Empowering HR for global growth on International HR Day

Tahawul Tech

20-05-2025

HR professionals lead the charge in fostering innovation, growth, and inclusivity, driving organisational success in a rapidly evolving world.
Human Resources plays a pivotal role in the growth and development of every organisation. International HR Day, celebrated annually on May 20, recognises the vital role that human resources (HR) professionals play in shaping organisational success. It highlights the contributions of HR in managing talent, fostering workplace culture, and driving strategic initiatives.
This day serves to honour HR leaders who navigate evolving workplace dynamics and ensure that organizations are equipped to meet their goals. The observance emphasises the significance of HR in creating inclusive, productive environments and supporting employee well-being.
Richard Lobo, Chief People Officer, Tech Mahindra, said, 'On International HR Day, we celebrate the evolving role of HR as a catalyst for global growth, cultural integration, and workforce agility. HR is no longer a support function—it is at the forefront of driving business transformation. At Tech Mahindra, we see our people as the ultimate differentiator in an increasingly borderless, digital-first world. Our people strategy is deeply embedded in our business roadmap, fuelling talent mobility, leadership development, and cross-cultural collaboration across our footprint across 90+ countries. In order to foster a culture of openness, transparency, and communication, we have established four guiding principles: simplify, clarify, innovate, and perform, which serve as the foundation for a communicative and transparent internal environment.'
Lobo further added: 'Initiatives like job rotations, global leadership programs, and mentorship empower our employees to build versatile, future-ready careers. Our focus on local hiring and cultural inclusion ensures we remain regionally relevant and globally connected. HR must shape inclusive, adaptive, and technology-enabled workplaces of the future. This International HR Day is a reminder of HR's pivotal role in unlocking human potential, fostering innovation, and enabling sustainable growth across geographies.'
International HR Day — first celebrated on May 20, 1997 — was initiated by the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA) to acknowledge the growing importance of HR in today's rapidly evolving business environment, especially in an increasingly globalised and technology-driven world. The observance highlights HR's strategic role in driving innovation, leadership, and employee engagement across various industries.
Mrigank Tripathi, President – Growth, Peoplestrong, said: 'HR leaders today are pivotal in shaping organisational growth and adaptability; custodians of culture, creating an environment where people feel valued, safe, and motivated — fuelling resilience. Upskilling is an ongoing priority, ensuring employees are prepared for the new normal, from AI to leadership in distributed teams. Technology must be leveraged to remove friction, enable better decision-making, and scale talent impact. Most importantly, HR must be a strategic business partner, embedded in organisational strategy and contributing to both people and overall progress.'
'AI is now integral to every aspect of our operations. PeopleStrong was a pioneer in embedding AI into our platform, powering functions such as talent recommendations, engagement triggers, and real-time workforce insights. We are further enhancing this by developing intelligent agents to handle routine HR tasks, giving HR teams more time for high-impact work. Employees benefit from faster, more intuitive experiences, while business leaders gain real visibility into talent, enabling quicker decision-making. Our platform connects engagement, performance, and business outcomes, driving organisational success,' added Tripathi.
HRTech today is a powerful enabler of both employee experience and organisational success. By personalising learning, simplifying workflows, and providing real-time insights, it empowers employees to feel heard, supported, and invested in. From hire to retire, HRTech creates a seamless, intuitive journey that boosts engagement and performance. At an organisational level, it helps leaders make smarter, faster, and more inclusive decisions — fuelling agility, aligning talent with business goals, and driving a culture of continuous innovation. HRTech doesn't just digitise processes, it humanises the workplace while scaling impact, explains Dr. Varadharaju Janardhanan, CHRO, super.money, A Flipkart Group Company.
Dr. Janardhanan said: 'HR is no longer just about policies and processes, it's about people, performance, and possibilities in driving organisational growth and innovation. The integration of advanced HR technologies enables HR professionals to harness real-time data and analytics, allowing them to anticipate workforce trends, personalise employee experiences, and proactively cultivate a dynamic culture. This shift empowers HR to move beyond transactional tasks and become a pivotal force in enhancing business agility, accelerating performance, and sustaining competitive advantage in an ever-evolving landscape. In summary 'It's a shift from administration to acceleration.'
Janardhanan further added, 'The future of HR isn't just tech-enabled, it's human-centered and AI-augmented. At the heart of this evolution is Agentic AI: not just intelligent, but intentional co-co-creating, not just calculating. It's where Tech meets Touch, working in harmony to unlock human potential, drive bold decisions, and shape a workforce ready for what's next.'