HR Works: The Podcast for Human Resources

DEI. It’s a hot topic, but it’s also a complex one—and it’s under disruption like never before. We’re seeing a lot of confusion, and frankly, some backsliding when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The question is, what can HR leaders do about it? What do they tell their teams? That’s why the HR Works podcast has rolled out “Deconstructing DEIB,” a series designed to cut through the confusion. In this series, we’ll take a deep dive into the often-misunderstood concepts of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), going beyond the buzzwords, exploring the nuances of each element and examining how they intersect to truly impact the employee experience. In the second episode of our four-part series, we deconstruct equity, which often gets misunderstood. What does it really mean in the workplace? How can HR leaders move beyond good intentions and create a truly level playing field? Jennifer Martinez, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Partner at Hanson Bridgett joins to discuss. Jennifer leads the firm’s DEI consulting practice to assist other businesses with DEI initiatives, helping them navigate how to continue to promote and support equality efforts in the current climate.

Keisha Nakwa, Director of Talent and Culture at KeyBridge Compliance, and Randy Lytes, Assistant Director of Equity & Compliance at Michigan State University, join HR Work Break to share practical insights to tackle recruiting challenges and strengthen compliance frameworks in their organizations.

DEI is under disruption like never before. The question is, what can HR leaders do about it? What do they tell their teams? That's why the HR Works podcast is rolling out "Deconstructing DEIB," a series designed to cut through the confusion. In this series, we'll take a deep dive into the often-misunderstood concepts of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). We're going beyond the buzzwords, exploring the nuances of each element and examining how they intersect to truly impact the employee experience. Through insightful conversations with industry experts and thought leaders, we'll unpack what DEIB really means and uncover practical strategies for creating a truly inclusive workplace so HR can lead the way in building truly inclusive workplaces. In the first episode of our four-part series, we challenge traditional notions of diversity and explore how the focus on the concept can sometimes unintentionally exclude or alienate employees. Cynthia McEwen, Head of DE&I and VP of People at Progyny, joins to discuss how a broader understanding of diversity, recognizing that "difference" exists in all of us, can create a more inclusive and equitable workplace for everyone. We'll dive into the interconnectedness of employee engagement, DEI initiatives, and overall company culture, and discuss how HR leaders can foster a truly inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and respected.

As we embark on a new year, the imperative to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace remains stronger than ever. DEI has evolved from a buzzword to an indispensable strategy for employers who prioritize the work. In this episode of HR Works podcast, Antoine Andrews, Chief Diversity & Social Impact Officer at SurveyMonkey, joins to discuss the core principles of DEI, dispel common misconceptions and explore its transformative power. We’ll also examine the critical role of curiosity and open-mindedness to drive meaningful change in the workplace.

This week’s HR Works podcast is a powerful clip from HR Daily Advisor’s webinar, “How the New Labor Secretary Will shape HR.” Our expert panelists Rachel Ullrich, partner at FordHarrison, and Nicholas Kowalczyk, Vice President, Chief Risk, Compliance, & Privacy Officer at Kelly Services, discussed critical legal and regulatory changes impacting HR leaders in 2025 including independent contractor law, unionization trends, immigration regulations, and more. This conversation is a must-listen and essential for any HR professional seeking the knowledge to navigate these challenges and ensure your organization remains compliant and successful. Listen to the full webinar here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4782498/BD00E1C823944B3C97CCCF473F2448D5?partnerref=DASiteListing

As we navigate the challenges of 2025, building a resilient workforce is crucial. This throwback episode of HR Works podcast emphasizes the enduring value and power of organizational effectiveness. Learn how to build a thriving workforce that can adapt and succeed in any environment. Simon Taylor, a globally recognized organizational leadership thought leader and Head of Organizational Effectiveness at Gap Inc., joins to discuss the importance of maintaining a dedicated workforce strategy built to withstand challenges and ultimately lead to long-term success.

Welcome back to HR Works! In this episode, we continue our conversation with Maureen O’Neill, DEI Officer at Consilio, the global leader in legal enterprise technology solutions and services. Listen in as she discusses the latest DEI trends in the workplace and what HR leaders can expect in the coming year.

In this episode of HR Works, Maureen O’Neill, DEI Officer at Consilio, the global leader in legal enterprise technology solutions and services, joins to discuss the latest DEI trends in the workplace and what HR leaders can expect in the coming year. We’ll also discuss the importance of listening to employees’ unique needs, the challenges of overemphasizing talk over action, and much more.

In this episode of A Seat at the Table, we dive deep into the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with Veronica Calderon, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at DeVry University. Calderon shares invaluable insights on how HR leaders can leverage education and training to drive meaningful DEI change, the importance of embedding DEI into an organization’s DNA, and the power of authentic leadership. We also explore the critical role of belonging in a successful DEI strategy and much more.

This week’s episode of HR Works is a powerful clip from HRDA‘s panel session, “The Great Retention: Strategies for Building a Resilient and Engaged Workforce.” Presented as part of our HR Employee Retention & Turnover NOW, listen in to find out where organizations can start to effectively engage and retain employees, including remote employees, practical strategies for building a strong sense of community within the workplace, the role company culture plays in employee retention, and more. Listen to the full webinar here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4698472/A92333EA12FEA15DE2B84DDD80FC0010?partnerref=BHsocial Speakers: Daniela Elazari, Director of Well-Being, Columbia University’s Office of Work/Life Lisa Ryan, Chief Appreciation Strategist at Grategy KristyAnne Thompson Boyd, Employment Attorney & HR Practitio