Mysuru: “Digitisation is inevitably bringing positive changes in the field of HRM, in terms of efficiency and effectiveness of decision making,” said Amit Kumar, Vice-President and Business Unit Head of Schneider Electric India Pvt. Ltd., Mysuru.

He was speaking after inaugurating the two-day 12th International Conference on ‘Navigating the Human Capital Management in the Digital Era’ organised by SDM Institute for Management Development (SDMIMD) at its premises in city recently.

Amit emphasised that in the digital era, companies need to focus on the need for transformation in the leadership style and mindset shifts among employees. He advised the students to follow their passion to become the future leaders. He also mentioned the need for a shift in the role of HR leaders, who need to contribute as change agents in fostering diversity and inclusion in organisations.

Kalyan Varanasi, Associate Director, HR at PepsiCo Capability Centre, Hyderabad, elaborated on the necessity of digitisation in HR processes. He explained that digital tools enhance key functions such as attraction, recruitment, on-boarding, development, retention and employee exits. He also illustrated how organisations may get benefits from the faster and more data-driven HR decisions, in relation to performance and compensation management.

Kalyan also pointed out that many organisations are now considering tier-II cities for business operation expansion due to digital advancements.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. S.N. Prasad, Director of SDMIMD, highlighted how communication norms in corporations have evolved over the years, due to appropriate usage of digital tools. He emphasised on the need for change in the mindset of the management and employees to embrace the digital tools for managing HR processes.

Introducing the Conference theme, Mousumi Sengupta, Dean of International Relations at SDMIMD and Conference Chair, mentioned that though digital technologies are becoming significant tools for the HR functions, companies need to consider the potential downsides, such as, increasing job insecurity, challenges related to deterioration of mental well-being among employees and so on, and take appropriate actions to address such challenges. 

The two-day Conference featured insights from distinguished corporate leaders and academics. Key speakers included Sunam Datta, Chief Commercial Officer of Skyplan (Dubai, UAE); Dr. Raihan Taqui Syed, Faculty Member at the United Arab Emirates University (Abu Dhabi, UAE); Ravi Kumar, Head of HR at Feedback Advisory (Bangalore); Dr. Stephen Aro-Gordon, Faculty Member at Muscat College (Oman); J. Ganesh, Business Head at Employee Research & Advisory Services, Feedback Insights and Nirbhay Lumde, Senior Vice-President – ESG & Sustainability at Prestige Group (Bengaluru).

Around 125 participants from India and abroad presented their research on contemporary HR issues. The two-day Conference concluded with a valedictory function featuring Utsav Agarwal, Director of Bhoruka Fabcons Pvt. Ltd., Mysuru, as the distinguished speaker.