Every organisation generates a range of HR data, ranging from attrition rates to hiring trends. Yet much remains untapped, often scattered across spreadsheets or buried within disconnected platforms. The real challenge is not the lack of data but the inability to structure, analyse, and act on it effectively.

With a compelling keynote address at the Tech HR Pulse Mumbai 2025, Sakaar Anand, VP, India Country Head & Head HR, BMC, addressed this challenge and explored how AI-driven people analytics can optimise HR decision-making and drive business outcomes.

The challenge: Fragmented HR systems

Sakaar emphasised that despite the new waves of digital transformation, HR systems can no longer be perceived as an afterthought. Several organisations work on a patchwork of legacy platforms - while some are custom-built, others are adopted in silos. This challenge deprives HR leaders of a unified view of their workforce, leading to slow decision-making and operating on reactive rather than proactive strategies, he noted.

Revolutionising HR with AI-driven analytics

AI is increasingly reshaping the HR function by consolidating data into AI-driven dashboards that offer real-time analytics and constantly adapt to an organisation’s evolving needs. These tools boost efficiency and productivity as they serve as proactive decision-making tools. He further highlighted the remarkable potential of these AI-driven dashboards:

• Unified data system – Aggregate data from multiple sources into a single, structured platform.
• Predictive insights – Identify trends and risks like attrition and productivity declines.
• Smart recommendations – Automate personalised suggestions to help managers prioritise key workforce issues.

AI in Learning & Development: Removing subjectivity

Ensuring employees receive the right development opportunities lies alongside some critical challenges for organisations. Sakaar remarked how traditional learning mechanisms can be inconsistent and subjective as they solely rely on manager assessments. AI-enabled learning platforms have the potential to revolutionise L&D programs as they can map employee skills to career development opportunities. They can also suggest training programs based on real-time skill gaps, added Sakaar. 

Harnessing AI for smarter HR decision-making

Sakaar’s keynote address emphasised integrating AI into workforce management so that organisations can enhance talent retention, optimise learning and development, and predict risks before they escalate. Here are the key takeaways from his insightful session:

• Unlocking workforce data – Disconnected systems limit HR’s ability to leverage data effectively.
• HR as a strategic driver – AI streamlines processes, enabling HR to focus on business growth and employee experience.
• AI-powered decision-making – Real-time insights help HR leaders make proactive, data-driven choices.
• Automated, personalised dashboards – AI customises dashboards based on managers’ priorities, ensuring they focus on key workforce issues.
• Bridging HR and business strategy – AI connects HR data with business performance metrics, demonstrating workforce impact on revenue and growth.

This engaging session highlighted the transformative role of AI in HR - shifting it from a reactive function to a strategic driver of business growth. By leveraging AI-powered analytics, organisations can unlock workforce potential, make data-driven decisions, and stay ahead in an evolving workplace. The future of HR truly lies in harnessing technology to enhance employee experience and productivity.