Brano Vargic on Strategic HR and the Future of Talent

Interviewed by Menity
Sep 1, 2015
3 min read

Updated: Aug 29

Brano Vargic, President of HRcomm and experienced HR executive, reflects on the evolving role of HR as a strategic business partner, the power of engagement, and the future of managing talent across generations.

Branislav Vargic, HR leader and President of HRcomm, photographed for Menity Leaders Talk interview on strategic HR and talent management

Q: HR Business partnership resonates very often in professional forums. Is today's HR already a strategic business partner?

Whether HR is seen as a strategic partner depends on what the CEO expects. It comes down to trust – if the CEO believes HR can bring valuable insights, HR has the chance to influence key decisions.

HR holds a unique advantage: as a cross-functional department, it has a comprehensive view of the company. If this knowledge is utilized wisely, HR and business leaders can jointly drive value, particularly in areas such as employee engagement and leadership development.

Q: Engaged employees are driving the business. How can HR help companies improve engagement?

Engagement starts with line managers. HR cannot solve engagement on its own, but it can play a crucial support role: listening across the organization, identifying drivers of motivation, and quantifying insights through surveys.

HR must then co-create solutions with leaders and act as an agent of change in implementation. Ultimately, engagement should never be seen as “an HR issue,” but as a shared responsibility across the business.

Q: Do you agree that properly engaged employees are the best ambassadors of their company’s products or services?

Absolutely. Employees who believe in their company’s products become its most authentic brand ambassadors.

That’s why employer branding is no longer just “come and work for us for these benefits.” It must reflect vision and purpose. Steve Jobs once asked John Scully, “Do you want to sell sugar water all your life, or do you want to change the world with me?” This is the spirit HR and marketing must capture together.

Q: Over the last years, the usage of mobile devices and social networks has increased rapidly. How can utilizing these technologies help attract the Millennial generation?

Digital and mobile recruitment are no longer the future – they are the present. Generation Y already makes up a large part of the workforce, and they expect mobile-first experiences.

Companies that fail to adapt risk losing top talent. Using the right tools is part of modern employer branding – but organizations must strike a balance between personalization and respect, avoiding communication that feels intrusive.

Branislav Vargic, President of HRcomm and executive HR leader, photographed for Menity Leaders Talk interview on HR strategy, talent management, and leadership.

Q: Gamification – a new tool for hiring top talent. What do you think are the benefits and challenges?

Gamification is one of the most exciting innovations in HR. From assessment centers using simulations to onboarding through interactive experiences, or even leadership development games, gamification brings energy, relevance, and uniqueness.

While financial investment is necessary, the benefits are clear: it strengthens employer branding by differentiating the company and engaging talent in new, memorable ways.

Q: Baby Boomers – Gen X – Millennials. Each generation has unique drivers. How should leaders approach this diversity?

Leaders must prepare to manage multi-age teams. Demographic shifts mean people will work longer, while talent shortages are expected to persist. Age diversity will become just as critical as cultural diversity.

The fundamentals remain the same: active listening, motivation, and performance management. But leaders must apply these skills with nuance – understanding that each generation brings different strengths and perspectives.

Thank you, Brano

About Mr. Vargic

Brano Vargic is the President of HRcomm – Association for the Management and Development of Human Resources in Slovakia, and has held senior HR leadership roles at Tatra Banka and Raiffeisen Bank. He studied at Cornell University (USA), IESE Business School (Barcelona), and Erasmus University (Rotterdam), and lectures on HR and leadership at universities across Europe and the US.

Peter Nemcok, Partner at Menity and moderator of Leaders Talk interview with Brano Vargic (2014–2016).

This interview was part of the MENITY Leaders Talk series (2014–2016).

Interview with Mr. Vargic, conducted by Mr. Nemcok, Managing Partner at MENITY.