Chioma Ann Udeh, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management and Head of Human Resources at E-Ranch Autocare in Lagos, shares her insights on human resources management. With a background as a teacher and saleswoman, Udeh brings a unique perspective to her current role. Her career in HR has taught her the importance of respecting the basics and understanding the impact of decisions on the ground. Udeh's experience has also shown her that people perform best when guided, assessed fairly, and given room to grow.
Udeh explains that human resources is about developing people while keeping the customer in mind. She notes that an organization lives or dies by its customers and that HR plays a crucial role in ensuring that employees are well-supported and focused on customer service. Udeh highlights the significance of HR analytics in making data-driven decisions about people, rather than relying on assumptions. By analyzing staffing levels, workloads, training records, and customer feedback, organizations can identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace is becoming increasingly prevalent, and Udeh believes that AI offers real value in HR. AI can help forecast staffing needs, identify skills gaps, and remove routine paperwork, allowing HR teams to focus on people. However, Udeh cautions that technology is only as fair as the data behind it and that organizations must ensure that their data is unbiased and explainable. Before adopting AI-driven tools, organizations must ask critical questions about data origin, potential biases, and the impact on employees.
Udeh identifies the biggest problem facing HR professionals in Nigeria as the challenge of retaining skilled employees. With the naira's value decreasing since June 2023, salaries have lost value, and many experienced professionals have left through the 'japa' wave. The N70,000 national minimum wage has also tightened company budgets, making it difficult for HR to retain talent. Udeh suggests that organizations study exit data, offer structured training, clear promotion paths, and flexible schedules to address this issue.
Many Nigerian graduates and young job seekers face challenges in getting employed due to a lack of experience and unsound educational training. Udeh acknowledges that there is some truth to this, but notes that it is not the whole picture. She suggests that job seekers build verifiable skills through internships, volunteering, and online certifications, and that employers create entry-level openings and train new hires. Udeh emphasizes that communication, reliability, and willingness to learn often count for more than grades.
Udeh has an interest in renewable energy and notes that conversations about energy transition often focus on technology and funding, but neglect the importance of skills. She believes that green growth needs a people strategy as much as it needs panels and batteries. Udeh's book, 'Customer Engagement Techniques in Green Spare Parts Initiatives,' explores the role of businesses in bringing customers along as they transition to green energy.
Udeh combines her HR leadership role with research work, which she believes strengthens her practice and keeps her current. As a Section Editor and peer reviewer for international journals, Udeh reviews dozens of papers annually, which sharpens her thinking. Her most cited papers deal with topics such as gender equity in education, burnout and employee well-being, and workforce upskilling for new technologies.
Key points
- Chioma Udeh emphasizes the importance of having the right workforce behind ideas and highlights the role of HR analytics in decision-making.
- Udeh suggests that organizations study exit data and offer structured training, clear promotion paths, and flexible schedules to address the challenge of retaining skilled employees.
- She believes that green growth needs a people strategy as much as it needs technology and funding.
