Human Resources (HR) plays a crucial role in shaping organisations by managing the most valuable asset - people. In India, the HR landscape has seen remarkable transformation over the years, with experts bringing innovative practices and insights to the forefront. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 8.7 million job openings at the start of November 2023, highlighting the importance of effective recruitment strategies. Human resources (HR) is a dynamic field that requires staying informed about the latest statistics and trends to make well-informed decisions that positively impact employees and organisations.

As we navigate through 2024, let's take a look at the 10 most influential HR experts in India who have made significant contributions to the field.

With over 30 years of experience in HR management, Abhijit Bhaduri is a well-known thought leader in the field. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including "The Digital Tsunami" and "Don't Hire the Best", and is recognized by Forbes as "One of India's most interesting globalists". Bhaduri's expertise in talent acquisition and talent management has made him a sought-after advisor and executive coach for business leaders across industries. 

Prabir Jha is an HR strategist with a diverse background, having worked in industries ranging from automotive to pharmaceuticals. As the former President and Global CPO at Cipla, Jha has a wealth of experience in strategic organizational transformation, leadership development, and talent management. He is known for his innovative approaches to employer branding and his insightful commentary on the future of work. 

Harlina Sodhi is a trailblazer in the HR community, known for her expertise in building exemplary company cultures and driving diversity and inclusion initiatives. A TEDx speaker and published author, Sodhi has been recognized globally for her contributions to the field, including being awarded several prestigious accolades. Her ability to seamlessly blend leadership development, career workshops, and organizational transformation has made her a highly sought-after HR consultant. 

As a digital and social HR consultant, Gautam Ghosh brings a unique perspective to the HR landscape. With experience spanning companies like Flipkart, Dell, and Deloitte, Ghosh is known for his expertise in HR generalist roles, learning and development, and talent management. He is a prolific blogger, ranked among the Top 25 HR Blogs Worldwide, and is also recognized as one of the Career-100 influencers. 

Nandita Gurjar, Senior Vice President and Head of HR at Infosys, has significantly impacted the company’s HR department. Previously leading HR at Infosys BPO, she played a crucial role in scaling the business to US$250 million, overseeing 16,000 employees across five offices in India and six global locations. After joining Infosys in 1999, she established the Learning and Development unit, setting standards for employee training and growth. Nandita is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Advisory Council on New Models of Leadership and has been recognized as one of the Most Powerful Women in India. She also received the Human Capital Business Leader of the Year Award.

Sarang Brahme is an expert in HR, with a particular focus on employer branding and talent lifecycle management. As the Head of Employer (Talent) Branding at ShareChat, Brahme has honed his skills in crafting effective HR strategies and managing talent pipelines. His insights on the evolving HR landscape and the importance of employer branding have made him a respected voice in the industry. 

Thirukumaran R is a skilled HR professional with a strong background in people management. Currently serving as a Talent Attraction Partner at Nokia, Thirukumaran has previously held roles at Ericsson and Wipro, where he demonstrated his expertise in talent attraction, employee relations, and HR strategy. He is a renowned SHRM influencer, sharing his valuable insights with the HR community. 

As the Executive Vice President and Head of Global Human Resources at TCS, Ajoyendra Mukherjee has played a pivotal role in shaping the talent management and HR strategy of one of India's largest IT services companies. His recognition for Talent Management initiatives at TCS underscores his ability to drive innovative HR practices that support organizational growth. 

Rajan Dutta serves as the Chair of Human Resources at Reliance Communications (RCOM), overseeing areas such as employee engagement, growth, and organizational excellence. His primary goal is to build a “happy people’s organization” by motivating employees to be efficient and productive. Dutta emphasizes active participation, commitment, and dedication from workers to achieve organizational objectives. With 27 years of experience in HR and Overall Quality Control, he brings extensive expertise to his role.

Saurabh Govil, the President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Wipro, is a prominent figure in the HR landscape. With his deep understanding of talent management, workforce retention, and learning and growth programs, Govil has played a crucial role in shaping Wipro's HR practices. He is a member of the Advisory Board of SHRM India and a frequent speaker at industry events, such as NASSCOM's HR summit. 

Becoming an HR expert requires a combination of education, experience, and continuous learning. Here are some steps to guide you on this path:

1. Education: A strong educational background in human resources, psychology, or business administration is essential. Many universities offer specialized HR programs that provide the foundational knowledge required for a career in HR.
2. Continuous Learning: The HR field is dynamic, with constant changes in laws, technology, and best practices. Stay updated by attending workshops, webinars, and conferences. Professional certifications like SHRM or HRCI can also enhance your credentials.
3. Networking: Building a strong professional network can open doors to opportunities and mentorship. Join HR associations, attend industry events, and participate in online forums to connect with other HR professionals.
4. Develop Soft Skills: HR professionals need strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and communication abilities. Working on these skills can help you effectively manage and resolve workplace issues.
5. Specialize: As you gain experience, consider specializing in a particular area of HR such as talent acquisition, employee engagement, or HR analytics. Specialization can make you a sought-after expert in that niche.
6. Mentorship: Finding a mentor who is an experienced HR professional can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights into navigating your career path.

The HR landscape in India continues to evolve, driven by the contributions of these influential experts. Their innovative approaches, strategic insights, and commitment to improving workplace practices have set benchmarks for others to follow.

Aspiring HR professionals can look up to these leaders for inspiration and guidance on their path to becoming experts in the field. As the importance of human resources grows, the role of HR experts in shaping the future of work becomes ever more critical.