Essential HR Skills & Competencies

Module 1 – The Modern HR Function & Future of Work Overview This module introduces participants to the evolving role of HR within modern organisations and how HR functions are changing due to AI, workforce transformation, and evolving business expectations. Topics Covered The Evolving Role of HR • HR beyond administration • HR as a business support function • The modern employee lifecycle • Workforce expectations in modern workplaces HR Professionalism & Workplace Credibility • Professional conduct in HR • Confidentiality and ethics • Building trust with employees and managers • Professional workplace communication The Future of Work • AI-enabled workplaces • Hybrid and flexible work environments • Workforce digitalisation • Human skills that remain critical Introduction to AI in HR • What AI means for HR professionals • Automation vs human judgment • AI opportunities in HR • Ethical and responsible AI usage Practical Activity Future workplace scenario discussion and HR role mapping exercise Module 2 – Modern Talent Acquisition & Workforce Development Overview This module focuses on practical recruitment coordination, workforce planning awareness, onboarding support, and modern talent acquisition practices relevant for operational HR professionals. Topics Covered Recruitment Coordination Fundamentals • Understanding recruitment workflows • Job posting coordination • CV screening basics • Interview scheduling and coordination Candidate Experience & Employer Image • Professional communication with candidates • Recruitment professionalism • Candidate engagement basics • Supporting positive recruitment experiences Workforce Development Awareness • Workforce planning basics • Identifying staffing needs • Supporting onboarding processes • Employee integration support Applying AI & Digital Tools in Recruitment • AI-assisted recruitment awareness • Recruitment analytics basics • Digital recruitment workflows • Responsible AI usage in recruitment Practical HR Tools • Interview evaluation forms • Recruitment trackers • Onboarding checklists • Basic recruitment dashboards Practical Activity Mock recruitment coordination and onboarding simulation Module 3 – Workforce Analytics, Digital HR & AI Applications Overview This module introduces participants to Workforce Analytics, HR reporting, Digital HR systems, and practical AI applications used within modern HR environments. Topics Covered Introduction to Workforce Analytics • What People Analytics means • Why HR data matters • Evidence-based HR decision-making • Moving from administrative HR to analytical HR Understanding HR Metrics • Attrition and retention indicators • Attendance and absenteeism trends • Recruitment metrics • Workforce productivity awareness HR Dashboards & Reporting • Reading HR dashboards • Identifying workforce trends • Basic HR reporting concepts • Presenting HR information professionally Digital HR & HR Technology • Introduction to Digital HR systems • Employee self-service concepts • HR workflow automation awareness • Digital employee records AI Applications in HR • AI-assisted employee communication • AI productivity tools for HR • AI-supported workforce planning • Risks and ethical considerations Practical Activity HR dashboard interpretation and AI-in-HR use case discussion

Module 4 – Performance Enhancement & Employee Capability Building Overview This module focuses on supporting employee performance, workforce capability development, employee growth, and workplace engagement. Topics Covered Understanding Performance Management • Purpose of performance management • Goal setting and accountability • KPI and SMART goals awareness • Performance culture fundamentals Workforce Capability Development • Identifying capability gaps • Supporting employee development • Reskilling and upskilling awareness • Continuous learning culture Supporting Managers & Employees • HR’s role during performance discussions • Constructive workplace communication • Feedback conversation awareness • Encouraging employee engagement Employee Growth & Retention • Career development awareness • Employee motivation basics • Workforce adaptability • Supporting retention and engagement Practical Activity Performance support and capability development scenario exercise Module 5 – Practical Learning & Development Foundations Overview This module introduces practical Learning & Development coordination concepts and how HR supports workforce capability development within modern organisations. Topics Covered Training Needs Analysis (TNA) • Identifying learning gaps • Understanding workforce capability needs • Supporting development priorities • Gathering learning feedback Learning Coordination Fundamentals • Supporting training administration • Training logistics coordination • Employee learning communication • Learning participation tracking Modern Learning Approaches • Blended learning awareness • Digital learning platforms • Coaching and on-the-job learning • Continuous development culture Leveraging Data & AI in Learning • Learning analytics basics • Tracking learning effectiveness • AI-assisted learning awareness • Personalised learning pathways Practical HR Tools • TNA templates • Learning trackers • Attendance and participation records • Basic learning reports Practical Activity Training coordination and capability planning exercise Module 6 – Workforce Resilience, HR Adaptability & Future HR Trends in the GCC Overview This highly relevant module explores workforce resilience, employee wellbeing, organisational readiness, and how economic, technological, and regional developments are influencing HR priorities across the GCC and Middle East. Topics Covered Workforce Challenges in Modern Organisations • Employee stress and burnout • Workforce fatigue and pressure • Retention challenges • Workforce morale during uncertainty Employee Wellbeing & Workplace Support • HR’s role in employee wellbeing • Workplace empathy and support • Psychological safety awareness • Positive workplace culture Workforce Adaptability & Organisational Readiness • Supporting workforce continuity • Workforce adaptability during change • Employee communication during uncertainty • HR support during organisational changes Future HR Trends in the GCC • AI and workforce transformation • Digital HR evolution • Emerging workforce expectations • GCC workforce trends and challenges Regional & Economic Influences on HR • Economic uncertainty and workforce planning • Workforce impacts of regional developments • Talent retention challenges • Workforce stability awareness Practical Activity Regional HR scenario analysis and workforce resilience discussion