Highlights of Human Resources Day Iceland - Mannauðsdagurinn

On 4th October 2024, Iceland celebrated Human Resources Day (Mannauðsdagurinn)—a flagship event organised by the Mannauðsfélagið (Icelandic Association of Human Resource Managers). The event brought together HR professionals, business leaders, and innovators to explore the most pressing issues in HR, from the impact of AI to evolving workplace cultures. With rapid technological advancements and a post-pandemic shift in work dynamics, the theme of this year’s event focused on how HR can leverage AI to drive efficiency and innovation.

Thought leaders and key topics

The event featured a diverse mix of global and local experts who shared their knowledge and strategies for navigating the future of HR:

• Dr. Kate Barker, Global Chief Futurist and keynote speaker, opened the event with her talk on how AI and innovative practices can shape the future of HR. Drawing on case studies from leading organisations, she provided actionable insights into how HR leaders can start integrating AI today.
• Debra and Ken Corey tackled a significant workplace issue—managing difficult bosses—presenting their model for transforming leadership behaviours that can often disrupt teams. Their Great Boss Building Block™ Model offered practical tools for improving managerial performance and employee well-being.
• Catherine Mattice, a workplace bullying expert, shared her 15 years of experience in turning around toxic cultures. She focused on the importance of tackling harassment, bullying, and aggression from an organisational perspective, offering practical steps to foster a better workplace environment.

These global thought leaders were joined by local experts, including Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Iceland’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, who discussed new legislation on disability pensions, and Adriana K. Pétursdóttir, Chairman of Mannauð, who opened the conference with a focus on promoting professionalism in HR.

Kristján Kristjánsson on AI optimisation in HR

Our CEO, Kristján Kristjánsson, was among industry leaders interviewed by Advania Live. During his interview, Kristján shared insights on how our HR automation platform, Journeys, is helping HR professionals optimise processes and reduce time spent on repetitive tasks. As Kristján noted, “If you find yourself performing the same task ten or more times, it’s time to automate it.”

He discussed how Journeys emerged as a response to the growing demand for more efficient workflows, such as onboarding, offboarding, and other HR processes, highlighting its practical uses in Icelandic companies today.

Practical solutions for a changing HR landscape

A recurring theme throughout the day was how HR professionals can adapt to the fast-changing world of work, especially in light of the pandemic and technological disruption. The speakers stressed the importance of using AI not just for automation but to humanise work by allowing professionals to focus on more strategic and creative tasks. Kristján emphasised how Journeys enables HR managers to visualise and map processes—whether automating document verification or streamlining communication workflows—helping companies save both time and effort.

Case studies and real-world applications

Kristján provided examples of how companies using Journeys have automated repetitive tasks such as verifying professional certifications for new employees. “Imagine new hires uploading their qualifications—driving licences or specialist certificates—while AI takes over the verification process,” he explained. “This not only saves time but ensures compliance and efficiency.”

New challenges and opportunities for HR

As the discussions progressed, it became clear that the HR field is rapidly evolving. The day covered not only automation but also broader trends like diversity, inclusion, and the shift towards more flexible working arrangements. Talks like Amanda Arrowsmith's on HR’s role in transformation emphasised the growing need for HR to become strategic partners in business, driving adaptability and inclusiveness.

Ready to transform your HR processes?

Kristján’s interview, alongside the other thought-provoking sessions from Human Resources Day, underscored the critical role that innovation and automation play in shaping the future of work. The event provided a platform where ideas like those from 50skills are helping to redefine HR practices in Iceland and beyond.

If you're ready to embrace the future of HR, book a demo to explore how Journeys can help you transform your processes, just as countless companies have already done. Your journey towards enhanced efficiency and smarter HR operations starts today!


Check out the original Icelandic article here.