Session Focus: Unpack six megatrends that we believe will set the tone for the future of work and influence the expectations from HR and L&D in the future.

In this insightful session, Dr. Dieter Veldsman, Chief HR Scientist at the Academy to Innovate HR, shed light on the seismic shifts reshaping the world of work and the profound implications they hold for the people function. Veldsman identified six megatrends that HR and L&D professionals must be attuned to:

1. Aging populations and evolving labor market dynamics
2. Slower global economic growth and power shift to Asian economies
3. Rising consumer demands for customization and ethical business practices
4. Increasing pressures for climate change adaptation
5. Persistent global skills shortages amid changing workforce composition
6. The transition of AI from a work tool to a work companion

As these tectonic forces reshape organizations, Veldsman underscored three critical takeaways:

1. Be aware of how these trends will impact organizations and necessitate a reinvention of HR's offerings, operating models, and an "ecosystem" approach to meet changing needs.

2. Develop a "T-shaped" skillset blending core competencies like business acumen, data literacy, digital agility, people advocacy, and execution excellence with specialized skills.

3. Cultivate a mindset of courage, curiosity, and critical thinking. As Veldsman urged: "You have to ask the question: what does value look like tomorrow? And if that is what it looks like, what can you start doing today by getting involved in communities and development opportunities?"

In navigating this transformative era, HR and L&D professionals must engage in soul-searching, continuous learning, and advocate for human-centric policies and progress. By embracing these megatrends, expanding their skillsets, and future-proofing their mindsets, they can steer organizations towards enduring value and success.