KIIT School of Management (KSOM) organized its 15th National HR Conclave on August 10, 2024. With digital transformation, the work environment across industries have changed. Employees today are looking for freedom, flexibility, self-determination, flexible working hours and workplaces. In this context, discussion the topic of the conclave – “Future Proofing HR in the New World of Work” stands very relevant.

Prof. Isa Mishra, Conclave Convener, extended a warm welcome and greetings on behalf of Dr. Achutya Samanta, Hon’ble Founder, KIIT & KISS. She introduced the esteemed corporate dignitaries and set the context of the conclave

Prof. Suva Kanta Mohanty, Director, KSOM highlighted that these are exciting times for HR professionals. With the opportunities opened up by digital transformation, corporate citizens have unprecedented flexibility and a multitude of ways to adapt their work to their lifestyles.

Prof. Saranjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, KIIT DU, in his address, stressed that employee experience is becoming the new benchmark for companies. Issues such as flexible working, reskilling, upskilling, and digital transformation are the way forward now. Attracting and retaining high performing employees must be the critical cog in HR processes.

Mr Pankaj Kumar, CEO, JSW Copper and Metals Limited delivered the Keynote address. He delved into the intricacies of creating a resilient HR strategy for the ever evolving workplace. From embracing emerging trends and fostering flexibility to leveraging data-driven insights, he enumerated how organizations can align HR practices with the future, ensuring they stay relevant and effective. He highlighted that developing future-proof HR strategies for today’s rapidly changing workplace is not easy. Employee expectations, regulatory requirements, and HR best practices are constantly evolving. An HR strategy that aligns with the current state of the workplace helps organizations attract top talent, enhance employee engagement, and optimizes overall effectiveness.

Prof. Sumita Mishra, Dean, KSOM, proposed the Vote of Thanks. She reiterated that KSOM & KIIT always prioritize industry collaborations and it is an imperative parameter for any global University.

The inaugural session was followed by 10 LSIP (Large Scale Interactive Processes) headed by top HR professionals. We were delighted to have Dr. Debabrata Dash, HeadHR (East), ArcellorMittal Nippon Steel India; Mr. Durga Prasanna Nayak, Head HR, Aster DM Healthcare, India; Mr. Joydeep Roy, Managing Director – HR & Talent Supply Chain Leader, PwC India; Ms. Kavita Kurup, Global Head for Human Resources and Corporate Communication, UST; Cdr. Pratap Pawar, VP – HR, IT & Shared Services, GSLab | Gavs Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Reena Das, CHRO, Keolis Hyderabad Mass Rapid Transit System Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Sandeep Singh Sasan, HR Operations – India & International (GM), M/s Dineshchandra R. Agarwal Infracon Pvt. Ltd.; Ms. Sonali Majumdar, CHRO, Safari Industries Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Subir Verma, Executive Director & CHRO – Power Business, RPSG Group and Mr. Yatendra Singh Kushwah, Global Head – Human Resources and Learning & Development, KGK Group.

The topics ranged from Rewriting a New Work Ethic, Futuristic HRM: Trends and Predictions; Prioritizing a Diverse Workforce in the New World of Work; Providing ‘Radical Flexibility’ and Managing Borderless Workspaces; to the Birth of the HR Cyborg and the growing Gig Economy among others.

The conclave was preceded by a National Level HR Simulation Competition. It saw participation from over 1000 teams from across top B Schools of India.

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.