# HR Tech Innovations: Insights from BBC, Netflix, and IKEA
## The Evolving Landscape of HR Technology
Against the backdrop of tightening labor markets and new AI regulations, the second annual HR Tech Europe conference brought together European leaders navigating unprecedented workplace transformation. Companies worldwide are using technology to drive learning, efficiency, and talent growth—particularly important as Europe faces skills gaps and record-low unemployment rates.
The conference highlighted how different approaches to workforce innovation are needed when managing global teams under various regulations. As workplace needs differ across European countries, HR leaders are creating sophisticated strategies that balance compliance with competitive talent acquisition in our increasingly borderless digital economy.
## Reimagining HR Tech Purchasing Decisions
Josh Bersin opened the conference by describing this era as a “major replacement cycle of technology,” framing it as a “growth story” that’s fundamentally reinventing HR tech. His message was clear: Technology should not simply replicate existing processes but should reimagine them to solve business challenges more effectively.
A key theme emerged challenging the tendency to apply AI superficially. Wendy Van Ierschot of VIE People offered a thought-provoking perspective: “Most companies are just AI-ifying what humans already do,” suggesting many organizations miss AI’s deeper opportunities. Rather than automating existing workflows, businesses should rethink what work itself could become.
Matthew Sharp from iCIMS urged HR leaders to shift their mindset when adopting new technologies. He emphasized that “the objective is not to buy tech, but to solve problems,” encouraging companies to focus on meaningful, results-driven innovation rather than chasing shiny new tools.
Industry analyst Rebecca Wettemann added practical advice for navigating AI adoption, recommending organizations “prioritize in a way that is unemotional and unpolitical,” emphasizing the importance of making technology decisions based on strategic value rather than hype.
## Learning as the Core of Modern Work
Rather than viewing work as fixed tasks, experts highlighted the growing emphasis on continuous learning as central to professional life. Sam Schlimper from Randstad Enterprise captured this shift during a panel discussion, predicting that “work will become learning, instead of doing.” This insight suggests adaptability and knowledge acquisition will increasingly define workplace success.
El Iza Mohamedou from the OECD Centre for Skills reinforced this view, stressing the vital role HR professionals must play in creating cultures of lifelong learning. She highlighted the need for organizations to embrace continuous skill development and use emerging technologies like AI to make learning more accessible and personalized. As businesses navigate an evolving job ecosystem, integrating education into everyday work ensures today’s workforce remains relevant in an increasingly automated economy.
## Human-Centered Leadership in the Digital Era
Several leaders emphasized the need to maintain human-centric values while navigating technological transformation. They cautioned against letting efficiency and innovation overshadow the principles that define workplace culture and employee wellbeing.
Uzair Qadeer, chief people officer at the BBC, reinforced this with a powerful reminder: “Don’t let performance drive purpose.” His words serve as a call for businesses to remain intentional about their mission, ensuring technology enhances human potential rather than dictating organizational values.
Therése Götsten from IKEA emphasized the importance of using “data and tech as a force for good,” highlighting how technology can drive meaningful change beyond business efficiency. She spoke about IKEA’s commitment to actively “designing new behaviors” rather than merely creating products, underscoring innovation’s role in shaping more sustainable and inclusive experiences.
Dr. Jo Ritzen, a veteran European education leader, called for a “new compact between government and employers” to prioritize reskilling as a fundamental cultural shift rather than just a short-term workforce initiative. He stressed that continuous learning must become a reliable element of society to ensure long-term economic resilience.
## Building Trust During Technological Change
European HR leaders highlighted the critical role of trust, communication, and change management in navigating constant transformation. Melissa Shelley Höjwall from H&M Group offered this insight: “It’s not always the concern that needs to be solved; it’s often that people want to be heard.”
Her perspective highlights a fundamental truth: While technology drives efficiency, the human experience must remain central to organizational change. Employees seek validation and inclusion, making active listening and empathetic leadership essential for successful transformation.
Industry analyst Anna Carlsson of HR Digi reinforced this theme by predicting: “All companies will be kind of digital in the future.” Her statement captures the conference’s overarching message—that organizations best positioned for success will integrate technology while maintaining a strong sense of purpose, human connection, and continuous learning.
## Key Takeaways for HR Leaders
The conference showcased the intersection of technology, workforce strategy, and organizational development as companies adapt to post-pandemic workplace realities. Here are the most important insights:
– **Strategic AI implementation** should solve real problems, not just automate existing processes
– **Learning integration** is becoming synonymous with work itself
– **Purpose-driven leadership** must guide performance, not be sacrificed for it
– **Trust and human connection** remain essential during digital transformation
– **Data-informed decisions** should drive technology adoption, avoiding emotional reactions
– **Continuous reskilling** represents both a societal and organizational imperative
Organizations that embrace these principles while maintaining their human-centered values will be best positioned to thrive in the evolving workplace landscape.
# HR Tech Innovations: Insights from BBC, Netflix, and IKEA
## The Evolving Landscape of HR Technology
Against the backdrop of tightening labor markets and new AI regulations, the second annual HR Tech Europe conference brought together European leaders navigating unprecedented workplace transformation. Companies worldwide are using technology to drive learning, efficiency, and talent growth—particularly important as Europe faces skills gaps and record-low unemployment rates.
The conference highlighted how different approaches to workforce innovation are needed when managing global teams under various regulations. As workplace needs differ across European countries, HR leaders are creating sophisticated strategies that balance compliance with competitive talent acquisition in our increasingly borderless digital economy.
## Reimagining HR Tech Purchasing Decisions
Josh Bersin opened the conference by describing this era as a “major replacement cycle of technology,” framing it as a “growth story” that’s fundamentally reinventing HR tech. His message was clear: Technology should not simply replicate existing processes but should reimagine them to solve business challenges more effectively.
A key theme emerged challenging the tendency to apply AI superficially. Wendy Van Ierschot of VIE People offered a thought-provoking perspective: “Most companies are just AI-ifying what humans already do,” suggesting many organizations miss AI’s deeper opportunities. Rather than automating existing workflows, businesses should rethink what work itself could become.
Matthew Sharp from iCIMS urged HR leaders to shift their mindset when adopting new technologies. He emphasized that “the objective is not to buy tech, but to solve problems,” encouraging companies to focus on meaningful, results-driven innovation rather than chasing shiny new tools.
Industry analyst Rebecca Wettemann added practical advice for navigating AI adoption, recommending organizations “prioritize in a way that is unemotional and unpolitical,” emphasizing the importance of making technology decisions based on strategic value rather than hype.
## Learning as the Core of Modern Work
Rather than viewing work as fixed tasks, experts highlighted the growing emphasis on continuous learning as central to professional life. Sam Schlimper from Randstad Enterprise captured this shift during a panel discussion, predicting that “work will become learning, instead of doing.” This insight suggests adaptability and knowledge acquisition will increasingly define workplace success.
El Iza Mohamedou from the OECD Centre for Skills reinforced this view, stressing the vital role HR professionals must play in creating cultures of lifelong learning. She highlighted the need for organizations to embrace continuous skill development and use emerging technologies like AI to make learning more accessible and personalized. As businesses navigate an evolving job ecosystem, integrating education into everyday work ensures today’s workforce remains relevant in an increasingly automated economy.
## Human-Centered Leadership in the Digital Era
Several leaders emphasized the need to maintain human-centric values while navigating technological transformation. They cautioned against letting efficiency and innovation overshadow the principles that define workplace culture and employee wellbeing.
Uzair Qadeer, chief people officer at the BBC, reinforced this with a powerful reminder: “Don’t let performance drive purpose.” His words serve as a call for businesses to remain intentional about their mission, ensuring technology enhances human potential rather than dictating organizational values.
Therése Götsten from IKEA emphasized the importance of using “data and tech as a force for good,” highlighting how technology can drive meaningful change beyond business efficiency. She spoke about IKEA’s commitment to actively “designing new behaviors” rather than merely creating products, underscoring innovation’s role in shaping more sustainable and inclusive experiences.
Dr. Jo Ritzen, a veteran European education leader, called for a “new compact between government and employers” to prioritize reskilling as a fundamental cultural shift rather than just a short-term workforce initiative. He stressed that continuous learning must become a reliable element of society to ensure long-term economic resilience.
## Building Trust During Technological Change
European HR leaders highlighted the critical role of trust, communication, and change management in navigating constant transformation. Melissa Shelley Höjwall from H&M Group offered this insight: “It’s not always the concern that needs to be solved; it’s often that people want to be heard.”
Her perspective highlights a fundamental truth: While technology drives efficiency, the human experience must remain central to organizational change. Employees seek validation and inclusion, making active listening and empathetic leadership essential for successful transformation.
Industry analyst Anna Carlsson of HR Digi reinforced this theme by predicting: “All companies will be kind of digital in the future.” Her statement captures the conference’s overarching message—that organizations best positioned for success will integrate technology while maintaining a strong sense of purpose, human connection, and continuous learning.
## Key Takeaways for HR Leaders
The conference showcased the intersection of technology, workforce strategy, and organizational development as companies adapt to post-pandemic workplace realities. Here are the most important insights:
– **Strategic AI implementation** should solve real problems, not just automate existing processes
– **Learning integration** is becoming synonymous with work itself
– **Purpose-driven leadership** must guide performance, not be sacrificed for it
– **Trust and human connection** remain essential during digital transformation
– **Data-informed decisions** should drive technology adoption, avoiding emotional reactions
– **Continuous reskilling** represents both a societal and organizational imperative
Organizations that embrace these principles while maintaining their human-centered values will be best positioned to thrive in the evolving workplace landscape.