The Alliance HR Conclave 2024, hosted by the Office of Career Advancement and Networking at Alliance University, focused on the theme "AI, Data Analytics – The Progression and Future of HR." The event brought together HR leaders, academicians, and thought leaders from various industries to discuss the role of technology in transforming human resources management. The discussions aimed at understanding how AI and data analytics are shaping the future of HR and creating a collaborative workforce.

Opening Ceremony and Keynote Address

The conclave started with a ceremonial lamp lighting, symbolising the beginning of the event. Following this, the keynote speaker, Mr Anish Philip, Chief People Officer of Movate Technologies, was felicitated. Dr Ray Titus delivered a welcome address, emphasising how AI revolutionises problem-solving and offers tools that empower individuals with superhuman capabilities. He shared insights on the rapid growth of AI products and their exponential impact, likening them to the power of supercomputers in platforms like Facebook. His address set the stage for discussing how AI can transform HR practices.

Inaugural Address by Mr Abhay G Chebbi

Mr Abhay G Chebbi, Pro-Chancellor of Alliance University, delivered the inaugural address. He reflected on the technological changes shaping HR, sharing his experience from a recent visit to the NHRD Bangalore chapter. Mr Chebbi emphasised innovation as a critical resource for organisational success. He discussed the importance of humanised technology in addressing workforce challenges. He highlighted the need for upskilling and reskilling, especially with 44% of the required global skills expected to be new by 2025. His message on the necessity of continuous learning resonated strongly with the audience.

Keynote Address by Mr Anish Philip

Mr Anish Philip delivered the keynote address, focusing on AI's growing influence in HR. He discussed the creation and application of AI tools, highlighting how they assist in content generation and decision-making. His speech outlined AI's impact on various HR functions, such as recruitment, chatbots, and learning and development. Philip also pointed out the increasing demand for roles in prompt engineering, emphasising AI's role in reshaping HR functions and job markets.

Panel Discussion 1: Navigating Talent Turbulence: Leveraging AI & Redefining Workforce Management for a Resilient Future

The first-panel discussion, "Navigating Talent Turbulence: Leveraging AI & Redefining Workforce Management for a Resilient Future," was moderated by Dr Pratima Verma. Panellists included Mr Amit Sachdev, Chief People Officer at Tata iQ; Mr Amit Sharma, Group CHRO at Gokaldas Exports; and Mr Baskar Varadhan, CHRO at Natural Remedies. The panel explored how AI can help organisations redefine workforce management in uncertain times. The discussion focused on the shift from intuition to data-driven decision-making in HR. Mr Sharma discussed how AI reduces biases in recruitment, while Mr Sachdev shared how Tata iQ used an AI-driven system to prioritise skill-based hiring over traditional degree-based hiring. Mr Varadhan highlighted that adopting AI in HR requires an agile mindset.

Panel Discussion 2: Human Resource & Artificial Intelligence

The second panel, moderated by Dr Uma Sreedhar, focused on how AI reshapes learning and development. Speakers included Mr Varun Vijayakumar, Senior Director at Media.net; Mr Navin Patel, Global TA Head at Affine Analytics; Ms Urmimala Sarkar, Director at NTT DATA Services; Ms Karthika Nair, Associate Director at KPMG; and Mr Tanmay Parikh, Vice President at Dairy Day. The discussion revolved around integrating AI into training programs and how AI helps manage operational tasks. Ms Sarkar shared how NTT DATA transformed leadership training through gamification, while Mr Parikh discussed AI's role in managing seasonal labour and supply chain issues. The panel concluded with insights on balancing technological integration with human understanding.

Speaker Session: HR and Mental Well-being

Mr Chella Pandian Pitchai, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Biocon Biologics, delivered a session on HR and mental well-being. He shared alarming statistics on workplace harassment and anxiety, emphasising the need for HR policies that prioritise employee well-being and inclusivity.

Panel Discussion 3: Digital Disruption and Integration

The third-panel discussion, moderated by Mr Sumit Premi, Director of Talent Acquisition at Flipkart, delved into the impact of digital disruption on HR practices. The panel featured Mr Amit Bansal, Global HR Director at Schneider Electric; Ms Harsha Vatnani, Director of HR at LSG Sky Chefs; Ms Hema Byrappa, Director of HR at GE Appliances; and Mr Praveen Kumar Voona, Regional Senior HRBP - Digital at Airbus India. The session began with a discussion on the definition of digital disruption. Ms Vatnani described it as a fundamental process shift, citing examples like AI-powered payment gateways and automated application practices. She noted that the pandemic accelerated digital adoption, with 80% of companies transitioning to digital modes of operation. Mr Bansal emphasised the need for HR professionals to remain agile and adaptable in the face of continuous technological evolution. He highlighted Schneider Electric's initiatives to integrate AI to streamline talent acquisition and employee engagement. Ms. Byrappa and Mr. Voona echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the necessity of collaboration between academia and industry to foster innovation. They lauded Alliance University's efforts to establish a research-focused campus to bridge this gap.

Event Highlights and Conclusion

The conclave concluded with a tour of the Center of Excellence (CoE) and project showcases, offering guests an opportunity to witness the innovative initiatives undertaken by Alliance University. Ms. Surekha Shetty delivered the vote of thanks, marking the formal end of the event and expressing gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organisers.

The Alliance HR Conclave 2024 highlighted AI's and data analytics's transformative potential in human resources. The event provided valuable insights into navigating workforce challenges, integrating technology, and fostering innovation. It reinforced the importance of balancing technological advancements with human understanding, encouraging HR professionals to embrace continuous learning and collaboration. The conclave emphasised the critical role of HR in driving organisational success in an era of digital transformation.