Are We Losing the ‘Human’ part of Human Resources?
It was my honour and pleasure to present the closing keynote for the 3rd Edition of the Economic Times Future Forward Summit in Singapore on 25 July 2025.
Entitled Bringing ‘Human’ Back to Human Resources, I presented research surveying the current landscape of the ‘Human’ part of Human Resources – where the key challenges are, what’s being done, and what more needs to be done.
The key findings include:
⭕ Main Worry: While technology offers efficiency and data-driven insights, there’s widespread concern about losing the essential human elements that make HR effective.
⭕ Main Cause of Worry: The primary driver of human-related challenges in HR is not technology itself, but rather how organizations are choosing to implement and prioritize technology over human elements.
⭕ Ideal: The ideal workplace creates environments where both efficiency and humanity thrive simultaneously, with technology amplifying human potential through evolved leadership and meaningful work.
⭕ Current Actions Taken: Learning & Development, Technology Integration, Communication & Engagement.
⭕ Need to Do More: Leadership & Skills Development, Culture & Mindset Shift, Empathy & Connection.
Bringing more “human” to Human Resources requires simultaneous action across multiple dimensions rather than isolated initiatives, with leadership development as the foundation for all other changes.
It’s forums and conferences like this where together we can discuss these changes and challenges, and together craft the best solutions forward.
Thank you so much The Economic Times for inviting me to speak.
And what about you? What do you think? Are we losing the ‘Human’ part of ‘Human Resources’? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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