81: Ep 081 - Navigating Layoffs with Empathy

Let me ask you this: What if the next big leap in your organisation’s growth doesn’t come from strategy or scale, but from how you support your managers? Because in 2025, leadership isn’t just about driving results. It’s about building resilience, trust, and a culture where people can do their best work, especially in uncertain times. Welcome to SHRM Global Radio. In this episode, we’re exploring how the role of leaders is being redefined, and how HR is stepping up to shape the managers of tomorrow. From human-centric design to AI-driven learning, this is leadership, evolved.

Welcome to another episode of SHRM Global Radio. You've probably heard a lot of this lately, but— you know that shift in workplaces where we say work is no longer defined by static job titles; it is a mosaic of skills, tasks, and ever-changing needs? We have a catchy name for that now: "work pixelation."  It is the move from fixed roles to dynamic, modular work units that adjust as circumstances change. Many global organizations are already testing this approach to create a more responsive and agile workforce. If you are an HR leader, understanding these changes is crucial to shaping the future of your team. That's all true, of course, but you're probably thinking… wait, did you say pixelation? 

Welcome to our segment on workplace innovation!  Today, we're diving into a hot topic that's making waves in the competitive job market: benefits customization. Organizations are getting creative with their strategies to attract and retain top talent. So, what exactly is benefits customization, and why is it so powerful?  Traditional, one-size-fits-all benefits packages are no longer sufficient in a workforce that spans multiple generations, cultural backgrounds, and life circumstances. What works for one employee might not work for another. That's where personalized benefits come in. Imagine this—you're an employee juggling work and caring for an elderly parent.  Wouldn't it be a game-changer if your company offered elder care support? By offering personalized benefits—such as elder care support, pet leave, and flexible schedules—companies can enhance employee satisfaction, loyalty, and overall productivity.

Picture this: an employee working seamlessly from a café in Lisbon or a beachfront coworking space in Bali, all while remaining fully compliant with your company’s policies and local laws. This isn’t a make-believe scenario anymore—it’s the future of work. You heard that right. Companies around the globe are rewriting the rules to embrace digital nomadism, using it as a tool to attract top talent, foster employee satisfaction, and expand their operational reach. But with great opportunity comes great...complexity. So, how do HR professionals navigate the legal, logistical, and cultural challenges of this global phenomenon? Today, we’ll discuss why digital nomad policies are so popular today, its challenges and how HR departments can work around this to drive success.

In today's fast-paced business world, organizations face a challenge: ensuring their workforce is in sync with ever-evolving market demands and groundbreaking technological advancements. Enter Strategic Workforce Planning, or SWP—your ticket to conquering talent shortages and crafting a dynamic team ready to tackle the future head-on! So, why is Strategic Workforce Planning a game changer? Gone are the days when workforce planning was merely about filling positions or predicting short-term needs. SWP has evolved into a strategic powerhouse, directly linking talent management to the core objectives of the business. As companies embrace digital transformation, globalization, and the aim to build diverse teams, SWP has emerged as a dynamic tool for thriving in today's unpredictable market.

Hello and welcome to SHRM Global Radio! We’re in December 2024, 2025 is around the corner, and we’re thinking about how we can make the next year a great year at the workplace. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s more relevant than ever—how to create a work environment where everyone, regardless of their age or background, feels valued and engaged. Today’s workplaces are more diverse than ever before, bringing together people from different generations, each with their own stories, strengths, and perspectives. And honestly, that’s pretty exciting! But it can also mean that we, as leaders, need to be more mindful about how we connect with our teams. It’s about embracing all that diversity to build stronger, more cohesive teams.

Welcome to SHRM Global Radio, where we tackle the complex challenges leaders face in today’s ever-changing workplace, and today, we’re addressing one of the toughest, yet most critical, aspects of leadership: conducting layoffs with empathy. In uncertain economic times, layoffs are sometimes unavoidable. But how you handle them matters profoundly—not only to the employees who are let go but to the rest of your workforce, your brand, and your bottom line.  In this episode, we’ll explore the best practices for navigating layoffs in a way that maintains dignity, respect, and a sense of humanity throughout the process.

Whether you’re new to ERGs or looking to refine your approach, we’re going to break down what makes them truly effective and how they can support your organization’s broader D&I goals.  We’ll talk about establishing, sustaining, and growing ERGs so that they’re not just a checkmark but a meaningful part of your company culture.

Welcome to SHRM Global Radio! Today, we're navigating the intricate landscape of VUCA—an acronym that stands for Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous. This concept extends beyond mere corporate jargon; it serves as a vital framework for understanding the chaos that defines our modern reality. With global markets fluctuating, technologies evolving at an unprecedented pace, and societal norms shifting, VUCA encapsulates the core challenges leaders encounter today. This episode will delve into what VUCA truly means and why leaders must grasp this concept. We will also explore practical strategies for effective leadership in such an unpredictable environment. From adapting to rapid changes to making strategic decisions amidst uncertainty, you'll gain actionable insights designed to transform your leadership approach So, prepare yourself as we dive into the VUCA world and uncover how to thrive amidst its turbulence. Let's get started! 

Welcome to SHRM Global Radio! Today, we're diving into a topic that's revolutionizing the workplace as we know it: Employee Experience Platforms, or EXPs for short.  These platforms are not just your run-of-the-mill office tools; they are the game-changers that can transform your job from merely tolerable to genuinely enjoyable. From the moment you introduce yourself on a Zoom call during onboarding, to the day you celebrate that career milestone you've been striving for, EXPs are there to guide and support you every step of the way. They ensure you're not just surviving at work, but truly thriving. In this episode, we'll explore how these digital powerhouses utilize advanced personalization and cutting-edge analytics to keep employees engaged, balanced, and on the path to professional growth.