Think about imminent change, suggests HR expert

The observation was made by HR experts during a workshop organised by the Centre of Innovation in Management, Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai, to promote and develop a collaborative platform for industry and academia and facilitate innovation and excellence in management practices.

The workshop discussed a number of important issues pertaining to human resources management in the current global scenario, especially in the local circumstances.

"The economic crunch, albeit difficult to manage, is an opportunity to take stock and to consider where we are, where we need to be and how to get there. It is a time to make sure we are still in business when the upswing hits,"

said Dr Lien Els, Associate Professor in Human Resource Management at Middlesex University, Dubai.

The workshop examined the impact of globalisation on the availability of skilled workers in the UAE including issues like how to successfully attract, retain and motivate the workforce. The workshop also explored the Knowledge Economy of the future as it discussed at length issues like what skills the local market needs and where will they come from. The experts also assessed the demographic changes and the technological challenges HR will face in future.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Lien Els said that during the past 10 to 15 years, the world of work has changed dramatically. One significant change has been the shift from manufacturing to service-based business, where companies are competing to attract and retain more knowledgeable and more discerning global customers.

"As a strategic partner, HR plays a pivotal role in ensuring the future of the business and HR needs to plan now," she said.

She stressed that the HR managers need to think about the future of work. Among the most important issues that need immediate concern are what will the workplace of the future look like, how will it be different from now, who will be the workers and where will they come from.

She concluded the workshop by suggesting professionals should think about the demands of competitive business, future of the world of work in various sectors and the skills one needs to develop now to be ready for the challenges.