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AI-Driven Workplace Shift Highlighted at India HR Conclave
On 24 June 2026, the Manel Srinivas Nayak Institute of Management (MSNIM) in Bondel staged its annual Human Resources Conclave, under the banner Changing Workplace Dynamics and Culture. The event opened with K.S. Prabhoda, Assistant General Manager of Human Resources at Cardolite Specialty Chemicals India LLP and chairman of the National Institute of Personnel Management (NIPM) Mangaluru Chapter. Prabhoda traced work’s evolution over the past three decades—from the traditional office to the remote and hybrid arrangements that surfaced during the COVID‑19 pandemic—before declaring artificial intelligence (AI) the next decisive force reshaping how organisations operate, collaborate and manage talent.
The conclave’s primary aim was to tighten the bond between industry and academia while arming MBA students with the skills demanded by the changing workplace. Participants spanned HR professionals, industry leaders, faculty members and students, all of whom gathered to debate how AI‑powered tools are transforming work processes, communication, learning and decision‑making.
Following Prabhoda’s remarks, K.V. Raghav Kamath, Institute Correspondent and retired General Manager of Corporation Bank, highlighted the growing influence of AI on daily work routines. He urged students to embrace technological change while preserving adaptability—a theme that resonated throughout the audience.
A panel discussion titled New Labour Codes and Designing High‑Performance Work without High Burnout Costs then followed. Panelists explored shifting workplace expectations, the rising importance of flexibility, and the need for accountability, performance and continuous learning. They underscored the significance of understanding new labour codes and compliance requirements in today’s environment and encouraged young professionals to remain adaptable.
Institute Director Molly S. Chaudhuri and senior faculty members observed the proceedings, while the conclave also served as a networking hub. Participants exchanged best practices for integrating AI into HR functions while safeguarding employee well‑being.
The event mirrored broader industry trends. A 2026 SHRM survey found that 76 % of employees report using AI in some capacity, and McKinsey reports that AI is altering the content of work beyond simple copilots, influencing how tasks are designed and executed.
Experts cautioned that while AI can boost efficiency, it also introduces new hazards—heightened monitoring, algorithmic bias and cybersecurity risks. The MSNIM panel acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the need for transparent communication and robust data‑privacy measures.
Concluding the day, the organisers called for sustained dialogue between academia and industry to develop frameworks that balance productivity gains with employee health and compliance. Participants left with a clearer grasp of how AI is reshaping workplace culture and the skills required to thrive.
In the coming months, the NIPM and MSNIM plan to host follow‑up workshops focused on AI literacy for HR professionals and on interpreting new labour legislation. The conclave underscored the importance of preparing the next generation of managers for a workplace where AI tools are integral to daily operations, yet human judgment and adaptability remain essential.
The HR Conclave’s emphasis on AI, flexibility and compliance reflects a broader shift in the Indian workforce toward hybrid models and data‑driven decision making. As organisations continue to adopt AI technologies, the need for clear policies, ethical guidelines and continuous learning will become increasingly critical for sustaining high‑performance work environments.
The conclave’s primary aim was to tighten the bond between industry and academia while arming MBA students with the skills demanded by the changing workplace. Participants spanned HR professionals, industry leaders, faculty members and students, all of whom gathered to debate how AI‑powered tools are transforming work processes, communication, learning and decision‑making.
Following Prabhoda’s remarks, K.V. Raghav Kamath, Institute Correspondent and retired General Manager of Corporation Bank, highlighted the growing influence of AI on daily work routines. He urged students to embrace technological change while preserving adaptability—a theme that resonated throughout the audience.
A panel discussion titled New Labour Codes and Designing High‑Performance Work without High Burnout Costs then followed. Panelists explored shifting workplace expectations, the rising importance of flexibility, and the need for accountability, performance and continuous learning. They underscored the significance of understanding new labour codes and compliance requirements in today’s environment and encouraged young professionals to remain adaptable.
Institute Director Molly S. Chaudhuri and senior faculty members observed the proceedings, while the conclave also served as a networking hub. Participants exchanged best practices for integrating AI into HR functions while safeguarding employee well‑being.
The event mirrored broader industry trends. A 2026 SHRM survey found that 76 % of employees report using AI in some capacity, and McKinsey reports that AI is altering the content of work beyond simple copilots, influencing how tasks are designed and executed.
Experts cautioned that while AI can boost efficiency, it also introduces new hazards—heightened monitoring, algorithmic bias and cybersecurity risks. The MSNIM panel acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the need for transparent communication and robust data‑privacy measures.
Concluding the day, the organisers called for sustained dialogue between academia and industry to develop frameworks that balance productivity gains with employee health and compliance. Participants left with a clearer grasp of how AI is reshaping workplace culture and the skills required to thrive.
In the coming months, the NIPM and MSNIM plan to host follow‑up workshops focused on AI literacy for HR professionals and on interpreting new labour legislation. The conclave underscored the importance of preparing the next generation of managers for a workplace where AI tools are integral to daily operations, yet human judgment and adaptability remain essential.
The HR Conclave’s emphasis on AI, flexibility and compliance reflects a broader shift in the Indian workforce toward hybrid models and data‑driven decision making. As organisations continue to adopt AI technologies, the need for clear policies, ethical guidelines and continuous learning will become increasingly critical for sustaining high‑performance work environments.
