KIIT School of Management (KSOM) organized its 13th National HR Conclave on 24th Sept’ 2022. The essence of the theme was discussion on the necessary reskilling ecosystem required in a dynamic workplace scenario that the VUCA world demands.

Dr. Saroj Mahapatra, Director, KSOM & Konclave Chair gave the Welcome Address. He extended his welcome and greetings on behalf of Dr. Achutya Samanta, Hon’ble Founder,  KIIT & KISS, to everyone present in the event. He introduced the corporate dignitaries and set the context for the day. Dr. Mahapatra threw light on the gap between the skills existing, and those needed in the professional world, and the importance of up-skilling in a constantly changing workplace

Dr. Saranjit Singh, Pro Vice Chancellor, KIIT DU, addressed the gathering and gave an insightful speech on the theme. He said every change and challenge could be changed into an opportunity, only if one knows how to reskill appropriately.

The keynote address was given by Mr. Rakesh Barik, Managing Director and Leader, Consulting Services, Deloitte India. His speech and demeanour exuded a lot of vibrancy and energy. He emphasized why change is important and how we have to adapt by being agile and taking on future challenges. He spoke about the digital generation and thus how companies need their human capital to be well equipped to tackle the revolution.

 The inaugural session was followed by two panel discussions. The first panel discussion was on the topic – Reinventing HR Processes for Accelerating Change in the Post-covid Era, The panel discussed the psychological factors, specifically empathy and compassion, to be understood to create an effective team so as to combat these challenges. The organization should learn to trust and empathize with its employees. The panel concurred that it is imperative that the organization focus on the 3 Ps: Purpose, People, and Performance. It also stressed the importance of providing for employee necessities in times of uncertainty which ultimately benefits the organization in the long run.

The second panel discussion was on the topic – The Rise of Augmented Intelligence and Hybrid Workplace. The panel discussed about the truth of human dependence on robots and AI-augmented machines after the outbreak of the pandemic, and how man and machine are working hand in hand, to meet customer demands for faster delivery of services. The panelists talked about how talent is managed, acquired, engaged, connected and retained in a hybrid workplace. The discussion also talked about the cons of such practices. Though such concepts give employees a choice of place of work, it is quite challenging for women and recent joiners to acquire skills. On-the-job learning is difficult and working in a team effectively, gets hampered. The panel concurred that AI & HR is being used in various computerized systems which are used for talent acquisition and talent development.

The second half of the conclave consisted of ten interactive workshops on topics related to Future of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Harnessing Emotions in the Post Pandemic Workplace, Designing the Hybrid Workplace – Challenges in Time & Space Management and Hiring in the post pandemic era – opportunities and challenges among other relevant topics.

Prof. Isa Mishra was the conclave convenor.

The HR conclave provided students with an opportunity to interact with business leaders from the industry. The conclave created a platform to connect industry professionals, academia and students.