiring journey as a woman of colour in the entertainment industry, addressing critical issues such as diversity, pay equity, and inclusion in the workplace. She emphasised the importance of building cultural competence and highlighted the challenges she faced along the way. “I was told no countless times. If you can manage your fear and do it (take a chance), scared, there are so many blessings if you can get on the other side of fear,” Shepherd shared, resonating deeply with the audience.

Reflections on SHRM24 Conference 

Attending the SHRM Annual Conference and Expo 2024 has been an enlightening experience, underscoring the pivotal role HR professionals play in navigating the complexities of our evolving workplace. Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.’s powerful opening speech on the looming “polycrisis” highlighted the urgent need to address the skills deficit and the rapid advancements in AI technology. As HR practitioners, we are at the forefront of these changes. We are tasked with ensuring that our workforce is prepared for the future. 

The inspiring sessions with Al Roker and Sherri Shepherd further reinforced the multifaceted responsibilities of HR professionals. Roker’s reflections on curiosity, civility, and resilience remind us of the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace environment. His advice to “follow your opportunities” and the significance of early health detection resonate deeply, as they parallel the need for HR to be proactive and attentive to the well-being of our employees. Shepherd’s powerful narrative on diversity, pay equity, and inclusion challenges us to build cultural competence within our organisations. Her journey through overcoming obstacles and managing fear is a compelling reminder that HR leaders must champion these values and create equitable opportunities for all.

As we look to the future, it is clear that the role of HR must evolve to meet new demands. Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. emphasised that while it’s commendable for HR to aspire to be a vital organisational function, this comes with significant pressure and scrutiny. Everyone is watching HR right now, and we must rise to the occasion. SHRM’s commitment to becoming a global support network for HR professionals is crucial. SHRM aims to elevate the HR profession, transforming HR practitioners into integral parts of the business, not just partners. This means upgrading our practices, living up to the high reputation of our profession, and, most importantly, elevating people. HR professionals worldwide are the cornerstone of this transformation, and we must strive to meet these elevated expectations.

Another inspiring moment for me this time was the opportunity to meet with Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. in person. He is a man whose passion and love for HR are truly inspiring. His dynamic presence and compelling speech motivated me to embrace the challenges ahead. His call to ‘run into the storm’ resonated deeply, empowering me to face the future with confidence.

The conference has reinforced my belief that HR professionals are not just facilitators of change but are the architects of a future where technology and humanity coexist harmoniously, driving innovation and inclusivity in our organisations.

(The writer is the Vice President External Alliances of the Association of HR Professionals (AHRP) and Chief People Officer of Fortude)