Throughout these three decades, AmCham has been an active supporter
of positive shifts in the HR field, offering various HR events and
emphasizing topics regarding labor and social affairs. Ranging from the
very well received annual HR conferences and regional HR weeks, all the
way to the current AmCham university accredited course “Hands-on HR:
Global Trends” delivered to HR students in Bratislava and Nitra since
the spring of 2020. These opportunities enable HR professionals to stay
current with new trends and policies in the HR realm, actively
participating in them.
Originally, HR played a critical yet
primarily administrative role, concentrating on compliance,
record-keeping, and labor relations. However, as organizations evolved,
the concept of human capital gained recognition in HR, highlighting the
value of employees as strategic assets. Organizations have come to
understand that effective management of HR is crucial for long-term
success and could provide a competitive advantage. Consequently, HR has
evolved into a key role within businesses, responsible for talent
management. Talent acquisition and retention remain constant challenges,
due to a global talent shortage.
The emergence of technology,
ranging from basic HR information systems to advanced analytics and more
recently AI, has transformed HR practices. It has enabled data-driven
decision-making and improved overall efficiency. Social media platforms
have similarly reshaped how businesses approach talent acquisition and
employer branding. With social media, employees now have a voice and a
direct channel to express feedback and opinions to their employers. This
has created a more transparent and open workplace culture, where
employees feel empowered to provide constructive criticism and
suggestions to their superiors.
Furthermore, social media has
enabled employers to showcase their company culture and values,
providing a glimpse into the inner workings of the organization. This
has helped businesses to attract top talent and build a positive
reputation in the industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed
unprecedented focus on flexible work models and adjustments in personnel
policies. Consequently, the concept of employee engagement has gained
prominence. As a result, organizations have invested in various employee
engagement initiatives, such as wellness programs, flexible work
arrangements, and recognition and reward programs.
Looking
ahead, HR faces ongoing challenges such as managing a diverse and global
workforce, adapting to technological advancements, navigating changes
in in employment regulations, and responding to evolving employee
expectations. HR is shifting towards creating a holistic and
personalized employee experience, encompassing all aspects of the
employee lifecycle. The future of HR is likely to be characterized by a
deeper integration of technology, a heightened focus on employee
well-being, a proactive approach to talent management, and an ongoing
commitment to fostering diverse, inclusive, and continuous
learning-oriented organizational cultures.
Recognizing the
growing significance of HR’s impact in helping businesses navigate
ongoing changes, we have established the HR Learning Circle platform
within AmCham as part of the Capital of Talents pillar. The main
objective of this initiative is to foster collaboration and
knowledge-sharing among various communities across different sectors,
including business leaders, HR managers and professionals, and
individuals passionate about this field.
Through this platform,
members can engage in discussions and exchange practical insights on
important aspects of the HR field and management, such as self-managed
teams as a modern approach to organizational development, how mindset
shapes our organization, lives, and society, or diversity and inclusion
with an emphasis on belonging. The aim is to establish a supportive and
inclusive space where we can collectively learn and grow, stay abreast
of the latest industry trends, and devise innovative solutions to
address common challenges in our field.
Looking back on the past
three decades, the evolution of HR is evident in its transformative
shift from an administrative function to a strategic partnership. The
journey continues, so let’s explore together and chart a course for the
future of work. I am delighted to extend an invitation to you all to
participate in the AmCham HR Learning Circle series, scheduled
throughout 2024. I truly believe that this series will be a valuable
investment of your time, and I look forward to seeing you there.
Júlia Jurčíková, HR Manager, AmCham Slovakia
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