In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, attracting top talent has become increasingly challenging. As industries grow and innovate, the competition for highly skilled professionals intensifies. Companies must adopt strategic approaches to not only find but also retain the best candidates in a crowded market.

One key strategy is offering competitive compensation and benefits. While salary remains a crucial factor, it’s not the only consideration. A comprehensive benefits package that includes health care, retirement plans, flexible working arrangements and wellness programs can significantly enhance a company’s appeal. In a competitive market, top candidates seek more than just a paycheck, they look for benefits that improve their overall quality of life.

Building a strong employer brand is another essential strategy. A robust employer brand is vital for attracting top talent. Candidates are drawn to organizations with a positive reputation, values aligned with their own and a clear vision. Showcasing the company’s culture, success stories, and growth opportunities through social media, employee testimonials and a strong online presence can create a compelling image.

Talented professionals are also attracted to organizations that invest in their growth and development. Providing training programs, mentorship and opportunities for advancement can set a company apart. Top candidates want to know they have room to grow within the company and that their careers will progress. Clear communication about potential career paths and professional development opportunities is crucial.

Additionally, flexible working conditions have become increasingly important. The global shift toward remote and flexible work has reshaped the job market. Top talent now seeks organizations that offer flexibility, whether through remote work options, flexible hours or hybrid models. Companies that provide these options are better positioned to attract highly skilled professionals who prioritize work-life balance.

Emphasizing diversity and inclusion is also critical. Top talent is increasingly looking for employers that prioritize these values. A diverse workforce enhances creativity and innovation and attracts a broader pool of candidates. Companies should highlight their commitment to creating an inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected.

Creating a positive candidate experience is essential. The recruitment process is often a candidate’s first interaction with the company and it should be a positive one. Timely communication, clear expectations and constructive feedback can leave a lasting impression. A negative experience can drive away top candidates, even if they are initially interested in the position.

Encouraging employee referrals can be highly effective. Current employees are often among the best sources for attracting top talent. By offering incentives and creating a referral program, companies can leverage their employees’ networks to find skilled professionals.

We are happy to announce an exciting new collaboration between CHRM College and Tech Mindset Africa. On the 11th of September, 2024, our Principal, CHRP Margaret K. Kinyanjui, and Joan Mbesya, CEO of Tech Mindset Africa Limited (TMA), celebrated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking the beginning of a pivotal partnership.

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms various industries, this collaboration is set to play a crucial role in equipping our students with the essential AI skills needed to stay competitive in the evolving job market. The partnership will offer unique programs designed in conjunction with Tech Mindset Africa, adding significant value to our educational offerings.

Our commitment is to ensure that as AI reshapes the professional landscape, human interest remains a priority. CHRM College is dedicated to maintaining a balanced, people-centered approach to technological advancement, ensuring that employee engagement continues to be at the forefront of AI integration.

Stay tuned for more updates on this collaboration and how it will enhance the opportunities available to our students and our other stakeholders. 

Businesses across the world are operating in an uncertain environment in which a myriad of disruptive forces, mostly driven by technological advancement, have brought changes that have disrupted the nature of work and skills requirement. These changes have presented opportunities and challenges in skills requirements to both the employer and the employee. Organizational skills requirement has taken a different shape. Employee skills as well require to be developed in order to build capacity to support and manage the digital transformation. Without talented and skilled workforce, a business has little hope of survival in the emerging turbulent environment. It is therefore important for HR Professionals to be aware of the trends shaping the future of their businesses so as to harness the human skills to sync with emerging trends.  

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here with us.  The AI and its related technologies will have a seismic impact on all aspects of businesses and employees need to upgrade their skills to stay relevant. Organizations need to strategically invest in training and development as they position themselves to respond to the changing business landscape. It is imperative for HR professionals to understand how AI will impact business operations, so that they can start to build the skills and talents necessary to embrace the changes. Imperative is to build a vibrant and resilient talent ecosystem that can meet the organization’s future skills needs. A study carried out by Mckinsey & Company found that technological skills will increase 55 percent by 2030. Aligning employee skills with the emerging technologies can help the organization to have a ready supply of AI enabled skilled talents. Another survey carried out on Kenyan Companies by the International Labour Organization, found digital skills to be “the most important single skill set cited by enterprises as being important for their future success” (ILO 2022).  This means that organizations need to change their skills development tools in order to meet the changing HR skills needs. 

The use of data for decision making has continued to gain prominence. Employers have access to considerable amounts of data over an employee’s lifecycle, but the majority lack the requisite skills to interpret and use this data.  The business of the future will be data driven and having digital and analytical skills needed to interpret data to shape business decisions is critical. Data is going to be the “new oil” to business competitiveness. Businesses that are not able to employ the various emerging technologies to interpret data intelligently would be the laggards in an extremely competitive marketplace (Pareek et al.). It is important that businesses address their employees’ analytics capabilities to link analytics to business outcomes. Businesses can use softwares integrated with AI capabilities to upskill their workforce and develop critical analytical skills in their staff. 

Developments in technology have expanded the possibility for traditional workplaces and new forms of work have evolved. HR professionals can develop the right digital skills in their employees and create the right conditions for remote work.  HR can also optimize the concept of remote work to attract and retain critical talents.  Millennials and GenZs who are highly tech savvy are difficult to attract and offering them the ability to work from “anywhere” can be very appealing to these demographics. 

HR Professionals will not be looking into harnessing their employees’ technical skills only. Developing a new set of soft skills is equally critical. HR needs to find ways to balance technology adoption with maintaining the human touch as they endeavor to integrate people with technology. Organizations require technical skills complemented by soft skills. The International Labour Organization study indicated that soft skills such as creativity and communication were amongst the most important to the future success of business. Also cited as important is teamwork, multitasking abilities/ flexibility and collaborative skills. This means that greater need for social and emotional skills need to be developed going forward.  

The one-million-dollar question is “how is your organization positioning its human resources for tomorrow?”.

By CHRP Janet Mitu

The writer is a human resource consultant, trainer, and a lecturer at the College of Human Resource Management.

mitujanet@gmail.com

Written by: Vivian Perose, CHRP(K) 

Technology has fundamentally transformed the landscape of training and development, reshaping how we acquire new skills and knowledge. Gone are the days of rigid, one-size-fits-all training programs. Training should change your thought processes and make an impact on our deliverables at our workplace. This is achieved by ensuring the sessions are made more efficient, engaging and adaptable. 

Today, technology enables a dynamic, personalized learning experience that caters to diverse needs and learning styles, this is achieved by interactive e-learning platforms and virtual simulations to AI-driven analytics and mobile learning apps. Technology is not only enhancing accessibility but also making training more engaging and effective. This digital evolution empowers learners to take control of their educational journeys, fosters real-time feedback and facilitates continuous learning in an ever-evolving world. As we look into the role of technology in training, it’s clear that it is not just a tool but a transformative force driving the future of education and professional development.

Exploring on the overview of traditional training methods, this was done mainly in two ways first; Classroom Training: – Historically, employee training was conducted in-person, often in a classroom setting with lectures, presentations and hands-on exercises and secondly; On-the-Job Training: Employees would learn by performing tasks under the supervision of more experienced workers.

Evolution of training has emerged providing us with the underlisted modes of training methodology;

• E-Learning Platforms: The rise of online learning platforms has enabled employees to access training materials and courses remotely, allowing for greater flexibility and self-paced learning.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-driven tools can personalize training programs, assess employee performance and provide real-time feedback, improving the effectiveness of training.
• Mobile Learning (M-Learning): With the widespread use of smartphones and tablets, mobile learning allows employees to engage with training content anytime and anywhere.

Technology has fundamentally transformed employee training in several keyways, reshaping how we acquire new skills and knowledge. Gone are the days of rigid, one-size-fits-all training programs. With technology, training costs have been significantly reduced; online training eliminates or lowers expenses associated with physical materials, travel and venue hire. It also minimizes the need for dedicated trainers, as content can be reused.

Moreover, technology enables the customization of training programs to suit individual learning styles and needs through AI-driven adaptive learning systems, ensuring more effective learning outcomes. It also facilitates the collection of data on how employees engage with training materials, which can be used to refine and personalize future training sessions.

Short, focused learning modules delivered through mobile apps or online platforms make it easier for employees to integrate learning into their daily routines. Additionally, Learning Management Systems (LMS) platforms help organizations manage, track, and evaluate the effectiveness of their training programs, ensuring continuous development and skill acquisition.

In conclusion, it is evident that technology has revolutionized employee training by making it more accessible, cost-effective, personalized and engaging. As organizations continue to adapt to the changing demands of the modern workplace, the role of technology in employee development will only become more critical.

We emphasize the transformative impact of technology on employee training, suggesting that as technology continues to advance, its role in training will become increasingly integral. The focus would be on how businesses can leverage these innovations to enhance employee development, improve performance and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.

Overall, technology not only enhances the efficiency and accessibility of training but also supports a more personalized and interactive learning experience.

Author Bio 

Vivian is a seasoned Strategic Human Resource Practitioner with over a decade of experience. She currently serves as a Human Resource Business Partner. Her expertise spans HR Analytics, Employee Relations, Change Management, Workforce Planning, Mediation, Corporate Training, and Organizational Re-engineering.

Vivian holds an MBA in Strategic Management and a BBA in Human Resource Management. She is also a Certified Human Resource Practitioner (CHRP-K) and a Certified Mediator. In addition to her professional roles, Vivian serves as a board member for several non-profit organizations. She is a strong advocate for mentorship and empowerment. Vivian is also an active Rotarian and has held leadership positions within Rotary International

In today’s world, inclusivity is more than a buzzword, it is a fundamental component for fostering innovation and growth. Ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to and influence every part and level of an organization is crucial for achieving true inclusivity. When inclusivity is paired with a sense of belonging, where everyone feels safe and can bring their full, unique selves to an environment, the results are transformative.

Institutions that embrace inclusivity benefit from a diverse range of perspectives, leading to better decision-making and more creative solutions. Inclusivity also creates an environment where everyone feels valued and respected for who they are and what they bring to the table. Inclusive education is the most effective way to give all children a fair chance to go to school, learn and develop the skills they need to thrive.

Having a disability can be one of the most marginalizing factors in a person’s life. In education, finding ways to meet the learning needs of students with disabilities can be challenging, especially in institutions, districts, regions and countries with limited resources. Inclusive education, which fully engages all students, including those with disabilities or other learning challenges, in quality education, has proven particularly effective in helping all students learn, even while challenges to implementing inclusive education systems remain.

CHRM College stands as a beacon of inclusivity and belonging in the educational sector. By ensuring that everyone, including those differently abled, have an equal opportunity to study, contribute and achieve their career goals, CHRM College has created an environment where diversity thrives. The college’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its policies, programs and practices that promote inclusion at all levels.

‘The college has provided all the necessary channels to make it easy for me to study, even though I am visually impaired. I am able to continue my education comfortably thanks to the availability of online learning. I chose CHRM College because of its ability to offer the best services and its exceptional lecturers who are already practicing professionals,’ said Kelvin Kioko, a Higher Diploma student at CHRM College.

Embracing inclusivity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage in today’s world. Institutions that prioritize inclusivity, like CHRM College, exemplify how promoting an environment where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive leads to remarkable innovation and growth. By creating spaces where diverse perspectives are valued and every student has the opportunity to contribute and succeed, CHRM College is setting a standard for educational excellence and equity. The college’s commitment to inclusivity, as highlighted by students like Kelvin Kioko, demonstrates the transformative power of ensuring that all voices are heard and all talents are recognized. As we move forward, let us continue to champion inclusivity in all areas, knowing that such dedication enriches our communities and drives our collective success.

In the dynamic landscape of education, flexibility and accessibility are becoming increasingly crucial. In response to this demand, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) stands tall as a pioneer in open and distance learning. With its innovative approach and commitment to quality education, IGNOU has transformed countless lives, opening doors to learning opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Imagine a world where geographical boundaries cease to limit educational pursuits. IGNOU embodies this vision by breaking barriers and making education accessible to everyone, irrespective of their location or circumstances. CHRM College is Kenya’s Recruitment centre for IGNOU through the Centre for Open and Distance Education CODE. Whether you are a working professional seeking to upskill, or a student unable to pursue traditional education due to various constraints, IGNOU welcomes you with open arms. IGNOU offers 6 years for completion of a bachelor’s degree and 4 years for a master’s program. This shows the flexibility available, this means one can take breaks in between after a semester.

What sets IGNOU apart is its comprehensive range of programs, covering virtually every field imaginable. From arts and humanities to science and technology, IGNOU offers a myriad of courses designed to cater to diverse interests and career aspirations. Moreover, CHRM College as a Centre for ODeL offers flexibility of delivery mode allowing learners to study at their own pace, balancing their academic pursuits with other commitments.

The allure of IGNOU lies not only in its flexibility but also in its unwavering commitment to quality education. Accredited by reputable bodies and staffed by experienced faculty members, IGNOU ensures that its programs meet rigorous academic standards

Embrace the transformative power of education with IGNOU.CHRM College is accredited recruitment Centre for IGNOU. Visit chrm.or.ke or call 0721 177 456/ 0727 792 122 to learn more. Whether you aspire to advance your career, pursue your passion, or simply expand your horizons, IGNOU offers a pathway to success. Take the first step towards a brighter future by enrolling in one of IGNOU’s esteemed programs today.

In a world where education is the key to unlocking endless possibilities, IGNOU stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity. Through its innovative approach to open and distance learning, IGNOU has empowered countless individuals to realize their dreams and aspirations. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, let IGNOU be your guiding light on the journey to knowledge and enlightenment.