HR Tech Fest Asia Online 2020: What is the future of HR?

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened HR’s relevance to business success by increasing pressure on the world of work, suggested Dave Ulrich, Rensis Likert Professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, and a partner at the RBL Group.

He told HRM Asia, “The world has been shaped by many external factors, then along comes COVID-19, which dramatically intensifies where, how and what work is done. In this context, HR has to continue to create sustainable value.”

Ulrich, who is also affectionately known as the “father of modern HR”, will be one of the keynote speakers at HR Tech Festival Asia Online 2020, which will be taking place from September 29 to October 1.

In his session entitled The Future of HR, he will review 5 principles (personalisation, work boundaries, paradox, uncertainty and guidance), 3 targets or outcomes (talent, leadership and organisation) and 2 HR actions (upgrade HR department and invididuals) that will help people and orgranisations deliver increased value as they emerge from COVID-19.

Joining Ulrich in the lineup featuring over 70 of the world’s leading HR thought-leaders at HR Tech Festival Asia Online 2020 is Brian Sommer, an award-winning HR technology analyst, strategy consultant and writer.

In presenting his vision of a new HR game plan, Sommer will address issues such as where and how HR can help operational parts of the firm improve their productivity in the face of new requirements such as new work spacing, occupational safety, technical and other new requirements.

Phil Fersht, a world-renowned analyst, writer and visionary, will explain his “OneOffice Framework”, which highlights employee experience as a key component of the customer experience.

In drawing on latest data from more than 1,000 major global enterprises, Fersht will discuss issues such as how to approach the duality of customers and employees in a shared digital environment, and how to motivate staff to embrace their fears of learning new work practices and skills, among others.

For Abhijit Bhaduri, founder of Abhijit Bhaduri & Associates, he will look into how COVID-19 is creating new opportunities for the creation of new business models. 

As many new technologies converge, how can organisations address the skill gaps that emerge, Bhaduri asked. Additionally, he will look into the trend of remote working, and how employees can convince employers of the value they can create in such an environment. 

Also gracing HR Tech Festival Asia Online 2020 is Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Home Affairs, who will be making the keynote address to kick off the event on September 29.

In collaboration with Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, HR Tech Festival Asia Online 2020 will examine the future of work in ASEAN, including how governments are addressing the impact of COVID-19 on the labour market, and how they are preparing to shape their workforce beyond the global pandemic.

Year 2020 is an exceptional year and to show solidarity with the HR community, the organisers, HRM Asia are offering all HR professionals complimentary access to HR Tech Festival Asia Online this year.  The road ahead in the new norm will be challenging.  So, spread the word and let’s band together at HR Tech Festival Asia Online 2020. 

As seats are limited, reserve your free access pass today, and visit the website for more information, the latest agenda, as well as updates on speakers and exhibitors.