CEOs reveal top talent priorities for 2024
The year 2024 presents new set of challenges for business leaders across industries. A confluence of factors — including digital disruption, the rise of AI and automation, the adoption of structured hybrid work models, and shifting employer-employee dynamics — are reshaping how we work.
It's evident that jobs entailing automation, encompassing tasks like data collection and repetitive functions, will seamlessly transition to AI, fostering efficiency in the workplace. Consequently, the skills needed to thrive in this transformed landscape are morphing unprecedentedly. Organisations are "future-proofing" their workforces with adaptability and expertise in areas like cloud computing and AI literacy, through reskilling and upskilling initiatives.
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In the wake of all this transformation, the question for leaders transcends the traditional "How do we find talent?" and evolves into a more urgent one: "How do we equip, engage, and retain top performers in the face of constant change?
Our conversations with four CEOs reveal this priority: future-proofing their workforces through reskilling initiatives. Synechron, for example, takes a proactive approach. Their 2024 strategy focuses on preemptive reskilling, anticipating the impact of AI and empowering their over 10,000-strong Indian workforce to adapt. "We equip teams with AI expertise before disruption hits," says CEO Faisal Husain, emphasising his belief in creating not just employees, but agile problem-solvers and innovators.
Fujitsu India echoes this commitment to digital dexterity. Manoj Nair, Head of India GDC at Fujitsu acknowledges the rising demand for specialised skills in emerging technologies and invests heavily in training programs and partnerships to accelerate reskilling. Recognising the crucial role of continuous learning in a tech-driven future, Fujitsu fosters a culture of lifelong learning, ensuring their workforce remains competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Culture, collaboration, and beyond
In the age of remote and hybrid work, CEOs understand that reshaping workplace culture and fostering collaboration are equally crucial. Som Satsangi, Senior Vice President and MD at HPE emphasises the importance of investing in collaboration tools, creating meaningful in-office experiences, and leveraging "culture catalyst groups" to reinforce the company's values, diversity, and inclusion – all essential elements for driving innovation and success within hybrid teams.
But skills and culture are just two pieces of the puzzle. As Manoj highlights, holistic well-being is emerging as another key priority. Their integrated employee experiences go beyond the traditional, encompassing mentorship, upskilling, work-life balance programmes, and community outreach. By fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, they aim to boost employee positivity and retention.
Som echoes this sentiment. They believe that advancing their people involves providing ample opportunities to grow and learn, emphasising platforms for career enhancement and skill development as vital for employee fulfillment.
A human-centric future of work awaits
Five key aspects define how tech giants are future-proofing their talent, as per our conversations with tech CEOs.
Digital Dexterity: Upskilling employees in areas like AI, automation, cybersecurity, and data science to meet the demands of the evolving landscape.
Culture and Collaboration: Building strong and collaborative work environments that thrive in hybrid models and foster connections.
Diversity and Inclusion: Integrating diverse talent into both the workforce and business strategy and fostering an inclusive space where everyone can contribute and succeed.
Holistic Well-being: Prioritising employee health and well-being through work-life balance programmes, mentorship opportunities, and support systems.
Continuous Learning: Emphasising the importance of continuous learning and reskilling initiatives, ensuring the workforce possesses the necessary skills to adapt and stay ahead of technological disruptions.
This future of work is demonstrably human-centric. By prioritising not just skills but also culture, diversity, well-being, and growth, companies demonstrate a commitment to building a future where technology complements and empowers individuals, placing human potential at the heart of sustained success.
