"Young HR Professionals Likely To Play Crucial Role In Integration Of Advanced Technologies"
Career Journey and Achievements
Can you share a brief overview of your career journey in the field of HR, highlighting key milestones and achievements that led to your recognition?-
A lawyer by profession, my career in the Industrial Relations field was shaped by managers who doubled up as mentors. I have had the opportunity to work with varied industries both in PSU as well as MNC such as banking, ITeS, automobile and aerospace. Some of the key milestones would be the opportunity to have been part of designing and implementing strategic IR frameworks in the Organizations that I have been part of, by virtue of my role.
Innovations in HR Practices
What innovative HR practices or strategies have you implemented in your organisation/ career that you believe contributed to your success?
An innovative practice would be designing an abridged disciplinary inquiry proceeding framework for a PSU that I was associated with which significantly helped bring the time spent in inquiry of people misconducts. Another area would be adopting technology to automate case management which has helped me appreciate faster and structured ways to managing high volume of employee concerns.
Challenges and Learnings
Did you face any challenges in the formative years of your career and how did you overcome them? What valuable lessons have you learned along the way that you think could benefit others in the HR community?
Yes, some of the key challenges I have encountered are as below
Navigating Complex Employee Issues: Dealing with intricate employee matters, such as conflicts, performance issues, or grievances, were challenging. Developing the ability to handle these situations effectively is a learning process.
Building Credibility: Establishing credibility as an ER professional takes time. Colleagues and employees may initially question the expertise of someone in the early stages of our careers.
Balancing Advocacy and Neutrality: ER professionals often need to balance being advocates for employees while maintaining a neutral stance. Striking the right balance can be challenging, especially when dealing with conflicting interests.
Handling High-Stress Situations: Employee relations roles can involve high-stress situations, such as managing terminations or addressing serious employee disputes. Learning to navigate these situations professionally and calmly is a skill was challenging
Two of the key attributes that will benefit HR professionals are:-
1) ensuring that you understand organizational dynamics Every organization has its unique culture, policies, and dynamics. Understanding and adapting to these nuances can be challenging during the initial stages of an ER career.
2) keeping abreast and sharpening your business acumen which help you adapt your objectives and strategy
Future of HR
4. Looking ahead, how do you see the future of HR evolving and what role do you envision young professionals playing in shaping the industry?
The future of Human Resources (HR) is likely to see several transformative trends, and the role of young professionals will be instrumental in driving these changes. Here are key aspects of the evolving HR landscape and the contributions of young professionals:
1. Technology Integration: Young HR professionals are likely to play a crucial role in the integration of advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and analytics. These technologies can streamline HR processes, enhance decision-making, and improve the overall employee experience.
2. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Young professionals often bring a heightened awareness of diversity and social issues. They are likely to champion DEI initiatives, contributing to more inclusive workplace cultures.
