By Mayank Verma
In today’s dynamic business landscape, the role of people within organisations, regardless of industry or size, remains paramount. As the custodians of human capital, Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) are pivotal in driving the success of their organisations. With the integration of technologies, shifting employee expectations, and increased focus on diversity, leadership roles are no longer confined to traditional HR functional aspects
To fulfil the changing role’s demands, upgrading one’s skill sets is imperative to stay relevant and climb the ladder in today’s increasingly competitive market. This is where advanced HR programs come into the picture.
A brief introduction
Advanced HR programs are now playing a crucial role in equipping the next generation of CHROs with the necessary skills to meet these challenges. From leveraging data analytics for workforce planning to fostering inclusive workplace cultures, these programs empower HR leaders to be more agile, innovative, and forward-thinking.
As businesses increasingly recognise the value of human capital as a key competitive advantage, the future of HR leadership will hinge on the ability to harness technology, data, and advanced management strategies to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. According to the “Employers of the Future” 2024 Study, 85% of participating organisations consider the people dimension pivotal for organisational success beyond the traditional HR function. But before we delve into how these programs are shaping tomorrow’s CHROs, it’s essential to understand the changing role of CHROs.
The evolving role of CHROs
Today’s CHRO is responsible for shaping organisational culture, managing talent density strategies, and aligning the enabling resources with the company’s broader objectives. As businesses navigate rapid globalisation, shifting demographics, and technological advancements, CHROs are increasingly expected to contribute to business growth by building organisation capability & capacity that aligns with current and future goals. This transformation underscores the growing importance of the CHRO as a pivotal role in not only managing human capital but also in shaping the future of the organisation as a whole.
The impact of technology
With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and advanced HR analytics, technology has become indispensable in transforming HR practices & functions. CHROs are now tasked with workforce planning, predicting future talent needs, and improving retention basis inferences from complex data sets. AI-powered tools are also transforming how companies approach employee engagement, learning and development, and performance management. The Employers of the Future 2024 study highlights that 70% of the participating organisations have adopted technology to improve their HR processes end to end. By integrating these technological advancements, CHROs can create more agile, data-driven HR processes, ensuring the right talent is in place and future-ready.
Leadership and people-centric strategies
One of the most important shifts in the CHRO role is a heightened focus on organisational leadership and emotional intelligence (EQ). According to Leadup Universe’s study, 63% of organisations focus on diversity and inclusive culture for a competitive edge in the market. As the HR function shifts from operational to strategic, the emphasis on leadership skills among CHROs has grown considerably. Future CHROs are expected to exhibit strong emotional intelligence, which is crucial for fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment.
Today’s HR leaders must be able to navigate diverse teams, understand varying perspectives, and champion initiatives around diversity and inclusion (D&I). Emotional intelligence, coupled with a deep understanding of human behaviour, enables CHROs to build high-performance cultures where employees feel valued and supported. As leadership expectations continue to evolve, CHROs will need to integrate people-centric strategies that balance business objectives with the well-being and development of their workforce.
Advanced educational programs
Advanced executive educational programs have become crucial in preparing CHROs for their evolving role. These programs, including executive education courses, leadership training, and certifications, are designed to equip HR leaders with the skills needed to manage a global workforce, navigate complex business challenges, and leverage technology for HR transformation.
Programs focused on HR technology, strategic thinking, and global talent management are becoming increasingly prevalent. This reflects the demand for HR professionals who are adept in traditional HR practices and skilled in using data and technology to drive business outcomes. This continuous learning is critical for CHROs to remain competitive and effective in their roles.
Sustainability and social responsibility
Apart from their strategic and operational roles, CHROs are becoming central to driving sustainability and social responsibility within organisations. As businesses place greater emphasis on sustainability, the CHRO is tasked with integrating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into the company culture.
According to a 2024 study, 91% that integrated ESG strategy also had an appetite for holistic health & mental wellbeing. This involves creating policies that promote ethical business practices, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. CHROs play a key role in aligning CSR initiatives with employee values, fostering a sense of purpose, and ensuring that sustainability is a core element of the company’s long-term strategy. As social and environmental concerns continue to shape business priorities, the CHRO’s influence in this area will only grow.
Summing up
In the context of unprecedented business challenges, CHROs are becoming more prominent. Advanced executive education programs focusing on leadership, technology, and global talent management are pivotal in shaping the next generation of CHROs. Those who successfully balance business objectives with a people-first approach will be the leaders who contribute to sustainable & long-lasting growth.
(The author is Mayank Verma, CEO & Co-Founder, Leadup Universe, and the views expressed in this article are his own)