Reshaping the future of HR

 The Sri Lankan delegation at the SHRM India Annual Conference 2023

Fortude CPO Oshana Dias addressing the SHRM India Annual Conference 2023, at a panel on ‘Driving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with Data’

• Insights from the SHRM India Annual Conference 2023

By Oshana Dias 

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) India Annual Conference & Exposition 2023 was a transformative gathering of HR professionals that left an indelible mark on the human resources landscape. Revolving around the theme ‘Drive Change’, it was a confluence of over 5,600 delegates, 700+ CXOs, and 120+ global speakers. This year, I was privileged to participate in this enlightening event and share my insights and perspectives about the evolving HR industry with thought leaders and experts.

Driving employee engagement

Setting the tone for the conference, G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said that the role of an HR professional is even more significant than that of a CEO’s role. Emphasising the pivotal role HR plays in the evolution of businesses, Kant said, “HR in person is somebody who is really pushing to refine the company. An HR professional should always be able to bring in new balance and energy, helping to reshape the company’s future.” 

SHRM CHRO Jim Link illuminated the profound connection between employee experience and business success. He stressed that a great employee experience drives employee engagement, job satisfaction, and productivity, all closely tied to business outcomes. In his words, Link mentioned, “A great employee experience drives employee engagement and increases job satisfaction and productivity by almost every measure. Continuous research has indicated a strong connection between how we engage our employees and their positive experiences that drive business outcomes. They’re inextricably linked; you can’t separate them.” 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged as a pivotal topic of discussion. The power and potential of AI in HR were explored extensively, with insights ranging from its capacity to streamline talent acquisition and management to the challenges presented by AI, including biases and ethical considerations. The conference emphasised that HR professionals need not fear AI taking their jobs but should focus on leveraging AI effectively and staying relevant in a technology-driven world.

Discussion around overlooked HR concepts 

Total Rewards, another critical aspect of HR, was addressed with a spotlight on its role in shaping a company’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP). Agility in designing reward plans was a key theme, recognising the need to adapt these plans to the dynamic needs of a modern workforce. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) were also at the forefront of discussions, reminding us that an inclusive workplace is crucial for any diversity initiative to succeed. An EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) promise may be a statement, but for inclusion to work, it has to be an experience.

Wellness and employee fitness, an often overlooked aspect, were also brought to the forefront, with staggering statistics emphasising the importance of physical well-being and mental wellness in the workplace. It is becoming increasingly evident that investing in employee well-being yields healthier and happier employees and significant savings for the organisation. 

The concept of Employee Experience (EX) was the conference’s central theme, emphasising its role in driving employee engagement, job satisfaction, customer satisfaction, productivity, and profitability. The holistic perspective of EX spans an employee’s entire journey within an organisation, from recruitment to departure. HR leaders pointed out that culture matters, as it shapes EX and drives HR’s role as the Chief Culture Officer. Understanding the importance of culture, particularly in the eyes of newer generations like Gen Z, is vital for HR professionals. HR’s role in building social capital and fostering team thinking is essential for nurturing loyalty and a thriving workplace.

Reshaping diversity strategies using data

I had the great opportunity to be a part of an insightful panel, along with fellow Sri Lanka delegate Sysco LABS Sri Lanka Director of People Operations Rehan Anthonis, WeAce COO Sameer Mathur and Oracle Vice President and Head of SaaS Alliances & Channels for APAC, Shaakun Khanna. I stressed on how data is pivotal in advancing workplace diversity by providing organisations with the insights needed to foster inclusive environments. 

By collecting and analysing demographic information, companies can identify areas for improvement, track progress, and implement targeted initiatives. This data-driven approach allows HR professionals to address hiring, promotions, and pay disparities, ensuring that diversity and inclusion efforts are well-intentioned, measurable, and accountable. Moreover, the two data types - diversity data and inclusion data – help organisations understand the experiences of their employees, shedding light on potential biases or barriers that may exist. This information empowers companies to move beyond rhetoric and take meaningful, evidence-based actions to cultivate diverse and equitable workplaces.

In conclusion

The SHRM India Annual Conference & Exposition 2023 was an eye-opening experience, reiterating that HR is not just a supporting function but a driver of change and progress within organisations. More importantly, two reports were launched under the titles ‘State of Global Workplace Culture Report’ and ‘Unlocking the Value: People Analytics Maturity, India 2023.’ The launch of these reports is of paramount importance in the realm of HR as it provides professionals with invaluable tools for informed decision-making.

As we contemplate the insights gleaned from this event, it becomes unmistakably clear that the role of HR has transcended traditional personnel management and has become the driving force for transformative change. HR now stands as a catalyst not only for organisational success but also for the well-being of its workforce, propelling us towards a brighter future in the evolving landscape of work. The conference’s overarching theme, “Drive Change,” resonates profoundly, emphasising that HR professionals are at the forefront of steering organisations through dynamic shifts, fostering innovation, and shaping a future of work that is adaptive, inclusive, and impactful.

(The writer is the Chief People Officer at Fortude.)