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In today’s digital-first world, Human Resources is evolving rapidly, embracing technology while staying deeply connected to people. Amidst all these transformations, an HR professional has a pivotal role in building a successful organization.
We sat down with Mr. Mansij Majumder, SVP Human Resources, UNext Learning, to explore the future of HR, the role of AI and automation, and how an MBA in HR prepares professionals for leadership.
As a function, Human Resource is evolving along with transformations in technology and people’s behavior. In the digital-first world, HR is moving beyond the traditional – often time-consuming practices to tech-driven solutions that focus on enhancing efficiency at the same time maintaining human connection. Lately, AI brings in efficiency, looking at past data and helping form inferences. HR now needs to look beyond that data, to look at the individual behind that data, and form connections there.
From talent acquisition to regulatory compliances, HR professionals navigate a complex landscape with several challenges. Many of them have multifaceted implications and HR as a function needs to implement a holistic approach. Some of the key challenges are:
As mentioned above, HR is moving beyond traditional hiring and embracing AI-driven, data-backed decision-making. Some trends I observed are:
Companies are shifting from traditional resume-based hiring to skills-based recruitment to address widening skills gaps and rapidly evolving job markets. This approach prioritizes practical skills and adaptability over formal degrees.
To support this trend, organizations are redefining job descriptions, investing in reskilling programs, and leveraging tools like skills assessments.
Traditional learning & development as we know it is getting disrupted. No one has the time or patience to wait for calendarized training events to learn something that is needed for their job.
The trend towards curated learning pathways, capsules of learning, and learning that is integrated in the flow of work is the next evolution of learning.
With nearly half of workers’ skills expected to be disrupted within the next five years, companies are focusing on upskilling and internal mobility to future-proof their workforce. Online learning platforms, certifications, and peer-to-peer learning are being widely adopted.
Leadership development programs are also gaining importance to equip managers with the tools needed to support their teams effectively.
Blockchain technology is being explored for secure record-keeping in areas like payroll processing, credential verification, and employee data management.
My engineering and MBA degrees laid the foundation for my learning journey. You can always connect the dots backwards and say that this subject or that professor laid the groundwork for my journey. However, what stood me in good stead is to be curious. I learnt somethings formally, I learnt somethings informally, I picked up some learnings from my mentors, colleagues, peers and bosses. I also learnt what I should not do from them.
My education background emphasized on continuous learning, unlearning and relearning. In today’s world, there is no other way to be ahead of the curve than to keep sharpening the sword. You must keep learning, building your arsenal of skills. Your ability to learn, unlearn and relearn will shape your growth journey.
In my experience, an MBA in HR equips professionals with critical business and people management skills, including:
An HR-focused MBA gives you some frameworks on how an organization behaves. There is no substitute for on-the-job learning. Do you need HR specialization to become a great HR leader? Maybe not. Some of the best HR brains in the world did not start out as HR folks. Your ability to keep your head, when all around you are losing theirs, is what will help you lead during crisis or transformation.
In my opinion, these are some of the emerging HR specializations:
Data-driven decision-making is transforming HR. Organizations increasingly rely on analytics to predict workforce trends, improve retention, and optimize talent strategies. Data analysis, predictive modelling, use of R, Python and proficiency in various HRIS, ATS, LMS tools and AI platforms.
Hyper-personalized employee experiences, wellness programs, and flexible work policies. Personalized benefits plans, pay equity analysis, and wellness-based incentives differentiate organizations and help attract talent.
The adoption of technologies like AI, blockchain, and cloud-based HR platforms is reshaping HR processes. Understanding HR tech ecosystems, implementing automation tools, and managing digital transformation projects become important.
Rapid technological advancements require organizations to adapt quickly. Change management specialists help navigate these transitions effectively. Leadership development, cultural transformation, and employee transition support are areas to be looked at.
Personally, I think one has to make a conscious effort to become a leader in the human resource domain. It is imperative to have a holistic organizational understanding to emerge to the HR leadership:
From my point of view, both modes of MBAs have pros and cons. If comparing both, some advantages are:
Opportunities are plentiful. Human Resources as a function deals with the most important asset that an organization has. If you are passionate about working across business, data, legal, branding and sales, are a conscientious person who can navigate through the vagaries of the organization, and possess an iron hand in a velvet glove, then this is the function for you.
HR is the function that manages an organization’s greatest asset—its people. If you’re ready to lead, innovate, and transform workplaces, an MBA in HR can be your gateway to an impactful and fulfilling career.
Information related to companies and external organizations is based on secondary research or the opinion of individual authors and must not be interpreted as the official information shared by the concerned organization.
Additionally, information like fee, eligibility, scholarships, finance options etc. on offerings and programs listed on Online Manipal may change as per the discretion of respective universities so please refer to the respective program page for latest information. Any information provided in blogs is not binding and cannot be taken as final.
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