Jessica Poddar- Founder of Manplan consultancy (HR)
In our podcast “Job Opportunities, HR Consultancy, AI, and Workforce” our guest Jessica Poddar discussed digital skills, soft skills, and psychological insights, examining critical HR themes, including leadership, change management, AI's impact, and work-life balance. We'll delve into the evolving HR landscape, offering valuable insights for practitioners, business leaders, and individuals navigating the dynamic corporate world. Following are the points we discussed with our guest:
Managing human resources:
Effective Human Resource Management (HRM) is vital for organizational success, involving critical functions like recruitment, training, performance management, and legal compliance. Compliance with employment laws, including equal opportunity, safety, and non-discrimination, is mandatory. By managing human capital strategically, HRM helps organizations attract and retain top talent, improve performance, and thrive, underscoring that "hiring is the most important thing we do" and investing in HRM is essential for success.
Digital skills:
To enhance employee skills and safety, companies have introduced a cutting-edge "Reality Training" program. This innovative initiative provided a simulated work environment where employees could hone their skills and practice tasks before applying them in real-world scenarios. As a result, the program yielded remarkable improvements in performance and a significant reduction in accidents, underscoring the effectiveness of immersive training in ensuring workplace excellence and safety.
Importance of soft skills:
Developing soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management is crucial for success in the workplace. Effective teamwork fosters collaboration, innovation, and productivity, while time management enables individuals to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and balance responsibilities. By honing these skills, employees can enhance their performance, contribute to a positive work environment, and drive team success. For instance, a well-functioning team of designers can create a cohesive final product, while efficient time management can boost individual and team productivity. By investing in soft skills development, individuals and organizations can achieve significant improvements in overall efficiency, collaboration, and success.
Adapting to change in modern organization:
Resolving recurring software issues can significantly boost team efficiency and productivity. In the workplace, teamwork and collaboration are vital, requiring skills like active listening, clear communication, and compromise. Effective time management, prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and balancing responsibilities, also drive individual and team success. Soft skills - communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management - are essential for workplace success, impacting individual and team performance. Developing these skills enhances employee performance, fosters a positive work environment, and increases productivity, ultimately leading to successful outcomes.
Ideal workspace and employee evaluation.
Effective change management involves implementing plans in stages, monitoring progress, and making adjustments. As Charles Darwin said, "It is the one that is most adaptable to change" that survives. A small manufacturing company facing stiff competition illustrates this. To stay competitive, leadership implemented a new ERP system, overcoming employee resistance through open communication, employee participation, and training. This staged approach ensured a successful transition, enabling the company to remain competitive, and demonstrating the importance of adaptability and effective change management.
Importance of work-life balance:
Achieving work-life balance is crucial for our well-being, creativity, and productivity. To accomplish this, prioritize personal life and set boundaries, such as scheduling self-care and exercise. Utilize technology wisely and seek employer support. By doing so, individuals can maintain a healthy equilibrium between work and personal life, fostering a more fulfilling and productive existence. Effective work-life balance enables us to recharge, refocus, and excel in all aspects of life.
Meditation and mindfulness in professional life:
Meditation and mindfulness significantly enhance professional life by reducing stress, improving focus, and boosting creativity. Meditation focuses the mind, eliminating distracting thoughts, while mindfulness maintains presence and engagement. Benefits include improved focus, decision-making, creativity, and stress management. A study by the University of California, Davis, found mindfulness meditation improves focus, memory, and cognition. To start, find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on breathing for a few minutes daily. Practice mindfulness throughout the day by paying attention to breathing, taking breaks, and engaging in active listening.
Creating a respectful HR culture:
Creating a respectful HR culture involves simple yet effective steps. Define respect, such as "Treat others the way you want to be treated," and communicate it through posters, emails, and meetings. Model respectful behavior by saying "please" and "thank you," active listening, and giving full attention. Develop policies like a code of conduct prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and bullying. Provide training, like unconscious bias workshops, and encourage feedback through anonymous surveys. Hold employees accountable with counseling or discipline for disrespectful behavior. Celebrate diversity through cultural events, fostering inclusivity and connection. By following these steps and modeling respect, organizations can create a positive, inclusive work environment.
The future of HR in Indian SMEs:
The future of HR in Indian SMEs is being revolutionized by Artificial Intelligence (AI), automating repetitive tasks and enhancing employee experiences. AI-powered HR systems simplify processes, reducing manual intervention in payroll, leave management, and onboarding. Experts like Dr. V. Sridhar and Ashish Fafadia emphasize AI's potential to free up HR professionals for strategic work, predictive analysis, and improved talent management. Indian SMEs are adopting AI for enhanced employee experiences, predictive workforce management, and increased productivity, transforming HR into a more efficient and effective function.
Impact of Freelancing on HR culture:
Freelancing transforms HR culture by introducing flexibility, specialized skills, and cost savings, but also poses challenges like managing remote workers, ensuring compliance, and maintaining company culture. To adapt, HR must evolve through flexible policies, technology-driven communication, and inclusive culture, providing training and support for remote workers, and fostering trust and engagement among diverse talent, blending freelancers and traditional employees.
In conclusion, fostering a positive and productive work environment requires a multifaceted approach. Effective change management, work-life balance, meditation and mindfulness, respect and inclusivity, and adapting to the rise of freelancing are essential elements. By prioritizing these aspects, organizations can enhance employee well-being, creativity, and productivity. Embracing AI-powered HR solutions, flexible policies, and inclusive cultures enables businesses to thrive in today's dynamic landscape. Ultimately, a forward-thinking and people-centric approach empowers organizations to
navigate challenges, drive success, and create a sustainable and inspiring workplace for all.
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