Vaachna '24: Crafting The Future Of AI In HR With Insights From Thought Leaders

On November 9th, 2024, the Vinod Gupta School of Management (VGSoM), IIT Kharagpur, held its flagship event, Vaachna – the HR Conclave. This year's theme, "Talent Acquisition and Retention in the Age of Digitalization and AI," emphasized how digital transformation redefines human resources, focusing on overcoming the unique challenges of recruiting and retaining talent in an AI-driven world.

The distinguished panel for the event included:

• Ms. Aditi Mukherjee – Chief People Officer, NCDEX
• Ms. Darshika Chandra Khare – Director & Head of Asia Pacific Learning Strategy & Execution, Johnson & Johnson
• Mr. Ravi Kumar – Senior President & Chief People Officer, Page Industries
• Mr. Sandeep Joshi – Chief Technology Officer of Mobility Solutions, Jio BP
• Mr. Vivek Jothi – Head of Talent Intelligence, EMEA & APAC, Kimberly-Clar

Mr. Amit Sachdev, Chief People Officer of Tata Insights and Quants, expertly moderated the discussion by sourcing questions from industry experts and modern digital tools like ChatGPT.

The conclave opened with panelists sharing insights into the shift in talent intelligence due to AI integration. They explored how generative AI (GenAI) is transforming aspects of HR, such as CV screening, internal talent sourcing, and skills classification. Ms. Aditi Mukherjee shared macro trends influencing talent attraction, including a rising preference for companies with a zero-carbon footprint, especially among Gen Z. She further discussed the shift from traditional recruitment titles to skill-based classifications.

Building on these points, Ms. Darshika Khare recounted her experience during the pandemic, highlighting how technology has reshaped communication and collaboration, allowing companies to scale globally. Mr. Ravi Kumar emphasized the value of transparency in recruitment processes, referencing how technologies like blockchain are making hiring more open and trustworthy. He noted that adapting to market forces and geopolitical events has become crucial for HR leaders navigating the challenges of retention and talent management.

Mr. Vivek Jothi further contributed insights from Kimberly-Clark's utilization of AI in talent engagement and employee pulse surveys, noting that emerging digital tools enable companies to personalize and automate elements of recruitment and retention. The panel explored the importance of cultural fit, adaptability, and continuous learning in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Mr. Sandeep Joshi provided insights on Jio BP's integration of AI tools, emphasizing how it allows HR teams to focus on the human aspects of their roles.

In the event's closing remarks, the speakers addressed critical challenges such as data security, loss of human touch in AI-driven HR processes, and the need for an inclusive workplace. A rapid-fire round capped the session, highlighting key qualities for successful talent retention, including learning agility, cultural alignment, and accountability.

To sum up, Vaachna '24 provided students and professionals a unique window into the intersection of HR and technology, underscoring that while digitalization optimizes HR processes, emotional intelligence and inclusion remain irreplaceable in the workplace. This interactive event reinforced VGSoM's commitment to equipping future leaders with the skills and insights needed to navigate the evolving HR landscape.