The January SHRM forum for Gurgaon was very very interesting because it pretty much summarized sentiments of HR pros that I heard all throughout 2011. The theme of the discussion was too review challenges of 2011 and see if we can identify innovations for 2012. There were a lot of things that were so common that we face as HR professionals, not just in India but all over the world - talent, sourcing and retaining, of course was one of the biggest challenges and continues to be. But one thing that stood out for me the most (because we were probably at our loudest discussing it) was to get HR a seat at the table.

The group of folks I met were very honest and frank about how and why the HR function is viewed as 'just a transactional' or a feel good factor for an organisation. I also often sensed a bitter sentiment to this of how the "other functions" hold more of an importance in the eyes of CEOs. In India the "other functions" tend to be finance and marketing. A riot almost broke out at an NHRD conference I attended last year when the speaker, Marcel Parker mentioned this topic. He also said that HR is to blame because they do not market themselves within the organisation. There were calls for marketing and HR to join hands by veteran HR pros such as Ian Welsh.

2011 also gave a wake up call that 'business as usual' won't cut it anymore. India's HR professionals needed to be on their toes to keep up with the boom as well as the effects of the recession. We also saw new changes that are happening with the next generation of HR pros joining social media sites like LinkedIn and Twitter to recruit, to network and seek out more information.

So, there we were ending the first month of 2012, and we are still debating and discussing the challenge of getting HR recognized by senior management. The discussion was not just about whether or not HR should be a strategic business partner. It was more about how to get HR to be a recognised partner in the business, with business owners, with business leaders, and with the CEOs of each and every company there is. In my experience throughout 2011 this discussion is not confined to India alone. HR professionals are there not just to hire and fire people or process transactions - they are there for a higher purpose.

The answer to "How should we get a seat at the table" is not something you or I can answer alone. But if you have suggestions, please feel free to write them down on the comment section below. EmployWise is planning to engage in this continued discussion and debate, so we're launching a new programme -- HR In the Corner Office, hosted by our CEO, Sumeet Kapur. Our aim is to get both CEOs and HR professionals on the same platform and hear out each other’s perspectives on how to move forward. What can we do to inform business leaders, and management professionals of all functions that HR is a corner stone to any business?

To join us, you can register here: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/153253214 It is a talk show so if you’d like to voice your opinion, please have a headset ready so we can hear your voice. We look forward to engaging with you.

Photo by: Michael S Galpert