A professor in human resources management, Prof. Dra. Kusni Ingsih, M.M., emphasized that human resources (HR) were among the main elements needed to adapt to technological advancements. She gave this statement during her scientific oration at the inauguration of five professors at Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (Udinus), on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
The scientific oration delivered by Prof. Dr. Dra. Kusni Ingsih, M.M., was entitled ‘The Role of Human Resources Toward Sustainable Organization.’ During the oration, Prof. Kusni also highlighted the importance of HR management in reaching the Golden Indonesia Vision By 2045. This is because the HR management sector is among the primary gears in moving the nation to a greater height.
Prof. Kusni explained that the HR management sector must undergo a major transformation in the rapidly advancing digital era. According to her, currently, conventional HR management only focuses on workforces within an organization.
“Currently, HR is seen as a potential for an organization to innovate, allowing the organization to establish a work environment that is friendly to its human resources by prioritizing spiritual dimensions, encompassing mental, feelings, body, and mind,” she uttered.
With good spiritual dimensions, organizations will be able to form social relationships to establish a healthy organizational environment. According to Prof. Kusni, no matter how small the contribution was, it would mean a lot.
HR in the Digital Era
In the midst of rapid transformations, Prof. Kusni emphasized that HR was among the primary aspects of adapting to new technology, as well as utilizing it. HR management competence is needed to push corporations to keep innovating and developing.
During her oration, Prof. Kusni mentioned several global trends concerning HR that needed further attention. These trends encompass talent war , which showcases the abundance of talents held by specific individuals that need further improvement. The second trend is flexible work, which pushes an individual to fulfill a work life balance. The third trend is using technology for managing data concerning management.
“These trends also include the kindness movement movement, which obliges corporations to also hold activities in addition to primary activities, like holding a rotating and savings association and certain religious gatherings. Last but not least, a diverse workforce is a trend emphasizing the importance of organizations in empowering talents of various generations for the sustainability of said organizations,” Prof. Kusni uttered.
Responding to the Challenges in the Digital Era
However, there are several challenges in the digital era that cannot be ignored, like the risks of unilateral layoffs or skill gaps. According to Prof. Kusni, there were still many organizations in Indonesia with zero awareness of these challenges, as they are still implementing conventional HR management.
“To mitigate these problems, an individual can hone their soft skills, including life-long learning, creativity, teamwork, and leadership. These soft skills are still important, as technology, no matter how advanced, will not replace humans in social interactions,” she emphasized.
