At SHRM Tech 2.0 2025, SHRM India and LinkedIn launched a pioneering report titled “Talent Strategy Playbook: The Future Starts Now”—a strategic guide that underscores the urgent need for AI integration and skills-first talent practices in India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs). Released in front of 2,000+ delegates and 150+ speakers, the playbook lays out a bold vision for building future-ready, people-centric workplaces through intelligent talent transformation.
Key Findings from the Talent Strategy Playbook
1. Low AI Adoption in Talent Ops
- Only 13% of GCCs have fully integrated AI into talent operations, though 67% use it moderately or occasionally.
- Points to a significant gap between awareness and full-scale implementation.
2. Disconnect Between Learning and Mobility
- While 70% of GCCs value learning programs, nearly 30% report no significant impact on career mobility.
- Heavy L&D investment isn’t translating into internal career growth.
3. Skills-First Hiring Still Evolving
- 53% have adopted skill-based platforms, but only 10% regularly assess for future skills.
- Indicates a maturity gap in forward-looking talent strategies.
4. Upskilling Preferred Over Hiring Specialists
- 41% of GCCs are investing in internal upskilling, while only 15% are hiring AI talent externally.
- Suggests a preference for long-term, cost-effective capability building.
5. Employer Branding Matters
- Talent is drawn by clear career growth pathways (33%), company culture (23%), and authentic employee stories (14%).
Strategic Priorities for GCCs Outlined in the Playbook
- Shift to a skills-first hiring model powered by internal talent marketplaces.
- Accelerate AI adoption aligned with reskilling initiatives.
- Build authentic employer brandsthat resonate in a competitive talent market.
- Redefine L&D as a mobility driver with measurable outcomes.
- Leverage intelligent talent platforms for data-driven hiring and development.
Opening the event, Achal Khanna, CEO – SHRM India, MENA & APAC, emphasized the need for a human-first approach to digital transformation.
“SHRM Tech is not just a platform for conversations—it’s a launchpad for action. As we step into a future powered by AI and human ingenuity, we must focus on trust, purpose, and adaptability. Limitless possibilities unfold when people and technology come together to lead change,” she said.
Day 1 Highlights: Thought Leaders and Conversations That Matter
The first day of SHRM Tech 2025 featured powerful insights from industry stalwarts including:
- Zarin Daruwala, Former Cluster CEO – India & South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank
- Richard Rekhy, Vice Chair, Grant Thornton Bharat & Former CEO, KPMG India
- Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, The Tata Power Company
Each session reinforced a shared vision: Human-centric innovation in a digitally accelerating world.
What to Expect on Day 2
Day 2 of SHRM Tech 2025 promises to amplify the conversation with high-impact sessions from visionaries including:
- Andy Biladeau, Chief Transformation Officer, SHRM
- Pranjal Sharma, Economic Analyst, Advisor & Author, The Next New
- A. Balasubramanian, MD & CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC
- Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India & South Asia
Themes will dive deeper into ethical AI, resilient leadership, and building future-ready workforces—ushering in the next phase of Workplace 2.0.
Conclusion
SHRM Tech 2025 is not just a conference—it’s a catalyst for redefining talent strategy at scale. With over 2,000+ delegates, 150+ speakers, and 100+ partners, it serves as a vital platform to drive human-centered, AI-powered transformation in India’s GCC landscape. As organizations navigate this critical inflection point, the Talent Strategy Playbook offers a roadmap to turn challenges into opportunities—and ambition into action.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
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