Woosh Raza, Katie Obi, and Bertie Tonks discuss Gen Z work ethics, remote working trends, impact of minimum wage rise, leadership challenges, integrating research in HR, and evolving HR roles in the pilot episode of HR People Pod.
Gen Z values work-life balance, posing challenges for managing diverse generations.
UK minimum wage hike leads to reduced hours and hiring, highlighting HR's role in economic balance.
Leadership must champion meaningful work to engage employees and drive organizational success.
Increasing HR demands call for evidence-based, principle-led practitioners supporting each other in complex roles.
Deep dives
Gen Z's Perspective on Work and Life Balance
Gen Z is perceived as valuing work-life balance and having transactional attitudes towards work. The discussion touches on the challenges of managing a workforce with diverse generational views.
Unintended Consequences of UK Minimum Wage Increase
The podcast examines the unintended negative consequences faced by employers in response to the UK minimum wage increase, leading to reductions in hours and hiring. The conversation delves into the delicate balance required for HR professionals to navigate economic challenges while maintaining sustainable workplaces.
Leadership and Purpose in the Workplace
The episode emphasizes the importance of leadership promoting meaningful work for employees. It highlights the role of leaders in fostering an environment where employees feel valued, can utilize their strengths, and contribute to the organization's success.
The Changing Role and Demands in HR
The discussion focuses on the evolving demands in the HR profession, emphasizing the need for practitioners to be evidence-based, principles-led, and outcomes-driven. It addresses the increasing complexity of HR responsibilities, the imperative for commercial acumen, and the necessity for practitioners to support each other in navigating emotional challenges.
Navigating Emotional Intensity and Loneliness in HR
The podcast sheds light on the emotionally demanding aspects of HR roles, including dealing with trauma and intense situations like suicide threats. It advocates for building a community of support within the profession to address challenges and promote mental well-being.
Encouraging Vulnerability and Support in HR Leadership
The conversation underscores the importance of vulnerability and mutual support among HR professionals. It stresses the need for open dialogue, peer collaboration, and shared experiences to alleviate the emotional burdens and challenges embedded in HR roles.
Fostering Community and Resilience in HR
The narrative encourages a sense of community and resilience within the HR profession to collectively address the evolving demands and emotional complexities of the role. It promotes open communication, peer support, and a culture of mutual understanding among HR practitioners.
Empowering HR Practitioners for Future Challenges
The episode concludes with a call to empower HR practitioners to navigate the evolving landscape by fostering a culture of support, vulnerability, and collaboration. It advocates for a united front within the profession to address challenges and promote mental well-being.
Welcome to HR People Pod, the CIPD’s new fortnightly podcast bringing you expert insight and topical stories impacting the world of work.
In our pilot episode, host David D'Souza, CIPD's director of people profession, welcomes Woosh Raza, executive director of people culture and inclusion at NCVO, Katie Obi, chief people officer at One Advanced and Bertie Tonks, chief people officer at Collinson to the panel as we discuss whether Gen Z are ‘lazy’, the unintended consequences of a rising minimum wage, whether more organisations are letting people work from home full-time and take a deeper dive into the growing demands on the profession.
Recorded: 10 May 2024
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