We just had the most eye-opening experience at the HR Conclave 2025 at Narayana Business School in Ahmedabad. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance data analytics with human empathy in HR, this event had all the answers.
The theme was “HR Excellence and People Analytics: Leveraging Data for Smarter Decisions,” and it couldn’t have come at a better time. In today’s world where algorithms are everywhere, it’s refreshing to see a gathering that focuses on keeping the human touch alive in HR.
Lamp lighting ceremony by our Director Dr Amit Gupta.
Bridging Data and Humanity
The essence of the conclave was built upon the belief that while numbers and metrics provide clarity, it is the human context behind these figures that fuels true progress. In today’s fast-paced business environment, organizations are increasingly reliant on data to steer decisions from talent acquisition to employee engagement. Yet, the voices at HR Conclave 2025 reminded us that data, when divorced from human context, is merely noise. They argued that by merging analytics with empathy, companies could unlock not only improved productivity but also a more engaged and fulfilled workforce.
In a session that felt as much like a storytelling forum as it did a professional seminar, speakers illustrated that every data point on an employee’s profile represents a human being with unique aspirations, challenges, and potential. This philosophy underpinned the entire day, with each presentation reinforcing the idea that the future of HR lies in harmonizing the objective clarity of analytics with the subjective beauty of human experience.
The Neuroscience of Appreciation
One of the most compelling moments of the day came from Harjeet Khanduja, Senior Vice President HR at Reliance Jio. Khanduja transformed the stage into a dynamic theater of ideas, interweaving cinematic metaphors with the science of human behavior. Drawing parallels with films like The Shawshank Redemption, he argued that recognition in the workplace isn’t merely a feel-good gesture—it is a catalyst for neurological transformation.
“When we acknowledge someone’s effort, we’re not just boosting morale; we’re activating the brain’s chemistry,” Khanduja explained. He detailed how the release of dopamine and serotonin, often celebrated as the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals, can create a virtuous cycle of trust and productivity. By likening daily recognition to pivotal cinematic moments, he painted a vivid picture of workplaces where each act of appreciation ignites a spark of creativity and commitment.
Khanduja’s narrative was underpinned by scientific research that shows how positive reinforcement not only increases individual performance but also fosters a culture of collective achievement. His insights encouraged HR leaders to view employee recognition as a strategic imperative, a simple yet powerful tool that can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Rethinking Talent Hierarchies
In another thought-provoking session, HR influencer Sahil Nayar challenged conventional wisdom with a single, provocative question: “What if we designed systems where no one is left in the shadows?”
Nayar dissected the paradox inherent in traditional talent evaluations, where individuals often judge their own struggles through a lens of external pressures while attributing others’ challenges to personal failings.
He argued that this bias, often invisible in everyday interactions, stifles potential by reinforcing outdated hierarchies. Instead, Nayar advocated for an HR framework that prioritizes equitable growth opportunities. His call to “rethink talent hierarchies” resonated with many in the audience, as he suggested that every employee, regardless of their position on the corporate ladder, holds untapped potential waiting to be nurtured.
Nayar’s message was clear: By reimagining how we evaluate and support talent, organizations can build more inclusive environments where every individual is empowered to shine. His speech was not just a critique of the status quo but a rallying cry for a new era in HR—one that values potential over pedigree and inclusivity over hierarchy.
The Panel Discussion On People Analytics
Uncovering Hidden Biases In Recruitment
Mekhola Ganguly, SGM – HR Business Partner at Welspun One, provided a practical example of how data can expose uncomfortable truths. Sharing insights from her organization’s recruitment process, Ganguly revealed that candidates hailing from smaller cities were consistently undervalued despite possessing qualifications on par with their urban counterparts.
“Data doesn’t lie,” Ganguly asserted, highlighting how anonymizing location details during initial screening not only diversified their talent pool but also brought to light exceptional candidates who might otherwise have been overlooked. Her account served as a powerful reminder that biases—often ingrained and unchallenged—can be mitigated through thoughtful analysis and deliberate policy changes.
Ganguly’s story was a testament to the idea that ethical analytics can serve as a mirror, reflecting the hidden prejudices within recruitment processes. By removing unconscious barriers, her organization was able to foster a more equitable hiring process, one where excellence was recognized regardless of geography. This approach, she argued, is not about meeting quotas but about uncovering and nurturing genuine talent.
Cross-functional Secondments: A Cure for Stagnation
Another highlight of the conclave was the session led by Kshatriya Sundeep Singh, Head – People and Culture at Reneé Cosmetics. Singh took the audience on a journey into the realm of cross-functional secondments, a practice where employees are temporarily assigned to roles outside their primary job function.
Singh recounted a compelling case where a marketer, given the opportunity to work on a supply chain project, and an engineer who shadowed customer service teams, discovered renewed curiosity and purpose in their roles. “People don’t leave companies; they leave stagnation,” he emphasized, underscoring the transformative impact of interdisciplinary exposure. By breaking down silos, organizations can reinvigorate their workforce, reduce attrition, and foster a culture of continuous learning.
Singh’s narrative was rich with real-world implications. His example demonstrated that when employees are exposed to different facets of the organization, they not only gain new skills but also a deeper understanding of the business as a whole. This holistic approach to professional development, he argued, is essential in today’s rapidly evolving work environment.
Data-Driven Interventions in Education
The dialogue at HR Conclave 2025 was not limited to corporate strategies alone. Dr. Neelam Kshatriya, Associate Professor at NBS Ahmedabad, showcased how data analytics is revolutionizing the educational sphere. By monitoring class participation, assignment submissions, and peer interactions, the school has developed a proactive system to identify students at risk of falling behind.
Dr. Kshatriya’s insights revealed that early intervention, grounded in data, can make a significant difference in academic outcomes.
This approach mirrors the broader HR narrative: timely, data-informed decisions, when coupled with compassionate support, can foster an environment where every individual, be it a student or an employee, has the opportunity to succeed.
Complementing the optimistic narratives was the cautionary note from Dr. Jeegnesh Trivedi, Examinations Head at NBS Ahmedabad. Dr. Trivedi warned against an overreliance on metrics, urging the audience to remember that numbers should guide questions, not provide definitive answers.
A Prestigious Recognition at the Conclave
In a heartfelt conclusion to an already remarkable day, Narayana Business School was honored with the Best Brand Award by the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF). This prestigious accolade, coming as a direct recommendation from the IIRF Board of Directors, recognizes the institution’s relentless commitment to integrating real-world relevance into business education while maintaining the highest academic standards.
Universal Truths And Future Directions
As the day drew to a close, several universal truths emerged from the conclave—truths that continue to resonate in an era marked by digital disruption and shifting generational expectations. Among these were the notions that “Data Without Context Is Just Noise” and “Appreciation Costs Nothing, Changes Everything.”
The discussions converged on the idea that while Gen Z demands purpose as much as pay, the true challenge for organizations is to create environments where both data and human values are seamlessly integrated. Ethics, as many speakers pointed out, are the guardrails of innovation. Without them, even the most sophisticated analytics can lead to decisions that undermine trust and equity.
The event, co-hosted by the HRcomm club of Narayana Business School in collaboration with the Federation for World Academics and media partner EPN News, left a lasting impression on all who attended.
It was a day of revelations, a day when data was no longer seen as the enemy of empathy but as its enabler.
A Thought To Carry Forward After The HR Conclave 2025
As we reflect on the transformative ideas shared at HR Conclave 2025, one message stands out: the future of HR is not a choice between technology and human touch, but a synthesis of both. In every employee recognition, every unbiased hiring decision, and every cross-departmental collaboration, there lies the potential to build workplaces that are both smart and soulful.
For HR professionals, educators, and industry leaders alike, the conclave’s insights are not just guidelines for better practices; they are a call to action. It is a reminder that while technology continues to reshape the workplace, the human spirit remains the true driver of innovation and progress.
In closing, as organizations navigate the ever-changing demands of a diverse workforce, let us remember that the most transformative decisions are those that blend the precision of analytics with the empathy of human connection. The future of work is unfolding before our eyes, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it is a future where every individual is seen, heard, and valued.
The journey toward HR excellence is just beginning, and it is a journey that demands not only smart decisions but also a compassionate approach. In the words of the thought-provoking speakers at Narayana Business School, let data illuminate the path and empathy fuel the progress, a harmonious blend that might just redefine the very nature of our workplaces.
