The Future of Strategic Workforce Planning: Trends and Predictions

Exploring key developments shaping long-term workforce planning strategies
Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 4:15 PM - 4:55 PM
Plenary

In this insightful panel discussion, led by Nick Kennedy, experts Jane Datta, Amit Mohindra, and Adam Gibson will share their perspectives on the future of strategic workforce planning. Over the last 12-18 months, we've witnessed a surge in focus on skills, the rise of AI, and a blend of both, reshaping the landscape of SWP. This session will delve into what might come next—whether it's a shift towards capabilities and traits, the emergence of task-based SWP, or changes in how we perceive roles and professions. The conversation will also explore whether SWP will secure a permanent seat at the executive table, or if it risks obsolescence due to technological democratization. Additionally, the panel will tackle how SWP intersects with important societal issues, such as DEI, sustainability, and ethics, ensuring a well-rounded discussion on the future of workforce planning.

Strategic workforce planning has evolved rapidly, driven by the need for organizations to be agile, adaptable, and prepared for the future. Recent trends have focused on skills, automation, and AI, but what lies ahead for the discipline? This panel will explore the future of SWP, considering its potential to redefine how organizations approach talent management, governance, and social responsibility. As SWP matures, so do the conversations around diversity, sustainability, and ethical considerations, raising important questions about the direction and role of SWP within organizations.

 

This session will explore
  • Emerging trends in strategic workforce planning, including a potential shift from skills to capabilities and traits

  • The relevance of traditional job architectures and taxonomies in future SWP practices

  • The interplay between SWP and key issues such as diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, and ethics

  • Future scenarios, including the potential for SWP to become redundant due to technological democratization and enterprise-wide capability uplift.

Learning outcomes
  1. Gain insights into the latest trends and potential future directions in strategic workforce planning.
  2. Understand how SWP could shift from a focus on skills to capabilities, tasks, and traits.
  3. Learn about the evolving role of SWP in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and its impact on sustainability efforts.
  4. Explore the ethical considerations of SWP, including issues around employee engagement, role augmentation, and data privacy.