“64% of employees would rather trust an AI robot than their own human manager”

At the HR & CEO Summit 2024, Jessyca Joyekurun highlighted the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the workplace, citing a 2019 study from Oracle and Future Workplace which found that “65% of workers are optimistic and grateful to have robots as co-workers.” This underscores the shifting dynamics in the corporate world, further illustrated by the National Employee Engagement Survey from Business Mauritius in 2023, which found high turnover rates among women aged 31 to 35 in the finance and insurance sectors. These insights, combined with predictions from the Society of Human Resource Management, paint a vivid picture of the future of work. The summit explored themes such as Green HR, AI integration, and the importance of nurturing talent and addressing labor market challenges, aiming to align corporate objectives and foster a collaborative approach for meaningful change.

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey as we are about to delve into crucial themes that are not only defining now, but also going to shape the corporate landscape and future of work in Mauritius for the years to come,” Jessyca Joyekurun began, highlighting the importance of the topics on the agenda. 

The HR & CEO Summit 2024, held last Thursday, brought together key industry players, renowned experts, and seasoned HR professionals to explore critical themes shaping the future of work. Jessyca Joyekurun, founder and Managing Director of Expand Human Resources and ComplianceHR, opened the summit with a welcome address, setting the stage for a day of strategic dialogue and collaborative innovation.

Despite our innovative ideas, we unfortunately have our hands sometimes tied due to senior leadership validation

Citing a study from Oracle and Future Workplace in 2019, she noted that “64% of employees would rather trust an AI robot than their own human manager,” and “65% of workers are optimistic and grateful to have robots as co-workers.” These statistics underline the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the evolving relationship between humans and technology. Additionally, she referenced the National Employee Engagement Survey conducted by Business Mauritius in 2023, which found that employees most likely to leave their jobs in Mauritius are from the finance and insurance industries, particularly women aged 31 to 35, with 6 to 10 years of experience.

These insights, combined with a prediction from the Society of Human Resource Management that “by 2050 in the USA, close to 20% of the Fortune 500 CEOs will have an HR background,” paint a vivid picture of the shifting dynamics in the corporate world. “All these statistics leave you to ponder how the world of work will be like in the future,” Jessyca Joyekurun reflected.

Throughout the day, the summit explored various themes, from integrating Green HR practices into corporate DNA to leveraging artificial intelligence to transform HR functions. Participants also discussed nurturing talent through continuous learning and development, and addressing the current labour market’s recruitment challenges. “These are not just topics of discussion; they will form the foundation of our strategic dialogue for today,” she emphasized.

Addressing the decision to bring HR professionals and CEOs together, Jessyca Joyekurun expressed empathy and compassion for HR collaborators, acknowledging the daily challenges they face. “Despite our good initiatives and innovative ideas, we unfortunately have our hands sometimes tied due to senior leadership validation,” she noted. The summit aimed to create better alignment in corporate objectives and foster a more collaborative approach, ultimately driving meaningful change from the top.

“This summit is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth,” Jessyca Joyekurun stated, highlighting the event’s goal to rebuild a dynamic platform and ecosystem for HR professionals. She encouraged participants to forge partnerships, exchange ideas, and co-create solutions for the future of work in Mauritius.

She also called for collective enthusiasm and determination. “Let us harness this collective intelligence to drive positive change and to set new benchmarks for HR excellence in Mauritius. And let us even aspire to influence policy-making in recruitment and employment law, and overall elevate the HR function to new heights,” she urged.

The HR & CEO Summit 2024, with its rich agenda and forward-thinking discussions, set the stage for a transformative approach to HR and corporate leadership in Mauritius. It underscored the vital role of HR professionals in shaping the future of work and highlighted the importance of collaboration between HR and senior leadership to achieve strategic alignment and drive sustainable growth.