AI that cares: Techwave’s Srinivas Penmetsa on crafting a next-gen employee experience

As workplaces evolve, technology continues to transform how organisations operate, engage with employees, and create sustainable, fulfilling work environments. Techwave Australia, a leader in in providing IT and engineering services across industries, has been at the forefront of harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to reshape the employee experience. To gain deeper insights into how AI and digital tools can improve workplace dynamics, People Matters spoke with Mr Srinivas Penmetsa, Vice President & Regional Head - ANZ, Techwave. 

In this interview, Penmetsa elaborates on the opportunities AI offers, the essential role of data privacy, the need for a human-cantered approach to technology, and his vision of future tech shaping tomorrow’s workforce.

A data-driven culture rooted in privacy and security

As companies increasingly leverage AI to personalise employee experiences, questions of data privacy and security have become crucial. With a vast amount of personal and professional data generated in workplaces today, safeguarding employee information is non-negotiable. According to Mr. Penmetsa, maintaining trust is paramount when embedding AI into an organisation.

“At Techwave, we harness the potential of AI to revolutionise employee experiences by prioritising trust,” said Penmetsa. “AI can create a personalised, highly connected work environment, but this requires a steadfast commitment to data privacy and security. Safeguarding our workforce’s digital identity is not just a compliance requirement—it’s a responsibility that ensures AI becomes an empowering force rather than a disruptive one.”

The firm has implemented a rigorous Accepted Usage Policy to ensure ethical and responsible use of AI tools. This policy includes guidelines for data access and usage to prevent misuse. Additionally, the company employs advanced encryption and access controls to secure sensitive employee data.

“By adopting advanced encryption technologies and transparent data policies, we unlock AI’s transformative power while respecting individuals’ right to privacy,” Penmetsa explained and added, “We believe that AI should serve as an extension of our humanity, not an intrusion into it.” 

Embedding AI to enhance, not replace, human capabilities

The power of AI in the employee experience lies in its ability to enhance, not replace, human potential. Penmetsa highlighted that at his firm, AI is seamlessly integrated into daily workflows, simplifying routine tasks and allowing employees to focus on high-value work that fosters creativity and innovation.

“AI offers limitless potential to enhance the employee experience, but the key to successful integration is simplicity,” he said. “At Techwave, we believe AI should be embedded seamlessly into daily workflows, enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them.”

The company adopts a people-first approach in its AI implementation by offering intuitive, user-friendly tools and ensuring clear communication around AI’s role. One unique initiative is the "AI for Work" orientation module, which is incorporated into every employee’s training to foster an AI-friendly mindset. Through gradual introduction and continuous training, Techwave empowers its workforce to embrace AI confidently, using it to automate mundane tasks and make more informed decisions.

“Leaders must take a people-first approach by offering intuitive, user-friendly interfaces and ensuring clear communication on AI's role within the workplace,” Penmetsa emphasised. “By enabling our teams to focus on high-value work, we’re pushing the boundaries of what they can achieve.” The emphasis on simplicity and support helps employees view AI as a collaborative partner, not a competitive force, in their daily work.

Bridging the digital skills gap with continuous learning

As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, so too must employees’ skillsets to keep pace with the demands of new technologies. Digital transformation has brought remarkable improvements in productivity and operational efficiency, yet many organisations face a shortage of digitally skilled talent. According to a Microsoft report, 65% of hiring managers struggle to find qualified candidates with the necessary digital skills. Techwave recognises that fostering a digital-literate workforce is essential to thriving in an AI-driven world, and it is proactively working to bridge this skills gap.

“We see the future of work as a collaboration between human ingenuity and AI-driven efficiency,” Penmetsa shared. “To thrive in this landscape, it’s essential to invest in continuous learning and upskilling programs that empower employees. However, it’s not just about teaching them to use AI tools—it’s about cultivating a mindset where AI is seen as a collaborator, not a replacement.”

To achieve this, we have established an internal learning hub with personalised learning paths tailored to each employee’s career goals and skills gaps. The program not only builds technical proficiency but also nurtures a collaborative mindset around AI’s role in daily work. By setting a goal for all roles to be AI-enabled, the firm is preparing its workforce to embrace digital transformation with confidence and creativity.

AI-driven insights for employee well-being

While AI’s utility in improving productivity is well-documented, its potential to promote employee well-being is also gaining traction. According to Penmetsa, AI can be a powerful tool to support employee health by monitoring stress levels, identifying patterns of overwork, and delivering wellness recommendations. The key, he notes, is to approach AI with empathy and focus on the human aspects of work.

“AI can be a powerful ally in promoting employee well-being when approached with empathy,” Penmetsa said. “Through AI-driven insights, we can monitor work patterns, stress levels, and engagement, identifying areas where employees may need support.”

Techwave’s approach goes beyond simple productivity metrics. The organisation leverages AI to suggest personalised wellness solutions, such as reminders to take breaks, adaptive workloads, and even mental health resources. This focus on well-being demonstrates the commitment to creating a holistic employee experience where individuals are supported to perform their best while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

“When thoughtfully designed, AI can humanise the workplace by enhancing work-life balance and helping employees feel valued,” he added. “We focus on using AI not just as a tool for productivity but as a force for improving overall well-being, enabling employees to thrive both personally and professionally.”

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Embracing emerging technologies to shape the future of work

Looking to the future, Penmetsa is optimistic about the potential of emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to further enhance the employee experience. These technologies, he believes, will enable highly interactive workspaces and facilitate seamless collaboration across distances.

“We believe that the future of employee experience will be shaped not only by AI but also by augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT),” he said. “These technologies will create immersive and highly interactive workspaces, allowing employees to collaborate seamlessly across distances as if they were in the same room.”

To prepare for these changes, the company encourages a culture of innovation that promotes experimentation and embraces new ways of working. By fostering an environment where technology is viewed as an enabler of human potential, Techwave ensures its workforce remains adaptable and resilient in the face of ongoing technological advancement.

“By creating an environment where emerging technologies are seen as tools to extend human capabilities, we empower employees to work, collaborate, and grow in ways that were previously unimaginable,” Penmetsa explained. “We are committed to ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow is not just prepared for these changes—but empowered by them.”