HR in 2023: Focusing on security for remote work, consolidating tech

With many employees returning to the office fulltime and others still choosing to embrace a hybrid model, many companies are trying to figure out what is the new normal in a world still struggling with COVID-19 and economic uncertainty.

Which raises the question: For 2023, what will be the focus in human resources?

Initially, when workplaces were disrupted by the wide-reaching ramifications of the virus, “it was time to firefight,” said Jason Portelli, cultural and engagement manager at ELMO Software.

“We knew we had to make sure the mental health of our employees was being addressed and to look at the added stresses employees were facing. Our employee assistance programs were directed at how to access help and when.”

This year, there will be a new HR focus on security systems – the policies and processes of remote working and on consolidating technology, he said.

ELMO, which offers cloud-based solutions to help companies manage people, processes and pay, is partnering with HRD for the National HR Summit in Sydney from March 22-23.

The two-day event at the iconic Luna Park will feature engaging keynote speakers, thought-provoking forums, workshops and exhibits to inspire and inform HR leaders.

“It’s a great opportunity to find out what’s out there and what is best practice,” said Portelli.

“It’s a chance to rebuild connections and meet with practitioners. We need to use a collaborative mind to solve problems as a group.”

Aside from the relevance of technology to current and future HR policies and practices, attendees at the national summit will hear from a range of successful leaders on diverse topics including mental health, leadership, employee retention strategies, communication, burnout and inclusivity.

There will also be talks covering positivity, optimal hybrid work models and securing top talent, said Portelli.

“The opportunity to glean from the knowledge and experiences of so many different leaders and successful companies is critical to the evolving world of human resources management.”

Speakers at the National HR Summit include Mary Hogg, regional human resources director for Hilton; Laura Kirby, chief mental health officer at Commonwealth Bank; Esme Ribarovski, people experience director at Volvo Cars; and Jo Keiko Terasawa, APAC head of inclusion and equity program at Google.

To register for the event, visit HRD Australia.