In this episode Mervyn talks to Stephane Rivard, Co-founder and CEO of Hiring Branch, about rethinking how we approach and conduct interviews.   They discuss:   - The problem with traditional interviews - Overcoming bias in decision making - Evaluating competencies - Assessing communication skills through interviewing - Improving the hourly worker experience - Addressing the turnover in customer facing roles

In this episode Mervyn talks to Paul Modley, Director Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at talent solutions business AMS about how to move DEI initiatives up the corporate agenda and the key role that Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play. They discuss: Delivering value from DEI initiativesWhat are Employee Resource Groups and what value can they giveGetting ERGs on the corporate agendaHow you can reward and incentivise ERGsImportance of intersectional thinking between ERGsBest approaches to gain leadership support and sponsorship for ERGs and DEI initiatives

In this episode Mervyn talks to Gary Cookson, author of the book ‘HR For Hybrid Working’ about how hybrid working is different and why HR professionals need to adapt their approaches to make sure that it works for everyone. They discuss: Redesigning work to meet employees’ needs, and why we shouldn’t be led by tasksImportance of defining hybrid workingImpact on organisational designDesigning home as a co-working spaceMaintaining relationships and connectivity with team members while supporting our people

Mervyn talks to Zena Everett, whose book The Crazy Busy Cure was a Business Book of the Year winner for 2022 about how to combat the systemic factors that reduce productivity and profitability per head within organisations. Why do waste the time and energy of our talent? What really gets in the way of getting our work done? How can we maintain concentration in a digital world?

Mervyn Dinnen talks to Kat Bernardes from Lace Partners, about her work on Employee Value Proposition (EVP) They cover: What EVP is  Role it plays in retention Who has responsibility for EVP Internal conversations around ECP Common mistakes businesses make Difference between EVP and employees’ lived experiences   Impact of flexible working Link between EVP, Engagement, Productivity & Retention

In this episode Mervyn Dinnen speaks to Practice Leader Brenda Pohlman at #WorkhumanLive2023 about creating a business case to help leaders better understand the power of recognition. During the conversation they cover: How technology can erode the personalWhy recognition needs its own currencyThe problem with cash awardsSpecificity of recognition messagesCreating recognition experiencesDetail matters for real engagement

In this episode Mervyn Dinnen talks to Workhuman's Isha Vicaria at #WorkhumanLive2023 about their latest Evolution of Work research. Amongst the findings they cover: Importance of recognising employee work preferencesFinding flow when mixing office & remote locationsThe value of Employee Resource GroupsThe need for psychological safety at workBeing human at workManaging stress

In this episode Mervyn talks to Allie Nawrat, - award winning senior journalist producing content to help HR leaders make the right decisions They discuss ‘Quiet Quitting’ & ‘Bare Minimum Mondays’ - real trends? What do HR managers see in their businesses ChatGPT & conversational AI – friend or foe for HR What’s the reality for HR in the debate on Remote, Flexible and Hybrid working What are the big HR trends of 2023?

In this episode Mervyn Dinnen talks to March Holl, Head of Primary Care for Nuffield Health (the UK’s largest healthcare charity) about their latest Healthier Nation Index research. They discuss: Mental health in the workplace and how to best support itRecognising when employees may need helpDealing with anxiety, stress and sleep loss in the face of economic uncertaintyMenopause and the workplace

What are the challenges for HR professionals who work in very public facing organisations, that carry high customer and community expectations, in creating engaging cultures?  In this episode Mervyn Dinnen talks to Robert Ordever about how he has been able to foster cultures of purpose led engagement and belonging in organisations that are very much in the public eye. They also discuss the best ways to create a thriving, connected and winning workplace culture.

In this episode Mervyn talks to Gemma Dale, who is a senior HR lecturer and researcher at Liverpool John Moores University and previously a senior HR professional. She is also regarded as one of the UKs most Influential HR thinkers and is a two time author of books about remote and flexible working. Evolution of remote, flexible, and hybrid workImpact remote work has on wellbeingHow managers can address the transition to flexible work

In this episode Mervyn talks to Derek Irvine, Senior VP at Workhuman, about their latest research with Gallup, which highlights the connection between employee recognition and thanks, and overall employee wellbeing. They discuss the links between a culture of authentic and personalised recognition, and an improvement in mental, emotional and social wellbeing.

In this episode Mervyn talks to Perry Timms, Chief Energy Officer of PTHR, two time author and the UKs most Influential thinker in HR about how the world of work has changed, and how we can embrace different approaches to work that promote creativity, maximising energy and productivity. Perry also offers his insights on how to use influence to bring leaders with you on the journey, and how he sees the new world of HR.

In this episode Mervyn talks to Sally Sourbron, Chief People Officer at TravelPerk, a next-generation business travel platform pioneering the future of business travel. They talk about HR’s potential impact as a strategic growth lever – effectively as the business’ ‘magic ingredient’ – and cover culture, belonging, the creation of purpose-led experiences and the role of leaders.