With plans to introduce a ‘right to switch off’ facing the axe in the UK, do we need formal legislation, or could boundaries be better managed by employers? What role should people professionals play in shifting the culture of toxic workplaces? How can we maintain that curiosity and hunger for learning? Finally, how big of an issue is ‘career catfishing’? In this episode, CIPD People and Transformation Director Amanda Arrowsmith is joined by three recent CIPD People Management Outstanding Student award winners: Jamila Lecky, People Transformation and Change Manager at Group M; Victoria Keith, Global Talent, Learning and Development Manager at Total Marketing Support Limited; and Rose Watkins-Jones, People Partner at Impression Digital. Recorded: 7 March 2025 --- Keep up to date with latest amends to the Employment Rights Bill and developments to the government's Make Work Pay plan: https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/employment-law/proposed-changes-under-labour-government/

Join award-winning health strategist Amy McKeown and Rachel Suff, a senior policy adviser, as they delve into the often-overlooked emotional strain faced by HR professionals. They discuss the pressing need for boundaries to safeguard personal well-being amidst organizational pressures. The conversation highlights creative outlets like knitting and yoga for stress relief, as well as the vital role of self-care in navigating employee advocacy versus management mandates. Ultimately, they stress the interconnectedness of individual resilience and supportive workplace culture.

In this conversation, Mel Steel, a former HR director known for her skills in organizational transformation, and David Blackburn, an expert in people management, tackle urgent workplace challenges. They discuss how to manage the mental strain of redundancies and the importance of re-skilling employees instead of layoffs. The duo also explores the innovative concept of mini-retirements, advocating for shorter breaks that enhance work-life balance. Their insights shed light on navigating emotional HR dilemmas during uncertain economic times.

Join Elizabeth Harvey, Head of HR at HSBC, and Jo Carlin, Senior VP HR at Firstsource, as they dive into pressing HR issues. They explore the troubling trend of 'dry promotions' where employees gain responsibility without extra pay. Is there a work ethic crisis in the UK? The conversation also touches on how to intelligently learn from failures and the balance of psychological safety in the workplace. Plus, they dissect the evolving dynamics of job value and the importance of equitable pay practices.

Karen Handley, Head of Future Careers at Virgin Media O2, Sinead Trudgill, Director of Learning at Network Rail, and HR Consultant Andrea Gordon dive into the transformative potential of apprenticeships. They discuss the alarming decline in apprenticeship participation among young people and how strategic planning can revitalize these programs. Highlights include fostering diverse talent, enhancing employee loyalty, and addressing misconceptions. The conversation emphasizes the need for leadership investment and mentorship to harness apprenticeships as a key workforce solution.

Join Daniel Mortimer, Chief Executive at NHS Employers, as he delves into the shifting dynamics of US-UK business relations in light of political changes. He discusses the impending rise of AI agents in the workforce and the crucial role HR must play in managing virtual employees. Additionally, the topic of 'snitch tagging' emerges, highlighting the need for organizations to navigate its implications on feedback and workplace culture. Mortimer's insights shed light on the future of HR in an evolving landscape.

Andrea Gordon, an HR director with over 20 years of experience, and Emma Jayne, a Group People and Culture Director from KYN, dive into the intriguing lessons from the TV show 'The Traitors.' They discuss the critical role of trust and communication in teams, especially amid rising business costs. The conversation also tackles 'corporate catfishing,' where companies mislead about their culture, emphasizing the need for transparency in recruiting. Plus, they highlight innovative ways to develop employees and align them with organizational goals.

Obehi Alofoje, a psychologist and behavioral change expert, and Kerri O’Neill, Chief People Officer at Ipsos UK, share insights on sustainable workplace habits. They discuss why traditional New Year's resolutions often fail and stress creating actionable, specific goals instead. The conversation highlights the importance of focusing on three key priorities for effectiveness, the role of community in enhancing workplace culture, and the need for measurable success indicators. Discover how small, consistent steps can lead to substantial long-term achievements.

In this engaging conversation, guests Bruce Daisley, bestselling author and culture advocate; Laura Callahan, HR expert; and Garin Rouch, organisational consultant, delve into valuable insights on youth employment reforms and the decline in work-education integration. They tackle the emergence of 'malicious compliance' in workplaces and share bold predictions for the future of HR by 2025. Festive fun isn't left out, as they humorously debate what makes a true Christmas movie, offering a light-hearted touch to a serious discussion.

Joining David D’Souza is Professor Michael Wooldridge, a leading AI expert from the University of Oxford and director at the Alan Turing Institute. They dive into the complexities of integrating AI in the workplace, debating whether the rapid adoption is necessary or risky. Michael humorously describes AI as 'glorified pocket calculators' while shedding light on its evolution and limitations. They emphasize the importance of ethical considerations, professional accountability, and the potential for AI to enhance productivity without losing the human touch.