HR Happy Hour Network

Polymorphism at Work: A Radical New Way to Think About OrganizationsHosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Perry Timms, Chief Energy Officer and Founder: People & Transformational HR Ltd SummaryIn this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, host Mervyn Dinnen interviews Perry Timms, a thought leader in HR, about the concept of polymorphic organizations. Timms explains that polymorphism refers to the ability of organizations to adapt and change their structure and processes in response to varying demands and data. They discuss the importance of moving away from traditional, rigid organizational models to more fluid and adaptive approaches that can better meet the challenges of the modern business landscape. The conversation also touches on the role of leadership in fostering this adaptability, the implications for traditional industries, and the steps organizations can take to begin their transformation towards a polymorphic model. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Polymorphic Organisations05:20 Understanding Polymorphism in Organisations09:40 The Shift from Traditional to Adaptive Models14:38 Leadership in a Polymorphic World20:10 The Impact on Business Metrics and Shareholders24:02 Implementing Change in SMEs27:34 Resources for Further LearningThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word. Thanks for joining us.

The Manager Method: Practical Strategies to Lead with Empathy and ConfidenceHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Ashley Herd, Former Head of HR, Podcast Host and Author SummaryIn this episode of the At Work in America show, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Ashley Herd, a former head of HR, podcast host, and author, to discuss the critical role of managers in the workplace. The conversation explores the challenges managers face, particularly regarding their mental health and the impact they have on employee experiences. Ashley shares insights from her book, "The Manager Method," emphasizing the importance of communication, empathy, and proactive leadership strategies to foster a positive work environment. They discuss the common pitfalls of management, such as the tendency to avoid difficult conversations and the pressure managers feel to have all the answers. The episode ends with practical advice for managers on how to navigate stress and burnout, both for themselves and their teams, while encouraging open dialogue and collaboration. This conversation serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their management skills and improve workplace culture. Chapters01:30 Welcome, updates, and introduction04:13 The Importance of Managers08:43 Communication Strategies for Managers12:04 Empathy in Leadership19:14 Managing Remote Teams23:37 Addressing Burnout and Stress36:23 Resources and TakeawaysThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.  Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report. Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.  Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

Improving Employee Engagement and Retention Through AnalyticsHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Curtis Forbes, Founder & CEO at MustardHub SummaryIn this episode of the At Work in America show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Curtis Forbes, founder and CEO of MustardHub, to discuss the critical issues of employee retention and engagement, particularly in small to mid-sized businesses. Curtis shares his unique journey from a music background to creating a workforce engagement platform aimed at reducing turnover and strengthening company culture. The conversation looks at the challenges of identifying turnover issues, the costs associated with employee disengagement, and the importance of predictive analytics in understanding employee behavior. They emphasize the role of technology in making company culture visible and the necessity of building habits that reinforce organizational values. The episode concludes with insights on MustardHub's freemium model, making it accessible for small businesses to enhance their employee engagement strategies. Chapters01:07 Understanding Employee Retention and Engagement09:04 Identifying and Addressing Turnover Challenges11:52 The Importance of Predictive Analytics in Retention16:36 Building a Culture of Engagement21:38 A Solution for Small Businesses28:32 Freemium Model and Accessibility of MustardHub33:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.  Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report. Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.  Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

Enhancing Human Experience in the Digital WorkplaceHosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Martin Jackson, Future Experiences and Innovation Manager at Insights SummaryIn this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, host Mervyn Dinnon discusses the evolving landscape of HR technology with Martin Jackson, the Future Experiences and Innovation Manager at Insights. They explore how technology can enhance the human experience at work, the importance of personalization in AI, and the relevance of the Insights Discovery model in today's workplaces. The conversation delves into the challenges HR leaders face in maintaining engagement and communication amidst rapid technological changes, and how behavioral intelligence can inform better decision-making and employee experiences. Chapters00:00 The Future of Work and Technology05:06 Understanding Insights Discovery Model07:32 Digitizing Personality Insights with API11:22 Enhancing Employee Experience through Technology15:36 Addressing Engagement and Change Fatigue20:32 Cultural Considerations in Tech Adoption22:46 The Future of AI and Personalization Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.  Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report. Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.  Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

2025 in Review: The Conversations Shaping Work in 2026Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuests: Mervyn Dinnen, Jack McFarlane, & Nick Schlemmer SummaryIn this episode of the HR Happy Hour Show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed reflect on the past year and discuss their plans for 2026. They highlight the show's global reach, with listeners from 177 countries, and share insights from their favorite episodes of 2025. The conversation covers topics such as AI, hybrid work, leadership, and the importance of humanizing technology. They also discuss the impact of external factors on workplace wellbeing and the role of benefits in uniting a divided workforce. The episode concludes with a look ahead to new developments on the HR Happy Hour Network. TakeawaysThe HR Happy Hour network reaches a global audienceWellbeing and mental health are crucial workplace discussionsHybrid and flexible work models are evolvingEngagement with the audience is a priority for the networkMemorable episodes and guestsCollaboration and connection for the futureNew network developments coming...stay tuned!  Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.  Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report. Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.  Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

2026: The Year of Ultimate Business EfficiencyHosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer SummaryIn this episode of The Play by Play, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer discuss the transformative impact of AI on business efficiency as they enter 2026. They explore the financial implications of AI adoption, the role of Gen Z in integrating AI into workplaces, and how AI is reshaping corporate hierarchies. The conversation also touches on predictions for the future of work and pop culture, emphasizing the importance of adapting to technological advancements. Listen in! Chapters0:00 New Year Reflections01:34 The Rise of AI in Business Efficiency07:25 Financial Implications of AI Adoption12:01 AI's Impact on Corporate Hierarchies16:25 Gen Z's Role in AI Development18:22 AI in the Workplace21:24 AI as a Communication Coach25:25 Predictions for 2026: Business and Beyond Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage. Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report. Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year. Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

Smart HR Solutions for Today’s Business Leadership ChallengesHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Alison Stevens, Senior Director of HR Solutions, Paychex SummaryIn this episode of the At Work in America show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Alison Stevens from Paychex to unpack insights from the 2026 Business Leader Priorities Report. Together, they explore what’s top of mind for small business leaders right now - especially the growing HR challenges that come with running lean teams in a complex environment. The conversation dives into practical ways organizations can streamline onboarding, make smarter benefits decisions, and use automation to lift administrative weight off already stretched leaders. At the heart of it all is a clear focus on helping businesses stay agile, support their people, and keep growth and retention front and center, even when the landscape feels anything but simple.Chapters02:45 The Role of HR in Business Success06:04 Insights from the Paychex 2026 Business Leader Priorities Report08:56 Strategies for Growth in a Cost-Challenged Economy15:58 The Importance of Efficient Onboarding18:43 Selecting Strategic Benefits for Employee Retention24:42 The Challenge of HR Administrative TasksThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! This episode of At Work in America is sponsored by Paychex, an industry-leading human capital management (HCM) company that helps businesses of all sizes succeed with its award-winning combination of digital HR technology and advisory services. Discover what 600 business leaders are prioritizing in 2026 — and how they're overcoming today's biggest obstacles. Uncovered insights and strategies from this year’s Paychex Priorities for Business Leaders survey results to:• Reclaim time spent on admin tasks• Reduce turnover costs and keep top talent• Protect your data and defend against cyber threats• Turn your biggest challenges into wins in 2026 Head to paychex.com/awia to read the full report. Don’t just guess your priorities — know them.The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.  Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report. Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.  Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

AI and Cultural Values: A Unique BlendHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Kamwin Story, Senior Manager, System Support at Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma SummaryIn this episode of the HR Happy Hour show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed speak with Kamwin Story from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The conversation explores the transformative impact of AI on business operations, highlighting the integration of AI tools like Grow and Dynamic Skills into existing systems. They also discuss the importance of seamless functionality and collaboration with Oracle's innovation team to enhance efficiency in the workplace. ChaptersIntroduction to Oracle AI World and Event OverviewChoctaw Nation's Unique GovernanceCollaboration with OracleAI Integration and BenefitsCultural Values and Vendor RelationshipsReflections and Future ProspectsLearn about Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications HERE Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Business strategy is becoming less about what you do and more about who does it. Your people are your biggest differentiator–and Workhuman’s leading employee recognition platform is challenging leaders to rethink what they know about performance and what really drives value. The world’s first employee recognition AI harnesses daily appreciation flowing through your organization to see who’s really moving the needle. So orgs can find their next leaders, develop skills, and match talent to the projects that push humans and businesses forward. Workhuman is unlocking the next era of workplace potential – and they invite you to join the movement at Workhuman.com. A proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. 

Human-Centered Development in a Data-Driven WorldHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Matthew Daniel, Senior Principal, Talent Strategy at Guild SummaryIn this episode of the At Work in America show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed speak with Matthew Daniel from Guild to discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development in the workplace. They explore the importance of integrated talent strategies, the reimagining of tuition reimbursement into tuition assistance, and the value of degrees in today's job market. The conversation looks into skill acquisition, the role of AI in talent development, and the need for supportive learning environments to enhance employee retention and satisfaction. They also cover the importance of collaboration among HR leaders to tackle workforce challenges and improve talent pipelines. Chapters00:55 Exploring Learning and Development03:47 The Importance of Integrated Talent Strategies08:05 Reimagining Tuition Reimbursement 15:42 Aligning Skills with Job Opportunities19:51 Managing Talent Development Effectively25:35 Leveraging AI in Talent Development29:02 Understanding Breaking Points in Learning34:37 Innovative Approaches to Workforce DevelopmentThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Business strategy is becoming less about what you do and more about who does it. Your people are your biggest differentiator–and Workhuman’s leading employee recognition platform is challenging leaders to rethink what they know about performance and what really drives value. The world’s first employee recognition AI harnesses daily appreciation flowing through your organization to see who’s really moving the needle. So orgs can find their next leaders, develop skills, and match talent to the projects that push humans and businesses forward. Workhuman is unlocking the next era of workplace potential – and they invite you to join the movement at Workhuman.com. A proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. 

2025 Year in ReviewHosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick SchlemmerGuest: Carleigh McFarlane SummaryIn this episode of The Play by Play, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer reflect on the significant events of 2025, covering top news stories, political highlights, sports achievements, and the most streamed music and movies. They discuss the impact of AI technology on daily life and business, and share their favorite moments from the year. The conversation emphasizes community engagement and looks forward to the opportunities and challenges of the upcoming year. Listen in! Chapters0:00 Introduction 01:53 Top News Stories of 202506:14 Political Highlights and Elections07:20 Major Sports Trades and Events08:15 Most Streamed Songs and Albums15:25 Top Artists and Their Impact23:31 Personal Favorites and Closing Thoughts38:19 Top Businesses of 202548:23 Reflections and Future AspirationsThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Business strategy is becoming less about what you do and more about who does it. Your people are your biggest differentiator–and Workhuman’s leading employee recognition platform is challenging leaders to rethink what they know about performance and what really drives value. The world’s first employee recognition AI harnesses daily appreciation flowing through your organization to see who’s really moving the needle. So orgs can find their next leaders, develop skills, and match talent to the projects that push humans and businesses forward. Workhuman is unlocking the next era of workplace potential – and they invite you to join the movement at Workhuman.com. A proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network.