A striking 60% of employees feel unsafe disclosing their mental health concerns in the workplace, according to a recent report by Keka, an Indian HR technology provider. The findings, presented in the report titled “The New Age of Work – Trends, Technology & Talent,” shed light on significant shortcomings in employee well-being programs across organizations. The report draws insights from a survey of 8,725 HR professionals and C-suite executives spanning multiple industries in countries including India, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the UAE.
Keka’s report underscores the importance of emotional intelligence as a fundamental aspect of effective HR practices. Approximately 29% of HR professionals identified emotional intelligence and empathy as the key skills required by 2030. This highlights the necessity for HR leaders to strike a balance between embracing technology and nurturing genuine connections with employees. Additionally, 40% of respondents stressed the critical role of leadership development that integrates AI insights with personalized mentorship to bolster retention strategies.
As retention rates are anticipated to decline, the report suggests that this may be partially due to inadequate employee well-being programs. Alarmingly, only 15% of employees reported feeling comfortable discussing their mental health at work.
The report also addresses the anticipated impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on HR functions, revealing that 41% of recruitment roles are likely to be automated by 2030. A significant 45% of respondents believe that as AI tools advance, they will enhance HR capabilities rather than replace them. With AI and technology adoption becoming increasingly central, one in three HR professionals indicated that technological advancements will influence hiring practices.
Moreover, Keka’s findings emphasize the growing importance of data-driven HR strategies, with 32% of business leaders stating that effective utilization of HR metrics is crucial for future operations. However, the report also highlights that one in five HR leaders face challenges in aligning HR metrics with business objectives.
A pivotal takeaway from the report is the rising priority of managing diverse and multigenerational workforces. 37% of respondents noted that bridging generational gaps and fostering an inclusive culture are essential for maximizing employee performance, particularly in India.
Vijay Yalamanchili, CEO of Keka, commented on the report’s implications: “The future of HR lies at the intersection of technology and human touch. While AI will automate many traditional HR tasks, our report shows that HR leaders must evolve into strategic business partners, emphasizing emotional intelligence and technological proficiency. With our 2024 report, Keka aims to empower HR leaders to become more resilient and informed about future trends. It offers insights and guidance on upskilling and responsibly embracing AI, which is vital for organizations to remain competitive.”
Keka’s “The New Age of Work” report serves as a strategic roadmap for HR leaders, providing actionable insights and recommendations on leveraging technology to enhance employee engagement, well-being, inclusivity, and overall organizational productivity.
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