Zortify’s Future of Work Summit Explores AI and Human-Centred Workforces
Luxembourg-based human resources (HR) technology company, Zortify, recently hosted its inaugural Summer School on The Future of Work. The week-long event brought together 27 PhD students, postdocs, and researchers from Luxembourg and around the world to delve into various topics related to the future of work. Key focus areas included human experience management (HXM), artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing (NLP), data visualization, and user experience (UX) design.
Amidst the Summer School, Zortify organized a one-day Future of Work Summit, which attracted approximately 100 attendees. The summit, held at PwC Luxembourg’s auditorium in Cloche d’Or, tackled several crucial subjects, including hybrid work models and explainable AI in the workplace. Key figures from the HR industry and academia contributed to the discussions, exploring ways to bridge the gap between academic research and practical industry solutions.
The event commenced with introductory remarks from Lieven Lambrecht, Head of HR at PwC Luxembourg, and Prof. Dr Florian Feltes, CEO and Co-Founder of Zortify. Feltes emphasized the need to involve industry partners in shaping the future of work and stressed the importance of a human-centered approach. Lambrecht highlighted the challenges associated with managing a multigenerational workforce and the importance of preparedness in the face of uncertainty.
Dr Stefanie Becker, representing German software giant SAP, delivered a keynote presentation on Innovative, Holistic Approach to Working Life. She shared valuable insights on topics such as hybrid work models and their positive impact on productivity and well-being. A Q&A session followed, during which Dr Becker expressed her surprise at the rapid evolution of AI technology and the growing demand for upskilling and reskilling due to AI implementation.
Prof. Dr Florian Feltes later moderated an engaging panel discussion titled AI and HXM: Empowering Human-Centred Workforces. Joining him on the panel were Dr Annika von Mutius, co-founder of Empion, a Berlin-based HR management software solutions company, and Theresa Fesinstine, founder of PeoplePower.ai, a US-based firm harnessing AI’s potential in the HR field. The panelists explored ways in which AI can enhance the human experience, while cautioning against succumbing to fear. They stressed the importance of understanding the technology and its data sources to alleviate concerns.
The summit continued with interactive panels on topics such as explainable AI, informative talks, and research presentations. The event concluded with networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect and exchange ideas.
Reflecting on the successful Zortify Summer School, Prof. Dr Florian Feltes expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes. He stated, At Zortify, we strive to solve HR and human experience management challenges for our clients. An essential aspect of our success lies in refining our AI-based tools by bringing together diverse experts with varied experiences and perspectives. During our Zortify Summer School 2023, we examined potential solutions for the future of work and HR. The level of dialogue, collegiality, and open communication exceeded our expectations, and we are immensely proud of the results.
Zortify’s Future of Work Summit provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions on the intersection of AI and human-centered workforces. By focusing on topics such as hybrid work models, explainable AI, and the ethical use of technology, the summit highlighted the importance of striking a balance between innovative advancements and human-centric approaches. This event serves as a testament to Zortify’s commitment to driving meaningful change in the HR industry and paving the way for a future where humans and AI collaborate seamlessly.
