IHRM urges flexible policies to harness young talent's innovation potential

The Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) Monday launched its annual HR Month Celebrations under the theme "Catalyzing Innovation and Growth: Accelerating Progress through Creative Leadership".

The launch emphasised the critical role of innovation and creative leadership in driving organizational and national growth.

The event, held at a hotel in Nairobi, brought together key government officials and HR professionals to reflect on the industry's contributions and future direction.

Principal Secretary for the State Department of Public Service Amos Gathecha opened the event.

He noted its alignment with the government's Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), particularly in "leveraging technology for sustainable growth and improved service delivery.

"People are at the heart of institutional management, positioning HR as the nerve centre of organizational operations," he said while emphasising the central role of HR in organizational management.

Gathecha called on HR professionals to adapt to changing workplace dynamics, including the influx of Generation Z employees and the challenges posed by emerging technologies.

CHRP Odero Philip Dalmas, National Chairman of IHRM, followed with an overview of the Institute's recent achievements.

"We have opened 16 branches across the country and we have plans for further expansion," he said while highlighting IHRM's growing national presence

Dalmas also emphasized the Institute's increasing collaboration with government bodies, including "a seat at the Attorney General's Office," underscoring IHRM's growing influence in shaping national HR policies.

"We encourage organizations to review their policies to accommodate Gen-Z's unique perspectives and leverage their innovation potential," he said.

IHRM Executive Director Quresha Abdullahi challenged employers through their HR function to embrace approaches such as flexible working, personalized career paths, diversity, and inclusion.

"Gen-Z’s are always on the move, and employers have to be proactive within the confines of the law," Abdullahi stated.

Paul Kasimu, HR Transformation and Change Adviser at Safaricom Group Plc, spoke about the three work environments: physical, cultural, and technological.

He emphasized the importance of allowing people to bring their true selves to work, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to workplace management.

The IHRM Chairman highlighted the Institute's commitment to professional development through programs like the Transcend mentorship initiative.

He also noted members' engagement in environmental conservation efforts, reporting that IHRM members have "planted over 10,000 trees nationwide in the past year," aligning with national sustainability goals.

All speakers addressed the challenges facing the HR profession, including the need to manage a ballooning wage bill and youth unemployment.

They called for "proactive measures and empathetic leadership within policy confines" to address these issues effectively.

The launch event also showcased IHRM's expanding network of partnerships.

Dalmas said agreements with "the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) and the Council of Governors," as well as ongoing discussions with various public and private sector organizations, demonstrate IHRM's commitment to fostering collaboration across sectors.

HR professionals were encouraged to "actively participate in shaping the future of work in Kenya" and to use HR Month as an opportunity to celebrate past achievements while preparing for future challenges in the field of Human Resource Management.

The HR Month will feature various activities including mentorship programs, environmental initiatives, wellness programs, and capacity-building workshops, all aimed at enhancing the visibility and impact of HR practitioners across the country.