Who is the new CHRO, and what did we mean by calling them the ‘transformation Gurus’ of today?

Thanks to the pandemic, the ‘frontline’ workers for organizations across industries are a mix of new, much-needed skillsets that focus on empathetic and technologically agile leadership. Below is a list of definitions for the new HR leader.

Artificial intelligence is the new reality of HR—it is no longer a futuristic goal. With AI enhancing the employee experience through increased velocity and transparency across the various facets of HR like payroll and recruitment, the CHRO today needs to adopt and invest in technology to stay ahead of the game. Ensuring regular leadership development and learning, upskilling and cross-skilling programs are vital ways to guarantee a seamless employee experience.  

The CHRO must mentor their workforce in sharing goals, purpose, and common understanding to create virtual bridges between teams using social networks. This further helps build social capital and leverage the technology at your disposal! At the same time, the CHRO must also be open to constructive feedback and suggestions to ensure a consistent two-way learning process between them and their workforce.

Empathy and the ability to resolve conflict and manage uncertainties associated with the post-pandemic world are qualities that define the CHRO today. Maintaining a work-life balance and an emotional and mental well-being is gathering greater importance. Employees today are dealing with depression, anxiety, and uncertainty, to name a few. Organising programmes for mindfulness, physical exercise and relaxation can go a long way in alleviating any such issues. For example, financial counselling because of the unusual circumstances would allow employees to contribute fully to work rather than carry the diverse troubles related to their financial uncertainty on their shoulders.

The CHRO is also expected to allay any fears or doubts concerning the future of the employees, their job security, financial options etc. Communication, therefore, is of utmost importance. Showing up as a strong communicator equally adept as a speaker as well as a listener. Being trustworthy, humble, and empathetic would be the hallmark of an effective CHRO. 

All this change, however, comes with a warning as Saswati Sinha, Head Human Resources for Cheil India tells us. “As we all know the pandemic has accelerated the need for agility and rapid transformation in all spheres of talent interventions leading to adoption of technology and data in HR solutions. Having said that, experience shows that in this race to adopt new things, we should not end up copying and realize later that the results are not what we expected for our business. It is critical that we customize solutions to our business needs and not just because it is the fashionable thing to do. One size doesn’t fit all and that should be the starting thought!”