In Conversation With Rajita Singh, Chief People Officer, Kyndryl India on Generative AI
Rajita Singh is the Chief People Officer for Kyndryl India, and she leads the HR function for the company in India in this role.
She is a seasoned HR leader, experienced in leading large-scale transformations with business outcomes. Prior to this appointment, she led the HR organization at Broadridge Financial Solutions India where she played an integral part in the company’s growth story.
Rajita built the company’s brand as an employer of choice with best-in-class retention and engagement, and she has a proven record of influence on culture, associates, and leaders – helping them become a Great Place to Work in India. She is the youngest Convenor of the CII HR-IR Panel for the State.
She also serves on the committee of the NASSCOM Regional Council and NASSCOM HR & D&I Council. Outside the workplace, she is a car racing champion, a classical trained Bharatnatyam dancer, and a certified counsellor for the underprivileged. She meditates daily, enjoys doodling, and likes to continually read up on recently published research.
Q- How do you see the changing face of Human Resources with emerging technologies?
Emerging technologies like AI, Cloud, and Automation are creating new opportunities for HR professionals. Organizations are implementing automation tools to streamline routine tasks such as payroll, benefits administration, recruitment, etc., and adopting AI solutions for enhanced decision-making, employee retention, and upskilling/ development of employees. AI can also be used to train employees and help them upskill and reskill based on the latest requirements.
AI will help improve the recruitment process by reducing bias, identifying high-potential employees, and creating an immersive onboarding experience. As CPO, it is quite crucial to stay abreast of these emerging technologies and understand how they can be leveraged to drive business outcomes.
Additionally, it would be important to ensure that any implementation of emerging technologies aligns with the organization’s values and culture and that employees are trained and supported in their use.
Q- How do you see the future of Artificial Intelligence; how will it change the World of Work?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already transforming the workplace, and its impact is only going to grow in the coming years. It will continue to automate routine tasks, freeing up the critical workforce to focus on more complex and strategic work, leading to increased efficiency in the workplace.
AI-based tools will enable organizations to personalize work for individual employees based on their preferences and capabilities. This will lead to more engaged and motivated employees, as well as improved performance. AI-based tools can enable employees to collaborate more effectively across different teams, departments, and locations which will lead to innovative outcomes through more efficient and effective teamwork.
It has the potential to change entire decision-making processes based on in-depth analysis of data – and do it so effectively that we will feel like superheroes using futuristic tech!
Q- Generative AI which has been a game changer in AI technology. How do you see its relevance in Human Resources?
Generative AI is a very new technology and its impact and influence are yet to be completely ascertained. However, it has immense potential once incorporated into an organization’s data strategy.
Cognitive bots can be used in multiple areas such as the recruitment and onboarding process to provide a more engaging and interactive experience for candidates. It can boost employee engagement, identify improvement areas and enhance skills modules and training experience. Technology has the power to change entire industries and business models but at the end of the day, it’s only a tool that will always need human involvement and oversight.
Q- How should HR leaders focus on human values along with technology advancement?
Leaders need to take a human-centered approach to technology implementation, by considering how technology can best serve the needs of employees and the organization as a whole.
- Fostering a culture of trust: HR leaders should work to create a culture of trust and transparency around the use of technology. The important aspect here is to be open and honest about how technology is being used, and involve employees in the decision-making processes around technology adoption.
- Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion: It is our responsibility to ensure that technology is designed and implemented in a way that is inclusive of all employees, regardless of their background, abilities, or experiences. Hence, considering the potential biases and unintended consequences of technology and taking steps to mitigate these risks becomes crucial for HR heads.
- Focusing on upskilling and reskilling: HR leaders must prioritize upskilling and reskilling employees to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven workplace. They must invest in training and development programs that enable employees to stay ahead of technological advancements and adapt to new roles and responsibilities.
By focusing on human values alongside technological advancement, HR leaders can help create a workplace that is both technologically advanced and people-centered, where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to drive progress and be the face of change.
Q- Any final words?
Overall, the future of AI is not a threat, it’s an opportunity, just the way surviving is never an objective, transformation is. It is time to get geared for significant changes to the world of work. However, it’s important for organizations to use AI in a responsible and ethical manner, and to ensure zero bias.
This will result in enhanced productivity and enable promising outcomes across industries and departments. Organizations must embrace these AI-based tools and train their employees alongside them to enable improved delivery when it comes to client requirements.
Thank You, Rajita!
