Human Resources (HR) at IA Week 


SSON’s Intelligent Automation Week (IA Week) conference is your one-stop-shop for human resources (HR) content. We’ve compiled 3 days of the best speakers and sessions for you to share with other HR professionals from the United States. Register today to join this growing community and find ways you can enhance overall business performance.



Why Attend?


Elevate your HR strategy with Intelligent Automation Week—a pivotal conference at the forefront of reshaping HR dynamics. Tailored for HR professionals seeking to integrate intelligent automation into their practices, Intelligent Automation Week dives into key themes such as workforce optimization, process automation, and comprehensive business evolution. In an era where remote work has redefined the HR landscape, the urgency to digitize HR processes becomes paramount, unlocking limitless possibilities for innovation. With its dynamic agenda designed to meet diverse HR needs, Intelligent Automation Week offers an unrivaled platform to explore, collaborate, and connect with industry leaders. For those committed to exploring the transformative potential of intelligent automation within HR, Intelligent Automation Week is the definitive forum to foster creativity and stay ahead in the rapidly changing HR landscape. Join us and shape the future of HR through the lens of intelligent automation.


Key Topics and Themes


  • IA Talent Management
  • HR Process Efficiency Automation
  • Culture & Change Management
  • Bridging Talent Gap with Citizen Development
  • Generative AI for Workforce Upskilling
  • Empowering Work Culture for Automation
  • Automation for Impactful HR Results
  • Talent Development with Citizen Programs
  • Cost-Effective Citizen Development Programs


Featured Sessions


Panel Discussion: Developing & Managing Impactful IA Talent Recruitment, Retention & Upskilling Initiatives

Interactive Discussions Group (IDG): Utilizing Generative AI to Upskill Workforces

Track Session: Automation to Drive Process Efficiency Into HR Operations

It’s never been easy to recruit and retain top IA talent – and with so many organizations in full throttle mode of planning or implementing digital transformation rollouts, it’s even more difficult to ace the IA program increased demand and IA workforce supply shortage seesaw. In this session, topics of discussion will include, yet will not be limited to:

  • Developing innovative workforce recruitment and retainment initiatives
  • Exploring various workforce engagement programs and how they can reduce employee turnover and increase productivity, engagement, and employee job satisfaction
  • Identifying internal workforce candidates that have the potential to be IA Champions, and/or spearhead silo Citizen Development programs

  • Providing more tailored learning and development paths for employees
  • Optimized employee training and knowledge exchange

Automation is rapidly changing the way organizations operate, and HR is no exception. By automating tasks, HR departments can save time and money, improve efficiency, and reduce errors. There are many processes within HR automation can be applied, such as automating talent recruitment, managing employee’s career development, managing their benefits, processing payroll, and much more. Overall, automation can be a valuable tool for HR departments that are looking to save costs and improve efficiency.

In this session, topics of discussion will include, yet will not be limited to:

  • Different ways automation can be utilized in HR
  • Benefits of automating HR processes
  • Challenges of implementing automation in HR – and potential solutions to said challenges
  • Choosing the right automation solution for your HR operations


All HR Sessions


  • Workshop D: Bridging the Talent Gap With Citizen Development Programs: Requirements, Rewards & Risk Mitigation

As the demand for automation expertise continues to outpace supply, Citizen Development programs have emerged as a promising remedy. However, the ease with which non-technical workforces can create workflow apps comes with inherent risks, and strong governance is critical so to ensure that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Nevertheless, if planned and managed properly, Citizen Development programs can significantly reduce automation workforce pain points, which is why it might be a good fit for some of your organization’s functional areas and their various use cases.

In this deep dive, collaboration workshop, the speakers and attendees will discuss and work through the below matters:

- Identifying workflows best suited for Citizen Development programs

- Understand the pivotal role of governance and Center of Excellence (CoE) engagement that must be in place

- Citizen Development initiatives ownership

- Challenges and solutions associated with Citizen Development program operating within functional silos

- Looking within the organization to uncover and nurture potential Citizen Developers


  • Panel Discussion: Developing & Managing Impactful IA Talent Recruitment, Retention & Upskilling Initiatives

It’s never been easy to recruit and retain top IA talent – and with so many organizations in full throttle mode of planning or implementing digital transformation rollouts, it’s even more difficult to ace the IA program increased demand and IA workforce supply shortage seesaw.

In this session, topics of discussion will include, yet will not be limited to:

- Developing innovative workforce recruitment and retainment initiatives

- Exploring various workforce engagement programs and how they can reduce employee turnover and increase productivity, engagement, and employee job satisfaction

- Identifying internal workforce candidates that have the potential to be IA Champions, and/or spearhead silo Citizen Development programs


  • Panel Discussion: Looking Within for Automation Talent - Citizen Development & Champion Programs

Citizen Development and Champion programs have proven to be effective solutions to the shortage of automation talent in recent years. However, the ease with which non-technical workforces can create workflow apps comes with inherent risks, and strong governance is crucial to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks. Nevertheless, if set up properly, Citizen Development and Champion programs can significantly reduce a wide array of automation workforce pain points.


In this session, topics of discussion will include, yet will not be limited to:

- The importance of governance and CoE involvement, and determining who should take ownership of the programs

- Avoiding pitfalls such as inefficient workflows, process logic errors, poor design, redundancy, and insufficient business impact

- Identifying and upskilling workforces to become Citizen Developers and automation Champions – and how to effectively develop and manage said programs


  • Panel Discussion: Methods to Effectively Align Organizational Culture & Change Management Initiatives

Over the past few years, and even more so since generative AI went mainstream, employees have been bombarded with an overload of new technologies in their everyday work lives. For some employees, they regard new technology as their secret sauce, yet with others, they might possess user anxiety, and/or….feel threatened by it, as a potential employment adversary. That said, navigated the intricate interplay between culture and change management in the realm of talent management is paramount.


Topics of discussion will include, yet will not be limited to:

- Organizational culture strategies that can boost workforce automation adoption and experience

- Methods to cultivate change leaders that can steer organizations through transformative shifts, fostering a culture that embraces innovation and change management support

- Effective communication practices that can bridge the gap between technology change and employees' understanding and acceptance of new technologies they may fear or be intimidated by

- Developing a culture of continuous learning that empowers employees with the skills they need now and tomorrow, so to be in sync with the skill sets your organization requires from its workforce


  • Interactive Discussions Group (IDG): Utilizing Generative AI to Upskill Workforces

- Providing more tailored learning and development paths for employees

- Optimized employee training and knowledge exchange


  • Panel Discussion: Work Culture & Change Management Initiatives That Empowers Employees to Embrace Automation

Change often triggers apprehension, as the unknown can be unsettling for most individuals. Similarly, when introducing automation to employees' daily work lives, the fear of change can arise, stemming from concerns about altered job roles, processes, uncertainties about adapting to new technologies, and of course the biggest fear, and that is, automation taking over people’s jobs and their ability to earn an income – all which are very valid concerns. That said, cultivating a work culture and change management initiatives that empowers employees to embrace automation must be a top priority for all automation programs, so to increase automation program roll out success.


In this session, topics of discussion will include, yet will not be limited to:

- Leadership’s role in shaping a culture that embraces change and innovation, fostering an environment ripe for IA integration

- Strategies to encourage collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, enhancing automation adoption and solution ideation

- Training and upskilling programs that increase automation adoption, UX, and usage

- Developing a work culture that celebrates innovation and experimentation encourages the exploration of new automation applications and solutions


  • Fireside Chat: Citizen Development Programs to Reduce Process Handling Costs

Citizen Development programs have certainly bridged the automation talent shortage gap in recent years. Additionally, they have also offered many areas of the business increased process efficiency, and in turn, reduced process handling times. That said, if you’ve been tasks to reduce your functional area’s processing costs, looking to low code/no code Citizen Development programs might be a good option, or at least worth looking into.


In this session, topics of discussion will include, yet will not be limited to:

- Determining which functional areas could benefit from Citizen Development programs, so to offer cost savings

- Potential Citizen Development use cases

- Processes that are NOT good candidates for Citizen Development programs – due to matters relating to risk, audit, governance, and compliance

- Choosing the best fit low code/no code applications for a variety of Citizen Development programs

- Governance and CoE involvement


  • Automation to Drive Process Efficiency Into HR Operations

Automation is rapidly changing the way organizations operate, and HR is no exception. By automating tasks, HR departments can save time and money, improve efficiency, and reduce errors. There are many processes within HR automation can be applied, such as automating talent recruitment, managing employee’s career development, managing their benefits, processing payroll, and much more. Overall, automation can be a valuable tool for HR departments that are looking to save costs and improve efficiency.


In this session, topics of discussion will include, yet will not be limited to:

- Different ways automation can be utilized in HR

- Benefits of automating HR processes

- Challenges of implementing automation in HR – and potential solutions to said challenges

- Choosing the right automation solution for your HR operations


      Speaker Spotlight





      Additional Resources


      Addressing the IA Talent Shortage

      The scarcity of Information Assurance (IA) professionals has posed a persistent challenge over the years, and in recent times, this shortage has escalated significantly. As organizations grapple with the increasing demand for skilled IA personnel, they are confronted with the urgent need to implement effective recruitment and retention strategies. To address this critical issue, the article delves into five tangible real-world examples of IA workforce strategies. By exploring these case studies, readers can gain valuable insights into innovative approaches adopted by organizations to attract and retain IA talent. The documented examples provide actionable solutions that organizations can leverage to overcome the pressing IA talent shortage, ensuring a robust and secure digital landscape in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats. Download the article to access comprehensive information on these strategies and empower your organization in navigating the dynamic landscape of IA workforce challenges.


      A Conversation With ChatGPT About Careers

      Exploring the evolving sentiments of U.S. workers on work and life, the report introduces a new survey question prompting respondents to define a career. Delving into historical perspectives with insights from ChatGPT, it traces the transformation of the term from its 1920s definition tied to traditional gender roles to today's emphasis on adaptability and work-life balance. The report sheds light on the human relations movement's role in laying the foundation for contemporary discussions on job satisfaction. Aligned with ChatGPT's historical context, the report underlines the modern view of careers as not just income but integral to personal identity and lifelong self-improvement. In a workforce where only half feel successful, the report's value lies in guiding organizations to align with the evolving expectations of their employees.


      A Beginner’s Guide to Generative AI in Recruiting

      Generative AI, a cutting-edge technology generating new content through machine learning, is transforming business workflows, particularly in the realm of recruitment where the post-Covid talent search challenge persists. Shared Services Organizations (SSOs) and Global Business Services (GBS) are pivotal players in integrating generative AI into their digital transformation projects, according to SSON Research & Analytics. HR departments have already embraced AI, and generative AI is seen as the next frontier, enabling enhanced decision-making, task automation, and improved employee experiences. Recruiters, such as those at Kelly Services, are leveraging generative AI to streamline processes like resume parsing, job description optimization, and candidate communication. While the technology offers significant advantages, recruiters must be cautious of potential pitfalls, including data privacy concerns, algorithmic biases, and the importance of human oversight in vetting.


      How to Make Digitization Meaningful to Employees

      Digitization emerges as the linchpin for long-term business success, with over 85% of shared services and Global Business Services actively driving their enterprises' digital agendas, as revealed in the IA World Series. Etienne Grisvard's insights underscore the report's central theme – the pivotal role of digitization in shaping organizational futures. Employee resistance to change, a common hurdle, is dissected into key challenges: uncertainty, skills apprehension, and privacy concerns. Takeda's successful strategies, including engaging webinars and a certification program on Robotic Process Automation, exemplify how businesses can navigate and harness the transformative power of digitization. This report's value lies in not just highlighting challenges but in offering actionable solutions that resonate with the evolving digital landscape, positioning digitization as a catalyst for innovation, productivity, and future-ready enterprises.