GYANODAYA 3.0 – HR CONCLAVE ‘21, IIM Bodh Gaya
New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya successfully conducted its annual HR-Conclave ‘Gyanodaya 3.0’ on 27th November, 2021. The conclave provided a platform for the future leaders to interact with business experts and acquire valuable insights from their experiences and expertise and be ready for the corporate world. The event shed light on the evolution of the HR domain over the period of time. Keeping in view of the pandemic situation, the event was conducted in virtual mode.
The program was inaugurated by Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya. In her address, she reflected on the issues faced by the HR professionals amidst pandemic. She acknowledged the importance of Human Resource Support on campus as well. The event commenced with Dr. Nidhi Mishra, Assistant Professor, IIM Bodh Gaya welcoming the honorary panel for the event. The first panel included Amit Kataria, Global CHRO, Hanu Software; Indrani Ghosh, Country Head, Global Growth IOC; Dr. Prashant P Salgaonkar, CHRO, Shapoorji Pallonji – Engineering and Construction; Sanjeeb Lahiri, CHRO, GRP Ltd. The panelists discussion revolved around “Reshaping Employee Experience towards Great Customer Experience”.
The discussion started off with Ms. Ghosh commenting that in today’s time, employees are the internal customers and how providing good employee experience can reflect on the customer satisfaction as well. Talking on the same lines, Mr. Kataria referred to employees as ‘Rock Stars’ of an organization. Mr. Lahiri emphasised that the way we put the concept of a customer in the employees’ perspective plays a crucial role and that the employee experience should meet the promises delivered by the organization. Dr. Salgaonkar added that passionate efforts taken by the organization from the beginning makes employee experience satisfactory.
The discussion was carried forward, where they addressed the challenges faced while creating a framework of the right emotions and sense of belonging. Answering to this question, Ms. Ghosh pointed out the importance of recruiting employees who are the best fit to the culture of an organization. She also added that profitability is about utilising the employee resources to perform effectively rather than a mean business idea. Mr. Kataria talked about the changes imposed on the companies in the last two years due the pandemic. HR systems were innovated with the new norms to create a better employee culture. Talking further about HR innovations, Mr. Lahiri commented on how the pandemic has turned out to be a blessing in disguise and how emphasis was given on the delivery of the work rather than the working hours. Mental health of the employees is focused by the administration in his organization. Dr. Salgaonkar spoke of the construction industry and mentioned that it is essential to keep the morale of the employees high in this tough time.
With the first panel discussion coming to an end, the panelists put forth their opinion on the future scope in HR. They concluded on the note that although digitalization is emerging at every step, human touch and presence is obligatory. Organizations should concentrate on the complete wellbeing of their employees which will reflect on customer experiences and organization as a whole.
The afternoon session featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including Kalpak Huddar, Head of Human Resources, Sitel Group; Poorva Nathwani, Senior Manager-Human Resources, Emipro Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; Sachin Kodolikar, HR- Learning and Development, Wuerth India; Sajjad Ahmed, Senior Director- Human Resources, Capgemini. The panelist presented their views on the topic “Reinventing HR with AI Solutions”. Dr. Teena Bharti, Assistant Professor, IIM Bodh Gaya introduced the panelists and took responsibility as the moderator.
As the opening remark, Mr. Ahmed stated that AI would only complement an augmented and complimentary business environment and cannot replace human skills of leadership and management. Mr. Huddar, who went next, highlighted that the HR field is often considered to be restricted with tactical and transactional work but deep down it is about understanding people and their needs. Mr. Kodolikar went on to talk about the impact of AI shifting beyond the IT industry and how the manufacturing, marketing and learning industry is transforming with AI. Ms. Nathwani made her point on how AI is helping to carry out the tedious work faster with increased efficiency. When panelists were asked about Green Management, Mr. Huddar acknowledged how technology has made us efficient and that the use of paper, ink, and carbon has been replaced with technology since the introduction of AI. Adding to it, Ms. Nathwani quoted that the Green HRM can save wastage and excess use of resources. Answering to the questions raised Mr. Ahmed stated that along with HR, the CEO is also concerned about the organization and its environment. Further, Mr. Huddar mentioned that the companies have started taking care of employees by connecting any physical activity with the monetary benefits as a part of CSR. Taking AI in focus, Mr. Kodolikar emphasised that the routine queries will get automated by AI and complicated ones will come to human managers.
Students displayed great enthusiasm throughout the event. The discussion came to an end with an engaging Q&A session. Dr. Teena Bharti extended the vote of thanks on behalf of the Institute to the panelists for taking out their valuable time for the event. A virtual memento was also presented to all the speakers. After the engaging and insightful discussion, the third edition of the HR conclave of IIM Bodh Gaya, Gyanodaya 3.0 was concluded with an enriched and enlightened mind for all the attendees.