In a post-COVID landscape, technology has played an important role in enhancing talent agility and transforming skill assessments, and moving forward, its impact on building capabilities will continue to grow. So how will this shift affect the growth mindset of HR leaders of tomorrow?
Through this rapid-fire interview with Aon’s Anustup Chattopadhyay for Are You in the List Awards 2024, we will explore this shift and the essential leadership traits for future HR leaders and how they will empower the next generation as they enter the workforce in 2024 and beyond.
Anustup is an HR professional with over ten years of experience in HR Policy Benchmarking, Rewards Strategy Articulation, Manpower Productivity & HR Analytics, Organisation Structuring, Talent Management, Change Management and more. Currently, he serves as the practice leader for Aon’s learning solutions business, Aon HR Learning Center, which offers a range of certification courses for HR professionals. This position uniquely equips him to understand the evolving needs of HR practitioners in a technology-driven, post-COVID environment.
As the leader of a platform that provides crucial HR certifications, Anustup is at the forefront of helping HR professionals adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape. Aon HR Learning Center plays a vital role in upskilling and reskilling HR practitioners, ensuring they are well-prepared to leverage new technologies and navigate the challenges of a post-pandemic workplace.
With his extensive HR experience and leadership in professional development, Anustup has valuable insights that can influence and mentor budding HR professionals as part of the Are You in the List program. His perspective on how HR leaders can adapt to and thrive in this new technology-driven era will be particularly relevant for emerging HR talent looking to make their mark in 2024 and beyond.
Excerpts from the interview –
In your opinion, what is the one extraordinary HR trend that has dominated 2024?
The standout HR trend has been the increased focus on skill-based talent management. Due to rapidly evolving business needs and a more dynamic labour market, organisations have shifted away from traditional qualification-based hiring. Instead, they emphasise a skills-based approach where the talent is identified, developed and deployed as per need of the trade. This approach has enabled greater agility in the talent market.
How does technology play a role in boosting talent agility?
Technology has been a crucial enabler of talent and agility. The advancement in areas such as AI-powered skill mapping, workforce analytics & AI platform learning have empowered organisations to quickly asses skill gaps. Now, HR teams can more effectively match employee capabilities and create a dynamic learning environment.
What is the one big shift you have observed in skill assessment this year?
One big shift that I have observed this year is the growing emphasis on evaluating both the technical and human-centric skills of an employee. Organisations have realised the value of having soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration and adaptability. This holistic approach to skill assessment recognises that the most valuable employees are the ones who not only perform those specialised tasks but also can navigate complex & ambiguous situations at work.
Which key trait is important for a leader in the current world of work?
For me, the key trait is adaptability. The effective leaders in 2024 must be comfortable with ambiguity, willing to experiment and be able to inspire their teams to embrace change and to continuously learn.
What one piece of advice do you want to share with the next generation as they enter the workforce?
My key advice for the next generation is to cultivate a growth mindset in this world of constant change. Develop the ability to learn new skills and adapt to evolving demands critical to long-term career success. I also encourage young professionals to approach their careers with a sense of curiosity, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and demonstrate a willingness to take on their responsibilities.
What key lessons do you have for sharing with the future AYIL awardees?
I have three key lessons to share for AYIL awardees –
Stay Agile and Adaptable
Develop strong partnerships and empower your teams
Embrace Tech but don’t lose the human touch
What is your vision for the future of people & work beyond 2024?
My vision for the future of people and work beyond 2024 is where technology and human-centricity co-exist together, enabling organisations to thrive and individuals to reach their full potential.
If you are eager to know who the emerging future-forward HR leaders of 2024 will be, follow the hashtag #AreYouInTheList.