While most startups and tech-driven industries are looking at Gen AI, tech and data as the focus area in 2024, the manufacturing industry is focusing on personalisation, engagement and carrying each and every individual along. As we come across trends set to govern 2024, Vishal Sharma, CEO of Godrej Industries (Chemicals), who will be a keynote speaker at People Matters TechHR Pulse Mumbai shares his ideas on boosting productivity, traits integral to lead in 2024 and the mantra he believes and lives by as we come across more uncertainties in the world of work. 

This is a rapid-fire interview with one of the leading manufacturing businesses on what 2024 has in store for its people and how leaders are envisioning to leave no man behind. Excerpts from the interview: 

A trend set to dominate 2024? 

I think it will be personalisation! It’s been happening in the HR sphere since the pandemic but going forward, people are expecting to see the policies and the way HR plans processes towards development and learning to be customised and specific to individuals. 

What are the areas companies are looking to invest in 2024? 

I think the focus will be on engagement. It isn’t easy to keep people engaged today as opposed to a decade back. So, organisation will invest to drive engagement. 

What’s an essential principle to follow in the tech-driven world?

Leaders will need to ensure that no one is left behind. As technology advances and people start using AI, we have to make sure that we carry everyone with us especially the older generations. It isn’t as easy for employees in the age range of 50+, 45+ or even 40+ years to adapt nimbly to technology as compared to employees in the age group of 20s and 30s. Otherwise, organisations will have a divided workforce with some acing the tech game and others who aren’t. 

A trait you think is integral to lead in 2024?

Agility all the way! We talk about change but the pace of it has been increasing year after year and now, it is at breakneck speed. And it isn’t restricted to practices or generational or environment or just financial, it’s everything. And leaders will need to adapt and ensure they are able to carry people along with them, keep them motivated, focused and passionate to deliver for the organisation. 

What’s the mantra that keeps you going in times of uncertainty?

I believe in the resilience of the human race. I look at human ingenuity and potential as limitless. In the last 10,000 years, we have evolved from cavemen and hunters, worshipping the moon to landing on the moon. And we will solve and untangle every problem that we come across. And hence, there is no question of giving up. 

A piece of advise for the new generation entering the workforce?

I would encourage them to be patient and resilient. I do think the younger generation is pretty impatient, who may not be willing to spend the required time and energy in learning and moving forward in the right way. They are in a hurry and there is nothing wrong with it as long as they pace themselves. If you do get knocked down, take it, figure out how to bounce back and keep moving. With them too willing to change courses when things don’t work, I feel they might hinder their journey in going far. 

With the debate around productivity, what would you change to boost it within your workforce?

I would attribute a huge loss of productivity today to multi-tasking. And I don’t mean to say just do a single thing. People can carry out a couple of them simultaneously but not 10 things at the same time. Somewhere the world of devices today has become a huge distraction. It is so cumbersome to have a focused meeting with an individual, who has their phone buzzing with messages, chat messages on the laptop and even emails. It’s these constant distractions that take away the focus from tasks. 

What should leaders keep in mind as they prepare to lead in the VUCA world?

Build comfort with discomfort! One should get used to being uncomfortable and shouldn’t be worried in situations where they aren’t comfortable. With the current state of economics and geopolitics, you need to get used to new things coming up that you don’t know or have never experienced. You need to learn fast, act and take risks. 

Can you summarise your vision for 2024 and beyond for the future of work?

The future of work will revolve around automation, personalisation and specialisation. People will want to do what they are good at and what they specialise in while organisations will learn to leverage automation. For leaders, the challenge lies in finding and allocating the right kind of work to individuals. The next decade won’t call for an army of people that would be trained to do jobs but more on how leaders can harness the potential and productivity of each individual working for them. 

If you are curious to know more about the manufacturing industry or the next initatives of Godrej Industries (Chemicals), join us at People Matters TechHR Pulse Mumbai on March 14 at Grand Hyatt. Register now!