The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) recently organized an open interactive session at the Human Resources Club, using live streaming technology, the second of its kind for the Club, which is a free intellectual and knowledge communication platform bringing together HR professionals and those interested in the field across all work sectors in the country.
The session, which was watched by more than 500 members of the Human Resources Club and interested from the UAE and abroad, discussed the relationship between human resources management and personnel management, how the human resources departments in the institutions can benefit from available data, and the use of artificial intelligence in strategic human resources planning. Discussion agenda also included employees’ experiences in developing policies and plans for their organizations, which was presented by Brad Boyson, Executive Director of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Middle East and North Africa.
Boyson stressed that HR departments have undergone significant transformations in terms of the important roles they play in any organization, compared to their minor roles in the past, following traditional human resources practices. The HR department, according to him, now plays a crucial role and is largely responsible for the success of the organization, as well as the design and implementation of its plans and strategic goals. It is also concerned with developing the skills and abilities of employees, and enriching their experience in the organization, which reflects positively on their performance and productivity in general.
He said: “Successful HR departments are capable of developing innovative methods to engage employees in the work environment and give them the opportunity to contribute to the strategic decisions of the organization. Designing the work environment in the organization is at the core of HR departments’ functions, provided such design must be environmentally friendly, as well as motivate employees and inspire creativity, which will enhance the attractiveness of the work environment, and make it a destination for the top talent.”
Brad Boyson cited the experience of "Apple" in the design of the company's headquarters in the United States, which cost the company $ 5 billion, and is a masterpiece of advanced technology to stimulate creativity.
He underscored the importance of data and statistics in decision-making process, a vital factor to formulate policies of governments in general and institutions in particular, considering that the data is the new oil at the present time, as he put it. “No institution can achieve its vision and strategic plans without a large variety of data, or without making a logical and scientific analysis of these data; to be used in the service of its goals and visions,” he moted.
The Executive Director of SHRM, Middle East and North Africa, said that AI technologies have played a significant role in enhancing employee experiences, and improving the productivity of enterprises, to the extent that it has become an integral part of the work system of many of the largest organizations around the world.
HR Club
The Human Resources Club provides an important opportunity for cooperation among all those concerned with human capital development, discussing topics related to the major challenges faced by institutions and governments, as well as reviewing best solutions to address such challenges and keep pace with the changes in this area.
It is one of the most important strategic initiatives of the Authority, and an interactive platform and an intellectual and knowledge communication channel that brings together interested people, human resources specialists and experts under one roof to share ideas, experiences and solutions that could enhance the roles assigned to human resources departments and other institutional service bodies across different sectors in the country.
The Club offers its membership, which has grown to over 12 thousand, an ideal opportunity to learn about the best practices, experiences and success stories of many individuals and institutions, as well as meeting with specialists and practitioners in the field of institutional work.
It should be noted that membership of the Club is open and free for all those interested in human resources and institutional support, etc. Application should be through website: www.fahr.gov.ae, and e-mail: HRClub@fahr.gov.ae