HR People Pod - Ep 14: Youth employment | 2025 Predictions | Xmas parties | 'Malicious compliance'
Dec 11, 2024
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In this engaging conversation, guests Bruce Daisley, bestselling author and culture advocate; Laura Callahan, HR expert; and Garin Rouch, organisational consultant, delve into valuable insights on youth employment reforms and the decline in work-education integration. They tackle the emergence of 'malicious compliance' in workplaces and share bold predictions for the future of HR by 2025. Festive fun isn't left out, as they humorously debate what makes a true Christmas movie, offering a light-hearted touch to a serious discussion.
The misunderstanding of HR's role as merely administrative underestimates its importance in shaping company culture and employee wellbeing.
The increasing economic inactivity among young people calls for urgent initiatives like apprenticeship guarantees to re-engage this demographic with the labor market.
Deep dives
Understanding the Role of HR
There is a significant misunderstanding regarding the true purpose of HR within organizations, leading to a perception that HR holds excessive power. HR is increasingly seen as a vital component in shaping company culture and addressing employee needs, rather than a mere administrative function. This misunderstood role could create feelings of threat among other departments, prompting a need for a cultural shift to promote shared ownership of HR functions across the organization. Building an understanding of HR as an evidence-based profession will strengthen its credibility and clarify its value in fostering employee wellbeing and organizational success.
Challenges in Youth Employment
Recent findings highlight a drastic decline in young people combining education with employment, leading to rising economic inactivity among this demographic. Despite the calls for apprenticeships and alternative pathways to higher education, participation in these programs has remained stagnant for two decades. There is a pressing need for initiatives such as an apprenticeship guarantee and enhanced wage incentives for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to create viable opportunities for young people. Addressing these barriers is crucial to reconnecting youth with the labor market and revitalizing apprenticeship roles.
Emphasizing Employee Experience
Organizations must prioritize employee experience to attract and retain talent, rather than focusing solely on remuneration. Workers increasingly seek fulfilling roles that offer development opportunities and meaningful interactions, which are essential to job satisfaction. Establishing individual conversations around career aspirations is key to fostering deeper connections between employees and their organizations. A shift toward understanding and enhancing the overall employee experience will yield long-term benefits for both individuals and organizations amidst growing employment costs.
Navigating Workplace Culture and Social Events
The dynamics of workplace social events, particularly during the holiday season, require careful consideration to prevent negative outcomes. Organizations should rethink traditional Christmas parties and their implications, ensuring they foster an inclusive and safe environment for all employees. Setting clear expectations around behavior and promoting alternative recognition methods can help create a more positive atmosphere. Leadership must actively participate in shaping these social events, establishing a culture that balances enjoyment with professionalism to prevent potential issues arising from excessive alcohol consumption and inappropriate behavior.
Can companies make their festive celebrations fun and risk-free at the same time? Will the new youth guarantee for 18–21-year-olds actually help to address economic activity among young people? Are you alert to the practice of ‘malicious compliance’? And what bold predictions do our panel have for the profession in 2025?
CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by bestselling author and host of Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat podcast, Bruce Daisley; director at Willow HR, Laura Callahan; OD consultant at Distinction Business Consulting, Garin Rouch; and CIPD’s senior policy advisor on skills, Lizzie Crowley.
Recorded 6 December 2024
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