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Despite the prevalence of rational data in decision-making, the significance of emotions and human connections cannot be overstated. Human-centred leadership is thus assuming centre stage in navigating these challenges, as we learn in this conversation.
Four months into 2024 and businesses are constantly grappling with a steady stream of new shifts and challenges. At the forefront of these transformations are HR professionals who play a critical role in ensuring the workforce adapts and stays afloat amidst these changes.
Keeping this in mind, Arina Sofiah sets out to understand the trends pushing HR’s agenda this year, in this conversation with Anjali Menon, APAC Human Resources Director, Sibelco Group.
The first key trend Anjali identifies revolves around enhancing the employee experience. While always crucial, it is now gaining increasing prominence as companies grapple with ensuring the right employee experience in hybrid work environments. Striking a delicate balance, they are transitioning from an all-offline approach to maintaining vital connections.
"The defining moments of truth, once facilitated by personal interactions, are now missing. Consequently, there is a decline in employee engagement, motivation, and sense of belonging.
"It is [thus] imperative for organisations to address and find a balance in the employee experience within the hybrid way of working", the leader tells us.
The second trend is the heightened focus on the organisation's purpose, often referred to as the 'North Star'. Employees, particularly Gen Z and to a significant extent Gen Y, are increasingly conscious of the organisation's purpose, values, and ethics and how it aligns with the broader community and on a global scale. This, Anjali notes, extends beyond mere sustainability to encompass social sustainability, considering the impact on the entire value chain, including suppliers, customers, and consumers.
"There's a growing awareness of the importance of human rights, diversity, inclusion, and climate action. Purpose sustainability and the organisation's association with the larger community are becoming critical aspects.
"While primarily a leadership trend, HR will play a pivotal role in facilitating this alignment."
The third trend pertains to skills and capabilities. Post-COVID, organisations are undergoing frequent and profound cycles of change in business models, product portfolios, and operating models to enhance efficiency and profitability. This, Anjali stresses, necessitates a lean and agile approach to working, especially in a hybrid environment where the gig economy is gaining mainstream acceptance.
Consequently, she adds, it is crucial for companies to adopt a skill-based approach. Identifying the most critical skills and capabilities for optimal business operations and aligning hiring, compensation, and skill-building efforts with automation are paramount. According to Anjali, the evolution of AI further underscores the importance of a skills-based organisation in ensuring knowledge, capability, and business continuity.
Lastly, there is a growing emphasis on 'human-centric' leadership. Amidst evolving business models, AI integration, and hybrid work dynamics, there is a palpable absence of human connection and emotional intelligence.
A compassionate approach towards interpersonal interactions is "sorely missed" — burnout is on the rise due to inadequate focus on resilience and emotions, especially in a constantly changing environment. Despite the prevalence of rational data in decision-making, the significance of emotions and human connections cannot be overstated. Human-centred leadership is thus assuming centre stage in navigating these challenges.
At Sibelco, the group's foremost priority lies in aligning with its core purpose and values.
As Anjali elaborates: "Sustainability is deeply ingrained throughout our entire value chain, with a heightened emphasis on social sustainability."
Embracing an entrepreneurial leadership approach is a key initiative, advocating for a mindset akin to mini-enterprise management in how Sibelco approaches and conduct its business affairs.
Over the past four years, the group has also undergone a profound digital transformation organisation-wide. Presently, Sibelco is evaluating the impact on its business to seamlessly integrate it deeper into the group's operations, fostering lean, agile, and change-oriented mindsets.
Its focus in HR is also to have systemic approach, leveraging digitalisation to drive efficiencies and fostering a robust data & analytics mindset.
"Our focus is on fostering capability development through an experiential learning paradigm, targeting technical, cognitive, and leadership competencies. Communication and change management serve as vital enablers in this endeavour", Anjali shares.
Moreover, Sibelco is prioritising cultivating behaviours aligned with ethics, values, and mental wellbeing, establishing a foundation for a human-centric workplace. Diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging are intrinsic to its values and are championed by the organisation's leadership, she affirms.
Lead image / Provided
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