“Enhanced focus on mental health and work-life integration,” Rohit Suri

HR has shown great agility and business acumen

I think HR as a function has been evolving over the years and in most organisations it is already a very critical business function, as it manages the most critical asset of the organisation — ‘its people’. The culture of the organisation defines its success. It is the role of HR to help build the culture of innovation — wherein the employees are continuously upskilling themselves to be ahead of the curve. A culture, which allows employees to express themselves freely, and so on. The role is to help the organisation transform continuously and adapt to the external environment.

Managing hybrid workforce is more challenging

It is true that managing a hybrid workforce is more challenging. There are technologies and processes to manage fully remote or fully office-based workforces, but COVID has forced business to come up with a hybrid approach. Organisations are exploring new technology platforms, and designing new policies and processes to manage the new reality efficiently. The year 2021 will see an evolution in the way of working and an enhanced focus on mental health and work-life integration.

The culture of the organisation defines its success. It is the role of HR to help build the culture of innovation

Upskilling leadership or diversity in leadership

The challenge of upskilling is an ongoing one due to the digital disruption, and there is a need to continue to upskill. Over the past few years, we have seen that the process of change has escalated, and therefore, it is tough to keep pace. If we do not continue this, the impact on the business can be severe. While diversity is definitely a challenge, it can be overcome with concentrated efforts. In fact, organisations are taking it up very seriously as it does help the business perform better.