Don't be too cozy about HR automation or HR analytics. There are all tools. We should understand what is relevant to us and our business. Technology companies have their own marketing gimmicks to create the need of technology. Hence think twice about the relevance and context.

1. BUSINESS MANAGER JANUARY 201834
COVER FEATURE
Y
ou have a big threat.
Threat of being left
behind. The business
situation is
c h a l l e n g i n g .
Shareholders are asking more.
CEOs are under the pressure of
delivering top-line and bottom-
line also. We speak about long
term sustainability but don't have
the patience to wait for long term.
Are HR professionals ready to
take the wheel for ride? The
business trends are disturbing &
accelerating. It seems technology
is advancing at an even faster
rate than we expected. Many of
us are already experiencing
effects of these changes. We're
expected to do far more than our
predecessors.
So?
What are top HR trends
expected in 2018. I am optimistic.
Over a period, business is
expecting much more from HR.
But don't be too cozy about HR
automation or HR analytics.
There are all tools. I personally
feel that we should understand
what is relevant to us and our
business. Technology companies
have their own marketing
gimmicks to create the need of technology. Hence think twice about the
relevance and context.
Everybody is speaking out three trends in business and HR. These
are :
1. Use of Augmented reality : Augmented intelligence, combination
internet and reality, is a reality. This technology can be used for
simulation in learning & development, identifying the talent in
development centers (or assessment centers), rewarding employees
through gamification etc. companies are already using Augmented
Reality In business; gaming, automobile industries and warehouse
management are some examples.
2. Artificial intelligence : AI is taking your jobs. My bold statement
is we don't need recruiters for hiring junior staff, if some developer
develops the app for interview. It works like this… candidate
downloads App; he answers questions, plays some logical and
aptitude game, robots in App interviews the candidate. The App
VINOD BIDWAIK
Director- HR,DSM India Pvt.Ltd.,Pune
Are HR professionals
ready to take the
wheel for ride?
Don't be too cozy about HR automation or HR
analytics. There are all tools. We should understand
what is relevant to us and our business. Technology
companies have their own marketing gimmicks to
create the need of technology. Hence think twice
about the relevance and context.

2. BUSINESS MANAGER JANUARY 201835
COVER FEATURE
gives rating and report is submitted to the hiring manager. Finally,
shortlisted candidates are called for final interaction and that's the
end of recruitment coordinator.
3. Automation : You know what I mean, exactly robots will take your
jobs which are repetitive nature and where high precision is
required.
However, will this happen is 2018…perhaps companies will start
thinking to implement these technological changes if they see the
return on the investment. If there is a cost advantage then it will be
difficult to retain jobs. MNCs are already doing this.
So? Again?
We need to focus more on value creation. All technology is based on
the fundamental of input processed by machine for the output. I see
2018, companies will focus more on "inputs" to the business by
identifying the talent and developing them to give the right "Inputs" to
the machine.
I have listed few trends which are expected in 2018 are as under :
1. Focus on talent to continue : Earlier everybody used to speak
about the talent. Now it is not about the talent, but RIGHT talent.
Companies have to invest in the systems and processes where they
can identify right talent either within the company or outside the
company. HR professionals needs to ask few question to the business
and top management about the critical & right talent and sometimes
challenge them, support them in identifying the right criteria,
assessment tools etc.
2. Employee experience : Employee satisfaction, employee
engagement is still there & every company should track the
satisfaction level and engagement score of their employees. But
more that this is what experience companies give to employees is
important. There can be different tools like smart workspace and
tools, open offices, open door policy, creating the transparent and
trustworthy atmosphere in the company. However, HR role is not just
copy paste it but check the real value employee is creating to the
business and motivation them to continue the same.
3. Internal communication : Your internal communications create
the standard for how you want your employees to interact with each
other and the customers they serve. They shape your workplace
culture, which becomes reflected in your brand. And they play a key
part in the nurturing and retention of top talent. Do you have your
communication strategies in place? It includes what you (top
management) communicate, how you communicate and what tools
you use to communicate. Sometimes companies over communicate
as there are easy tools available like social media. Internal
communication will have the positive or negative impact on
employee experience. Choose right approach.
4. New way of working :
Yes….All this technology will
make your life simple or
complex depending upon your
approach. There are
companies who implemented
technology changes and
adopted some high end
software and HR models have
already created complexity
and removing controls from
one person to different people.
New way of working has some
example like
a. Gig economy : In Gig
economy, temporary positions
are created and organizations
make contracts with
independent workers for short
- term engagements. If
company can't afford
employee for full time, they
can hire somebody for short
term or even part time and
then this resource can be
shared with multiple
companies.
b. Co-sharing : A shared office
space (or "co-working" space)
is an abstractly defined
location where individuals
from multiple businesses can
engage in work. In many
cases, members of a shared
workspace will pay a monthly
membership fee, almost like
a gym, for regular access to
the building, and premium
charges for accommodations
like meeting rooms or
special equipment. This
concept is not new, we know
Regus offices. However,
it will be the way of
working with cost effective
options for mass number of
employees.
These trends are evolving in
India. It will take time to make
it actionable, however, good
news is there is a mindset
happening.
Employee satisfaction, employee engagement is still there & every
company should track the satisfaction level and engagement score
of their employees. But more that this is what experience
companies give to employees is important.
BM