Decoding Novartis’ blueprint for AI-powered workforce and a reimagined workplace: International HR Day

As International HR Day (20 May) spotlights the theme HumanifyAI – Leading Change in a Dynamic World, Saada McNamee, Country Head of People and Organisation at Novartis ANZ, offers a compelling look at how this intersection of humanity and technology is reshaping the pharmaceutical industry’s workforce and workplaces.

In this Health Industry Hub podcast, McNamee explores how AI is already enhancing performance and productivity within Novartis ANZ, sharing real-world examples that demonstrate AI’s ability to streamline processes while keeping people at the centre. Yet, she acknowledges particular concerns echoed in recent research from the Australian HR Institute and Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

Navigating these challenges is part of a broader conversation about how workplaces are evolving post-pandemic, including the debate over return-to-office policies.

Novartis’ long-standing status as a certified “Family Friendly” employer illustrates the company’s commitment to flexible, supportive work environments. McNamee unpacks what this means in practice and how leadership must shape the development of effective hybrid work models that balance organisational goals with employee expectations.

Looking forward, she highlights the key HR trends that will drive substantial transformations in workplaces and the workforce over the next five years.

In reimagining healthcare across the entire patient journey, Health Industry Hub^TM is the only one-stop-hub uniting the diversity of the Pharma, MedTech, Diagnostics & Biotech sectors to inspire meaningful change.

The Health Industry Hub^TM content is copyright protected. Access is available under individual user licenses. Please click here to subscribe and visit T&Cs here.