HR leaders across India and larger APAC, face numerous challenges as many adapt to tech advancements and manage a multigenerational workforce. As part of discussing how HR in 2025 can strengthen its effectiveness, the SHRPA Success Navigator Interview sat with Priya Tikare, Director and Head HR Lenovo India.a
From overcoming resistance to adopting new technologies to addressing the growing need for skill-based talent management, HR departments are being called to innovate and lead in new ways. The shift toward AI, digital-first cultures, and agile workforces presents both opportunities and challenges for organizations. As businesses continue to navigate change, it is essential for HR to prioritize continuous learning, well-being, and leadership development to ensure long-term success. This article explores how HR can address these disruptions, build a future-ready workforce, and support the organization’s overall growth.
Key highlights of the conversation:
- Overcoming resistance to new technologies: Many HR teams are hesitant to adopt emerging technologies due to fears of incompatibility with legacy systems or the risk of change. Embracing a digital-first mindset and being open to experimentation will help HR leaders stay ahead of the curve while ensuring that the organization remains competitive.
- Collaboration between HR, leadership, and employees: HR must not act in isolation when implementing changes. By fostering collaboration with leadership and employees, organizations can co-create solutions that ensure alignment and buy-in, making change initiatives more effective and sustainable.
- Leveraging gamified learning platforms and developing HR's skills: Traditional training methods are becoming less effective in engaging modern employees, especially those in early careers. This is true also for those joining HR. Adopting gamified learning platforms paired with skilling initiatives that brings HR closer to better tech implementation and understanding business needs will be vital for 2025.
- Structured change management: As organizations undergo transformation, structured change management processes are vital to ensure smooth transitions. HR should invest in frameworks and tools to guide the change process, reducing disruption and ensuring that changes are implemented efficiently.
- Shifting focus to skills-based talent management: Moving from role-based to skill-based talent management allows HR teams to focus on employees' actual competencies and potential. Tools like skill-based resource management enable organizations to identify skills gaps and create targeted development plans, helping the workforce remain agile.
- Agility in HR operations: In a fast-changing world, HR must operate with agility to meet business needs. By embracing flexible operating models and leveraging technology like analytics which make taking right decision easier and quicker, HR can streamline processes, improve decision-making, and quickly respond to the evolving demands of the workforce.