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HR Leaders

How to Balance Empathy and Strategy in HR

Mar 28, 2025
Anisha Thomas, the Head of People at Inscribe AI, dives into the complex dance of empathy and strategy in HR. She discusses the emotional challenges of conducting reductions in force while maintaining transparent communication. Anisha illustrates how AI can enhance workforce efficiency and emphasizes the importance of trust within leadership teams. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of HR and the balance needed between innovative technology and the human touch in nurturing workplace culture.
44:02

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Balancing empathy and strategic decision-making is crucial for HR leaders, especially during challenging times like a reduction in force.
  • Leveraging AI can significantly enhance organizational efficiency, allowing HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives rather than administrative tasks.

Deep dives

Navigating Organizational Change

The podcast discusses the emotional and practical challenges of implementing a reduction in force (RIF) within a company, particularly during a period when rapid hiring was the norm. It emphasizes the balance between being a business leader and showing compassion for affected team members, which can create a personal conflict during such difficult decisions. The speaker reflects on the necessity of putting personal feelings aside for the sake of the organization while ensuring empathy towards those impacted by layoffs. By sharing this experience, the importance of effective communication and leadership in times of organizational change becomes evident.

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