As the world of work transforms at an unprecedented pace, the role of Human Resources is evolving into one of the most strategic, human-centric functions within organizations. On this International HR Day, Deepti Mehta shares her compelling perspective on how HR is shaping business, culture, and people for a more resilient and inclusive future.
Q1) How do you see the role of HR evolving in next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, the role of Human Resources is set to evolve significantly from primarily administrative to deeply strategic. HR will increasingly influence core business decisions, using data and analytics to drive smarter talent strategies, from recruitment to retention. Technology will play a major role, with AI automating routine tasks and enabling more efficient and personalized employee experiences. The focus will shift toward building agile, resilient workforces through continuous learning, upskilling, and support for flexible and hybrid work models.
At the same time, HR will be expected to lead in shaping inclusive, purpose-driven cultures where employee well-being, engagement, and belonging are at the forefront. As organizations navigate rapid change and complexity, HR professionals will become central to transformation, acting as culture custodians, change agents, and key business partners. The future of HR is not just about managing people; it’s about unlocking their full potential and aligning it with the evolving needs of the business.
This journey will be from AI Adoption to AI Adaption while the new generation will take over and Digital Training Will Become a Necessity. There will be people experience focused departments and “new-collar” jobs will see rise. This will require advanced skills in high-tech areas like AI and cybersecurity but not necessarily advanced degrees.
Q2) What are the most pressing talent challenge you foresee in next 5-10 years in different sectors
As the world of work undergoes rapid transformation, different sectors are grappling with their own unique talent challenges, many of which are intensifying.
In healthcare, the most urgent issue is a growing shortage of skilled professionals, especially in nursing, mental health, and elder care. Coupled with post-pandemic burnout and rising demand, the sector must also adapt to digital health technologies, requiring new technical competencies.
The technology sector, meanwhile, faces fierce competition for talent in AI, cybersecurity, and data science, along with the constant need for reskilling to keep pace with fast-evolving tools and platforms. Managing global, remote teams adds another layer of complexity.
Manufacturing and industrial sectors are contending with both a labor shortage in skilled trades and a widening skills gap as Industry 4.0 technologies like robotics and IoT—become standard. There’s also an urgent need to attract younger talent and upskill the current workforce to operate in increasingly automated environments. In financial services, the challenge lies in bridging legacy systems with modern fintech innovations, while attracting professionals who can navigate both technology and tight regulatory landscapes. Cybersecurity and data privacy roles are especially hard to fill in this highly regulated environment.
Education Sector faces a growing teacher shortage, particularly in STEM and special education, alongside high burnout rates and increasing pressure to integrate digital tools effectively.
Aerospace and Defense industries are dealing with an aging workforce and clearance restrictions that limit the talent pool, even as they seek experts in advanced manufacturing, AI, and cyber defense.
Retail and Consumer services continue to experience high turnover in frontline roles, while struggling to find talent with both digital fluency and strong customer experience skills in a competitive e-commerce landscape.
Construction and Infrastructure are facing critical shortages in skilled labor, from engineers to tradespeople, while also being challenged to digitize operations and meet new environmental, safety, and compliance standards.
Across nearly all sectors, common threads are emerging: the disruptive impact of AI and automation on traditional job roles, the growing emphasis on soft skills like adaptability and emotional intelligence, and the pressure to create flexible, inclusive, and purpose-driven work environments. As organizations navigate this next era of work, the ability to anticipate and strategically address these talent gaps will be key to long-term resilience and success.
Q3) Your message to HR Professional on the occasion of HR Day
On HR Day, we should pause to recognize the people behind the people, The HR professionals who drive culture, enable growth, and support every corner of the organization. Our role has evolved into something far more strategic, we are shaping the future of work, championing inclusion, and guiding leaders through constant change. The last few years have accelerated the evolution of our role. We’ve been called to lead through disruption, guide organizations through digital and cultural shifts, and reimagine work in ways that are more human, inclusive, and resilient.
Our resilience, empathy, and commitment to building better workplaces stands strong. The future of work is being written by us and it’s more human because of it.
Read Also : HR at the Heart of Transformation: Shaping Purpose-Driven, Future-Ready Workforces in the Energy Sector
From Support to Strategy: HR’s Decisive Shift Toward Leading the Future of Work
Trust, Technology, and the Human Touch: Shaping the Future of HR
