HR Happy Hour Network

Misha-Ann Martin, VP of People Research at Workhuman, shares her insights on leveraging people analytics for a more human-centered workplace. She emphasizes the impact of recognition on culture and performance. The discussion explores how AI tools can enhance communication and address microaggressions. Misha-Ann also highlights the need for continuous feedback mechanisms to truly capture employee sentiment. Lastly, she challenges traditional survey methodologies, advocating for stronger connections between employees and feedback processes.

In this engaging discussion, Tom Libretto, President of Workhuman and an expert in HR innovation, dives into the transformative power of AI in enhancing employee recognition. He shares insights on how AI can drive better business outcomes and tackle challenges like AI fatigue. The conversation highlights the significance of educating the workforce on AI's benefits and the future role of human intelligence in the workplace. Tom also explores innovative tools for talent recognition and the shift towards dynamic HR processes for improved collaboration.

Making Hybrid Working EffectiveHost: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Gary Cookson, Epic HRIn this podcast interview Mervyn talks with Gary Cookson from Epic HR whose latest book - Making Hybrid Working Work - helps business leaders and HR professionals ensure that hybrid working works for their people.During the conversation they discuss:- What is and isn't 'hybrid working'- Evolution of the 9-to-5 routine and mindset- Personalisation of work with a people centric approach- Technology and space- The hybrid employee experience- HR and Leadership's role in making hybrid work successfulThanks for listening! Remember to subscribe to all of the HR Happy Hour Media Network shows on your favorite podcast app!These days, it feels like there isn’t much good to go around in the world of work. But Workhuman knows when we celebrate the good in each of us, we bring out the best in all of us. It’s why they created the world’s # 1 employee recognition platform — and they didn’t stop there, combining rich recognition data with AI to create Human Intelligence, so you can get uniquely good insights into performance, skills, engagement and more. To learn more about how you can join their force for good, go to Workhuman.com, or check out their own podcast, “How We Work,” which explores, the trends, issues, relationships, and experiences that shape our workplaces. 

Made in China? The Price of Global TradeHosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer SummaryIn this episode of The Play by Play, Jack and Nick discuss the complexities of tariffs and the ongoing trade war between the US and China. They explain what tariffs are, their purpose, and the timeline of events that have led to the current state of trade relations. The conversation highlights the effects of tariffs on consumers, the job market, and young entrepreneurs, as well as evaluating the success of tariffs in reshoring manufacturing. They also explore the ideal future outcomes of tariffs and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the face of economic challenges. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tariffs and Trade Wars07:47 Tariffs Definition and Purpose14:02 The Timeline of the US-China Trade War22:21 Evaluating the Success of Tariffs28:10 Game Time Segment Begins43:39 Closing Thoughts and Quote of the ShowThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.These days, it feels like there isn’t much good to go around in the world of work.  But Workhuman knows when we celebrate the good in each of us, we bring out the best in all of us. It’s why they created the world’s # 1 employee recognition platform — and they didn’t stop there, combining rich recognition data with AI to create Human Intelligence, so you can get uniquely good insights into performance, skills, engagement and more. To learn more about how you can join their force for good, go to Workhuman.com, or check out their own podcast, “How We Work,” which explores, the trends, issues, relationships, and experiences that shape our workplaces. 

Building Opportunity and Community with 84 LumberHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Paul Yater, CIO and Head of HR at 84 Lumber SummaryIn this episode of At Work in America, Steve and Trish interview Paul Yater, the Chief Information Officer and Head of HR at 84 Lumber. They discuss the company's commitment to training and development, the impact of AI on entry-level jobs, and the skills needed for new graduates. Paul shares insights on building a collaborative culture, the importance of trust in the workplace, and the company's future growth plans. The conversation highlights 84 Lumber's unique position in the industry and its dedication to fostering a supportive environment for employees. Chapters00:00 Introduction to 84 Lumber and Its Mission05:28 Training and Development at 84 Lumber08:27 The Impact of AI on Entry-Level Jobs11:18 Skills and Opportunities for New Graduates17:27 Trust and Recognition in the Workplace20:34 Future Growth and Technology Integration23:23 The Value of Investing in People 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.These days, it feels like there isn’t much good to go around in the world of work.  But Workhuman knows when we celebrate the good in each of us, we bring out the best in all of us. It’s why they created the world’s # 1 employee recognition platform — and they didn’t stop there, combining rich recognition data with AI to create Human Intelligence, so you can get uniquely good insights into performance, skills, engagement and more. To learn more about how you can join their force for good, go to Workhuman.com, or check out their own podcast, “How We Work,” which explores, the trends, issues, relationships, and experiences that shape our workplaces.  This episode of At Work in America is sponsored by Paychex, one of the leading providers of HR, payroll, retirement, and insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes. Listeners, quick question for you: How prepared is your business for a surprise I-9 audit? If that question made your stomach drop, you're not alone. Even if all your employees are authorized to work, small errors on your I-9 paperwork could lead to fines that rack up into the thousands. That's where our friends at Paychex come in. With audits on the rise, they've got a free, on-demand webinar called I-9 Audits and ICE Raids: What Employers Need to Know to Stay Protected. It's a step-by-step guide to help you protect your business from expensive fines, stress, and confusion.  Don't wait until it's too late. Watch it today at paychex.com/awia.It only takes 45 minutes to gain peace of mind. 

Designing the Workplace of the FutureHost: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Isobel Elton, Founder of Future of the Office In this podcast interview Mervyn talks to Isobel Elton, founder of the consultancy Future of the Office, about future workspace design and how to build spaces that will bring people together. During the conversation they discuss:- What should a workspace look and feel like?- Are RTO mandates a backward step? How can we use them as a catalyst for a rethink of workspaces?- The evolution of what we call 'work' in the knowledge era- Creating workspaces that can appeal to all generations and levels of experience- The concept of the workspace as a 'private club'- Principles of neurodiverse office designThanks for listening! Remember to subscribe to all of the HR Happy Hour Media Network shows on your favorite podcast app! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. If you’ve ever wondered what good can come of AI for HR, meet Human Intelligence. It uses the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform to uncover insights into good culture, skills, performance, and more. It also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing. And it surfaces feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.comand join their force for good.

Defining the Skills that Matter in the Age of AIHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Caitlin MacGregor, CEO, Plum SummaryIn this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese and Trish Steed engage with Caitlin McGregor, CEO of Plum, to discuss the innovative approach of Plum in assessing durable skills and the impact of AI on the workforce. They explore how organizations can better match employees to roles that suit their strengths and the importance of shifting towards skills-based hiring in a rapidly changing job market. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Plum and Its Vision03:31 Understanding Durable Skills and Their Importance07:49 Enhancing Productivity Through Skill Matching12:07 AI's Impact on Career Paths and Entry-Level Jobs16:28 The Role of AI in Transforming Work Dynamics 21:11 Common Language for Skills and Self-Awareness26:48. Skills-Based Hiring and a New Approach to Talent Management Create your own Plum Profile HEREThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.HR is about to change for good with the power of Human Intelligence.By combining AI and the rich data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence answers HR’s most demanding needs……unlocking insights and capabilities that redefine talent management, cultural transformation, and employee engagement — ultimately elevating performance and, above all, people.The future of HR has arrived. Will you – and your company – be a part of it?Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com and join their force for good. This episode of At Work in America is sponsored by Paychex, one of the leading providers of HR, payroll, retirement, and insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes.Are you ready to crush the year ahead? The 2025 Priorities for Business Leaders Report from our friends at Paychex is here, and it's packed with insights from 600 companies on how to drive growth and get ahead.This isn't your average data dump — it includes actionable strategies on everything from attracting new hires to improving employee retention, managing HR compliance, and leveraging technology to stay competitive.  If you want to stay ahead of the curve and tackle 2025 with confidence, download the report today at paychex.com/awia.It’s free, it’s insightful, and it might just give you the edge you need.

HR Means Business: Increasing HR's Impact in Facilitating ChangeHost: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Lucy Adams, CEO of Disruptive HRIn this podcast interview Mervyn talks to Lucy Adams, former HR Director and author of the books HR Disrupted and The HR Change Toolkit, about dealing with disruption and emerging trends, and how to help bring about change in organisations.During the conversation they discuss:- Assessing an organisation's 'fitness' for embracing change and disruption- Emerging AI technology- Effectiveness of RTO mandates  - How HR leaders can balance the demands and preferences of different generations in the workplace- Rethinking D&I initiatives- Shifting HR mindsetsThanks for listening! Remember to subscribe to all of the HR Happy Hour Media Network shows on your favorite podcast app! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. If you’ve ever wondered what good can come of AI for HR, meet Human Intelligence. It uses the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform to uncover insights into good culture, skills, performance, and more. It also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing. And it surfaces feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com and join their force for good.

AI and The Next Era of HR with ADPHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Naomi Lariviere, Chief Product Owner and Vice President of ADP Shared Services SummaryIn this episode of the HR Happy Hour, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Naomi Lariviere from ADP to discuss the evolving landscape of HR technology, particularly focusing on AI and its implications for HR professionals. They explore the insights gained from the Meeting of the Minds event, the role of ADP in the HR tech space, and the importance of compliance and data integrity in leveraging AI. The conversation highlights the challenges HR faces in 2025, the need for predictive analytics, and the future of agentic technology in HR systems. Chapters00:00 Welcome Back to HR Happy Hour03:33 ADP's Role in HR Tech09:05 AI's Impact on HR Efficiency14:12 Current HR Challenges in 202517:34 Compliance and Proactive HR Strategies23:25 Agentic AI: A Game Changer26:08. The Human Element in AIThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.If you’ve ever wondered what good can come of AI for HR, meet Human Intelligence. It uses the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform to uncover insights into good culture, skills, performance, and more.It also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing.And it surfaces feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com and join their force for good.

Andrew Spence, a Workforce Futurist and insightful consultant, shares his expertise on evolving workforce dynamics. He discusses how work design is changing and the significant role technology plays in this shift. The rise of a decentralized workforce and its impact on management is a key topic, alongside productivity in an AI-driven world. Andrew also highlights the potential loneliness epidemic stemming from remote work and emphasizes the importance of creativity and adaptability in future work environments.