Diversity and Inclusion at Intertrust Group

Tamer Zikry

Tamer Zikry is an experienced and distinguished HR leader who has made significant strides in his career with exceptional contributions to advancing diversity and talent management. His ability to proactively engage with his employees has not only enriched his professional journey but also positively impacted the organization's goals and performance.

In an interview with Manage HR Europe, Zikry shares his insights on how leading trends and challenges are shaping diversity, inclusion, and talent management in the HR industry.

Can you provide an overview of your background and the journey that led to your current position at Intertrust Group?

My career began in marketing, and it was my involvement in a student-run organization, AIESEC, that ignited my passion for youth development and leadership, creating a pathway for me into the HR space. I embarked on my HR career with Ericsson, a Swedish company whose operations spanned across the Middle East. The role broadened my exposure and gave me a cross-cultural experience.

Over the years, I've handled various HR roles in large organizations. Initially, I used to specialize in learning and leadership development, but later on, I shifted to a broader HR business partnership role where I managed organizations that spanned multiple countries and regions. This shift has helped me transform from a mere HR professional to a business leader focusing on HR. The sum of all these experiences enables me to handle my responsibilities as the global head of talent, learning, diversity and inclusion at Intertrust Group.

What are some of the leading trends and challenges impacting the HR industry when it comes to diversity, inclusion and talent management?

With the arrival of Generation Z into the workforce, there is a need for organizations within the industry to evolve to cater to their needs. This generation requires a different approach, as their expectations, work styles, and culture differ significantly from our predecessors.

Technology is constantly evolving and is at the forefront of driving and managing HR. Leveraging AI and other technological advancements is essential for streamlining HR processes effectively.

The paradigm shift in our relationship with the work environment post-COVID is another significant challenge in the industry. With remote and hybrid work culture on the rise, the way we interact with our colleagues and engage in the workplace is changing. Ensuring diversity and inclusion while also creating a sense of belonging and enculturation within the organization in these settings will definitely be more challenging. I believe this necessitates the need for a completely different leadership strategy to survive in the evolving landscape.

How are the latest technologies helping HR managers streamline their strategies to address the challenges in the industry?

Technology is revolutionizing the way we engage with our workforce and is driving innovations. Continuous, two-way communication and the adoption of technology are key to addressing challenges in the industry. It makes employee feedback more dynamic, allowing ongoing conversations and interactions. Rather than having a traditional survey that only lets people answer questions, this transition will let people comment and engage in continuous dialogue.

"Technology is revolutionizing the way we engage with our workforce and is driving innovations. Continuous, two-way communication and the adoption of technology are key to addressing challenges in the industry."

We believe that a good communication system will empower the employees to self-identify their different intersectionalities, such as ethnic background or sexual orientation, by giving them a choice of anonymously expressing them. This data can allow us to tailor our support and engagement strategies to better meet their diverse needs.  

Chatbots are another example of technology enriching HR. They offer employees and leaders on-demand support and access to knowledge bases, reducing reliance on individuals for assistance. These technological advancements are just the beginning, and the possibilities are vast.

What advice would you give to budding professionals and peers in the industry?

Always remain connected with your workforce and ensure continuous communication to understand their needs and difficulties. Embrace technology and stay ahead of the curve by leveraging its capabilities to streamline your processes and maintain good engagement with your employees. Finally, take periodic moments to step back from your mundane tasks to assess your strategies. In the rapidly changing world, adaptation is the key to success.

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