The 2015 Volkswagen emissions scandal serves as a stark reminder of the consequences companies face when environmental considerations are neglected. The German auto giant’s deliberate deception shattered consumer trust, resulting in boycotts, plummeting sales and a blemish on the brand’s reputation.

Similar ethical lapses have plagued other global brands. Swedish retail giant H&M has faced scrutiny for its labour practices, while the ubiquitous Nestlé has been criticised for its water extraction practices in developing countries.

Today’s consumers are more discerning than ever. They hold brands accountable for their entire ecosystem—not just the products themselves, but also the actions of their parent companies. Any environmental, social, or governance (ESG) misstep can have a significant financial impact.

This conscientiousness extends beyond the realm of consumers. Today’s workforce is equally selective. The talent pool increasingly seeks employers who prioritise responsible business practices. 2021 saw Amazon employees raise their voices on environmental concerns and worker treatment, even forming a climate activist group. While mass job-offer rejections may not be commonplace yet, it underscores the growing importance of ESG for employee engagement.

The cover story of this issue dives deeper into this critical topic. It explores how ESG principles impact the workforce and shape employee value proposition. It also highlights the crucial role HR plays in driving the ESG agenda from a leadership perspective.

Happy and insightful reading!

The post The ESG imperative: Why it matters to the workforce appeared first on HR Katha.

Ten years ago, HRKatha emerged amidst a landscape starved of knowledge. We identified a critical need – the dissemination of industry insights – and filled that void with a pioneering daily news service delivered directly to HR professionals. This seemingly modest decision proved to be a cornerstone, fostering a unique niche for HRKatha within India’s human resources domain.

The intervening decade has been a whirlwind of transformation for the world of work. Automation’s relentless march, the white-hot competition for skilled talent, and the burgeoning focus on employee well-being have all radically reshaped the HR function. HRKatha has been a steadfast companion throughout this metamorphosis, continuously adapting alongside the industry it serves.

The role of the HR professional is no longer confined to the realm of administrative tasks. Today’s HR leaders are strategic architects, talent magnets, and champions of the employee experience. We at HRKatha recognised this seismic shift early on, and our content strategy reflects this new reality.

We have transcended the role of a mere information conduit. We delve into complex issues with thought leadership pieces that provoke and challenge the status quo. We may not possess all the answers, but we undoubtedly spark critical thinking amongst HR leaders – a vital catalyst for progress in this dynamic field.

As we celebrate this ten-year odyssey, we unveil a fresh look. Our redesigned logo and website pulsate with vibrant hues, symbolising our unwavering commitment to continuous evolution and an increasingly engaging user experience.

The momentum doesn’t end there. We are supercharging our content with exclusive interviews featuring industry titans. These CEOs will shed light on the latest trends and challenges that are reshaping the HR landscape, offering unparalleled insights for our readers.

Prepare to be invigorated! Throughout the year, we will host five power-packed business events focused on diverse facets of HR excellence. These events transcend the typical conference model, transforming into platforms for leaders to forge connections, share winning strategies, and celebrate the brightest minds in HR.

Reaching a loyal readership of 400,000 and surpassing 2 million monthly page views stands as a humbling testament to your trust. We are immensely grateful for your continued support.

As we embark on this new chapter, we extend an invitation to join us on this journey. Let us continue to push boundaries, inspire one another, and collaboratively forge a better future for the world of work. Here’s to the next decade of innovation, impactful initiatives, and making a tangible difference – together!

The post Editor’s note appeared first on HR Katha.

While some companies view compliance with the PoSH Act as a mandatory task, there’s a significant number that seek to sidestep what they consider an added financial obligation. Ignorance plays a pivotal role in this reluctance, with concerns that implementing the PoSH Act may lead to an influx of sexual-harassment complaints. The fear stems from the idea that employees may become more vocal about such issues once a formal process is in place, creating apprehension among organisations.

For small businesses, the challenge is genuine, as they often lack the resources needed for effective PoSH Act implementation. Forming an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), providing training and conducting investigations require bandwidth that smaller enterprises may struggle to spare.

Moreover, certain segments and cultures may trivialise sexual harassment in the workplace, discouraging employees from stepping forward with complaints. In such cases, organisations may, regrettably, not accord the process the gravity it necessitates, further complicating compliance.

The consequences of non-compliance with the PoSH Act are weighty, extending beyond mere monetary penalties to the erosion of a company’s reputation.

In this edition, we plunge into the intricate factors thwarting corporate assimilation of the PoSH Act, casting light on the challenges faced and the repercussions of failing to comply.

Happy and insightful reading!

Cheers!

The post Non-compliance appeared first on HR Katha.

While it’s true that skills have gained a certain acceptability as a currency in hiring practices, the reality, in my opinion, is that we’re still playing catch-up.

Undoubtedly, there have been instances where an exceptional hacker or a victorious hackathon participant from a less-celebrated college has secured a lucrative position with a major tech firm. However, such occurrences remain the exception rather than the rule. If the landscape had truly shifted, the relentless scramble for coveted spots in the country’s prestigious institutions–IIMs, IITs, NITs, and other elite colleges for traditional degree courses– would be less frenzied.

It’s heartening to note the discourse around skills gaining prominence in HR circles. The fact that numerous HR leaders are now emphasising the significance of skills marks a noteworthy shift in mindset. While it may be early days, it signifies a promising beginning.

Skills, after all, are not pre-packaged goods from prestigious institutions; they’re hard-earned badges of acumen, grit and relentless learning. If this ethos becomes the norm, the outcome of a few hours spent on entrance exams such as JEE, NEET, or CAT may cease to wield disproportionate influence over the trajectory of a promising career.

In addition to the skills paradigm, this issue of HRForecast 2024 delves into other critical issues raised by senior HR leaders. From the pervasive productivity panic and the quest for workplace flexibility, to trust deficits, strategic HR initiatives and the looming shadow of GenAI, these leaders paint a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Happy Reading!

Cheers!

Download HRForecast 2024

The post The skills uprising appeared first on HR Katha.