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Why has HR’s operating model barely changed in 25 years – while everything around it has?

In this episode of the OrgDev Podcast, we speak with Perry Timms about the uncomfortable truth at the heart of modern HR: we’ve spent decades optimising processes instead of redesigning how HR actually works.

As organisations evolve at pace – driven by digital transformation, new workforce expectations, agility, and shifting power dynamics – many HR functions are still operating with models built for a different era. Perry argues that incremental improvement is no longer enough. What’s required is a fundamental rethink of HR’s operating model, its role in organisation design, and its contribution to business value and societal impact.

We explore:
Why traditional HR structures struggle to support adaptive organisations
The limits of efficiency thinking in transformation work
Self-managed and freedom-centred work systems
The future of HR operating models
What “Better Business for a Better World” really means in practice

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You’ll get:
■ Key insights from the episode
■ A reflection prompt
■ A suggested action

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About Us

We’re Dani and Garin – Organisation Development (OD) practitioners who help leaders and people professionals tackle the messiness of organisational life. We focus on building leadership capability, strengthening team effectiveness, and designing practical, systemic development programmes that help you deliver on your team and organisational goals. We also offer coaching to support individual growth and change.

Find out more at www.distinction.live

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