7 HR Trends for becoming relevant in Middle East

As presented by Susheel Balakrishnan at the Dubai HR Forum, 2017

Sept 5, 2017, Dubai

Historically most large organizations and the HR practices were led by Supplier / Producer mindset rather than being driven by consumer centricity. The market forces are making the business world more competitive - the Middle East enterprises are going through significant transformations as consumers are maturing and have many more choices.. Margins are being eroded - digital / e-commerce is disrupting traditional retailing models, increasing input costs, and markets dynamics maturing and a perfect storm is brewing. Progressive government initiatives to transform communities - improving education for local nationals, desire for creating smarter and innovative economies will further accelerate these changes.

Key macro trends - a) Digitization; b) Mobilization; c) Augmentation; d) Disintermediation; e) Automation

7 HR trends -

1. Emiratization (nationalization)

2. Creating talent journey and experience – external relevancy, social media attractiveness, self service, peer recognition, holistic wellness

3. Apply a Consumer Marketing and Publishing Lens to Demand side of HR – recruiting, creating culture, building employee capability, performance management, rewards

4. Network and Team Development, beyond personal skills

5. Agile approach to managing talent - think capability across the system beyond in-house, including supplier / distributors

6. Create Digitization / Chatbots / Gamification in HR - become professional service  that other swill pay for

7. Reinvent yourself

Ways to grow -

• Exploitation - do more of what you do well = take market share

• Exploration - create new categories, products, services = create new market

Go META to grow in a VUCA world -

• Mobilize - capitalize on uncertainty

• Execute - prepare multiple strategies

• Transform - split resources between exploit and explore initiatives

• (with) Agility - look ahead and adapt

As business owners / CEOs will turn to future proofing their businesses, HR leaders will be called upon to dramatically raise their game. Are we ready?

Love to hear your thoughts and builds...