Navigating the talent management conundrum: Mastering the art of employee engagement

 

The definition of a job has shifted, focusing solely on "work" and "skill." Organizations are now hiring gig resources and contractual workers for project-based or task-oriented engagements, prioritizing efficient delivery of specific outcomes. These individuals are typically sought after for their specialized skills and ability to meet deadlines. As work evolves and gig resources become more prevalent, traditional annual performance systems are being questioned. The fast-paced workplace is not conducive to these systems, which rely on yearly goal setting and sporadic assessments, leaving employees feeling disconnected from their managers, companies, and objectives alike. Consequently, organizations are reevaluating and favoring a more comprehensive approach known as talent management.

Talent management has today taken on a broader perspective, encompassing elements like employee development, succession planning, and fostering a supportive and engaging work environment. The practice actively acknowledges that employees are valuable assets and that their growth and potential significantly contribute to organizational success.

To address all elements of talent management, many organizations are shifting away from traditional performance management systems and embracing FAST objectives instead of SMART goals. In the fast-paced modern business environment, objectives must adhere to the principles of being Frequently discussed, Ambitious, Specific, and Transparent. Agile systems like Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) are gaining popularity as they connect individual goals to organizational objectives, providing alignment and focus. OKRs involve quarterly goal setting, enabling more frequent check-ins and adjustments to ensure employees stay on track and avoid last-minute surprises or misalignments.

In addition to agile goal-setting practices, organizations are adopting a holistic talent management approach. This involves integrating performance management with other aspects of employee development, such as learning systems and reward platforms. It recognizes the need for flexibility, continuous feedback, and ongoing development. These approaches help organizations and employees adapt to change, align with strategic goals, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Progressive organizations like Flydubai, Oman Airways, Biocon, ABFRL, Chola, V Mart, Tata AIA and many more have already implemented new talent management strategies and witnessed motivated and engaged employees.

The shift towards talent management acknowledges that performance evaluation is not solely about past achievements but also about developing future potential. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing and managing talent within the organization to drive long-term success. By integrating people management with the learning system, organizations establish a continuous feedback loop where employees receive ongoing assistance, coaching, and development to enhance their skills and capabilities.

Every organization is unique, and its approach to talent management should align with its culture, goals, and values. Some organizations are adopting a "Bolt on" strategy, integrating Talent Intelligence systems with their HRMS to ensure that their talent currency doesn’t get compromised while foster a culture of flexibility, agility, and high performance. Alongside essential factors, talent management systems should address three key aspects that matter greatly to today's workforce:

•   Strengths-Based Approaches: Identify and leverage employees' strengths, providing opportunities for them to excel in areas they are passionate about. This boosts motivation and engagement.
• Employee Voice and Inclusion: Establish avenues for employees to share perspectives, ideas, and concerns through regular surveys, feedback sessions, and open communication channels. This allows them to have a say in shaping their work experience.
• Access to Performance Analytics: Leverage data and analytics to track performance trends, identify patterns, and share insights with employees. This improves alignment between employees, learning and development strategies, and organizational goals.

More organizations are recognizing the need for a dynamic and employee-centric approach to talent management. It helps employees connect with the organization's mission and vision, making them more meaningful and relevant. Talent management is a significant HR transformation that ensures organizations stay ahead of the competition by placing the right people in the right positions.

 

 

 

 

 

Originally written for ETHR World: https://hrme.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/talent-management/navigating-the-talent-management-conundrum-mastering-the-art-of-employee-engagement/102192098

HR digitization in organizations – transform like our superheroes

 

Were you an avid comic-book reader in your childhood days? Were you captivated by superheroes, their powers, and their charisma, and wanted to become like them? Well, I certainly was, and I am still awestruck by the magnetism of the Avenger superheroes such as Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and Hulk. What fascinates me more is that these superheroes have digitally transformed themselves over the years. They have radically changed the portrayal of fighters or avengers in today's digitized world.

Digital Transformation of Superheroes

Our superheroes have transformed themselves from comic book characters to digital sci-fi role models. They have realized that technology is changing in a blink of an eye, and so is the viewer’s interests. Therefore, they altered themselves to focus more on the user experience and innovation. The Iron Man transformed himself from a typical metal suit to a high-end suit from Mark 1 to Mark 85 with Artificial Intelligence and Nanotechnology. Thor, the Asgardian God who started with a hammer, now possesses a storm breaker and hammer both. Captain America, the super-soldier of World War II, replaced his round shield with an upgraded Vibranium shield. Lastly, Hulk, the soft-spoken scientist, got exposed to gamma rays and turned into a  green monster. These transformations resulted in the digital integration of these dominant Avenger superheroes and enhanced their acceptance.

HR Digitization – Time to Be an Avenger Superhero!

The present HR models of organizations are functioning on archaic principles. There lies an immense scope of leveraging digital technology to make fundamental changes in the HR systems and make them data-driven and automated. It is high time that we become the Avengers of our organization. We must focus on scaling the HR systems by deploying digital analytic techniques in payroll, recruitment, performance management, and rewards and recognition.

Top six digital HR solutions -

• Integrated HR Cloud storage 
• Chatbots and AI-powered Recruitment tools
• Software to track job applications (ATS) and to manage employee payroll, leaves, training, and performance 
• Collaborative Suites
• Real-time Virtual Reality model and interactive HR dashboards 

The above HR digitization solutions reap the following benefits to the organizations -

Enhanced Workforce Productivity

Workforce Productivity is the biggest challenge in the prevailing pandemic situation. Costs are at an all-time high, people are operating from their homes, and the limited communication between managers and their team members is causing employee disengagement. Hence, it is important to set right and agile goals. Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) is a digital goal-setting technique to set aspiring goals with quantifiable results. It aids in tracking employee performance, enhancing engagement, and maximizing their work productivity.

Hiring The Right People for The Right Job         

Digital technology acts as a ‘talent scientist’ and plays a significant role in addressing the talent war. It eliminates the odds of bad hires and non-value-added activities of HR personnel. Artificial Intelligence and blockchain-based digital HR solutions authenticate the candidate's profile and perform background checks. It also validates their job fitment based upon the relevant experience, competencies, and interests. Digitization thus enables faster sourcing, onboarding, and better hiring conversion.

Real-Time Communication for Enhanced Employee Experience       

Providing a fully immersive employee experience through virtual reality is the future of HR. The computer-generated interactions (such as video conferencing) facilitates real-time connection with the employees and the leadership. Virtual reality training programs provide an enriching learning experience to the employees. Digital devices create an open and automated work culture that provides an enhanced employee experience.

In line with the plot of ‘The Avengers - Endgame’ movie where all the superpowers gathered to win from the super-powerful Thanos,  it's time for us to be ready for the future. We need to digitize our HR models to give a better employee experience and reap higher work productivity.

Conclusion

Business owners now recognize that digitization is the key to success in the journey ahead. Just as our superheroes digitally transformed themselves, we must also lead our organizations to the path of digitization. Deploying digital solutions to HR systems and processes will pave the way to fitting recruitment, enhanced employee productivity, and effective communication. Hence, it's the right time to be the superhero of our organization.  

 

Article Source: https://www.peoplematters.in/article/employee-relations/hr-digitization-in-organizations-transform-like-our-superheroes-31294

Originally written for PeopleMatters.

YouIn You Foundation: To create an equitable world through education

 India's remarkable journey from the 10th to the 5th largest economy is a result of millions tireless efforts on skill development. Our diverse and talented workforce has attracted numerous Global Innovation and Development Centers to set up their bases in #India.

Imagine the awe-inspiring sight of millions of people uniting for a common cause, spanning the vast expanse from Jammu to Kanyakumari. The same threads that pulled our freedom fighters together—a shared desire to secure our country's cherished freedom and independence—are the threads that weave this strong tapestry of unity and #purpose.

Purpose - a mere five-letter word, yet it carries an essence so profound that it has the capability to transform lives in an instant. The moment you uncover your purpose of life, your individual journey takes on a new, energising trajectory. It has the remarkable ability to bridge gaps, drawing like-minded souls together under the banner of a shared mission. And not just like-minded souls, but a #diverse multitude, where differences of gender, color, and caste fade into insignificance.

Think of the tireless social reformers and activists who dedicate their lives to "a cause" across various sectors. Their driving force? Purpose. The purpose of uplifting society, of fostering a better tomorrow. For me, education is a realm particularly close to my heart. The right to quality education holds the transformative potential to reshape not only individual destinies but to ripple through families, communities, & the very fabric of society itself.

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the 3rd Annual meet of the YouInYou Foundation on 15th August. This incredible organization has dedicated itself to the realm of education for the past three years. Their mission is noble: to create an equitable world through education. #YouinYou collaborates with schools like:
• Shidiswa Samvarddhan Gurukul (SSG Ballia, Uttar Pradesh)
• Swami Sivananda Memorial Institute (SSMI, New Delhi)
• Lotus Petal Foundation (Gurugram, Haryana)

As you embark on your personal journey, remember that purpose extends beyond material aspirations. It's about aligning with something that resonates with your very core. If you're unsure about the avenues available, consider exploring the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These goals encapsulate the aspirations for a better world and offer numerous pathways for meaningful contribution.

If you believe that #education is the foundation of progress, consider making a difference. The annual cost of supporting a child's education (INR 18,999) or the monthly cost (INR 1,599) is less than a modest gathering expense. Your contribution could be the spark that ignites a brighter future. For more information, visit https://youinyou.org/

Let us join hands to build an equitable world for our children, granting them the freedom to dream and the means to realize those dreams. #VandeMataram.

AJfeeds: Quote of the day #53

Make a better life for others while you are still alive, since no one has ever experienced paradise after death.

AJfeeds: Quote of the day #52

 Every morning, you have a 100% probability of success if you believe in yourself.

AJfeeds: Quote of the day #51

  English is merely a language; it cannot be used to gauge someone's competence or knowledge.

AJfeeds: Quote of the day #50

Self-realization is more important and hastens your transformation.