Making Hybrid Working Effective

Host: Mervyn Dinnen

Guest: Gary Cookson, Epic HR

In this podcast interview Mervyn talks with Gary Cookson from Epic HR whose latest book - Making Hybrid Working Work - helps business leaders and HR professionals ensure that hybrid working works for their people.

During the conversation they discuss:

- What is and isn't 'hybrid working'

- Evolution of the 9-to-5 routine and mindset

- Personalisation of work with a people centric approach

- Technology and space

- The hybrid employee experience

- HR and Leadership's role in making hybrid work successful

Thanks for listening! Remember to subscribe to all of the HR Happy Hour Media Network shows on your favorite podcast app!

These days, it feels like there isn’t much good to go around in the world of work. But Workhuman knows when we celebrate the good in each of us, we bring out the best in all of us. It’s why they created the world’s # 1 employee recognition platform — and they didn’t stop there, combining rich recognition data with AI to create Human Intelligence, so you can get uniquely good insights into performance, skills, engagement and more. To learn more about how you can join their force for good, go to Workhuman.com, or check out their own podcast, “How We Work,” which explores, the trends, issues, relationships, and experiences that shape our workplaces. 

Made in China? The Price of Global Trade

Hosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer

Summary

In this episode of The Play by Play, Jack and Nick discuss the complexities of tariffs and the ongoing trade war between the US and China. They explain what tariffs are, their purpose, and the timeline of events that have led to the current state of trade relations. The conversation highlights the effects of tariffs on consumers, the job market, and young entrepreneurs, as well as evaluating the success of tariffs in reshoring manufacturing. They also explore the ideal future outcomes of tariffs and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the face of economic challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tariffs and Trade Wars

07:47 Tariffs Definition and Purpose

14:02 The Timeline of the US-China Trade War

22:21 Evaluating the Success of Tariffs

28:10 Game Time Segment Begins

43:39 Closing Thoughts and Quote of the Show

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

These days, it feels like there isn’t much good to go around in the world of work.  

But Workhuman knows when we celebrate the good in each of us, we bring out the best in all of us. 

It’s why they created the world’s # 1 employee recognition platform — and they didn’t stop there, combining rich recognition data with AI to create Human Intelligence, so you can get uniquely good insights into performance, skills, engagement and more. 

To learn more about how you can join their force for good, go to Workhuman.com, or check out their own podcast, “How We Work,” which explores, the trends, issues, relationships, and experiences that shape our workplaces. 

Building Opportunity and Community with 84 Lumber

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Paul Yater, CIO and Head of HR at 84 Lumber

Summary

In this episode of At Work in America, Steve and Trish interview Paul Yater, the Chief Information Officer and Head of HR at 84 Lumber. They discuss the company's commitment to training and development, the impact of AI on entry-level jobs, and the skills needed for new graduates. Paul shares insights on building a collaborative culture, the importance of trust in the workplace, and the company's future growth plans. The conversation highlights 84 Lumber's unique position in the industry and its dedication to fostering a supportive environment for employees.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to 84 Lumber and Its Mission

05:28 Training and Development at 84 Lumber

08:27 The Impact of AI on Entry-Level Jobs

11:18 Skills and Opportunities for New Graduates

17:27 Trust and Recognition in the Workplace

20:34 Future Growth and Technology Integration

23:23 The Value of Investing in People

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

These days, it feels like there isn’t much good to go around in the world of work.  

But Workhuman knows when we celebrate the good in each of us, we bring out the best in all of us. 

It’s why they created the world’s # 1 employee recognition platform — and they didn’t stop there, combining rich recognition data with AI to create Human Intelligence, so you can get uniquely good insights into performance, skills, engagement and more. 

To learn more about how you can join their force for good, go to Workhuman.com, or check out their own podcast, “How We Work,” which explores, the trends, issues, relationships, and experiences that shape our workplaces. 

This episode of At Work in America is sponsored by Paychex, one of the leading providers of HR, payroll, retirement, and insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes. 

Listeners, quick question for you: How prepared is your business for a surprise I-9 audit? If that question made your stomach drop, you're not alone. Even if all your employees are authorized to work, small errors on your I-9 paperwork could lead to fines that rack up into the thousands. 

That's where our friends at Paychex come in. With audits on the rise, they've got a free, on-demand webinar called I-9 Audits and ICE Raids: What Employers Need to Know to Stay Protected. It's a step-by-step guide to help you protect your business from expensive fines, stress, and confusion.  

Don't wait until it's too late. Watch it today at paychex.com/awia.

It only takes 45 minutes to gain peace of mind. 

Designing the Workplace of the Future

Host: Mervyn Dinnen

Guest: Isobel Elton, Founder of Future of the Office

In this podcast interview Mervyn talks to Isobel Elton, founder of the consultancy Future of the Office, about future workspace design and how to build spaces that will bring people together.

During the conversation they discuss:

- What should a workspace look and feel like?

- Are RTO mandates a backward step? How can we use them as a catalyst for a rethink of workspaces?

- The evolution of what we call 'work' in the knowledge era

- Creating workspaces that can appeal to all generations and levels of experience

- The concept of the workspace as a 'private club'

- Principles of neurodiverse office design

Thanks for listening! Remember to subscribe to all of the HR Happy Hour Media Network shows on your favorite podcast app!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. If you’ve ever wondered what good can come of AI for HR, meet Human Intelligence. It uses the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform to uncover insights into good culture, skills, performance, and more. It also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing. And it surfaces feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.comand join their force for good.

Defining the Skills that Matter in the Age of AI

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Caitlin MacGregor, CEO, Plum

Summary

In this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese and Trish Steed engage with Caitlin McGregor, CEO of Plum, to discuss the innovative approach of Plum in assessing durable skills and the impact of AI on the workforce. They explore how organizations can better match employees to roles that suit their strengths and the importance of shifting towards skills-based hiring in a rapidly changing job market.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Plum and Its Vision

03:31 Understanding Durable Skills and Their Importance

07:49 Enhancing Productivity Through Skill Matching

12:07 AI's Impact on Career Paths and Entry-Level Jobs

16:28 The Role of AI in Transforming Work Dynamics 

21:11 Common Language for Skills and Self-Awareness

26:48. Skills-Based Hiring and a New Approach to Talent Management

Create your own Plum Profile HERE

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

HR is about to change for good with the power of Human Intelligence.

By combining AI and the rich data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence answers HR’s most demanding needs…

…unlocking insights and capabilities that redefine talent management, cultural transformation, and employee engagement — ultimately elevating performance and, above all, people.

The future of HR has arrived. Will you – and your company – be a part of it?

Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com and join their force for good.

This episode of At Work in America is sponsored by Paychex, one of the leading providers of HR, payroll, retirement, and insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Are you ready to crush the year ahead? The 2025 Priorities for Business Leaders Report from our friends at Paychex is here, and it's packed with insights from 600 companies on how to drive growth and get ahead.

This isn't your average data dump — it includes actionable strategies on everything from attracting new hires to improving employee retention, managing HR compliance, and leveraging technology to stay competitive.  

If you want to stay ahead of the curve and tackle 2025 with confidence, download the report today at paychex.com/awia.

It’s free, it’s insightful, and it might just give you the edge you need.

HR Means Business: Increasing HR's Impact in Facilitating Change

Host: Mervyn Dinnen

Guest: Lucy Adams, CEO of Disruptive HR

In this podcast interview Mervyn talks to Lucy Adams, former HR Director and author of the books HR Disrupted and The HR Change Toolkit, about dealing with disruption and emerging trends, and how to help bring about change in organisations.

During the conversation they discuss:

- Assessing an organisation's 'fitness' for embracing change and disruption

- Emerging AI technology

- Effectiveness of RTO mandates  

- How HR leaders can balance the demands and preferences of different generations in the workplace

- Rethinking D&I initiatives

- Shifting HR mindsets

Thanks for listening! Remember to subscribe to all of the HR Happy Hour Media Network shows on your favorite podcast app!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. If you’ve ever wondered what good can come of AI for HR, meet Human Intelligence. It uses the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform to uncover insights into good culture, skills, performance, and more. It also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing. And it surfaces feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com and join their force for good.

AI and The Next Era of HR with ADP

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Naomi Lariviere, Chief Product Owner and Vice President of ADP Shared Services

Summary

In this episode of the HR Happy Hour, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Naomi Lariviere from ADP to discuss the evolving landscape of HR technology, particularly focusing on AI and its implications for HR professionals. They explore the insights gained from the Meeting of the Minds event, the role of ADP in the HR tech space, and the importance of compliance and data integrity in leveraging AI. The conversation highlights the challenges HR faces in 2025, the need for predictive analytics, and the future of agentic technology in HR systems.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back to HR Happy Hour

03:33 ADP's Role in HR Tech

09:05 AI's Impact on HR Efficiency

14:12 Current HR Challenges in 2025

17:34 Compliance and Proactive HR Strategies

23:25 Agentic AI: A Game Changer

26:08. The Human Element in AI

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

If you’ve ever wondered what good can come of AI for HR, meet Human Intelligence. 

It uses the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform to uncover insights into good culture, skills, performance, and more.

It also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing.

And it surfaces feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. 

Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com and join their force for good.

HR Means Business: HR's Role in Managing and Developing the Workforce of the Future

Host: Mervyn Dinnen

Guest: Andrew Spence, the Workforce Futurist

In this podcast interview Mervyn talks with Andrew Spence, also known as the Workforce Futurist, about his latest research and writing on current workforce trends and a look ahead to some of the features - and challenges - of the future workforce.

- How work is designed and the ways in which this is changing

- Impact of emerging workplace technology

- The rise of the decentralised workforce and how technology can help managers

- Productivity vs Performance in an AI driven world

- The potential for a 'loneliness epidemic' amongst the workforce 

- Scope for creativity in the future workforce

Thanks for listening! Remember to subscribe to all of the HR Happy Hour Media Network shows on your favorite podcast app!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. HR is about to change for good with the power of Human Intelligence. By combining AI and the rich data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence answers HR’s most demanding needs…unlocking insights and capabilities that redefine talent management, cultural transformation, and employee engagement — ultimately elevating performance and, above all, people. The future of HR has arrived. Will you – and your company – be a part of it? Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com and join their force for good.

The Play by Play - Bracket Breakdown: Final Four-cast

Hosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer

Summary

In this episode of The Play by Play podcast, hosts Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer dive into the excitement of March Madness, discussing first-time tournament teams, their predictions for the Final Four, and potential Cinderella stories. They highlight standout players to watch, and wrap up with a motivational quote from Michael Jordan, emphasizing the spirit of competition and making things happen. Listen in!

Chapters

00:00 March Madness Overview

02:22 First-Time Tournament Teams

05:17 Bracket Predictions and Final Four

13:13 Cinderella Stories in March Madness

18:07 Key Players to Watch: Rising Stars

21:09 Duke's Dominance: A New Era of Talent

24:15 Closing Thoughts and Inspirational Quotes

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

HR is about to change for good with the power of Human Intelligence.

By combining AI and the rich data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence answers HR’s most demanding needs…

…unlocking insights and capabilities that redefine talent management, cultural transformation, and employee engagement — ultimately elevating performance and, above all, people.

The future of HR has arrived. Will you – and your company – be a part of it?

Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com and join their force for good.

The Pursuit of Humanity: AI and People Creating Truly Diverse Workplaces

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Torin Ellis, Advisor, Consultant, Coach, & Speaker

Summary

In this episode, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Torin Ellis to discuss the critical topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. They explore the importance of trust, the role of artificial intelligence in reducing bias, and the need for HR professionals to take action in fostering an inclusive environment. Torin emphasizes that DEI is not just a program but a fundamental effort that requires commitment from all levels of an organization. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by HR leaders and the hope for progress in creating a more equitable workplace.

Chapters

00:00 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The Acronym Debate

08:15 Trust in the Workplace: Building Blocks of Humanity

11:30 The Role of AI in Reducing Bias

17:28 The Importance of Inclusion for Everyone

20:35 Taking Action: Practical Steps for HR Leaders

26:32 Hope and Progress in Diversity Efforts

29:32 Conclusion and Future Directions

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

HR is about to change for good with the power of Human Intelligence.

By combining AI and the rich data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence answers HR’s most demanding needs…

…unlocking insights and capabilities that redefine talent management, cultural transformation, and employee engagement — ultimately elevating performance and, above all, people.

The future of HR has arrived. Will you – and your company – be a part of it?

Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com and join their force for good.

This episode of At Work in America is sponsored by Paychex, one of the leading providers of HR, payroll, retirement, and insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Are you ready to crush the year ahead? The 2025 Priorities for Business Leaders Report from our friends at Paychex is here, and it's packed with insights from 600 companies on how to drive growth and get ahead.

This isn't your average data dump — it includes actionable strategies on everything from attracting new hires to improving employee retention, managing HR compliance, and leveraging technology to stay competitive.  

If you want to stay ahead of the curve and tackle 2025 with confidence, download the report today at paychex.com/awia.

It’s free, it’s insightful, and it might just give you the edge you need.