HR Leader Podcast Network

Strong IT infrastructure and cyber security systems are crucial in the current workforce, where risks are constant. In a recent discussion of The HR Leader, Simon Cohen, founder and managing director at Cohesis, highlights the pressing need for organisations to properly maintain IT and cyber security measures. Being proactive about potential threats is key, as issues can arise unexpectedly. Simon underscores the importance of technology as a fundamental driver for organisational success. He points out that effective IT systems are not merely a cost but an enabler that can drive efficiency and integration across all operational processes. One of the key points of discussion was the misconception among smaller businesses that cyber threats primarily concern larger corporations. Simon clarifies that this line of thinking often leads to inadequate cyber security measures, leaving smaller enterprises particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks. He emphasises the necessity of data protection and the implementation of robust cyber security measures to safeguard sensitive information and intellectual property.

The recruitment industry has seen its fair share of volatility in recent years, with the pandemic serving as a catalyst for a significant shift in candidate priorities and employer strategies. Greg Powell, a national sales manager with considerable expertise in recruitment, shares valuable insights on the industry’s transformation, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Greg highlights that the market has cooled in the last six to eight months, leading to candidates becoming more cautious about job changes. There has been a noticeable shift in what motivates candidates, with work/life balance and hybrid working models now taking precedence over traditional drivers like career progression and salary increases. The discussion underscores that the pandemic introduced a new set of criteria for jobseekers, with many growing accustomed to the flexibility of working from home. As companies are increasingly looking to bring employees back to the office, albeit not necessarily five days a week, there is resistance from the candidate pool to relinquish the benefits of full flexibility.

In the competitive landscape of talent acquisition and retention, Australian businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of an effective onboarding process. HR Leader’s Jack Campbell sits down with Lauren Karan, director at Karan and Co, to discuss just how crucial it is to get this step right. Lauren emphasises that onboarding should commence the moment a candidate signs their contract. This period is delicate, as new hires are often counter-offered by their current employers and have yet to establish a relationship with their new manager. With the rise of remote and hybrid work models due to the pandemic, onboarding has faced new challenges. Maintaining communication is key. Whether through team chats or scheduled video calls, it’s vital to ensure new hires feel integrated and supported, even when working from a distance. However, the responsibility of onboarding should not be shouldered by HR alone. Managers play a pivotal role in the process. Lauren argues that managers should take the initiative to connect with new hires, scheduling regular check-ins and being readily available to answer questions. This not only helps the new employee settle in but also demonstrates the manager’s commitment to their success.

Christmas is an expensive and time-consuming part of the year as people juggle a variety of responsibilities. Some would argue that this is the most important time of year for employee benefits. Matt Holme, founder and chief executive of YouPay, discusses the exciting and stressful end-of-year rush with The HR Leader and how effective benefits policy can go a long way for employees. The discussion also touches on the types of benefits employees are seeking. Matt emphasises that beyond festive events, there’s a growing expectation for benefits that support work/life balance and personal growth. He shares the importance of offering flexible work arrangements and opportunities for professional development. A personalised approach is crucial, as a one-size-fits-all strategy is becoming increasingly outdated. Matt encourages leaders to engage in direct conversations with their teams to understand individual priorities and aspirations. This approach is particularly effective in smaller businesses, where leaders can more easily tailor benefits to each employee’s unique circumstances.

Payroll is essential for any business. As explained by the Australian Payroll Association’s chief executive, Tracy Angwin: “No one thanks you for getting payroll right. But crikey, do you know when it’s wrong.” This episode of The HR Leader unpacks the potential issues and the need to get payroll right. Here, Tracy shines a light on the complexities and critical nature of payroll management within organisations. The conversation delves into the risks associated with payroll, compliance issues, and the impact these have on company culture and employee morale. Payroll is often perceived as a thankless task within the HR portfolio, where errors can lead to significant financial, regulatory, and cultural risks.  To manage payroll effectively, Tracy highlights three key areas: people, processes, and platforms. Ensuring a competent, well-trained payroll team with appropriate governance structures is vital. The technology platform used for payroll must be fit for purpose, with proper integrations and functionality to meet the business’s needs. Those who do not realise this run the risk of falling behind in the modern workforce.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, the alignment of people, skills, and strategy emerges as a pivotal factor for organisational growth. This was the focal point of a recent episode of The HR Leader, joined by Mercer’s leadership talent succession practice leader, Gareth Jones. The intricate connection between the workforce, the skills necessary for effective operation, and the strategic path of an organisation was discussed in depth. The importance of this alignment cannot be overstated, as disconnection in these areas can significantly stifle business efficiency. The conversation was timely, as Mercer’s Global Talent Trends Report highlighted that more than a third of HR leaders are concerned about the lack of workforce capability and future skills within their organisations. Another study by Mercer revealed that 50 per cent of executives fear their current talent models may not meet future demands. According to Gareth, technology, artificial intelligence, and environment, social and governance (ESG) are at the forefront of corporate skill requirements. These emerging needs are creating new roles and demanding a fresh set of skills.

Following the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Rebecca Warren, executive general manager of small-business banking at CommBank, about how she navigated a historically male-dominated industry over her 20-year career and why she believes inclusion and diversity are not just morally imperative, but key to achieving superior business results. Tune in to find out: Why she loves commercial finance. The secret power of ‘quiet achievers’. How CommBank is creating a more inclusive and supportive work culture. And much more!

In a recent episode of The HR Leader, co-founder and chief operations officer at Sidekicker, Jacqui Bull, delves into the pressing issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. The conversation shines light on the multifaceted benefits of DEI training and why it’s crucial for employers to not only understand but also actively promote these values within their teams. Jacqui emphasises the significant financial and productivity gains that can be achieved through fostering a diverse workforce. She points out that diversity of thought and people often leads to better business outcomes. Moreover, the current job market shows that employees place high value on DEI, with many prospective employees considering a company’s commitment to these principles when choosing their next employer.

Following the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Suzanne Wood, state general manager residential broker Victoria/Tasmania at Westpac Group (and state chair of the Women of Westpac employee advocacy group), about how she climbed the career ladder in banking and the power of having strong female role models. Tune in to find out: How she learnt the art of having difficult conversations. The perils of unconscious bias and how to tackle them. How Westpac is supporting women through the Women of Westpac employee advocacy group. And much more!

In the current economic climate, financial stress plays a key influence on workplace wellbeing. Interest rates, inflation, and a rising cost of living have taken their toll on the population, prompting the need for intervention. The latest episode of The HR Leader discusses these issues. Marc Bineham, a money and wellness coach, joins the podcast to give his expertise in the often-overlooked area of wellness: financial wellbeing. This stress doesn’t just negatively affect the individual; it can translate into a staggering loss of productivity for organisations and the wider economy. Businesses can assist their employees by implementing financial wellness policies. Marc touches on the stigma surrounding money discussions and how people are more comfortable sharing personal life details than their financial status, a cultural trait that hinders open conversations about financial health. He advocates for a cultural shift, similar to campaigns encouraging open discussions about mental health, to normalise financial wellbeing discussions.