APAC HR leaders prioritise talent, technology, and wellbeing

The world of work is undergoing its most significant transformation in a century, with HR leaders across Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) at the forefront of navigating these changes. According to the Forever Forward HR Leader report by Workday and McCrindle, organisations are increasingly relying on HR to align people, processes, and technology to achieve business success.

The report highlighted three critical challenges for HR professionals: talent acquisition (36%), employee upskilling (35%), and staff retention (31%). These issues are particularly pronounced in Japan and South Korea, where talent acquisition and technology integration are significant hurdles.

In response, 48% of organisations are investing in training and development to close skills gaps, while 45% are implementing skills-based strategies to foster workforce agility. As Kent Cabrera, General Manager Talent Enablement, Insights and Partnering at AIA Australia, noted, “We’re thinking about the future capabilities needed based on the organisation’s priorities and direction, then we do a gap analysis on current talent versus those capabilities.”

HR leaders are becoming strategic advisors, with 73% of surveyed organisations recognising their value. Data-driven decision-making has surged post-pandemic, with 70% of HR professionals engaging in more data management activities. Technologies like AI are pivotal, with 69% of organisations integration AI into HR functions such as analytics, workforce management, and performance evaluation.

Workday’s insights emphasised that AI not only streamline processes but also enhances decision-making, enabling HR to move beyond transactional tasks and focus on strategy.

“Technology is increasingly central to how ASEAN businesses and HR leaders inform decision-making, streamline workforce processes, and drive workplace innovation,” said Pannie Sia, General Manager, ASEAN, Workday. “By aligning technology innovations and employee development, organisations can transform employee engagement and capability, building a future-ready workforce and setting the stage for an organisation’s long-term success.”

READ MORE: Workday empowers organisations to harness AI’s full potential

The shift towards human-centred approaches is also evident, as 89% of HR leaders driving organisational change prioritise employee focus. Flexible working arrangements, career progression opportunities, and learning programmes are key to attracting emerging talent, particularly Gen Z, who now form 27% of the global workforce.

Mental health also ranks as a pressing concern, with 50% of organisations identifying it as a top challenge. Efforts to support employee wellbeing include enhancing communication, encouraging feedback, and investing in targeted programmes.