HR Leaders Voice- Mr. Manish Sadhu
In our recent conversation with Mr. Manish Sadhu, Area Director – Human Resource, Yaz Plaza Hotels by Aldar Hospitality, he shares valuable insights into the challenges, trends, and best practices shaping the HR landscape in the UAE region, particularly within the hospitality industry.
In your opinion, what are some of the current trends and challenges facing HR professionals in our region, and how do you see these impacting the future of HR practices?
Some of the key trends and challenges facing HR professionals in the UAE region include;
Talent Attraction and Retention-The UAE’s competitive job market and diverse workforce make it challenging for organizations to attract and retain top talent. HR teams need to develop robust employer branding strategies and offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to remain competitive.
- Workforce Localization- The UAE government’s Emiratization initiatives aim to increase the participation of UAE nationals in the private sector. This requires HR professionals to focus on upskilling local talent and creating development opportunities to meet this mandate.
- Changing Employee Expectations- The modern workforce in the UAE has evolving expectations around work-life balance, flexible work arrangements, and career growth opportunities. HR teams must adapt their policies and practices to cater to these changing needs.
- Digitalization and HR Tech- The rapid adoption of technology and automation is transforming HR functions. HR professionals need to upskill and leverage HR tech solutions to enhance efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and employee experience.
- Diversity and Inclusion- As the UAE’s workforce becomes increasingly diverse, HR teams need to foster an inclusive work environment that celebrates and leverages the unique strengths of a multicultural talent pool. These trends and challenges will continue to shape the future of HR practices in the UAE. Successful HR professionals will need to be agile, data-driven, and strategic in their approach to address these evolving demands and position their organizations for long-term success.
How do you prioritize continuous learning and professional development in your own career, and what advice would you give to aspiring HR professionals looking to advance in their careers?
Continuous learning and professional development are essential for career growth and staying relevant in the dynamic field of human resources. As an HR professional, I prioritize these aspects through a multi-pronged approach.
Firstly, I make it a point to stay updated on the latest trends, best practices, and regulatory changes in the HR domain. This involves actively engaging in industry events, conferences, and webinars, as well as reading relevant publications and blogs. By continuously expanding my knowledge, I can provide more informed and strategic advice to my organization.
Secondly, I seek out opportunities for formal training and certifications. Pursuing my DBA with focus in HR, not only enhances my credibility but also equips me with the necessary skills and frameworks to excel in my role. Additionally, I leverage internal training programs and mentorship opportunities to learn from experienced HR leaders within the organization.
Thirdly, I believe in the power of practical experience and cross-functional exposure. Volunteering for special projects, job rotations, or secondments allows me to gain a broader understanding of the business and develop a more holistic perspective on HR’s role in driving organizational success. This hands-on experience complements the theoretical knowledge and helps me become a more well-rounded HR professional.
As an HR leader, how do you balance the need for innovation and agility in HR practices, with the requirement for stability and consistency in organizational processes?
As an HR leader in the hospitality industry, balancing the need for innovation and agility with the requirement for stability and consistency in organizational processes is a critical challenge.
On one hand, the industry is rapidly evolving, and HR must be nimble to adapt to changing employee expectations, new technologies, and shifting business priorities. Implementing innovative HR practices can enhance the employee experience, drive engagement, and position the organization for long-term success.
On the other hand, maintaining stable and consistent processes is essential for ensuring operational efficiency, compliance, and fairness across the workforce. Abrupt changes can disrupt the organization and lead to confusion or resistance from employees.
Establishing a clear HR vision that aligns with the organization’s overall strategic objectives, implementing an effective change management and leveraging data-analytics for informed decision-making is the key to stay competitive, while also preserving the stability and consistency required for a high performing, engaged workforce.
What role do you see technology playing in the future of HR and how are you leveraging digital tools and platforms to enhance HR functions within your organization?
As the HR Director in the hospitality industry, I see technology playing a pivotal role in the future of HR. Digital tools and platforms are already transforming the way we manage and optimize our human capital.
One of the key areas where technology is making a significant impact is in the realm of talent acquisition. We are leveraging applicant tracking systems and AI-powered recruitment tools to streamline the hiring process, identify top talent more efficiently, and enhance the candidate experience. These solutions enable us to reach a wider pool of qualified applicants, automate repetitive tasks, and make more informed, data-driven hiring decisions.
Moreover, technology is revolutionizing employee engagement and development. We have implemented cloud-based HR information systems that provide our workforce with self-service capabilities, allowing them to access and manage their personal information, training records, and career development opportunities. This empowers our employees and fosters a sense of ownership and accountability.
In terms of HR analytics, we are harnessing the power of data and business intelligence to gain deeper insights into our workforce. By integrating various HR and operational data sources, we can identify trends, predict talent needs, and make more strategic decisions to align our human capital with the organization’s objectives.
Furthermore, we are exploring the potential of emerging technologies, such as robotic process automation and chatbots, to streamline administrative tasks, improve HR service delivery, and enhance the overall employee experience. These digital tools enable our HR team to focus on more strategic and value-added initiatives.
As we look to the future, we will continue to embrace technological advancements and leverage digital platforms to transform our HR practices. By doing so, we can enhance our organization’s agility, competitiveness, and ability to attract, develop, and retain the best talent in the hospitality industry.
Congratulations on winning the HRME Awards! Can you share with us the key strategies or initiatives that you believe contributed to this recognition, and how winning such awards has impacted your approach to HR leadership and practices within your organization?
I am honored and humbled to have won the prestigious HRME Awards. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative mindset not only me but our entire HR team. The key strategies and initiatives that contributed to this achievement include:
Talent Acquisition and Retention- We have implemented a robust talent acquisition strategy that leverages advanced technology and data-driven insights to identify, attract, and retain top talent in the industry.
- Employee Engagement and Development- We have placed a strong emphasis on fostering a positive and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. Through personalized learning and development programs, as well as effective performance management systems, we have been able to unlock the full potential of our workforce and drive continuous improvement.
- HR Digitalization and Analytics- We have embraced the power of technology and data to transform our HR practices. By integrating various HR and operational systems, we have gained valuable insights that have informed our strategic decision-making and allowed us to optimize our human capital management.
Winning the HRME Awards has further reinforced my commitment to excellence in HR leadership. It has inspired not only me but few of our leader in the organization to continue pushing the boundaries and exploring innovative solutions to address the evolving needs of our organization and our employees. This recognition has also strengthened credibility and reputation of Yas Plaza Hotels within the industry, enabling us to attract and retain top talent, as well as forge stronger partnerships with key stakeholders.
Moving forward, we will leverage this achievement as a springboard to elevate our HR practices and position our organization as a leader in the hospitality industry. We are dedicated to continuously enhancing our employee experience, driving organizational performance, and contributing to the overall success of our business.
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