CIPD
HR People Pod – Ep 20: Lockdown: five years on | Media scrutiny | ‘Coachbots’ | Gentle leadership
Mar 24, 2025
Emma Jayne, Group People and Culture Director at KYN, and Gareth Neale, Head of HR at Crimson Hotels, share their insights on the evolving HR landscape post-COVID-19. They discuss the lasting impacts of the pandemic, such as shifting employee expectations and the necessity for community support among HR leaders. The conversation touches on the role of AI in mentorship, questioning how ‘coachbots’ can supplement human interaction. Finally, they explore gentle leadership and the importance of empathy in management, highlighting its relevance today.
31:40
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Quick takeaways
- The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed employee expectations and emphasized the importance of prioritizing people within organizational strategies.
- Effective crisis management hinges on transparency and communication to help maintain employee trust and morale during challenging times.
Deep dives
The Importance of Empathy in HR
Developing empathy is essential for effective human resources management. Understanding situations from various perspectives helps HR professionals communicate better and support employees' needs. Experienced HR leaders highlight how this advice has evolved over their careers, stressing its relevance in both employee relations and strategic business discussions. The ability to empathize not only fosters healthy workplace dynamics but also enhances decision-making that considers the broader implications for individuals and the organization.
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