Revolutionizing HR: Experts stress need for agility and digital transformation
Story: Abdulai SAAKA, Accra
Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Professor Samuel Antwi has emphasized the need for agile Human Resources (HR) practices to foster sustainable success for employees and organizations.
He was delivering a keynote address at HR Professionals Summit and Awards 2024 in Accra, which brought together industry leaders to discuss the evolving role of human resource management under the theme “Agile HR: Adapting to Business Change.” The event underscored the importance of digital integration, data-driven strategies, and employee engagement as vital components of modern HR practices.
Prof. Antwi advocated for data-driven decision-making, criticizing the underutilization of performance appraisals and urging HR leaders to empower employees through continuous learning and targeted improvements. “Let your data speak to you. All this plenty of performance appraisal—what do you do with it? Empower your employees. Let data guide your decisions at individual and departmental levels to drive meaningful change,” he said.
Also, speaking at the event, Dr. Jeff Bassay, Founder and Chairman of the HR Certification Center, highlighted employee engagement as a cornerstone of organizational success. He noted that engaged employees are critical to driving innovation and delivering exceptional results. “No organization will outgrow the collective knowledge and experience of its people. Success depends on that foundation. Additionally, customer satisfaction and cash flow are essential metrics to gauge organizational health,” he remarked.
The summit also featured a panel discussion titled “Employee Experience in the Digital Age,” which addressed the growing significance of safeguarding employee data privacy. Panellists called on HR leaders to prioritize data protection as organizations increasingly rely on digital tools to enhance employee experiences.
Contributing to the dialogue, Kwame Afreh, HR Manager at Tullow Oil, and George Panford, Head of People at Hollard, provided insights on digital integration in HR. Afreh emphasized that technology should augment human intelligence rather than replace it. He pointed out that many organizations overwhelm employees with numerous disconnected applications, leading to inefficiency and resistance. “Meet employees at their point of resistance, involve them in the process, and ensure systems are personalized to their needs,” he said.
Panford added that incorporating employee feedback in the rollout of digital tools is essential for their effectiveness. He suggested fostering engagement through recognition and rewarding achievements during training. “Points, badges, and direct interactions with leadership can make virtual training more engaging and impactful,” he explained. As HR professionals and stakeholders deliberated on these pressing issues, the summit underscored a shared commitment to leveraging agile and digital strategies to address the complexities of modern business environments. With plans for next year’s edition to be held in Kumasi, participants left inspired to implement these innovative approaches in their organizations.
