The HR Huddle

Send us a textIn this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Mike Poole, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Nice-Pak Products, Inc., discuss the importance of cohesive leadership and the significant impact of improved hiring and onboarding processes on reducing turnover. The conversation also explores reimagining performance management and aligning the workforce with broader business objectives. Key points covered include:↪️ How leadership alignment is crucial for cascading priorities throughout the organization and driving effective change.↪️ The power of a robust HR agenda focusing on purpose, values, and engagement to drive performance - and leveraging existing talent through structured development plans.↪️ How strengthening HR fundamentals can enable an organization to consider and pursue ambitious, long-term strategic goals.↪️ New communication platforms aim to better connect frontline workers with organizational updates and resources.Special announcement!  As a leader, fostering a more inclusive and positive culture in a workplace of constant change is hard and messy but not impossible. In our exclusive, hands-on, in-depth, collaborative learning program, we help you break it down. Join Navigating Change with Confidence - a cohort-based immersive program launching soon. Click here to learn more. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram |  Twitter |  LinkedIn Mike PooleLinkedInNice-Pak Products, Inc.Twitter | LinkedIn

Send us a textIn this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss the Sapient team’s role at HR Tech, along with several tech-related acquisitions and  leadership updates. They also discuss the evolving role of AI in HR with a focus on how AI can be used to go beyond automating basic tasks to inform and  impact strategic workforce decisions. Key points covered include:↪️ Sapient’s prep for HR tech is in full swing; Stacey, Teri, and Susan will all be presenting at the conference.  ↪️ Oracle’s partnership with Amazon Web Services marks a significant step toward simplifying integration for cloud platforms.↪️ OpenAI surpasses 1 million paid business users, showing rapid growth in AI adoption.↪️ Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI’s former chief scientist and co-founder, launches a new company, Safe Superintelligence, and raises $1 billion in startup funds.↪️ Anthropic launches Claude Enterprise with the intent of shifting AI capabilities from creative tasks to enterprise business applications.Special announcement!  Fostering a more inclusive and positive culture in a workplace of constant change is hard and messy but not impossible. In our in-depth and collaborative learning program, we break it down. Join Navigating Change with Confidence, a cohort-based immersive program launching soon. Click here to learn more. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn 

Send us a textIn this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper along with guest Suzanne Lucas, famously known as the “Evil HR Lady” address the evolving challenges in HR over the past 25 years, the impact of AI on the industry, and the negative perception towards HR. Suzanne also introduces the "yes, and" approach from her improv comedy background, offering a transformative way in handling workplace challenges.Key points covered include:↪️ The HR landscape has evolved significantly, with new challenges such as remote work, AI, and changing employee expectations impacting practices and policies.↪️ The growing importance of HR professionals continuously learning and obtaining certifications to enhance their skills and provide better support.↪️ AI presents both opportunities and risks, particularly concerning bias in hiring and the potential decline of essential human skills in writing and communication.↪️ The principles of improv comedy, like "yes, and," can be applied to HR to foster adaptability and positive problem-solving, helping HR professionals navigate organizational challenges.↪️ Flipping the script on how CEOs and other business leaders perceive the field.Special announcement!  As a leader, fostering a more inclusive and positive culture in a workplace of constant change is hard and messy but not impossible. In our exclusive, hands-on, in-depth, collaborative learning program, we help you break it down. Join Navigating Change with Confidence - a cohort-based immersive program launching soon. Click here to learn more. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram |  Twitter |  LinkedIn Suzanne LucasLinkedInEvil HR LadyTwitter | LinkedIn

Send us a textIn this episode, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss the latest announcements and partnerships impacting payroll, leave, and compensation, including those from Workday, Tilt, and Salary.com.  Stacey and Cliff also talk about a proposed CA law mandating AI oversight and an interesting study on how cultural and other differences impact the expectations of HR across the globe.  The hosts also remember Google exec Susan Wojcicki and her significant contributions to the tech industry.  Key points covered include:↪️ Workday reports strong Q2 financial results and announces new strategic partnerships, including a significant collaboration with Equifax.↪️ More news from Tilt, Salary.com and other HR tech vendors.↪️ “Table stakes” functions such as leave management, payroll, and compensation management remain critically important, as evidenced by Sapient’s research and VC investments.  ↪️ A LinkedIn post by Johannes Sundlo informs discussion about the differences in HR roles in the U.S. and Europe and the importance of aligning HR strategies with specific regional cultures.A rundown of Sapient Insights’ presentations at HR Tech, including the big reveal of Voice of the Customer research.Special announcement!  As a leader, fostering a more inclusive and positive culture in a workplace of constant change is hard and messy but not impossible. In our in-depth, interactive learning program, we help you break it down. Join Navigating Change with Confidence, a cohort-based immersive program launching soon. Click here to learn more. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn 

Send us a textIn this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper along with Stacey Harris and guest Jason Seiden, Co-founder of Comfort Communications discuss grief in the workplace and how organizations can develop effective communication protocols to help teams support their colleagues during times of loss.Key points covered include:↪️ Jason shares his personal story of loss and how it inspired him to create Comfort Communications to normalize conversations around grief.↪️ Comfort Communications provides a communication protocol, operating models, and tracking systems to help teams support grieving colleagues with empathy and efficiency.↪️ We discuss challenges with knowing what to say and how to act when a colleague is grieving, and how  missteps can lead to further distress.↪️ We reveal the significance of a supportive culture and proactive communication strategies in helping employees navigate grief.Special announcement!  As a leader, fostering a more inclusive and positive culture in a workplace of constant change is hard and messy but not impossible. In our exclusive, hands-on, in-depth, collaborative learning program, we help you break it down. Join Navigating Change with Confidence - a cohort-based immersive program launching soon. Click here to learn more. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram |  Twitter |  LinkedIn Stacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInJason SeidenLinkedIn Comfort CommunicationsLinkedIn

Send us a textIn this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss the current state of AI in the market and break down the surprising drop in the AI market’s total value by $2 trillion - including its broader implications for businesses and consumers alike. The conversation touches on the role of regulation, particularly in the EU, its impact on AI usage in the workplace, and the need for a practical and measured approach to integrating AI into business operations.Other topics covered include:↪️ New partnerships and acquisitions in HR tech, including the acquisition of F2A by SD Worx to strengthen its market presence in Southern Europe and a strategic partnership between Upwork and Beeline to offer an all-in-one platform for managing contingent workers.↪️ The launch of Paychex Flex® Engage, a new tool to foster employee collaboration and enhance the employee experience.↪️ A quick overview of Employ Inc., one of the fastest-growing companies in the recruiting space.Special announcement!  Fostering a more inclusive and positive culture in the midst of constant change is tough but not impossible. Our newest program offering, Navigating Change with Confidence, breaks down how to do it.  Click here to learn more about this unique cohort learning experience. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn 

Send us a textIn this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Sapient Insights Group CEO and Managing Partner, Teri Zipper and guest Kim Sneeder, Managing Director at CareerCircle discuss how the CareerCircle platform uniquely supports candidates and helps organizations discover talent to  build diverse, inclusive work environments. This episode also highlights success stories of individuals who have transformed their careers leveraging CareerCircle’s strategic partnerships with major tech companies and nonprofits to create a holistic ecosystem.Teri and Kim talk about:↪️ Integrating upskilling with job placement, focusing on underrepresented groups such as veterans and women re-entering the workforce.↪️ Looking at the candidate as a whole person, by considering skills, assessments, and passion projects - not just resumes - to find the best job matches.↪️ Working with partners like major tech companies including Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Salesforce for training and certifications.Special announcement!  As a leader, fostering a more inclusive and positive culture in a workplace of constant change is hard and messy but not impossible. In our exclusive, hands-on, in-depth, collaborative learning program, we help you break it down. Join Navigating Change with Confidence - a cohort-based immersive program launching soon. Click here to learn more. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram |  Twitter |  LinkedIn Kim SneederLinkedInCareerCircleInstagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Send us a textIn this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Sapient Insights Group Chief Research Officer and Managing Partner, Stacey Harris, and Sapient Insights Group Director of Research, Cliff Stevenson, cover the successful diversity roundtable hosted at Pendo headquarters, piping hot news about the strategic partnership between Salesforce and Workday, and research findings on venture capital funding disparities. Plus, they highlight the notable increase in participation of our 27th Annual HR Systems Survey, which received over a thousand more responses compared to the previous year.Key points covered include:↪️ The strategic partnership between Salesforce and Workday focuses on AI-powered employee service agents, integrating HR and financial data.↪️ The evolving landscape of HR technology and its impact on SMBs, including notable developments from companies like Deel and ServiceNow.↪️ Jennifer Morgan's appointment as the new CEO of UKG, outlining her vision and expected impact on the company’s future direction.↪️ Women and Black founders face severe limitations in accessing venture capital, with 98% of VC dollars inaccessible to women - and 99.5% of those VC dollars inaccessible to Black founders.↪️ The recently proposed rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to increase transparency and disclosure of fees for paycheck advance products.Special announcement!  As a leader, fostering a more inclusive and positive culture in a workplace of constant change is hard and messy but not impossible. In our exclusive, hands-on, in-depth, collaborative learning program, we help you break it down. Join Navigating Change with Confidence - a cohort-based immersive program launching soon. Click here to learn more. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn 

Send us a textIn this special episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Sapient Insights Group CEO and Managing Partner, Teri Zipper and guest Lindsay Wrege, Co-Founder & CEO of 321 Coffee — a company built on creating inclusive workplaces for individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDD) — discuss the importance of diversity, inclusion, and the positive impact these values have on organizational change. Key points covered include:↪️ 80% of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are unemployed — 321 Coffee is working to change this by including people with IDD at the forefront of their business.↪️ The company emphasizes the importance of representation and individuality, featuring images of team members on packaging, in social promotions, and in stores.↪️ Faced with the pandemic's impact on retail, the business pivoted to coffee roasting and online sales to expand their reach and share their story with a broader audience.↪️ Building on their success within the business, academic, and social communities throughout Raleigh, 321 Coffee is now ramping up speaking and consulting engagements, teaching other businesses to thrive through true inclusivity.Special announcement!  As a leader, fostering a more inclusive and positive culture in a workplace of constant change is hard and messy but not impossible. In our exclusive, hands-on, in-depth, collaborative learning program, we help you break it down. Join Navigating Change with Confidence - a cohort-based immersive program launching in August. Click here to learn more. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram |  Twitter |  LinkedIn Lindsay WregeInstagram | LinkedIn321 CoffeeInstagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Send us a textIn this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Sapient Insights Group Chief Research Officer and Managing Partner, Stacey Harris, and Sapient Insights Group Director of Research, Cliff Stevenson, analyze the HR tech market following a surge in mergers and acquisitions - including executive hires, and the growing role of AI in the industry. This conversation explores how companies are leveraging AI for talent management and the innovative applications emerging from this technology.Key points covered include:↪️ The HR tech market experiences a surge in mergers and acquisitions, with over 100 transactions in the second quarter of 2024 — the second-highest quarterly volume in two years — driven by market slowdowns and opportunities for growth.↪️ Michael Pawlyszyn, former SAP SuccessFactors Executive, joins Cornerstone as Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, signaling a strategic focus on global market expansion and talent agility.↪️ WorkerHero, a Munich-based startup, recently secured €4 million in funding for its innovative AI-based talent matching platform — a move where AI's integration focuses on enhancing, rather than replacing, human experiences.↪️ A pressing need for robust oversight of AI-driven HR solutions to ensure they meet basic human standards and don’t make mistakes too quickly.Special announcement!  As a leader, fostering a more inclusive and positive culture in a workplace of constant change is hard and messy but not impossible. In our exclusive, hands-on, in-depth, collaborative learning program, we help you break it down. Join Navigating Change with Confidence - a cohort-based immersive program launching in August. Click here to learn more. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn