COVID-19 significantly changed the role of human resources, transforming HR from a largely bureaucratic function into a strategic partner closely involved with leadership, Maria Karantoni, Board Member and Head of People at KPMG Cyprus, said on Wednesday at INSPIRE 2026's Future of Work stage.
Karantoni said, “HR had previously occupied a more secondary position within organisations, but the pandemic accelerated its transition into a more prominent strategic role.”
She highlighted talent attraction and retention as increasingly important responsibilities for HR departments, particularly as companies navigate a workforce spanning different generations.
According to Karantoni, managing employees from different generations requires organisations to adopt different approaches, while workplace culture and corporate values have also become increasingly important.
She said a company’s values help shape its culture and are reflected in the choices organisations make, particularly when facing difficult decisions, as well as in how they treat their employees.
Karantoni also pointed to differences in attitudes towards organisational commitment across generations. Older generations, she said, have traditionally demonstrated stronger commitment to their organisations, while younger generations tend to show lower levels of attachment, creating new challenges for employers seeking to attract and retain talent.
Strategic Partner: CYTA Business
Platinum Sponsor: Bank of Cyprus
Innovation Partner: Ίδρυμα Έρευνας και Καινοτομίας/Research and Innovation Foundation
Gold Sponsors: Cyfield Group, Zorbas Group
Silver Sponsors: Bioland Energy, Petrolina (Holdings) Public Ltd
Stage Sponsors: Invest Cyprus - CIPA , KPMG Cyprus, National Bank of Greece, Odyssey Cybersecurity
Academic Partner: University of Nicosia
Mobility Partner: Pilakoutas Group
Sustainability Partner: Electricity Authority of Cyprus
Hospitality Sponsor: Hilton Nicosia
Sponsor: IMR/UNIVERSITY OF NICOSIA , Αρχή Ανάπτυξης Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού - Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus, Henry’s by Columbia, 33East
Panel Sponsor: Allwyn Cyprus
Technology Sponsor: Abasis.AI
Wellbeing Partner: wayfitco.
Supporting Organisations: National Betting Authority , SkillsCyprus
Exhibitors: drastyc, Emphasys Centre, Giorgio Armani, Factorial ,GrantXpert Consulting Ltd, onlyseo., Photos Photiades Breweries ,Wolt, Bank of Cyprus Nicosia Marathon
Supporters: Cloud Office,CP Herbal Skin Care, Farm Wisely Cyprus, Chr. Kapodistrias & Sons Ltd, Superhome Center, Alphamega Hypermarkets
Mimajo Healthy Snacks Ltd, Robura Asset Management, University of Limassol, Voici la Mode Group of Companies
With the Support of: Cyprus Computer Society, CITEA, CCCI, CPMA, OEB, Youth Board of Cyprus,TechIsland, StudentLife Academy, CSR Cyprus
Communication Sponsors: SuperFM, REPORTER, IN Business, Cyprus Business News, Alpha TV
Organiser: IMH
Under the Auspices: Nicosia Municipality
Also read: INSPIRE 2026: Marios Antoniou says HR is now faced with very different cultures and mindsets
Also read: INSPIRE 2026: Evangelia Aspromalli says younger generations need to feel valued at work
