Embracing the Future of Work
Insights from Pranali Save, CHRO
With Women’s Day right around the corner, it’s time for a flashback to one of the SmartCasts we had recorded with Pranali Save, who is the CHRO of Icertis. Today’s newsletter distills key takeaways from her extensive conversation, offering guidance for individuals who aspire to up-level themselves in today’s dynamic professional landscape. (You can catch the whole 60-minute conversation on YouTube also)
In the rapidly evolving landscape of work, staying future relevant requires more than just adapting to change—it demands actively shaping it. In one of our favourite interviews, Pranali shares her insights on the future of work, the evolving role of HR, and how organizations can thrive in a distributed environment.
The Future of Work: An Evolving Landscape
The future of work has been in flux for years, but the pace of change has accelerated dramatically. Pranali highlights that work today involves greater collaboration with technology and multi-generational workforces. Traditional boundaries of work-life balance are being replaced by the concept of work-life integration. The challenge for individuals and businesses is to navigate this change while maintaining effectiveness.
Takeaways:
Embrace technology and its role in reshaping work structures.
Recognize the shift toward work-life integration.
Prepare for continuous evolution in work practices and demands.
Role of Business Leaders in the Future of Work
Pranali emphasizes the importance for business leaders to stay ahead of the curve. Listening to employees, recognizing external signals, and adapting to change are critical. HR professionals can provide invaluable guidance in this transition. Takeaways:
Develop keen listening skills to understand internal and external signals.
Foster adaptability through HR guidance and strategic planning.
Recognize the certainty of change and prepare accordingly.
The Critical Role of HR in Enabling Future Work
HR functions are becoming increasingly central to business operations, evolving from peripheral to integral elements. HR professionals must coach leaders, build organizational resilience, and promote continuous learning and upskilling.
Takeaways:
HR should focus on coaching leaders to handle change effectively.
Encourage continuous learning and upskilling among employees.
Elevate HR's role within the business structure to drive organizational success.
Upskilling Employees: Creating a Future-Ready Workforce
Pranali explains that organizations must shift from solely providing upskilling opportunities to raising awareness and creating environments that enable self-directed learning. This shift empowers employees to stay relevant in evolving market conditions.
Takeaways:
Cultivate awareness around the importance of upskilling.
Provide flexible learning environments that empower employees.
Promote a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.
The Four Rings of Responsibility: Prioritizing Well-Being
Pranali discusses ICERTIS's framework for prioritizing employee well-being through the "Four Rings of Responsibility" that help maintain a secure and engaged workforce:
Self-care
Family
Community, and
Business.
Takeaways:
Encourage self-care as a foundational priority for employees.
Foster support for family responsibilities within the organization.
Emphasize community engagement as part of corporate culture.
Ensure business priorities align with individual well-being needs.
Talent Acquisition in a Competitive Landscape
The "war for talent" is now global and more competitive than ever. Organizations must brand themselves effectively to attract top talent. Pranali highlights the need for authenticity and purpose in talent acquisition strategies.
Takeaways:
Define and communicate a clear organizational purpose.
Utilize authentic experiences to attract prospective employees.
Leverage flexible work options to widen the talent pool.
Organizational Culture and Values
ICERTIS exemplifies embedding values into corporate culture through their "FORTE" values: Fairness, Openness, Respect, Teamwork, and Execution. These values guide decision-making across all levels of the organization.
Takeaways:
Ensure company values are deeply embedded in daily operations.
Values should guide decision-making in hiring, promotions, and rewards.
Regular communication and reinforcement of values ensure alignment.
Maintaining Culture in a Distributed Work Environment
In a time marked by remote work and physical disconnection, maintaining organizational culture is imperative. ICERTIS uses storytelling and structured frameworks like "iConnect" to keep employees aligned with company values and culture.
Takeaways:
Leverage technology to reinforce organizational culture and connectivity.
Create structured opportunities for informal connections among employees.
Use storytelling to share cultural values and foster a sense of belonging.
As the future of work continues to unfold, individuals and organizations must embrace adaptability, leverage technology, and uphold values that prioritize well-being and purpose. Pranali Save's insights provide a roadmap for achieving future relevance and thriving in an ever-changing professional landscape. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, empathy, and agility, we can all take meaningful steps toward shaping the future of work.
And to all you great women reading this newsletter, wishing you a Very Happy Women’s Day!!
Watch how we helped a tech unicorn to create and deploy company stories that helped drive cultural values.