CEO - Founder Safari Group HR
Describe Safari Group HR
Safari Group HR is not just another consultancy. In fact, our essence is rooted in delivering real and genuine value to people. With over 5 years of experience, our team consists of professionals in human resources and technology. We choose to work with a limited number of clients, and this is not by chance: it allows us to be more efficient and, most importantly, build authentic long-term relationships. From our inception, we have been convinced that genuine connections are the heart of what we do. And, even as the technological world evolves day by day, at Safari Group HR, we continue to prioritise the human element and those connections that truly make a difference.
How is technology reshaping the way people work? Do you think that machines and technology will end up replacing human beings?
Technology is reshaping the world of work in a way that I find both challenging and exciting. On one hand, we see automation replacing jobs that were manual and repetitive. At the same time, technology is creating new jobs that we couldn't have imagined before.
This evolution has changed how we work, emphasising remote work, work flexibility, and currently, a focus on mental health. I see that people today are seeking greater autonomy, flexibility, a clear sense of purpose, and genuine recognition in their professions.
I can't definitively say whether technology and machines will replace human beings. What is clear is the central role that technology will play in the future of work. I believe we should strive for a balance, as there are certain human skills and qualities that, up to this point, cannot be replaced by a machine.
In conclusion, I think it's important to mention that individuals should invest in training and keep updating their skills to navigate these immense changes and thrive in an undoubtedly technology-driven future.
We live in a globalised world, with people working virtually from everywhere. It is no longer required to live where you work. What are the main virtues of this situation and what are the challenges that it imposes to corporations and collaborators?
Remote work was already on the rise and was accelerated by the pandemic. Many companies discovered that remote work is viable and can be just as or even more productive than in-person work.
Advantages:
For employees:
Employees can work from anywhere, allowing for better work-life balance.
Employees have more freedom to organize their time and tasks.
Employees can save time and money on commuting.
For companies:
Companies can hire people from anywhere in the world.
Companies can save on costs like office space and furniture.
Remote employees can be more productive.
Challenges:
Effective communication can be a challenge, especially when working with teams in different time zones.
Maintaining company culture and team cohesion can be complex. It's important for companies to establish processes and tools to help employees connect with each other and with the company.
Supervising and tracking remote work can be more challenging than in-person work.
The perception that employees can be available at any time. Employees may feel pressure to be available at all times, which can negatively impact their work-life balance.
For many people, especially younger generations and those in the technology field, the option to work remotely greatly influences their choice of employment or potential job change. Companies that do not offer this flexibility could face disadvantages in the job market.
Remote work is a reality that is here to stay. Every organization is unique and has specific needs and challenges. It's crucial to approach remote work on an individualized basis to meet both the company's and employees' needs.
What are the main features that corporations are looking for when hiring IT candidates?
In technical terms, companies highly value experience in programming, knowledge of databases, and cybersecurity. Currently, Artificial Intelligence is in high demand. However, beyond the technical aspects, there is a significant emphasis on analytical ability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to learn and adapt quickly to new technologies.
Soft skills are also highly valued. These include effective communication with non-technical teams, collaborative teamwork, and a customer-centric mindset. These skills enable IT professionals to translate technical concepts into understandable language for other teams or stakeholders.
The ability to work under pressure is often not explicitly mentioned, but is a reality in the IT world. IT projects often have tight deadlines and rapidly changing demands. Resilience, time management, and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential in this context.
Technology evolves, and companies seek IT candidates with strong technical skills and soft skills that enable them to adapt and collaborate effectively in a highly dynamic environment.
And on the other hand, what are the main features that IT candidates look for when searching for a job position?
IT candidates today are looking for more than just a salary. Here's what they often prioritize:
Professional Development and Continuous Learning: Candidates seek companies that offer opportunities for growth, whether through training, education, certifications, or the chance to work with emerging technologies. Access to up-to-date tools and technologies is crucial to staying current with industry trends.
Salary and Benefits: In addition to a competitive salary, many candidates consider other benefits such as health insurance, bonuses, stock options, and other appealing and personalized incentives.
Company Culture: A positive work environment and a culture that promotes innovation, respect, and inclusivity have become essential. Transparency, flexibility, and a good work-life balance are valued.
Flexibility: With the advancement of communication tools, many IT candidates value the possibility of remote work, flexible hours, and the freedom to choose where to work from.
Technical Challenges: IT professionals often seek roles that present technical challenges that allow them to apply and expand their skills.
Impact and Purpose: Many professionals seek roles where they feel that their work has a significant impact, whether within the company, in society, or in a particular industry.
Overall, IT candidates are looking for opportunities that align with their career goals, provide a positive work environment, and offer a chance to contribute meaningfully while continually learning and growing.
One thing is to find talent, a very different one is to keep it. What would you recommend to corporations, so they can retain their key personnel?
The reality is that I prefer to talk about 'engagement' rather than 'retention' when it comes to keeping employees in an organization. Engagement focuses on building positive relationships and fostering strong connections between employees and the company.
Today, employees have more choices than ever, and each individual is unique with different needs and motivations. Therefore, it's crucial for companies to understand what drives each employee and develop personalized engagement strategies to keep their key talent.
What is the agile methodology strategy, and why is it important for organisations and their collaborators?
The agile methodology is an approach to project development and management that prioritizes collaboration, adaptability, and the rapid delivery of value. It's important for organizations and their collaborators because it enables them to be more flexible, collaborative, and capable of adapting to changes in the market and project requirements.
In the context of rapid technological evolution, Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a powerful tool in various industries. From your perspective in Human Resources, how do you see the impact of AI on the transformation of recruitment processes, talent management, and professional development?
AI offers a wide range of opportunities and challenges in various areas, including the field of HR. Undoubtedly, AI is a transformative tool that is revolutionizing professions and businesses.
From my profession in Human Resources, I see that AI is significantly transforming many of our processes. AI streamlines candidate selection, enhances talent management, and enables more personalized professional development.
AI can be a valuable ally, but it also requires our attention, care, and intervention. I am convinced that we must question and mitigate potential biases that may affect AI systems, as well as recognize the value of human skills that AI cannot replace (at least for now). In this way, we can create a more fair, diverse, and inclusive work environment".
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