Strategic human capital management (HCM) is a vital component of any successful business. It involves aligning the organization's human resources with its overall strategic goals and objectives. By effectively managing talent and focusing on human capital, companies can gain a competitive edge in the market. Strategic HCM goes beyond traditional HR practices and takes a more holistic approach to talent management, recognizing that people are the most valuable asset of any organization.

Climate change is no longer a distant future problem; it is a pressing issue affecting the environment, and therefore human lives, in significant ways. We don’t have to go very long before the next unusual weather event makes it to the news.  So, while I’d gladly forsake my neighbour’s cat, and all of his nine lives, to the weather gods for some snow in India as this year’s summer threatens to melt the earth with weeks of sweltering, unforgiving heat that’s far worse than previous years, my...

In today's fast-paced work environment, meetings have become an integral part of organizational dynamics. They serve as a platform for collaboration, decision-making, and information sharing.  However, recent research has highlighted the negative impact of excessive meetings on employee well-being and productivity. This phenomenon, known as the Meeting Load Paradox, underscores the need for organizations to strike a balance between the benefits and burdens of work meetings.  In this...

The rise of generative AI, also known as GAI, is poised to revolutionize the way we work, and the HR function is no exception. From recruiting to performance management, GAI has the potential to reshape various aspects of HR operations.  While there may be concerns about job displacement, the reality is that AI can enhance and elevate the role of HR professionals, allowing them to focus on more strategic and value-added work.

In today's competitive business landscape, HR departments play a critical role in driving organizational growth and success. To effectively navigate this dynamic environment, it is essential for HR professionals to implement strategic tools and approaches that optimize growth.  One such powerful strategy is intention-driven benchmarking. By leveraging reliable data sources, HR departments can gain valuable insights into industry best practices and set meaningful benchmarks for their own...

In the post-pandemic world, the traditional office setup is undergoing a significant transformation. Gone are the days of rigid cubicles and strict 9-to-5 schedules.  With the advent of technology and changing employee expectations, the workplace is becoming more flexible and dynamic. The desire to foster an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and productivity is what is driving this shift.  As a result, an increasing number of organisations are embracing the concept of an...

In today's rapidly changing world, sustainability has become an imperative for organisations across industries. As businesses strive to create a better future for the planet and society, HR leaders have emerged as crucial partners in driving sustainability strategies within their organizations.  The concept of "green HR" has gained prominence, focusing on HR policies and practices that contribute to the protection and preservation of natural resources. So, what is HR's role in...

Explore the critical topic of workplace mental health stigma – debunking myths, unraveling its impact, and uncovering strategies for cultivating a stigma-free workplace that enhances well-being and productivity.  Discover the path to a healthier, happier work environment in this insightful podcast.

In the realm of business, change is the only constant. The rapidly evolving market trends, technological advancements, and customer expectations demand businesses to stay on their toes. This is where the concept of organizational plasticity comes into play. This term - organizational plasticity - refers to the adaptability and flexibility of an organization in response to changes in its environment. Can an organization modify its structure and operations to meet challenges and seize the...

With the rapid evolution of the workforce landscape, organizations are leaning towards modern approaches to secure their position in a competitive market. One such approach that is rapidly gaining momentum is Talent Intelligence.  This strategy, driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), provides companies with an unprecedented understanding of their talent pool, aiding them in making informed decisions throughout the employee lifecycle.

The landscape of Human Resources is undergoing a significant transformation. Driven by the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing complexity of business operations, HR departments worldwide are turning to algorithmic solutions to streamline their processes and maximize efficiency. This revolutionary approach, known as Algorithmic HR, will redefine the way organizations manage their workforce. 

In today's rapidly evolving job market, traditional hard skills like technical ability and data analysis are no longer enough to ensure a successful career. Employers are increasingly prioritizing human skills, which are also known as soft skills, as the key to building effective teams and driving business success.  Simply put, human skills are the personal attributes and social competencies that enable individuals to effectively interact with others in a professional environment. Some...

Purpose-driven work and workplaces are becoming increasingly important in today's world, where people seek more fulfilment and meaning in their lives, including their work.  As outdated employee value propositions are cast aside, we see a new belief system taking hold: GenZ employees want to work in jobs, and workplaces, that align with their personal values, passions, and beliefs, in a way that leaves a lasting positive impact on society and the world.

Businesses are faced with a rapidly changing workforce landscape in 2023.  Trends such as diversity, longevity, and scarcity are becoming more prominent, and companies that fail to adapt risk falling behind.  However, those who embrace these trends can gain a competitive edge in the market. Diversity in the workplace has been shown to increase creativity, innovation, and productivity.  Longevity means that older workers are staying in the workforce longer, bringing valuable experience and...

As the world continues to adapt to the changes brought about by the pandemic, hybrid work has emerged as a popular model for organizations looking to balance the benefits of remote work with the advantages of in-person collaboration.  Hybrid work involves a combination of remote and in-office work, which presents unique challenges for maintaining employee visibility.  Now, for those unfamiliar with the term, it might seem like yet another confusing new phrase, but it’s really just what it...

The stress of the pandemic took a toll on employee health around the world, and that stress hit HR departments and personnel perhaps twice as hard. From coordinating large-scale digitalization and ensuring the well-being of colleagues to being the bearers of bad news for employees who were laid off, HR staff have had to manage several workplace transformations.  We’ve all used and heard the term "unprecedented" to the point of annoyance now, but it really is the truth of the last 2-3 years...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool for HR departments. It enables organizations to draw insights from large amounts of data, offering more precise and accurate analyses. It can also be used to automate tasks such as screening resumes and candidate evaluations. This can speed up the hiring process and reduce costs. Additionally, AI can be used to customize onboarding processes, develop more useful training strategies, and improve employee retention. It can also be useful in...

When we think of a workplace, what does it usually conjure up? Probably images of cubicles and long rows of desks, right? These days, especially in the wake of the pandemic, people are wary of offices and workplaces that can be impersonal and tedious. There’s an all-encompassing fatigue with selfishness and indifference that pervades most public spaces.  A workplace perceived as cold and unfeeling is now viewed unfavorably, and Gen Z, more than any other, is skeptical about jobs that require...

‍Diverse perspectives and opinions can be very valuable in a workplace. People from different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints bring different points of view that can help organizations become more inclusive. However, they also present challenges because it takes time to get used to new ways of thinking and interacting.  A culture that welcomes diverse ideas and challenges individual preconceptions is what we have in mind when we picture an inclusive workplace. It's a place where...

‍The rapid digital transformation of modern organizations means that the definition of a traditional workplace is quickly morphing into a hybrid office environment. This shift entails incorporating new technologies, team-based operating models, and collaborative workspaces with the aim of improving how employees work, collaborate, and communicate. Here are a few steps you can take to help your staff adapt smoothly to this change and succeed in a hybrid workplace.

Emotional intelligence is one of the most important skills in modern workplaces. It first went mainstream in the mid-1990s, when Daniel Goleman’s book Emotional Intelligence became a bestseller. Goleman defines emotional intelligence, also known as EI or EQ, as “a person's ability to manage his feelings so that those feelings are expressed appropriately and effectively.” It is another kind of brain power, which, rather than helping solve puzzles, helps us regulate our emotions and understand...

A Comfort Zone is one of those things we never really know we have when we’re actually in it. Most of us are too busy rushing from task to task, doing our jobs, or fixing loose ends to notice that we fall into a habit more rapidly than expected.  Before we know it, our consistent routine becomes a comfort zone, and we remain stuck in it long after the routine has outlived its utility. It’s only when some type of jolt happens, or a catastrophe strikes, that we realize we had stayed within our...

We’ve been facing some rough weather economically for a while now. The pandemic led to layoffs, or retrenchments as some parts of part of the world call it, resignations in large numbers, and companies that struggled with remote work or saw a drop in revenues downsized dramatically. It has led to a persistent doubt in everyone’s mind: is my job safe? Will I be fired? Or should I just quit and move on? Many of us have faced such a situation or seen people close to us struggle with it.  Even...

Conflict. Hearing this word in a professional context gives us pause, doesn’t it? None of us wants unpleasantness at work, and yet we have all been guilty, at one point or another, of avoiding confrontations or stressful interactions in order to steer clear of conflict. But that is precisely the reason we must address the subject. The conflict between colleagues can lead to massive loss of time & energy, lead to individual (or even team-wide) procrastination, damage work culture,...