Here, we bring you an episode from Lawyers Weekly’s sister brand, HR Leader, in which we unpack the headline hurdles facing the human resources departments in professional services businesses, such as law firms, and how HR can and should manage those issues. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Swaab head of people and culture Angela Sharpe about her work at the Sydney-based mid-sized firm, what motivates her about working in the HR space, navigating talent shortages and increased competition for top candidates, the need to think more creatively about identifying ideal talent, the ever-present mental health challenges in such firms, and the role of HR teams in improving workplace wellness.

Sharpe also delves into the myriad legislative changes that HR teams have to grapple with, including the recently introduced Right to Disconnect, the corresponding duties that HR teams must undertake, the emergence of new technologies and how best HR teams must adapt, striking the right balance between streamlining processes and ensuring the human touch doesn’t get lost, and reflects on whether it has ever been more difficult to be in HR in a professional services environment.

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If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!