Expert perspectives on evolving trends in human resource management

HR Summit 2025 focused on themes shaping the future of human resource management, including AI in HR, ethical leadership, culture and sustainability, employee well-being, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a purpose-driven workforce. It emphasized on purpose-driven engagement, trust-based leadership, and understanding generational work ethics, while underscoring the importance of adaptability, empathy, and proactive communication for shaping the future workforce. The speakers touched upon the issues at the intersection of law, cost efficiency, and business performance, highlighting the strategic role of HRM. Ms Tina Vinod in her keynote on ethical leadership in a time of transformation highlighted the urgent need for ethical, inclusive leadership in today’s rapidly evolving workplaces. The guest speakers discussed AI’s impact on the workplace, stressing the importance of upskilling alongside tech growth with a call to balance AI with human potential for a future-ready, emotionally intelligent workforce. Dr. Nitin Barekere spoke on AI-HR integration, while Sreenivasa Kanduri framed AI as an enabler. Dimple Das highlighted changing job roles and mindset shifts, and Ms. Lakshmi Raju emphasized ongoing learning. Ramesh Rajan advocated for job preservation and shared responsibility.  Shivakumar Venkateswaran moderated a discussion with Asha Subramanian, Mr. Nanda Rackanchath, and Mr. Mohanraj S on how employee well-being drives productivity and called for proactive, value-led support systems. Ms Asha linked burnout to overwork and low resilience, urging better work-life alignment. Mr Nanda highlighted burnout's inevitability and the need for empathetic leadership. Mr Mohanraj stressed prioritizing health through tools like Amber and welfare officers for managing stress effectively.

The fireside chat with Kasturi Cotha brought forth HR’s pivotal role in advancing sustainability, ethical governance, and employee well-being in line with ESG goals. She highlighted the importance of DEI, wellness, and ethical leadership in building trust. Durga Nayak highlighted the importance of mental health collaboration, flexible work models, and shared Aster Volunteers’ Kerala flood response as a real-world impact example. Meena Kumari a Remote Work & Digital Transformation Evangelist in her keynote address focused on the evolving role of AI and gig work in HR. The panel discussion, led by Dr. S. Naga Siddharth, featured leaders from diverse industries, including Dr. Aman Jain, Sanoj Kumar, Rohith Kumar, Shobha Singh, Shubhayu Sengupta, and Thapaswini Srinivas who discussed what drives engagement today.

The discussion focused on care, individualization, and service engagement in the modern workplace, emphasizing adapting to Gen Z, fostering authenticity, promoting inclusion, and driving purpose through social impact. The session concluded that true employee engagement stems from purpose, inclusion, and human connection. Smriti Metikurke, Vice President - HR, Talent Strategy at Accenture, spoke on the importance of mental health in the workplace. She highlighted the 3A's of a supportive culture Acknowledge, Ask, and Act. She emphasized on managing stress, maintaining a solution-oriented mindset, and staying calm to achieve goals. The discussion on workplace ethics in the age of cancel-culture featured Avinash Kumar, LinkedIn Top Voice-Human Resources, and Sheena Vengiyil, Learning and Organizational Development expert and HR 40 under 40: 2024 Winner. Avinash Kumar stressed that talent acquisition goes beyond academics, focusing on skills, attitude, and personal branding, especially via LinkedIn. Sheena Vengiyil highlighted the importance of accountability, empathy, and mental health in navigating cancel-culture, emphasizing clarity, self-awareness, and mindful content sharing for personal and professional growth.

The panel, featuring HR leaders: Raghunandan Parvatikar, Aanchal Arora, Sutanu Chowdhary, Suba Lakshminarasimhan, Anitha Manikantan, and Renuka BL, discussed Gen Z's fresh workplace perspective. They emphasized patience, proactive communication, continuous learning, and focusing on personal growth over comparison. The panel highlighted the role of managers in guiding young professionals and encouraged volunteering and networking and highlighted that  leadership begins with trust, fostering collaboration and growth. The HR Summit 2025 that provided key insights into the future of HR, highlighting AI, gig work, mental health, and workplace culture was organised by the Faculty of Management and Commerce on April 8-9, 2025 at RR campus.

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