HR Works: The Podcast for Human Resources

So much of HR today is talked about in terms of strategy. What's the best strategy for improving retention? How can I create an effective people strategy? But as effective as planning ahead can be, it all falls apart when you don't know how to follow through. So, the real question HR professionals need to be asking now is not "what's the best strategy?" but "how can I effectively implement my strategy?" On the week's episode of HR Works, we're joined by John Hadeed, US VP of People & Culture at Primark, and together we'll be tackling how to translate HR strategies from exciting theory to actionable commitments that create results and leave you with a healthy, growing business.

With AI's advent and constant changes, we're watching Entry Level Jobs change as we know it. Gone are the days where entry level positions assist with notetaking, research, and organization, now that a few simple prompts can achieve that same work in a fraction of the time. But what is the future of entry level jobs, then? We've seen a sharp decline in job openings in general this year, especially in junior and associate roles. Mixed with other economic uncertainty and worldly events, it's a difficult job market for young people looking to enter the workforce. So, what can HR professionals do? On today's episode of HR Works, we're joined by Madeline Miller, Gen Z Leadership and Culture Strategist, and we'll be looking at how HR leaders can reimagine their entry level positions and utilize the strengths of young workers to elevate their business.

In recent months, we've seen weaker and weaker job reports, coupled with greater frustrations around talent, or lack thereof, available to employers. From AI advancements, growing dissonance between workplace expectations and reality, to economic uncertainty, it seems increasingly hard for good talent to find roles, and for companies to fill roles with good talent. So, how can HR professionals bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, and stay innovative and driven during these challenging times? In today's episode of HR Works, we’re joined by Travis Hunsicker, Leader of Talent Development at Kassouf, to talk about what HR is missing when it comes to meeting talent where they're at and filling those must-have positions.

As companies begin settling into this new workforce with AI, we're seeing the rise of AI Agents more and more. But for many that begs the question: What are AI Agents really, and how can they help your business? Today, we’re joined by Cassie Colton, AI for HR and Senior People Science Lead at Owens Corning, and we'll be diving in to discover what agentic AI means for HR professionals in terms of productivity, job rolls, skills, and how to know if AI agents are a fit for your business.

Despite the constant hype of technology the past couple years, AI can’t do it all, despite companies trying to make it so. Technology can streamline some processes, but there are times when AI simply can’t replace human judgment and may even have their own unintentional biases. In today's episode, we break down when expert guidance is necessary and when relying on algorithms could put a company at risk. Vanessa Matsis-McCready, VP of HR services and associate general counsel for Engage PEO, joins to share her thoughts on where AI should be helping, but also where AI is hurting your business, and how to know the difference before it's too late.