HROpSys Event – HR, Operations, and Systems
Event Date: 20th December 2024
Venue: Bal Gandharv Rang Mandir, Bandra West
On 20th December 2024, the Chetanas Institutes hosted the HROpSys event at the Bal Gandharv Rang Mandir, Bandra West, bringing together industry leaders, academics, and students to explore the evolving relationship between Human Resources (HR), Operations, and Systems in the modern workplace. The theme, Smart Workplace, highlighted how technological advancements are reshaping the workplace and the role of HR in managing these transformations. The event began with a creative digital lamp-lighting ceremony, designed by an alumnus of the institute, symbolizing the fusion of tradition and modern technology. This innovative gesture set the tone for the day, which was filled with enriching discussions and insights into the future of work.
The event was officially inaugurated by the Dr. Madhumita Patil, CEO, CRKIMR and CIMR, who welcomed the participants and explained the origins of HROpSys, emphasizing how it evolved into a platform that connects corporate leaders and academic institutions. She spoke about the importance of such events in fostering collaboration between the corporate world and educational institutions to address the changing needs of the workforce. Following her address, Professor CA, Suhas Gharat, I/c Director at CRKIMR, and Dr. Nandita Mishra, Director at CIMR, further highlighted the relevance of the event in today’s business environment, which is rapidly adapting to technological innovations.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Jitendra Sharma, President of Group HR at Wilmar International and Renuka Sugars Limited. Mr. Sharma provided a comprehensive overview of the workplace of 2030, discussing how companies are leveraging digital transformation to create smarter, more efficient workplaces. He shared insights into sustainability initiatives, such as transforming agricultural waste into organic manure and ethanol, underlining the importance of such innovations for the future of business. Additionally, Mr. Sharma discussed the risks associated with rapid technological adoption, stressing the need for businesses to adopt strategies for risk mitigation. He also emphasized the importance of aligning educational curricula with the needs of the industry, urging educational institutions to focus on skill development and corporate-academia collaboration to ensure graduates are industry-ready. Ethical leadership and innovation were also highlighted as essential for thriving in future workplaces.
A significant part of the event was the panel discussion, which included a distinguished group of experts: Miss Tejashree Talpade, Group Chief HR Officer at SRV Hospitals; Mr. Chinmay Gavankar, Solutions Specialist at Microsoft; Mr. Asim Parashar, Partner at PWC India; Miss Ashmi Mehra, Co-Founder and CBO at Brained; and Dr. Mahesh Luthia, Professor at CIMR, who moderated the discussion. The panelists delved into various aspects of how technology is transforming HR practices and workplace culture. They discussed the role of HRMS (Human Resource Management Systems) in streamlining employee data management and performance evaluation, noting that while these systems are efficient, they lack the nuanced understanding that human judgment brings. Tejashree Talpade explained that while HR software can consolidate and analyze data, it cannot fully capture the emotional and interpersonal aspects of employee performance. The panel also explored how technology is reshaping workplace culture. Asim Parashar emphasized that technology should be seen as an enabler rather than a replacement for people. He argued that while technology can enhance productivity, human qualities like communication, collaboration, and empathy remain irreplaceable in fostering a positive workplace culture. Chinmay Gavankar addressed the transformative role of AI in decision-making, highlighting how AI can automate repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-level strategic decisions. He stressed that AI is not meant to replace human workers but to augment their capabilities.
The panelists shared some practical advice: Chinmay recommended the book Rewired, which explains that digital transformation is ongoing, he gave a tagline “Kya Karega Bache Hue Time Ka?” We must keep learning new technologies every 9 months. Asim encouraged everyone to be adaptive. Ashmi advised being productive with the help of AI. Tejashree emphasized that accountability is key to building excellence
The event concluded with the presentation of the HROpSys Kiosk Awards, which recognized the outstanding contributions of students and The Best Kiosk Presentation Award went to MMS B for their innovative ideas and exceptional presentations. These awards celebrated the creativity and hard work of students who contributed to the success of the event.
In conclusion, the HROpSys event was a tremendous success, providing valuable insights into the role of technology in shaping the future of work. The discussions on AI, digital transformation, and the smart workplace were especially relevant, highlighting the need for companies and employees to adapt to the evolving business landscape. The collaboration between industry leaders and academic institutions proved to be a key takeaway, inspiring students to embrace innovation, develop essential skills, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that the future workforce holds.