HR Technology 2025: The AI Era Has Arrived

4 March 2025 | 10 - 11 a.m.

In this research-based presentation, Josh Bersin, Global Industry Analyst, will explain how AI is already transforming the HR technology landscape, explain his company’s new research on Superworkers, and detail the major AI shifts in every area of HR. Josh will also explain how jobs, roles, and organisations are rapidly being changed by AI, and why AI is not just a technology, it’s a business-model-shattering evolution.

Throughout the session, you'll learn how to evaluate and enhance your HR technology stacks with AI, particularly in areas like recruitment, performance management, and learning development. Starting with pilot projects, you'll gain insights into measuring the impact and scalability of AI-driven tools. Josh will also guide you through redesigning job descriptions and workflows to integrate AI as a collaborative partner, training employees to focus on strategic, creative, and high-value tasks while AI manages repetitive work. Finally, prepare for a broader business transformation as Josh discusses strategic reviews that help align organisational structures, cultures, and goals with AI-driven opportunities.

Work Can’t Suck! Reimagining Employee Experience to Make Work Meaningful Again 

Nick Holmes, Vice President Employee Experience, Avalere Health 

4 March 2025 | 9:15 - 9:45 a.m.

In a rapidly evolving world, the workplace has become more than just a place to earn a paycheck—it’s now central to our sense of purpose, fulfillment, and well-being. But too often, work still feels like a grind. This talk dives deep into how HR can spearhead change and make work not just a necessity but a meaningful, engaging experience. We’ll explore what people really need from their work today—whether it’s autonomy, growth opportunities, or a sense of belonging. 

Make your HR Digitalisation Project a Success: Practical Tools for Leading Change

Melissa Shelley-Höjwall, Global HR Digital Function Head, H&M  

4 March 2025 | 12:45 - 1:30 p.m.

Change can be tough, especially in HR digitalisation, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this session, H&M's Melissa Shelley-Howell will share simple, actionable tips and tools to help you lead change confidently, all based on real-life examples. You'll learn how to involve the right people, tackle resistance, and tell a compelling story about why the change matters. 

Unlocking Innovation – The LEGO Group AI Journey for People & Talent 

Thomas Lybaek, Talent Product Director, The LEGO Group

4 March 2025 | 1:15 - 2 p.m.

The LEGO Group has embarked on a journey towards a Skills Based Organization having done pre-work, RFI/RFP in 2023 and ventured into piloting a third-party tech solution integrated with its existing HCM platform in 2024. The plan includes scaling up the solution to all salaried colleagues through 2025. LEGO’s Thomas Lybaek will present the context for the journey, outline the primary drivers, share initial learnings and detail the roadmap to scale-up. 

Keeping the Humanity in HR and Boosting Engagement in an AI-Driven World 

Mervyn Dinnen, Principal Analyst, Two Heads Consulting

4 March 2025 | 1:15 - 2 p.m.

Is AI a springboard for creativity? Or a tool for increased productivity? How will the emerging Gen Z workforce use AI? And can business leaders harness the power of AI while preserving the human connections that drive engagement, trust, and collaboration? As AI increasingly permeates all of our daily actions and interactions, our business leaders and managers need to support and enable their people by boosting skill development and facilitating opportunities for creativity - or risk increasing employee burnout and attrition. In this session analyst and podcast host Mervyn Dinnen will share latest insights from research and interviews, on how we can foster a culture of inclusivity, belonging and purpose that will help HR leaders leverage AI to strengthen engagement and authenticity, and build trust, to help drive success. 

Embracing the Potential of AI (Tech) Needs Focussed Leadership

Wendy Van Ierschot, VIE People

4 March 2025 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

There is so much going on, the changes are so fast. Now what? There is a big gap between what people say about adopting technology and what they actually do. We need push and pull instruments to really get people immersed into technology. The new ‘agent’ workforce has to be taken seriously. When you succeed in using the potential of AI and technology throughout the whole organization, you will be part of the winning league.

Wendy will present an outline for leadership that effectively bridges the gap between rhetoric and real AI adoption, detailing strategies for empowering a synergistic 'agent' workforce and leveraging focused leadership to transform organisational culture and performance.

Future Readiness in HR: How Can Technology and AI Help Prioritize the Human Aspect of HR 

Nazim Unlu, Global People & Organization Lead, Novartis 

5 March 2025 | 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.

In this session, Nazim Unlu examines the potential of technology and AI in augmenting the human element within HR practices. The focus will be on exploring strategies that empower HR professionals to effectively address forthcoming challenges, specifically emphasising hyper-personalization to redefine the employee experience. Additionally, he’ll analyze how AI-driven innovations can democratize HR tools, ultimately contributing to the establishment of a more inclusive and equitable workforce. 

The HR 2030 Journey: Trailblazing, Evolving, and Doing What Works

Anna Carlsson, HR Tech Analyst, HR Digi

Anna Mindelöf, Chief People Officer, Fiskars Group 

Alexander Westerdahl, HR Product & Technology, TA, Spotify

5 March 2025 | 12:45 - 1:45 p.m.

The business world of 2030 will be defined by transformative digitalization, talent shortages, and a heightened focus on sustainability. To remain competitive, organizations must embrace digital literacy, innovative approaches to bridge the skills gap, and sustainable practices as core strategies. As the “war for talent” escalates, employees will demand workplaces that are transparent, personalized, and aligned with ethical and sustainable values.  

In this session, senior HR executives from Fiskars Group and Spotify join HR tech analyst Anna Carlsson to explore the range of approaches organizations are taking to embrace digital transformation, foster sustainable practices, and prepare for Generation Alpha’s entry into the workforce — whose expectations for tech-enabled, flexible, and socially responsible workplaces are high.  

HR is uniquely positioned to lead this evolution by leveraging data-driven insights, advanced technology, and AI to reimagine work environments. By blending digital resources and human-centered practices, HR can foster ecosystems where individuals and teams are empowered to grow, develop, and feel valued.