In-depth knowledge sessions and latest HR tech trends in focus

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The first day of the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) 4^thHR Technology Conference,presented by Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), ended successfully today at Hyderabad. The conference brought together top HR industry experts, HR industry influencers, business experts & decision-makers, HR professionals and

 HR technology creators on a common platform.

Ms. Achal Khanna,CEO, SHRM India & Head – Global Business Development while formally inaugurating the conference highlighted the need for businesses and HR teams supporting them to be at the forefront of HR tech innovations. She also emphasized the role played by conferences such as this one, in providing a platform for global experts and visionaries and technology developers to connect and network for the betterment of the HR practice as a whole.

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President & CEO, SHRM in his opening address, highlighting the need for innovation in the human resource field by organizations globally, said, “Technology is changing the way we work today. Today one can work from anywhere, and at any time as per their convenience. Only those organizations who understand the value of human talent and human capital and innovate to attract the best talent will move forward, those who don’t will face a difficult future.” 

Vineet Nayar, Founder Chairman, Sampark Foundation & former CEO, HCL Technologies, in his keynote address on ‘Organizational Transformation‘ drew upon his experience of transforming HCL technologies to provide deep insights into transformation as a structured, multi-layered process. 

In a special session on ‘The future of HR platforms in India – Business perspective’, eminent panelists including Mr. Ashwani PrasharaCHRO, Hydrocarbons, Reliance Industries Ltd, Sanjay Jog CHRO, Reliance Jio and Vaibhav Goel Head- HR Platform 2.0, Reliance Industries Limited gave a sneak peek into the HR platform initiatives undertaken by Reliance Industries and how they have ensured an impact on overall metrics.

Other highlights of the day were A Special Talk on Steering the Organization through Digital Transformation delivered by Niel NickolaisenChief Technology Officer, O.C.Tanner, and a panel discussion on ‘Women in Tech: Time to lead the way!’ which was moderated by Mohinish Simhan, Partner, Deloitte India. 

A report titled ‘Health-insights 2018 - A Comprehensive Study on How Well the Indian Working Population is Doing’ was also launched. The report is an outcome of information gathered from numerous health related data points and harnessed technology such as intelligent predictive analytics and big data models to present unique insights on the health and lifestyle parameters. The report highlights the gap between perception and reality, particularly among younger people. 

The day also saw eminent experts such as Jayesh RanjanIAS Principal Secretary to Government of Telangana, Industries & Commerce (I&C) Department, & Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (ITE&C) Department;Jason AverbookCo-founder and CEO Leapgen; Andrew Mitchell CEO, Rewardian; Saurabh Govil President & CHRO, Wipro delivered special talks, engaged in panel discussions and concurrent sessions on topics ranging from ‘Surviving the skills economy’, ‘The role of Tech in enhanced employee experience’ and ‘The BAYWATCH Theory: HR in a world disrupted by Technology’ and Chatbots, VR and AR go to work!

Ms. Achal Khanna, CEO, SHRM India talking on the sidelines at the event said “The practice of HR like any other aspects of work is being redefined by technology and as the world’s largest association devoted to HR management, it is not only a prerogative but also a duty to help organisations and HR practitioners adapt to the change and be future ready. Towards this end, the SHRM HR Tech conference with a series of powerful sessions by top CEOs and global HR and technology experts, panel discussions and corroborative discussions has contributed immensely to the cause. Though only in its 4^thedition, the conference has emerged to be a forum for better understanding and stimulator for adoption of technology led changes in HR practice”.