HR Mixtape

The Power of Language with Pam Jeffords

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Pam Jeffords, the managing partner at Diversity Works Group, to discuss the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Pam shares her journey into the DEI field, the challenges organizations face post-pandemic, and the importance of civil discourse in fostering an inclusive environment. They also delve into the impact of language on DEI initiatives and how technology, particularly AI, is transforming the way companies assess equity within their workforce.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Civil Discourse: Pam emphasizes the need for civility over respect in workplace discussions, advocating for a culture where differing opinions can coexist without compromising core values.

2. The Power of Language: The episode highlights how language shapes perceptions and behaviors in the workplace, urging listeners to be mindful of the words they use and their historical implications.

3. Leveraging Technology for DEI: Pam discusses how AI can uncover unconscious biases in performance reviews, providing organizations with actionable data to promote equity and inclusion.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of DEI and fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.

Guest(s): Pam Jeffords, Managing Partner, Diversity Works Group

The Essential Guide to Choosing the Right HCM for Your Organization with Margaret Godwin

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Margaret Godwin, the HR Technology Consulting Practice Leader. With over 25 years of experience in HR technology consulting, Margaret shares her insights on selecting the right Human Capital Management (HCM) system for organizations. She emphasizes the importance of a thorough discovery process, the need for stakeholder involvement, and the critical factors to consider when evaluating HCM solutions.

Key Takeaways:

1. Discovery Process is Essential: Start with a comprehensive evaluation of your organization's needs and wants, involving all relevant stakeholders to ensure the selected HCM system meets everyone's requirements.

2. Integration Testing: Understand the integration capabilities of potential HCM vendors by documenting your existing systems and asking the right questions about their integration experiences.

3. Employee Involvement: Engage employees in the selection process through surveys and by including them in demos to gather valuable feedback on how the new system will impact their daily tasks.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into making informed decisions about HR technology and enhancing employee experience in the workplace!

Guest(s): Margaret Godwin, HR Technology Consulting Practice Leader

Embracing Authenticity: The Power of Genuine Leadership with Dr. Drew Fockler

In this episode of "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson sits down with Dr. Drew Fockler, a university professor specializing in HR and leadership studies. Known as a change champion, Dr. Fockler shares his insights on authentic leadership, emphasizing the importance of humility, empathy, and self-awareness in fostering a positive workplace culture. The conversation delves into how authenticity can impact employee engagement, crisis management, and the evolving dynamics of multi-generational workplaces.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Authentic Leadership: Dr. Fockler defines authentic leadership as being comfortable with the unknown and embracing vulnerability, which fosters trust and collaboration within teams.
2. The Role of Empathy: The episode highlights the critical role of empathy in leadership, especially in post-pandemic workplaces, where understanding employees' personal challenges can enhance overall morale and productivity.
3. Navigating Generational Differences: Listeners will learn how different generations perceive authenticity and how leaders can adapt their approaches to meet the diverse needs of their teams.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to cultivate authentic leadership in your organization and make a lasting impact on your workplace culture.

Guest(s): Dr. Drew Fockler, Course Lead/Assistant Professor, University Canada West

Aligning Benefits Strategy with Organizational Culture with Jeff Williams

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Jeff Williams, the President and CEO of AptiaUS, to discuss the evolving landscape of benefits administration and the critical role of technology in enhancing employee satisfaction. With a rich background in tech-enabled services and a passion for aligning benefit strategies with organizational goals, Jeff shares valuable insights on how companies can create a culture of ownership through innovative benefits.

Key Takeaways:

1. Aligning Benefits with Company Culture: Jeff emphasizes the importance of aligning benefit strategies with the company's culture to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.
2. The Role of Technology in Benefits Administration: The discussion highlights how emerging technologies, including AI, can personalize the benefits experience and support employees' mental and financial well-being.
3. Understanding Employee Needs: Jeff advocates for a data-driven approach to benefits, encouraging HR professionals to survey employees to identify their needs and preferences, ensuring that benefits are equitable and impactful.

Tune in to gain insights on how to effectively navigate the complexities of benefits administration and foster a supportive workplace culture.

Guest(s): Jeff Williams, US President and CEO, Aptia US

From Affinity Bias to Gender Parity: Transforming Workplace Culture with Dr. Brittany Boone

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Dr. Brittany Boone, an industrial and organizational psychologist and diversity and inclusion consultant. They delve into the critical topic of unconscious bias in the workplace, discussing its implications even in organizations with strong diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Dr. Boone shares her insights on how biases are formed, the importance of self-awareness, and the need for ongoing conversations about bias to foster inclusive workplace cultures.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Unconscious Bias: Dr. Boone emphasizes that unconscious biases are not a reflection of one's character but rather how our brains process information and form patterns based on past experiences.
2. The Importance of Self-Reflection: Leaders and employees alike must engage in self-reflection to identify their own biases, which is essential for creating a more inclusive environment.
3. Building a Business Case for DEI: The episode highlights the necessity of demonstrating how diversity and inclusion efforts positively impact organizational performance, employee engagement, and overall job satisfaction.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding the nuances of unconscious bias in the workplace.

Guest(s): Dr. Brittany Boone, Senior Consultant, VallotKarp Consulting

Building Trust and Boundaries with Jessica Miller-Merrell

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Jessica Miller Merrill, the founder of Workology and CEO of Exceptional HR. Jessica shares her insights on the importance of psychological safety in the workplace and how technology can both support and hinder this crucial aspect of employee well-being. With her extensive experience in HR strategy and digital recruiting, Jessica emphasizes the need for open communication and boundaries to foster a psychologically safe environment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Psychological Safety: Learn what psychological safety means in the workplace and how it allows employees to be their authentic selves without fear of judgment or repercussions.

2. Technology's Role: Discover how technology can be leveraged to enhance communication and support psychological safety while also recognizing its potential drawbacks, such as constant notifications and surveillance.

3. Building Trust and Boundaries: Gain insights into the importance of establishing trust and setting boundaries as a manager and how these practices can lead to a healthier work environment for all employees.

Tune in to this enlightening episode to explore how HR professionals can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

Guest(s): Jessica Miller-Merrell, Founder, Workology

 

The Cost of Incivility: Understanding Its Impact on Productivity with Jim Link

In this episode of "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson sits down with Jim Link, the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). They delve into the pressing issue of workplace civility, especially in the context of today's polarized society. Jim shares alarming statistics about the prevalence of incivility in the workplace and its significant impact on productivity and employee morale. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of civility and inclusivity within organizations to drive better business outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Civility's Impact: Listeners will learn about the staggering statistics related to workplace incivility and its financial implications, including $1.2 billion in lost productivity per day.

2. Practical Strategies for HR Professionals: Jim outlines actionable steps HR leaders can take to promote civil conversations and establish a culture of respect, including setting clear expectations and providing training.

3. The Role of Leadership: The episode highlights the critical role that managers and leaders play in modeling civil behavior and fostering an inclusive workplace environment.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to navigate the complexities of workplace dynamics and promote a culture of civility in your organization.

Guest(s): Jim Link, CHRO, SHRM

Rethinking Talent Matching: Bridging the Gap Between Skills and Opportunities with Alexandra Levitt

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson sits down with Alexandra Levitt, the founder and CEO of Inspiration at Work, to discuss the future of work, leadership, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Alexandra, a workforce futurist and Wall Street Journal columnist, shares her insights on how organizations can prepare for upcoming workforce trends and the unique challenges faced by the emerging Gen Z workforce.

Key Takeaways:

1. Upskilling for the Future: Alexandra emphasizes the importance of applied technology skills and technological curiosity for women in the workforce, highlighting how these skills can enhance their unique strengths in emotional intelligence and creative problem-solving.

2. Understanding Gen Z: The episode explores the expectations of Gen Z employees, who are entering the workforce with different experiences and challenges, particularly in communication and mental health. Organizations need to adapt their onboarding and training programs to meet these needs.

3. The Role of Technology in DEI: Alexandra discusses how technology can help level the playing field in the workplace, particularly for underrepresented groups, and the necessity for organizations to embrace pay equity and transparency to foster a more inclusive environment.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to navigate the evolving landscape of work and empower diverse talent in your organization!

Guest(s): Alexandra Levit, Workforce Futurist, WSJ Columnist, CEO at Inspiration at Work, Int'l Bestselling Author of Humanity Works