HR People Pod – Ep 9: RoboCop| Presenteeism | Discretionary effort | ‘Un-bossing’
Oct 2, 2024
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Mel Steel, a former HR director, and Jo Carlin, a senior VP of HR, dive into the future of work and the impact of AI in the workplace. They discuss the pressing issue of presenteeism and its toll on employee well-being, exploring generational shifts in work attitudes. The trend of ‘un-bossing’ takes center stage, questioning the role of middle management and how organizations can foster better connections. Plus, they tackle recruitment challenges like candidate ghosting, advocating for transparency in hiring practices.
The rise of AI in the workplace raises ethical questions about job displacement and emphasizes the need for human interaction and collaboration.
Younger employees are challenging presenteeism norms by prioritizing work-life balance, advocating for recognition based on productivity instead of physical attendance.
Deep dives
Reading and Media Consumption Insights
Participants discuss their recent reading and media consumption habits, highlighting a variety of interests. One guest mentions reading 'The Messy Middle' and 'Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect,' indicating a focus on personal and professional growth. Another guest shares their enjoyment of the show 'Race Across the World,' appreciating its themes of kindness and exploration while expressing a desire for travel. Podcasts, particularly 'The Rest is History,' are also favored, as they explore historical contexts that can provide relevant lessons for modern HR practices.
Addressing Workplace Sexual Harassment
The conversation touches on the prevalence of sexual harassment in the workplace, prompted by recent media coverage of allegations involving a high-profile retailer. The panel reflects on the challenging experiences HR professionals face when dealing with such serious allegations and the impact on organizational culture. They emphasize the importance of addressing these issues thoroughly and responsibly without ignoring the persistent challenges related to sexual harassment and conflict in the workplace. Resources and recent content related to these topics are encouraged to aid in fostering a safer and more respectful environment.
Emerging Trends in AI and Job Displacement
Discussions highlight the rise of AI in various sectors, particularly its implications for job displacement and security measures in retail. A major retailer has introduced robotic security guards to combat theft, raising questions about technology's role in job functions and the need for human interaction. The conversation delves into the ethical considerations surrounding AI deployment, the potential for job changes, and how organizations can prepare for these transformations. Emphasis is placed on collaboration between teams to identify practical use cases for AI while navigating the associated challenges.
Workplace Presenteeism vs. Discretionary Effort
The panel critiques the concept of presenteeism in the workplace and its association with career advancement. One guest advocates for a healthier approach where employees are recognized for their productivity and output rather than just their physical presence. They note a generational shift where younger employees are setting boundaries for work-life balance, challenging the long-standing notion that being the first to arrive and last to leave is a necessary form of commitment. The discussion advocates for redefining expectations of effort in the workplace for a more equitable and productive environment.
Are RoboCop-style security guards and AI accountants a glimpse of the future of work? Are longer hours more likely to be the norm, especially if you want to progress in your career? What are the differing perceptions and attitudes of a multigenerational workforce and how is this giving rise to the purported trend of ‘conscious un-bossing’?
CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Mel Steel, former HR director and interim people and transformation leader; Jo Carlin, senior VP HR Europe and global head of inclusion and diversity at Firstsource; and Caroline Roberts, associate non-executive director at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University NHS Trust.
Recorded: 27 September 2024
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