In an interview with All Things Talent, Rahul Sahay, Senior Vice President of HR Corporate at Virtusa, discusses the company's philosophy of "working with AI, not for it." This approach emphasizes integrating AI as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace them.
Sahay highlights the importance of fostering a multigenerational workforce where both early-career and experienced professionals collaborate and learn from each other. He stresses that continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for all employees, regardless of age or tenure, to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
To support this, Virtusa has reimagined its learning and development strategies. The company has shifted from traditional, compliance-based training to a more personalized and outcome-driven approach. Their internal platform, Thrive, offers intuitive and contextual learning experiences. Additionally, Virtusa has established "guilds"—communities focused on areas like Generative AI, Cloud, and Engineering Excellence—to encourage peer-to-peer learning and innovation.
Sahay also addresses the apprehension surrounding AI in the workplace. He advocates for transparency and education to demystify AI, helping employees understand its role in enhancing their work rather than threatening it. By integrating AI into business processes and demonstrating its benefits, Virtusa aims to build trust and encourage adoption among its workforce.
Furthermore, Virtusa has implemented a two-manager model to support employee growth: a work manager overseeing daily tasks and a home manager focusing on career development. This structure ensures that employees receive guidance and support in both their current roles and long-term career paths.
Through these initiatives, Virtusa is creating a culture that embraces AI as a collaborative partner, fostering continuous learning and adaptability to future-proof its workforce.