How to manage talent in a world of digital transformation

For many organisations, the last two years have seen a rapid acceleration in their digital transformation journeys as they first managed the transition to remote work and latterly, to a hybrid work model.

As many have since gone on to find out, finding, developing, and retaining the right talent is crucial for digital transformation to be successful. With the pandemic having encouraged more streamlined operations and cost efficiencies, organisations are increasingly looking for answers internally.

Companies need to play an increasingly proactive role in upskilling their employees so they can adapt to new changes in technology instead of relying too much on external hires, suggested McKinsey.

Employers should adopt a more agile approach and define the specific skill types required, before leveraging digital technology to offer workers specific programmes to equip them with the necessary skill sets, McKinsey added.

While upskilling and reskilling will be a top priority in a world of digital transformation, organisations should also ensure that digital talent are hired and rewarded for their intellectual curiosity and be allowed to thrive in an environment that can nurture critical thinking, said Mervyn Dinnen, HR & Talent Trends Analyst.

He told HRM Asia, “Digital talent favour constructive and meaningful feedback, and are unlikely to respond to managers who duck out of having difficult conversations. They also respond to leaders who are constantly learning and developing themselves too.”

Dinnen, who co-authored the new book Digital Talent with Matt Alder, Producer and Host of The Recruiting Future Podcast, will be presenting a keynote session at the HR Leaders APAC Summit, which is taking place on Wednesday, May 11, as part of HR Tech Festival Asia 2022.

The keynote session, titled Creating a Game-Changing Digital Talent Journey to Attract, Develop, and Retain the Digital Skills Your Business Needs, will see Dinnen and Alder discuss the essential steps that organisations can take to attract and retain the people they need to successfully implement their digital transformation strategies.

While more employees are seeking flexibility in where and when work gets done, having the opportunity to learn and develop new skills and capabilities is now the number one reason why most people join an organisation, and the reason they will stay, said Dinnen.

He added, “L&D should be increasingly part of the hiring process, ensuring all candidates are aware of their opportunities for growth and development should they join, and being open about the approach to internal mobility.”

This rings particularly true at a time when organisations are looking to create new processes that are fit for purpose in the age of digital transformation, and to use digital abilities effectively to maximise productivity while maintaining wellbeing, Dinnen and Alder highlighted.

Be sure to join Dinnen and Alder at the HR Leaders’ APAC Summit, which will bring together high-level HR leaders across Asia to discuss the business challenges and critical priorities they face today.

READ: Bringing in-person connection back to Asia’s HR community

Hear from global influencers and HR experts such as Dinner, Alder, Josh Bersin, Global Industry Analyst and CEO of the Josh Bersin Company; Margaret Heffernan, Author and Professor of Practice at the University of Bath; and many more, as they take a deep dive into topics such as talent management, HR tech, hybrid work, and HR leadership.

Taking place from 10-13 May 2022, HR Tech Festival Asia 2022 will celebrate a week-long festival of HR, featuring a line-up of exciting events, some of the most recognised global and regional thought leaders, and the most innovative HR tech brands in the market today.

With the theme of Return. Refresh. Reimagine, the 21st edition of HR Tech Festival Asia will be presented in a hybrid format that is designed to provide an immersive and customisable event experience for your needs and preferences.

2022 will be a complex year for APAC’s HR leaders as organisations return to the workplace, refresh talent strategies, and reimagine the future workforce to optimise business impact.

Be sure to be part of HR Tech Festival Asia 2022 and learn how you can power up your HR teams for a successful year ahead!