Future-Proofing Talent: Technology's Role In Meeting Training Challenges

In 2023, HR leaders navigated unprecedented uncertainties with agility, embracing flexible strategies and prioritising employee well-being. As technology continued to evolve, so did the role of HR, with a heightened focus on data-driven decision-making and the integration of innovative tools like AI and virtual reality. Akash Sangole, CHRO, PEWIN, Panasonic Life Solutions India, delves into key insights from 2023 and explores how these trends are expected to shape the future of HR strategies and practices.

In the wake of uncertainties, how did HR leaders approach strategic workforce planning in 2023, and what key considerations are expected to shape these strategies going forward? 

HR leaders in 2023 embraced flexibility, data-driven decision-making, and employee-centric approaches to navigate uncertainty. Going forward, they must adapt to a continuously evolving landscape by prioritising agility, upskilling, human-centric work and sustainable practices. The emphasis will be on customising and changing employee expectations on work-life balance. In order to maintain career advancement and workforce relevance in the face of automation and artificial intelligence, HR must prioritise employee physical and mental well-being in order to adapt to a changing labor dynamic.   

Given the dynamic nature of leadership requirements, what approaches to leadership development were observed in 2023, and how might these adapt to future leadership needs? 

Leadership requirements are constantly evolving and are driven by factors like technological advancements, changing employee expectations, and ever-shifting global landscapes. They need to be dynamic, personalised, and future-oriented to keep pace with the ever-changing demands of the world. Last year was a significant transformation for HR leadership in India. It demanded adaptability, agility in turning strategic directions, a focus on employee well-being and motivation, and embracing technology to navigate changing dynamics and prepare for future challenges. It showcased the importance for leaders to be prepared for unforeseen challenges like development programmes that emphasise resilience, critical thinking, and agile decision-making skills, and thus played a huge role for leaders to adapt to the constantly evolving technology. 

How did organisational cultures evolve in response to external factors in 2023 and what role will culture play in attracting and retaining talent in the future? 

As covid circumstances subside, most businesses are requesting that their employees resume work from the office. Despite this, many organisations have elected to continue working from home. The hybrid work paradigm has changed significantly during the last year. Giving birth to the advent of labor in your global culture. Thanks to technology, firms can now focus on team productivity and effectiveness. During these exciting times, attracting & retaining talent will continue to remain the single most challenge for HR. HR will continue to play the pivotal role in upholding this tech-driven work culture and join hands with business in the longer run.

What trends emerged in employee training and development during 2023, and how might these evolve to meet the changing needs of the workforce in the future? 

Covid has caused a significant disruption in company operations. As a result, human conduct has also changed dramatically. Talent development in present and future business contexts will require exponential growth. Organisations are realising the power of technology and planning for current and future challenges. We are observing trends like as microlearning, customised learning, mobile learning, gamification, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to answer the changing demands of training, whether due to uncertainties, technology breakthroughs, or multigenerational management. Having said that, there will be an unprecedented demand for fundamental and organised training programmes. Organisations will need to strike a balance between these developmental demands through a hybrid approach of online and classroom training to ensure that talent is future ready.        

In what ways did technology play a pivotal role in shaping HR strategies in 2023, and how do you foresee further integration in the future? 

The year 2023 saw a continued surge in technology's influence on HR wherein it enhanced employee wellbeing, AI tools for better decision making, bots for easing out HR BP roles, gamification and simulations for skilling employees. These all made learning and information flow seamless. Also, we have seen it impacting processes like recruitment and onboarding, personalised employee experience has been pivotal with engagement tools and data-driven decision making. Technology will continue to be a major driver for change in HR with AI coming and touching every part of HR. By embracing these advancements or having a mindset to understand, organisations can create more efficient, engaging, and data-driven workplaces for their employees.