HR Tech Europe left us more convinced than ever that the future of work is about challenging the status quo, embracing creativity, and placing A+ talent at the center of everything we do. The event provided an incredible opportunity to engage with thought leaders, share ideas, and discover the trends that are shaping the future of HR. Here’s a recap of the key takeaways from this inspiring event! A Deep Dive into HR Transformation The first day set the tone for an incredible journey, with discussions centered around solving real business problems and redefining the role of HR. One of the major takeaways was the importance of solving real business problems. HR should focus on addressing challenges that truly matter to the business, aiming to create environments where A+ talent can grow and succeed. Industry leaders emphasized that HR must be about more than just filling job positions or rolling out talent development programs. It’s about driving meaningful change and creating business impact. Another key point was the need for HRs to start thinking like product managers. It’s crucial to move away from pushing programs and tools that don’t really resonate with employees and, instead, focus on practical, data-driven solutions in the flow of work that align with employee needs. The intent should be to design experiences that employees truly want to engage with, as opposed to implementing projects/tools that aren’t adopted. If an initiative isn’t successful, it’s often not the people who are at fault but the tools/programs themselves. Embracing Technology and AI HR Tech Europe focused heavily on the role of AI and automation in transforming HR. The integration of these technologies is transitioning from HR an administrative function to a real strategic partner. Such transformation allows organizations to be more agile and data-driven. During Josh Bersin’s session, he addressed the pressing question: Will HR still be needed in the future? While concerns about the impact of AI are legitimate, Bersin emphasized that, as technology enhances capabilities, it also raises the bar for human contributions. The future of HR will be shaped by creativity, strategic thinking, and the uniquely human ability to drive impact. As AI advances and agentic AI technology becomes the new standard, the bar for human contribution rises. Creativity, strategic thinking, and the uniquely human ability to drive impact remain essential – Nena Dimovska, Head of People Success at Semos Cloud Key Takeaways Beyond Automation: The Rise of Intelligent Work From the outset, industry expert Josh Bersin set a bold tone, declaring that HR technology is undergoing a major overhaul. But this shift extends beyond software upgrades, it’s about redefining the very nature of work. AI isn’t merely a tool for automation; it should be leveraged to address complex challenges and unlock new possibilities for efficiency and innovation. Yet, Wendy Van Ierschot of VIE People highlighted a critical pitfall: many organizations are simply layering AI onto existing processes without reimagining workflows. The true challenge is not just in adopting AI but in using it to revolutionize how businesses operate. Work and Learning: A New Era of Growth One resounding theme throughout the event was the fusion of work and continuous learning. Sam Schlimper of Randstad Enterprise succinctly captured this shift: “Work will become learning, instead of doing.” As AI takes over repetitive tasks, the workforce must adapt by reskilling and evolving on an ongoing basis. El Iza Mohamedou of the OECD Centre for Skills reinforced the urgency of embedding lifelong learning into corporate culture, ensuring that employees remain agile in an increasingly automated landscape. Technology with Purpose: Putting People First Innovation should enhance the human experience, not diminish it. Uzair Qadeer, Chief People Officer at the BBC, issued a compelling reminder: “Don’t let performance drive purpose.” This statement underscored a vital point: while efficiency is critical, it should never come at the expense of human well-being. Therése Götsten of IKEA echoed this sentiment, advocating for data and technology to be used responsibly, ensuring they serve employees rather than replace them. Trust and Adaptability: The Core of Digital Transformation No matter how advanced HR technology becomes, one truth remains: People need to feel heard. Melissa Shelley Höjwall from H&M put it eloquently: “It’s not always the concern that needs to be solved; it’s often that people want to be heard.” Her words resonated deeply, emphasizing that successful digital transformation is not just about technology but also about fostering transparency, trust, and adaptability within organizations. Looking Ahead: The Blueprint for HR Leaders As the conference concluded, a clear roadmap emerged for the future of work: AI should be a problem-solver, not just an automation tool. Learning is no longer separate from work—it is the work. Purpose must guide performance, not the other way around. Human connection and trust remain indispensable. Reskilling is a necessity for both businesses and society. Ready to create an environment where your talent will thrive? Request demo HR Tech Europe reinforced that the future of HR is about leveraging technology to drive human connections, foster creativity, and solve real business problems. The conversations and insights gained at the event will help shape how HR organizations evolve in the years to come. The future of work is bright, and we are excited to continue driving innovation and collaboration to lead the way forward.
