CIPD

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.

Martin Keeler, Human Resources Director at the Government Property Agency, Genefa Murphy, Chief Marketing Officer at Udemy, and Tom Ravenscroft, Founder of The Skills Builder Partnership, dive into the urgent need for upskilling in response to rapid changes in the workforce. They discuss innovative learning strategies for a multi-generational workforce and highlight critical transferable skills like communication and problem-solving. The conversation emphasizes the role of HR in crafting supportive environments for employee growth and the importance of adapting training to fit evolving organizational needs.

How prepared is your organisation to support employees through a crisis event? Can employers ensure their supply chains are fully ethical? Should politics and work ever mix? And what’s behind the spooky rise of ‘ghost jobs’? CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by David Bearfield, Director of the Office of Human Resources at the United Nations Development Programme; Berna Öztınaz, President of the European Association of People Management and CHRO at Genel Energy Plc; and Pete Collyer, consultant and former Chief People Officer at Ted Baker. This episode was recorded live at the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition. Recorded 7 November 2024