The IR Summit organised by NHRDN Mumbai on Tuesday, 19th December, 2023 at NEHRU Centre convened industry leaders and experts to discuss the dynamic challenges and opportunities in the field of Industrial Relations (IR), witnessed active participation from the students and faculty of Pillai Institute of Management Studies and Research. The summit was structured around key themes that reflect the current and future landscape of IR.
- Changing Scenarios & Forthcoming Challenges:
Speakers delved into the evolving nature of IR, addressing the challenges posed by technological advancements, ESG stewardship, and the growing influence of labor and social movements. The discussions highlighted the need for adaptive strategies in response to these shifting dynamics. - Nurturing an Engaged Culture & Building Capability:
Emphasis was placed on fostering an engaged culture within organizations and developing capabilities to unlock untapped capacity. The summit underscored the significance of proactive measures in cultivating a workforce that is aligned with organizational goals. - ER Career Beyond Compliance:
A notable segment explored the expansive realm of Employee Relations (ER) careers, urging professionals to go beyond mere compliance. The focus was on creating a meaningful impact for both people and the planet while ensuring profitability. - Career Value Proposition and Role Models:
Insights were shared regarding the value proposition of careers in ER, accompanied by discussions on role models who exemplify success in the field. The aim was to inspire and guide individuals pursuing a career in Employee Relations. - Industry-Academia Partnership:
The summit acknowledged the importance of collaboration between industry and academia. This partnership was discussed as a pivotal force in shaping the future of IR, with a focus on aligning academic curricula with industry demands. - Experts Talk on Labour Codes:
In-depth discussions unfolded regarding the intricacies of labor codes. Experts provided insights into the evolving code of conduct, particularly in safeguarding the rights of flexible contract workers amidst an ever-changing legal and regulatory landscape. - Business Dichotomy: Shortage of Skilled FTE/CL Deployment Challenges:
The summit addressed challenges arising from the shortage of skilled Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) workers and complexities associated with the deployment of contract labor. Solutions were explored to bridge these gaps effectively. - Digitization / AI – Impact on HR/IR:
The final theme focused on the transformative impact of digitization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Human Resources (HR) and IR. The discussions emphasized leveraging automation to streamline manual tasks, enhance employee experiences, and ensure robust governance and efficient grievance management.
In conclusion, the IR Summit provided a comprehensive exploration of the contemporary IR landscape. Attendees gained valuable insights into navigating challenges, fostering engagement, and harnessing the potential of technology to shape the future of industrial relations. The collaborative spirit evident in the summit underscored the collective commitment to advancing the field of IR in tandem with societal and technological shifts.
