Struggling to get the most out of your HR tech investment? You’re not alone. In the latest episode of HR on the Offensive, host Chris Howard, Ffion Bennett, and Louise Brown delve into “Less Stress Part Three,” a continuation of our Less stress series, which aims to guide businesses through their HRIS implementation journey. This third instalment tackles a commonly overlooked but crucial phase: post-implementation optimisation.

Optimisation doesn’t happen by accident. By treating it with the same rigour as implementation—complete with dedicated resources and budget—prevents stagnation and ensures the system keeps pace with business growth. Whether you're post-go-live or planning your next tech move, listen now to learn how you can get the most out of your HRIS. Download our whitepaper for a more in-depth exploration. - https://www.lacepartners.com/less-stress-hris-part-three-beyond-launch-unlocking-the-full-value-of-your-hris/

In the latest episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, host Chris Howard is joined by LACEr Gemma Ryall and guest Neil Carberry, CEO of the REC, for a great conversation about skills, productivity, and the changing world of work. They explore the challenges organisations are navigating in today’s fast-paced global environment—especially when it comes to embracing AI while maintaining the critical value of human connection.

Listen now to learn how to strike the right balance between embracing new technology and understanding the human side of work.

What if AI didn’t just reshape jobs, but reshaped how we think about work itself? Many organisations are rethinking the way that work get's delivered, whether that's through skills-based approaches or changes in strategic workforce planning. AI is central to conversations on this topic and is the core of this discussion on the HR on the Offensive podcast, where Chris Howard is joined by fellow LACEr Gemma Ryall as they speak to Dr Nicola Millard, Principal Innovation Partner at BT Business about the impact of AI on the workplace.

AI isn’t here to replace people; it’s here to enhance how people work—if we’re thoughtful about how we implement it. Listen now to learn how AI can be used to transform the workplace for the better.

In today’s evolving business climate, efficiency can no longer be synonymous with cost-cutting and headcount reduction. In our opinion, that's an outdated view risks undermining both performance and resilience. In our latest whitepaper The Efficiency Paradox, we outline a three-step approach to tackling this problem. For this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast Chris speaks with the authors of the whitepaper; Martin Colyer, Adam Morris, and Pavan Bilkhoo as they explore each step.

Listen now for a brief overview of the three key areas of focus to tackling the efficiency paradox. Download our whitepaper to learn how you can unlock more with what you already have.

Navigating the evolving world of global talent acquisition is no easy task—it's complex, fast-moving, and full of unexpected challenges. That’s why this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris and Pavan Bilkhoo speak to Monika Lubczak-Pufelska, author of Shortlisted for a Better Life. Monika unpacks the cultural nuances, strategic missteps, and hard-won lessons that define today’s international recruitment landscape.

If you're navigating cross-border talent strategies and wondering why your efforts might not be succeeding, listen now for Monika’s valuable perspectives and practical advice.

The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report for 2025 highlights a massive transformation in the global job market. An estimated 170 million new jobs will be emerging in the next decade, alongside the displacement of around 92 million roles. That's a net increase, but it underscores the sheer scale of the skills evolution we're facing. In the latest HR on the Offensive podcast. Chris is joined by LACEr and talent expert Pavan Bilkhoo, as they discuss the looming skills gap facing UK organisation. This is not a distant problem; the Open University Business Barometer from last year already showed that a significant chunk of UK organisations – over 60% – are grappling with skills shortages right now.

HR leaders must carve out time for strategic reflection. Making space to think critically about workforce transformation is what will set future-fit organisations apart. Listen now to learn how to modernise your workforce strategy and ensure the future readiness of your workforce.

What do you do when your business is hit with rising costs, regulatory changes, and mounting pressure to deliver more with less? In this episode of HR on the Offensive, Chris is joined by Simon Fowler, CEO at Empowering People Group, to discuss how HR leaders can strategically navigate cost pressures—including minimum wage increases and recent changes to National Insurance contributions (NIC).

Listen now to learn how you can empower your people managers in this new financial landscape.

In today’s fast-evolving workplace, organisations are looking for smarter ways to manage talent, align workforce strategies with business objectives, and leverage technology to stay ahead. As part of our Becoming skills-powered campaign Chris alongside LACE strategic workforce planning expert Becki Lovelady speak to Tom Shurrock VP of Product at Beamery. In this episode they unpack the strategies, challenges, and innovations shaping modern strategic workforce planning (SWP).

SWP is an approach that forecasts the skills needed to meet business outcomes, not just in moment but for the future. By looking ahead, you are able to evaluate the actions needed such as upskilling current workforce or hiring in new skills. They also discuss how Beamery’s AI-driven talent platform is transforming SWP, helping businesses build more agile, skills-based organisations that can navigate the complexities of the modern labour market.

The future of SWP is about being proactive, data-driven, and human-centric. Companies that invest in their people will not only navigate the complexities of the modern workforce but emerge as industry leaders. Listen now to learn how you can use a skills-based approach to refine your SWP.

Today businesses rely on data more than ever, ensuring that information is accurate, actionable, and properly managed can make or break a technology investment. This episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast unpacks the complex, often overlooked role of data quality in HR technology and system implementation. Chris and fellow LACErs Martin Colyer and Becki Lovelady, explores the impact of poor-quality data. Listen now to understand why high data quality is essential and how to sustain it over time.

Payroll is the backbone of any organisation, ensuring employees are compensated accurately and on time. Yet, despite its critical role, payroll teams often operate behind the scenes, dealing with complex challenges that many outside the function rarely consider.

In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris is joined by LACE payroll experts Adrian Axtell, Simon Puryer, Chris Kirby, Tricia Conway, and Simon Bunday. Together, they delve into the realities of payroll, the obstacles professionals face, and how the function is evolving to meet the demands of the future.

Payroll is no longer just an administrative function—it is a vital component of a company's success. Listen now to learn payroll can evolve to meet the challenges of the future of HR.