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NOW of Work

NOW of Work

By Mercer

Now, more than ever, the workplace needs to bend to the workforce, not the other way around. The concept of the Digital Workplace has become real and more than likely forever. How does the combination of the new model of work blend with the work we have been doing from an HR perspective?

Jess Von Bank and Jason Averbook are hosting this interactive digital meetup to foster collaboration and insight. As physical events become harder to make reality, virtual events are now mandatory. Listen, contribute, and share ideas for navigating the new world of work!
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Wayne Chattaway, The Anti with Jason Averbook

NOW of WorkApr 09, 2020

00:00
31:53
Challenging the Status Quo With Elev8

Challenging the Status Quo With Elev8

"Everything I do, I believe in challenging the status quo... I believe in thinking differently." Chris Long is an experienced and forward-thinking leader in human resources and people strategy, with over 20 years of expertise. Recognized for his innovative strategies in improving company performance, Chris provides specialized consulting, advisory, content, and research services through Elev8’s unique offerings like Acceler8, Calibr8, and Articul8. These modern solutions offer businesses a different approach to achieving success in an ever-changing competitive environment. As a highly sought-after speaker, Chris has made it his mission to help organizations journey into the future of work. Elev8 is not a conventional advisory company. It is a collaborative exchange of ideas, knowledge, experimentation, and support for: growth, scale and change. They bridge the gap between buyers and vendors bringing together forward-thinking insights to help optimize HR tech investments, Strategies & Processes, and People Operations for maximum effectiveness in today's environment. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Chris Long! Let's challenge the status quo and think differently together!

Mar 22, 202401:01:07
Amplifying the Voice of the Customer in Enterprise Software Solutions

Amplifying the Voice of the Customer in Enterprise Software Solutions

The Founder & CEO of Raven Intelligence, Bonnie Tinder, along with Mercer Senior Principal, Jim Holincheck, join Jess Von Bank and Jason Averbook for this special epeisode of the Now of Work Digital Meetup! They talk about all things Enterprise Software Implementation, Projects & more!

Raven Intelligence is a free online community that helps customers select the best consulting partner for their HR software project and ensure success. It was created to help customers make an informed decision about their Enterprise Software Implementation partner. As someone who has been in the HR Technology space for 25+ years, Bonnie saw a need to help raise awareness and transparency into project work. While analysis on cloud software features and functions is voluminous, the analysis of the actual project work to get those systems implemented was non-existent…until now. Raven Intelligence is fulfilling that need, while making the selection process easy & more fun. Choose your partner confidently knowing all of your options.

Jim Holincheck has more than 30 years of experience in the HCM technology industry. He has spent his entire career working with customers to strategize, select, implement, support, and optimize their usage of enterprise applications. He leads our Workforce and HR Technology practice. As a seasoned industry veteran, Jim brings a wealth of practical insight to the role.Before joining Mercer, Jim joined Workday in 2012 and led Services Strategy and Marketing before moving into the product management organization to launch the Customer Deployment (Adoption) Applications team. Tune in!

Mar 16, 202401:02:17
How to Rebuild Trust to Make Work Better for Employees & Employers

How to Rebuild Trust to Make Work Better for Employees & Employers

Tune in for a lively discussion about the changing nature of the employment relationship. Why and how is trust eroding, anger increasing, and apathy apparent everywhere? This is the hard reality, but we have to talk about it to make #work better for employees and employers. Susan LaMotte is the Founder & CEO of exaqueo (ex-ACK-wee-o), an employer brand and experience consulting firm. At exaqueo, they understand that work is not just about earning a living, but it also brings purpose and meaning to our lives. With a strong belief that organizations are powered by people, exaqueo helps employers attract and retain talent who will thrive. Their consultative-led approach ensures that every engagement is handled with exceptional project management leadership. exaqueo offers a range of services, including insight and research, employer brand development and marketing, and candidate and employee experience enhancement. They uncover and understand the employment relationship, defining the authentic perception of the employer and creating meaningful experiences for candidates and employees. Susan brings over 20 years of experience to the table. With an impressive background working at renowned brands like The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott International, as well as partnering with organizations like Google and Princeton University, Susan's insights are invaluable. With the work ethic of a bootstrapper, she is spurred by new music and a bit of Philadelphia-born honesty. Susans live with her family in Charleston, SC and she's passionate about the challenges she faces as a working mom. A few of her favorite things: her family, front porches, yoga, football, bourbon, music, and 70-degree days.

Mar 08, 202459:46
Using G.R.I.T. to Lead Like a Legend

Using G.R.I.T. to Lead Like a Legend

Lara Jones is a powerhouse speaker, award-winning Grit Performance Expert, and the creator of the groundbreaking Global G.R.I.T. System™. As the founder, and CEO of Be a Legend, Inc., and GritGlobal™, Lara has propelled companies into multimillion-dollar empires with her unparalleled expertise.With prestigious accolades like the WORLDWIDE STEVIE® Awards, Lara has transformed the performance of leaders, teams, and organizations. She has collaborated with Fortune 100 companies, the US military, and renowned celebrities, delivering exceptional programs and workshops.Lara's deep understanding of high achievers' psychology and her award-winning Communication and Emotional Intelligence Workshops have empowered countless individuals. Her book, "Hunt or Be Hunted: How Anyone Can Develop Grit and Lead Like a Legend," unveils her transformative Global G.R.I.T. System™. Beyond her professional achievements, Lara is a devoted wife and mother. She actively supports veterans' transition to entrepreneurship and provides emotional support to parents who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to learn from Lara Jones and unlock your true potential!

Mar 01, 202401:02:29
Putting Humanity at the Heart of Work

Putting Humanity at the Heart of Work

In the latest episode of the Now of Work Digital Meetup, Jason Averbook and Jess Von Bank welcomed Donald Knight, Chief People Officer of Greenhouse.


Donald is a high energy innovator with a reputation for moving businesses into the future through organizational transformation. He connects with people at all levels of the organization, and is a firm believer in people analytics and cross-functional partnerships. His passion for building high-performance teams and company culture allows him to drive change where it matters.

 

Together they explored the fusion of digital transformation and mental health in today's dynamic workplace. This meetup was a chance to discuss how we can humanize work and make it more meaningful and supportive for everyone. Tune in!

Feb 23, 202401:01:30
Impact of Technology on the Workplace

Impact of Technology on the Workplace

Introducing the latest episode of our Now of Work Digital Meetup Podcast, Jess Von Bank and Jason Averbook kick off this episode diving into the power of vulnerability and authenticity by sharing personal anecdotes from the perspective of their kids on evolving world of technology.

They explore the challenges faced by solution providers in a market driven by specific use cases, and share insights on how to break free from traditional categories. Don't miss out on this uplifting and inspiring episode that will leave you energized and ready to embrace the opportunities presented by technology.

Get ready to be inspired!

Feb 16, 202459:07
Fair & Competitive Compensation

Fair & Competitive Compensation

Compa just announced $10M in Series A funding to make compensation fair and competitive for everyone. In other words, it's SEXY to PAY people. 

We couldn't agree more. In fact, Mercer's latest Global Talent Trends report confirms human-centered productivity MUST be anchored in trust and equity. Put plainly, people want to feel valued. And when people say valued, they really mean they want to be treated EQUITABLY.

Fair pay would be a big enough conversation on its own, but 98% of organization say they'll redesign work this year, we're seeking agility by becoming skills-powered organizations, and work models are becoming more and more hybrid and distributed. 

Fair pay in the new world of work feels like a Slinky. Tune into this insightful chat with Charlie Franklin, CEO of Compa. Let's go!

Feb 09, 202457:32
Making Learning Accessible With Message-Based Learning

Making Learning Accessible With Message-Based Learning

Meet two founders of Arist, a global pioneer in message-based learning. Ryan Laverty, Co-founder & President and Michael Ioffe, Co-founder & CEO, along with their incredible team, help companies like Amazon and WHO make learning accessible by meeting people where they are: on tools like Slack, Teams, and SMS.

Since 2018, they've delivered millions of courses and behavioral pathways to students, frontline employees, and managers alike. Today, Arist is used by the world's leading organizations to rapidly shift behavior, drive higher knowledge retention, and make critical knowledge accessible in moments of need — all in 1-click.

Tune in!

Feb 02, 202459:39
Trust, Impact, Gratitude & Happiness in the Future of Work... It's Tricky!
Jan 26, 202401:03:10
RedThread Research’s 2024 Mega-Trends Predictions With Stacia Garr

RedThread Research’s 2024 Mega-Trends Predictions With Stacia Garr

As someone who values dedicated time hours for deep work and has a strict no-Friday meetings policy, Stacia Garr, Co-founder and Principal Analyst at RedThread Research, rarely breaks her rule. However, for this episode, she made an exception for our amazing Now of Work Community!

Stacia's expertise and contributions have been recognized by prestigious publications such as Harvard Business Review, Fortune, Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. She has also been listed as a Top 100 influencer in HR Technology and in DEIB for multiple years. Stacia co-founded RedThread Research in 2018, following her successful tenure leading talent and workforce research at Bersin by Deloitte.

With an impressive educational background, including an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master's degree from the London School of Economics, Stacia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table and she joined Jess Von Bank to delve into some of RedThread Research's 2024 mega-trends predictions. An insightful conversations on #hrtech and much more!

Jan 19, 202401:02:25
2023 HR Tech Investment Report with Anita Lettink

2023 HR Tech Investment Report with Anita Lettink

Anita Lettink, Founder of Strategic Management Centre, joined Jason Averbook and Jess Von Bank to talk about Anita's brand new 2023 HR Tech Investment report!

Are you curious how the startup market performed last year? Tune in to learn:

  • how tough was the market really?
  • were companies able to secure new investments? And if so, who?
  • what were the most active service categories?
  • how are HR Tech startups outside of the US doing?
  • what is the outlook for 2024?

An exciting chat, with lots of insights.

Jan 12, 202458:34
Global Trends Moving Into 2024, With Kate Bravery

Global Trends Moving Into 2024, With Kate Bravery

We're kickstarting 2024 with special guest Kate Bravery, Advisory, Knowledge, and Insights Global Leader at Mercer. She joins Jess Von Bank and Jason Averbook to get into the details of global trends as we move into 2024.

Together they address topics such as:

  • Key findings from Mercer's Global Talent Trend Study,
  • Preventing fear by gaining trust and building psychological safety in the workplace
  • Advancing technology such as human-machine teaming.

And so much more! Tune in.

Jan 05, 202401:00:15
Last Digital Meetup of 2023 & Looking Forward in 2024

Last Digital Meetup of 2023 & Looking Forward in 2024

Our Now of Work Digital Meetup hosts Jason Averbook and Jess Von Bank, closed out our last digital meetup of 2023 with our NOW Community.

Along with our active community members in the chat, Jess and Jason held an overview of 2023 regarding HR and HR Tech industry shifts, buzz words like Gen AI, and where they think (or hope) the ball will continue rolling in 2024.

Dec 15, 202301:00:08
2023 Wrapped: Industry Analysts Sum It Up

2023 Wrapped: Industry Analysts Sum It Up

You know how Spotify Wrapped is where Spotify listeners dive into their top listening moments of the year? We had our own version! We shared our own top listening moments of 2023 from the perspective of a few of the analysts who cover #HRTechnology. 

Hosted by Jason Averbook and Jess Von Bank, we'll hear from analysts like Jim Holincheck, Madeline Laurano, Pete Tiliakos, Sarah White, Steve Goldberg, and Tara Cooper just what went down in 2023. What innovation got us excited, what are we over-rotating on, and what needs better solutions than we've come up with so far? Where is the ball going in 2024? Any guesses?

Hear it straight from the people who pay more attention to #WorkTech innovation than anyone else. It's a Special Edition of our Now of Work Digital Meetup

Dec 08, 202301:03:57
The Future of Our Multigenerational Workforce

The Future of Our Multigenerational Workforce

Consider this unprecedented scenario: the workforce now encompasses five distinct generations simultaneously. There's a pervasive market obsession with Gen Z, assuming their candidate and workforce expectations are uniquely special. Is this assumption accurate or merely a misconception?

In the quest to attract workers spanning five generations, the question arises: is it necessary for employers to tailor experiences for each generational persona, or could this approach be characterized as over-engineering, perhaps even stereotyping? Can GenAI and storytelling authenticity truly coexist? In an era where scalability makes fabrication effortless, how does a brand remain faithful to its ethos?

Our special guest, Summer Baruth, Head of Global Employer Brand & Talent Attraction at AECOM, brought her extensive expertise in employer branding and diverse candidate experiences across multiple industries and multiple generations to join Jess Von Bank and Jason Averbook in unraveling these intricacies and navigating the evolving landscape together.

Dec 01, 202356:51
How HR Tech Providers Can Win the Market in 2024

How HR Tech Providers Can Win the Market in 2024

So much of the innovation happening in the HR Tech space is about new ways of working. You can't just "shop for AI" and get the organization on board overnight. You can't download a skills ontology to automagically change the way your company hires and promotes people. Please don't buy a CRM just because you're having a hard time competing for talent. These are all TOOLS. Tools build what you tell them to. Don't leave the drawing board until you know the outcomes you need; then you'll know the right tools.

HR Tech providers are driving a ton of innovation, and it's all way ahead of their buyers' ability to consume it all. Should they slow down? Nope. But it does change how they go to market, how they position and sell to you, the incremental value they demonstrate and the change support they offer to help you get there. For the reallllly bright shiny stuff, it means providers have to train and educate the market more than they have before. 

Michael Johnson has dedicated a career to driving revenue and growth strategies for some of the most innovative HR technologies in the industry. He weighs in with Jason and Jess on how HR Tech providers can win the market in 2024. 

Nov 17, 202358:48
Unlocking the Future of Work with Community-Powered Hiring

Unlocking the Future of Work with Community-Powered Hiring

Did anyone pay attention to the HR Technology Conference & Exposition's Pitchfest winners?
The big winner digitally consolidates 401(k) plans. You know, rather than manually. That's how much basic blocking & tackling we still have left to do when driving innovation for business and making all of our work lives better.
 
Another winner we loved is CollabWORK, who also addresses a pretty fundamental talent problem. We all love hiring referrals, but we don't think outside the box when it comes to connecting with the seven degrees of separation of our high performers and hard-to-source talent.
Summer Delaney, CEO and Founder of CollabWORK explains their community-based hiring approach. Yes, they use AI, but that wasn't the big story. In fact, they might have won because they take a pretty cautious but intelligent approach.


Tune in!

Nov 10, 202301:00:09
Head & Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership

Head & Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership

Before you listen to this epsidoe, give yourself 5 minutes to read an incredible story. 
One of the defining moments of the Afghanistan War occurred in a mere second inside a single battle that raged for 7 hours. Then 37-year-old United States Army Captain Will Swenson found himself a commander in what would become known as the Battle of Ganjgal. An early morning meeting connecting the Afghan government with native elders in the Ganjgal Valley near the border of Pakistan turned into a brutal ambush of Swenson's 100-person coalition. Surrounded by as many as 60 well-armed Taliban fighters unleashing a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades, mortar, and machine gun fire, repeated calls for overheard artillery support were denied for fear of civilian casualties. Denied all day, in fact, while Swenson and his men fended for themselves under unrelenting artillery fire. 
Rare helmet-cam footage from a medical evacuation team caught much of the extraordinary scene. Including Swenson repeatedly waving a bright orange flag to guide a military rescue helicopter into a safe landing zone to retrieve the injured and pull out the dead. Swenson waved the brightly colored flag throughout the day, making himself a highly visible target to enemy fighters but ensuring the helicopter could load injured and dying men to receive medical attention. 
At one point, we see Captain Swenson loading Sergeant Kenneth Westbrook into the chopper. Westbrook, a father of three, had been shot in the neck and was bleeding heavily. He also had four broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a shattered left shoulder. He would die 29 days later from these injuries. But this day, Swenson hoped he could be saved. He is seen carrying Westbrook onto the helicopter, and the GoPro camera on the med evac's helmet captured another fleeting moment almost no one would have seen. Swenson is seen leaning into the helicopter and giving Westbrook a kiss on his cheek before the helicopter side door closes. A moment never intended to be captured on film. A moment Swenson himself hardly remembered. A moment of true leadership.

Swenson's kiss on a battlefield was a catalyst for Dr. Kirstin Ferguson to write her latest book, Head & Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership. Our own Jess Von Bank met Dr. Ferguson at Oracle CloudWorld just weeks ago. Dr. Ferguson was fresh out of books that afternoon after a successful book signing, so she sent one to the restaurant to be handed to Jess later at dinner. Jess carried the book all over Las Vegas that night, dying to tear into its pages, and today they finally bring this conversation to the Now of Work community. 
ON THIS EPISODE, WAIT UNTIL YOU MEET Dr. Ferguson. Former Flying Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force herself, she went on to become a PhD in Organizational Psychology, CEO of a global consulting firm, and best-selling global leadership expert on the impact of leading from the head and the heart.

Nov 03, 202358:38
Are Skills Considered More Valuable Than Credentials?

Are Skills Considered More Valuable Than Credentials?

Jason Averbook and Jess Von Bank are back in action and they were so happy to catch up with our Now of Work community.

The past couple of months of conference season have been a whirlwind of innovation, thought-provoking conversations, and valuable connections and we are eager to share our experiences and check in with all of you. 

And in this episode, Jason poses a critical theory: that skills may be considered more valuable than credentials. Along with the amazing insight and ideas form our live attendees in the chat, Jess and Jason break down their own thoughts on the value that employees bring to the workforce and how the future of work is molding to be more human-centric.

Tune in!

Oct 27, 202359:31
UNLEASH World Recap With Special Guest Co-host David Green

UNLEASH World Recap With Special Guest Co-host David Green

UNLEASH World is a wrap, and it was a vibrant display of community, learning and innovation. Teeming with content, rich with innovative voices, and a spectacle of creative solutions from some of the best HR technology providers in the world, the show was just that: A SHOWING OF WHAT IS POSSIBLE when it comes to people and work.

UNLEASH World was emceed by David Green and our own Jess Von Bank, and for this episode, David is Jess' special guest co-host. They shared everything they learned and observed of the event circuit, where the brightest minds and problem solvers came together to shape the future workplace.

Oct 20, 202301:00:34
Inside look at UNLEASH World with Founder & CEO, Marc Coleman

Inside look at UNLEASH World with Founder & CEO, Marc Coleman

Tune in to our conversation with Marc Coleman, Founder and CEO of UNLEASH, to learn all about the behind the scenes of UNLEASH conferences.

Oct 06, 202358:33
Leading With Vulnerability
Sep 29, 202358:57
Onboarding & Ongoing

Onboarding & Ongoing

The origin story of making this episode happen all started with a social media thread. This one, in fact: https://bit.ly/3RvUNBE

Industry advisor, Steve Goldberg posted something about onboarding as IMMERSION in job, team and culture --- which got my co-host Jess Von Bank's quick response and the attention of Meg Bear, President & SPO of SAP SuccessFactors, and Gordon Ritchie, Principal Consultant, Skills Architecture & Transformation at Skill Collective.
So we decided to take this conversation to the community. We hashed out one of the most important moments that matter for your workforce — and the biggest ROI opportunity for business. Jess likes to call it Onboarding & Ongoing. How can we treat this critical step in the talent journey as a strategic launchpad and not a tactical checklist? Especially as so many organizations profess to become skills-based, to prioritize employee well-being, and to create true connection to corporate values?

Sep 22, 202301:01:27
Flexible Benefits for the Modern Workplace

Flexible Benefits for the Modern Workplace

A platform that gives employees the freedom and flexibility to choose the type of benefits that they want to fit their own personal needs? Sign us up! We can't wait for you to listen to our chat about employee experience, the data behind diversifying benefits, and the how Compt is changing the NOW and future of work with Amy Spurling, CEO and Founder of Compt

Compt's mission is simple. They help companies build and scale flexible employee perks, stipends, and rewards that delight teams. Named the Innovative HR Platform of the Year in 2021, Compt supports global teams with fully customizable HR Tech software to fit a company's needs. Whether it's a health and wellness stipend, student loan stipend or equipment stipend, they believe that benefits should and can align with an employee's life stage. In this new world of work Compt believes that "Fair pay and health insurance are merely table stakes. To truly support your team, remain competitive, and retain top talent, you must offer meaningful benefits to every lifestyle."

Their CEO, Amy's experience as a former three-time CFO and two-time COO managing Finance and HR fuels Compt's belief that companies and employees can achieve much more together when employees are fully supported. 

Sep 15, 202359:41
Transportation Itself Is a Vehicle to Opportunity

Transportation Itself Is a Vehicle to Opportunity

We talk a big game when it comes to workforce experience, culture, and employment opportunities. But for vast portions of the world's potential labor market, getting a job depends on getting TO a job. Transportation itself is a vehicle to opportunity. 

Meet Boyd Reid and Erich Ko, two sons of immigrant families, the co-founders of Hop In Technologies, who understood this when they decided to solve the problem of work by solving the problem of accessible work. Oh, and there's a silver lining, too. 

By solving for mass transit to major employers, we can make a collective dent in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. It's a win-win: increasing employment and quality of life by getting more people to work, raising the economic viability of more of our communities, creating community by taking better care of people where you live, and addressing a really common recruiting and retention problem in sectors like manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. 

Sep 08, 202358:11
Women in HR Tech Summit — Exclusive Preview

Women in HR Tech Summit — Exclusive Preview

Headed to HR Technology Conference on Oct 10-13? Still on the fence? Reason #117 to go (you could say #1 reason): The Women in HR Technology Summit is included in your premium pass, and it's the only conference program like it.

Jeanne Achille is the Program Chair for Women in HR Tech, and she covered the origins of this powerful summit with my co-host, Jess Von Bank! HR is dominated by women, even at executive levels where the numbers normally skew toward men. So why this summit and these topics?

Jess and Jeanne also discussed the programming for Women in HR Tech, which includes six sessions and keynotes designed to provide valuable insights into topics that impact everyone in the workforce, including how to generate new leadership opportunities for women, and how to build cultures of trust. 

In this episode, you'll get an exclusive sneak peek of the speakers and content from Heather Bussing, Jennifer Dole, Marilyn Pearson Hendricks, and Sarah J. Rodehorst. They all popped into our Now of Work community meetup to preview conversations around technology-supported gender equality, driving organizational change, the power of culture, and pay equity.

Aug 25, 202301:00:41
Imagine if We Used AI for Good in Our Work Lives

Imagine if We Used AI for Good in Our Work Lives

Everyone is talking about AI– how to use it, what jobs it might do, and who or what tasks it might replace. Like any tool, it has the potential to fundamentally change the nature of work, and it will absolutely reshape the skills people need to be successful.
That's why we were excited to have two special guests join us on this episode of the Digital Meetup! Jess and I welcomed Katarina Berg, CHRO of Spotify, and Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Chief Innovation Officer of ManpowerGroup, to our Now of Work Community. We talked about the impact of #AI on skills in the workplace, how AI is changing the nature of work, plus the risks and opportunities for the human side of the equation.
Katarina led the Spotify's talent transformation when they grew from a startup to an international company. She excels at reinventing processes to establish an environment where creative people can thrive. We loved talking with her about the impact of AI and organizational reengineering, and how to achieve great business results during times of great change.
In addition to his role at ManPower Group; a global staffing and recruitment firm, Dr. Tomas is a social scientist and associate at Harvard’s Entrepreneurial Finance Lab. He's written 12 books, including his latest: I, Human: AI, Automation, and the Quest to Reclaim What Makes Us Unique. We picked his brain for his thoughts on AI, the psychology of talent, and how science-based tools can improve an organization's ability to predict performance.

Aug 18, 202301:01:38
A Special Industry Retirement Farewell for Lexy Martin

A Special Industry Retirement Farewell for Lexy Martin

Aug 11, 202301:02:20
How Employee Listening Tools Can 'Nudge' Positive Behavior Change in the Workforce

How Employee Listening Tools Can 'Nudge' Positive Behavior Change in the Workforce

On today's Digital Meetup, we talked about the Perceptyx and Hum acquisition and what it means for the future of the employee experience. Jess Von Bank and I were so excited to welcome Lisa Sterling, Perceptyx's Chief People Officer, to our live broadcast!


Perceptyx is a top employee listening and manager effectiveness platform. Humu is a tech tool that uses science-based ‘nudges’ to influence positive behavior change and improve business performance. With this acquisition, Humu is poised to solve a big challenge when it comes to employee listening.


"Perceptyx will integrate Humu’s extensive library of behavior nudges in its People Insights Platform, allowing organizations to deliver personalized nudges to both leaders and employees, customized to the behavior each individual or team wants to improve. Perceptyx will be the first company to enable a 'nudge' process that engages the entire workforce to take action and make work better," they shared in their press release.


Our special guest, Lisa Sterling, is a listening expert exclusively focused on EX, with a deep portfolio of listening tech and intellectual capital. "This acquisition will change the game for Perceptyx, our people, our customers and their people," she explained.

Aug 04, 202301:01:17
What Happens When AI Meets Recruiting, Meets Social Media?
Jul 28, 202356:55
DEI Work Isn’t Done in a Silo

DEI Work Isn’t Done in a Silo

"My parents were born to sharecroppers in Southern Georgia. (They) would have to miss school to pick cotton during harvest season. I saw these messages of bias, racism, and oppression, even as a child...Whatever environment you're in there's a label that is either thrust upon you or that you cling to for recognition. So, I've always been intrigued by this work. When you’re imbued with empathy… when you see injustice around you, you can either be part of the solution or part of the problem. And my goal is to be part of the solution."

Marc is the SVP of Racial & Social Equity and Culture at California Life Sciences. His goal is to make the life sciences industry more diverse and equitable. He also spearheaded the first DEI program at Vail Resorts, creating an intentional cultural shift within their employee and customer experience efforts, to create a more inclusive space for their workforce and clientele.

Jul 21, 202351:25
How to Be More Transparent, Realistic, and to Be a Better as Storytelling as HR Tech Vendors and Consumers

How to Be More Transparent, Realistic, and to Be a Better as Storytelling as HR Tech Vendors and Consumers

Kate Graham joined us as our special guest co-host on this episode of our NOW Digital Meetup. Kate has an incredible track record providing clear voice and a healthy perspective on the trends, challenges, and innovations relevant to people, work, and technology. 

We loved following her work at Fosway Group and UNLEASH. Now it's time to check in on Kate's recent move back to the vendor side (what a win for Cornerstone OnDemand!). She had some really fantastic advice for both HR Tech vendors AND consumers. It has to do with transparency, being realistic, and better storytelling. Kate and I can't wait to bring this fresh conversation to the community. 

BTW, where's Jess Von Bank? She checked in from the course during our Meetup to share their progress! If you've been following us for a while, you know Jess loves to race. During this epsidoe, Jess began a 200-mile Ragnar Relay from the Canadian border (Blaine, WA), running along the glacial Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, Deception Pass, and Puget Sound before she crossed the finish line with her team on Whidbey Island, sometime in the afternoon. Go, Jess! 

Jul 14, 202356:03
Driving Transformation in the Healthcare Industry

Driving Transformation in the Healthcare Industry

Driving transformation in any organization is a journey, even an uphill battle. Driving transformation in an industry absolutely begging for disruption is uniquely challenging. Healthcare is one of those industries -- HR is constantly challenged with talent shortages, workforce burnout, demands for improved well-being and workforce experience, lagging innovation, and evolving measures of success for consumer satisfaction and patient delivery outcomes.

Designing an effective, inspiring, caring workforce experience matters a LOT in healthcare. That's the job of Tobias Washington at CHRISTUS Health, and he shared his story and their organization's journey on this episode of the Now of Work Digital Meetup.

Tobias is the System Director of Digital Employee Experience & Digital HR Transformation at CHRISTUS Health. He is an amazing leader working in the healthcare space, that is truly transforming how HR and work is done. 

Jul 07, 202301:02:41
The Impact of Generative AI on the Job Market, and What the Future Holds

The Impact of Generative AI on the Job Market, and What the Future Holds

Wonder what the future of work holds? Nela Richardson, Chief Economist at ADP and co-head of the ADP Research Institute, alongside Marcus Buckingham, shared her predictions during our Digital Meetup!

In my opinion, Nela Richardson is one of the best researchers in the world on the economy, jobs, and work. If you are thinking about the workforce, job trends, HR, or HRTech, listen to this interactive chat with Jess Von Bank, Nela Richardson, and I. 


the global economy, work and labor market trends, the impact of Generative AI on the job market, and what the future holds. Nela also dives into what ADP is doing to prepare HR for the changing world of work. Understanding the Future of Work is to understand macro trends in the global economy and labor market. So far, 2023 checks the box on a lot of macro trends, including slowing global growth with advanced economies contributing the least, the return of inflation, rising wages in pockets, but a decline in productivity and a smaller labor force. 4B people now have access to the internet, or half the world population. That's four times what it used to be, illustrating a growing digital economy. 

Jun 30, 202301:01:37
How Intelligent Communication Boosts Efficiency & Productivity, Making It Easier for Employees to Perform

How Intelligent Communication Boosts Efficiency & Productivity, Making It Easier for Employees to Perform

Do you read every email you get from your employer and HR department? Imagine if you got a text notification instead at the beginning of your shift? Because they know when your shift starts and that you’re primarily mobile. Or imagine if you were a salesperson who spends most of your time in Salesforce, so that’s where personalized communications go for you! Right in the newsfeed in the system where you spend most of your time.
In other words, imagine if your employer really knew you and met you where you are? Instead of spamming the workforce with everything you might possibly need but can’t possibly read? 
Intelligent communication has the power to shape and create exceptional, frictionless Employee Experiences. This not only boosts efficiency and productivity, making it easier for employees to perform, but also demonstrates care and empathy during critical moments that matter.
Jess Von Bank and I loved chatting with Nicole Alvino, CEO of Firstup and Sabra Sciolaro, their CPO, on our Digital Meetup. Nicole and Sabra joined us in discussing: how organizations can make intelligent communication an integral part of your Employee Experience plan, their highlights from our recent webinar, and their newly launched white paper.

Jun 23, 202358:31
Data analytics, Generative AI, & HR analytics with Adam Binnie, CPO of Visier Inc.

Data analytics, Generative AI, & HR analytics with Adam Binnie, CPO of Visier Inc.

We welcomed Adam Binnie, Visier's Chief Product Officer, to our Digital Meetup! Visier unleashed some amazing new product announcements recently, and Jess Von Bank and I can't wait to dig in!
Team Visier is always pushing the envelope on innovation and their newly released HR Tech products illustrate that drive. They are on a mission to make an impact on AI with the launch of 'Vee,' a powerful new generative AI digital assistant, designed to make people analytics accessible to everyone. It allows users of all proficiency levels to ask questions about their workforce, explore available datasets, and drive action after finding critical insights.
Adam will shares details about Visier's 'Smart Compensation' launch, another new product designed to take the complexity out of compensation planning with a simpler, data-driven approach. The new tool is designed to address challenges like pay transparency, retention, and pay conversation preparation.
We are honored to have Adam join us to share the excitement around the world of data analytics, generative AI, and HR analytics. This is one of the most important areas that HR can focus on today, and will continue to gain momentum moving forward.

Jun 16, 202359:35
Utilizing Human Potential and Digital Strategy Tools in the Now of Work

Utilizing Human Potential and Digital Strategy Tools in the Now of Work

Ben Brooks, Founder & CEO of PILOT Inc. joined our Jason Averbook JESS VON BANK to share the pros & cons of #remoteworking and how he continues to lead a business, connect with his team, and find #worklifebalance. Ben Brooks has been working (literally) all over the world, and today he joins us from beautiful Bozeman, Montana. He had two burning questions for Jason & Jess: is #HR really making decisions based on quantitative data, or do we rely on narrative and #storytelling? We also talked a big game around developing people, but it feels like we spend too much time on the smallest bucket of people who need it.


MEATY discussion in store -- against Ben's stunning backdrop, we have no doubt.

Jun 09, 202301:06:13
Innovation in Workforce Management

Innovation in Workforce Management

I welcomed Luc Hédou, CEO of Workaxle, to discuss the latest innovation in Workforce Management. Innovation in Workforce Management? It's true! A shift is happening. When it comes to improvement to Workforce Experience, Workforce Management (WFM) makes a MUCH BIGGER DENT than your Core HR. Trust me.

In fact, we’re seeing WFM shift to Phase I transformation work more and more often. We’re seeing scheduling solutions make a world of difference to productivity and retention, and we’re seeing significant experience payoffs when organizations invest in WFM. Yes, Workforce Management is time and attendance. It’s also demand forecasting, scheduling and rostering, leave and absence management, and on-demand wages. These are make-or-break moments that matter when it comes to day-to-day workforce experience. That’s why a little goes a long way when you double down on Workforce Management, and it’s also why starting here can be the trigger for changing your entire HR Tech stack.
In the Now of Work, time and talent are at a premium and waste is expensive. Leveraging the power of your WFM solution is key, especially if you want to impact Employee Experience in an measurable way. How else can organizations increase efficiency, meet customer demand with talent supply, and change the way people work?

Jun 02, 202355:32
Q&A on HR, HR Tech, Employee Experience and More!

Q&A on HR, HR Tech, Employee Experience and More!

Today my co-host, Jess Von Bank and I discussed the industry news of the week during our live, unscripted show. We will also checked in with our amazing audience and their questions about HR, HR Tech, employee experience, work-life balance, leadership, and humanizing work during our open Q&A on all things Now of Work. 
The Now of Work is a movement to better serve humanity by humanizing work. This movement represents the humanization and digital disruption of work during the most historic labor market and business cycles we’ve seen in modern times. People are calling the shots, and we’re calling them differently. 

May 19, 202358:46
Utilizing Talent Acquisition Tech Platforms to Diversify Hiring Pools

Utilizing Talent Acquisition Tech Platforms to Diversify Hiring Pools

Are you craving community and inspiration? Jess Von Bank and I talk all things HR, HR Tech, and humanizing work. We also had a little surprise in store for our listeners... On today's episode, Amanda Hahn, Chief Marketing Officer of HireVue surprised us live!

 

HireVue is an organization that helps global enterprises gain a competitive advantage in the modern talent marketplace with video interviewing software, conversational AI, and pre-hire assessments. Together we chat about getting the full view of PEOPLE while leveraging tools that HireVue uses to transform the way companies discover, hire, and develop talent. By combining video interviews with predictive, validated IO science and artificial intelligence (AI), HireVue augments human decision-making in the hiring process and delivers higher quality talent, faster.

 

Together Jess, Amanda and I discuss the utilization of talent acquisition tech platforms and how they help to better evaluate skills, capabilities, and future potential in the hiring process.

May 12, 202358:46
Adapting to the Ever-Changing DEIB in the Now of Work

Adapting to the Ever-Changing DEIB in the Now of Work

The new Now of Work is constantly changing. With people at the heart of the workforce, they make global work and productivity churn at a rapid pace. Inclusion is a big part of that. "DEIB is always evolving and I try to stay immersed in what’s happening and what’s next," Brook Sims tells us. Brook is the COO of MAC Diversity Recruiters and we are excited for you to hear more from our chat with her.
You may remember that we featured Brook's company on our social media channels a few months ago, as one to watch, and their growth is proof. MAC provides recruiting services to large companies in fields like engineering, investment banking, and information technology. They believe that a diverse workforce powers the future and that employers should be reflective of the communities in which they exist and serve. Their mission is to "lead the transformation of the workforce by being the bridge that provides access and opportunity to the most exceptional talent and helps clients achieve increased profitability, innovation, and success."
MAC recently launched their sister company, MAC Digital, which specializes in Marketing, eCommerce, and Software talent recruitment with a focus on AI, and ensuring that AI is implemented in an inclusive way.
Before leading MAC, Brook was an Executive Recruiter and Head of Diversity at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and First United Bank. Jess and I can't wait to chat with her about the changes she's seeing in DEIB, what happens when AI is added to the mix, and what steps leaders can take to ensure a more inclusive future. 

May 05, 202301:01:31
#UNLEASHAmerica Recap & Today's Now of Work!
Apr 28, 202301:00:27
How Leaders Can Find, Develop and Retain the Best Talent Using 3 Ps: Purpose, People & Process

How Leaders Can Find, Develop and Retain the Best Talent Using 3 Ps: Purpose, People & Process

"Human Capital is not some subset of 'HR.' It’s less about process and more about people, the culture they desire, and a vested commitment to the development of their skills."  
Jess Elqmuist is the CHRO and Chief Evangelist at Phenom, a company whose mission is to help 1 billion people find the right job. Their Talent Experience platform bridges people, data, and interactions to great experiences, using AI and automation, so that leaders can hire faster and retain their employees. What Jess enjoys most is helping C-suite leaders maximize the potential of their team.
"My best days are when I’m bringing solutions to CEOs and CHROs that help their workforces run at peak performance. And I do it from the perspective of a people and workplace culture executive who believes in the power of human capital to help organizations thrive."
Jess Von Bank and I welcomed our Special Guest: Jess Elmquist, to talk about putting the HUMAN back into HR and how leaders can find, develop and retain the best talent using 3-Ps: Purpose, People & Process.

Apr 21, 202359:57
What Should Unconditional Empathy Look Like at Work??

What Should Unconditional Empathy Look Like at Work??

There is no shortage of leadership coaches, keynote speakers, motivational platforms, and business books teaching us about how to better connect with and inspire the workforce. We're not even a stranger to the idea of EMPATHY, but is anyone truly putting this into practice in a meaningful way? In business? With measurable impact?
Eric M. Bailey digs deeper into the concept of UNCONDITIONAL EMPATHY and illustrates what it looks like in practice with a leadership and communication methodology grounded in brain science and psychology.  
Eric is an innovative leader and the President of Bailey Strategic Innovation Group, which helps organizations unlock their full potential-fast. He has worked with companies like Google, been featured in Forbes and HuffPost, and hosts a 2-minute YouTube series on leadership called The Walking Meeting. 

Apr 14, 202359:09
What Does It Really Take for Leaders to Create a Workplace That Is Welcoming to All?

What Does It Really Take for Leaders to Create a Workplace That Is Welcoming to All?

How do some companies create dynamic, inclusive work cultures, while others struggle to connect? What does it really take for leaders to create a workplace that is welcoming to all? 

Jess and I were so excited to have a chat about equity at work on today's Digital Meetup, with Michael Bush, CEOof Great Place To Work US. Although, Brian Reaves⁠⁠, Chief Belonging,Diversity, and Equity Officer, ⁠⁠UKG⁠⁠ could not join us today, Jess, Michael and I discussed their concept of "For All Leadership," and what it takes for EVERY employer to be great. We also dove into why UKG and GreatPlace to Work are the perfect match, and what they're setting out to do together. Did you know that inclusive cultures outperform the stock performance of less inclusive companies by 400%?

Together we addressed employee experience, gnerational experiences and gap in the workplace, where the world of work is headed, short-term action and reaction business cycles, and what every company needs to think about over the long haul, not just for quarterly results!

Apr 07, 202301:01:07
The Power of Bringing Your Full, Authentic Self to the Workplace!

The Power of Bringing Your Full, Authentic Self to the Workplace!

This latest episode was recorded on March 31, International Transgender Day of Visibility. It is also the day that our friend, Sarah Reynolds, a leader and incredible marketer, was formally announced as HiBob's new Chief Marketing Officer. What a day to celebrate Sarah, and what a day to celebrate trans and non-binary people in our workforces and everywhere!
Sarah (they/them) is non-binary and transgendered. They are well-versed in the power of bringing your full, authentic self to the workplace. Everyone wins when diversity is not only welcomed but infused in talent, solution, and experience design.
We're proud of our Now of Work community for the space we've created for humanity to thrive at work!

Mar 31, 202357:55
Progress in the Making: McDonald's Commitment to Diversity!

Progress in the Making: McDonald's Commitment to Diversity!

Progress in the making: McDonald's commitment to diversity has stretched for decades. They went international in 1967. In 1968, their first restaurant owned by an African-American person opened their doors. The same year McDonalds allowed women to work as crew members in company-owned restaurants, for the first time. 

Fast forward to the 1980s, when one of their Hispanic franchise owners launched the scholarship fund that's awarded $32M in funds to date. In 1986, they launched the "Silent Persuasion" campaign, becoming the first quick service restaurant with a commercial in American sign language.

In 2000, McDonald's was named named Fortune magazine’s Most Admired Company for Social Responsibility. In 2004, they formed their first Global Diversity Advisory Council, and just last year that council engaged our own Jess Von Bank to coach them on new ways to view talent and remove barriers.
Jess and I introduce you to Reginald Miller, Chief Diversity Officer at McDonald's, and the mastermind behind ALL of this since he joined McD's executive ranks in 2020. Hear about his progress since then and his ongoing plans for approaching Career, Culture and Care from a DEI perspective.

Fun fact: Reggie also claims to know more about Star Wars than almost anyone!

Mar 24, 202301:01:10
"Show Me The Money!" 

"Show Me The Money!" 

It's all about the green. Jess Von Bank and I are joined by two industry experts: Jason Corsello, Founder and General Partner at Acadian Ventures, and Scott Berg, Managing Director, Sr. Research Analyst at Needham & Company. Together, we dove into last week's financial collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank and how this impacts the HR and HR Tech industry. We explained our expectations for short and long term impacts!

All industry professionals passionate about HR, the HR Technology vendor community, and where we go from here are encouraged to listen. The world is at a crossroads again around banking, investing, and how innovation continues to be funded in the world of HR and HR technology. Let's learn together!

Mar 18, 202301:01:16
Community "Be Real" Session

Community "Be Real" Session

As leaders we might be okay alone, but we're much more powerful when we work together. We started our Friday Digital Meetups in 2020 to do just that, build community at a time when we needed togetherness. Three years later, that sentiment still holds true. To thrive in today's rapidly changing Now of Work, we need each other and we need to be REAL about our wins and challenges, to move forward. 

Today, Jess Von Bank and I hosted a 'Community Be Real Session' on our Digital Meetup! We held an open, honest and unscripted discussion about being human. Our listeners shared their wins and challenges at work and at home. Together we discussed the support we each need most as leaders to thrive and humanize our workforce experiences.

Mar 10, 202359:47
Leapgen has joined Mercer!

Leapgen has joined Mercer!

Here we GROW! You may have heard our big news. Leapgen  has joined Mercer US. Our new name is Mercer | Leapgen! The Press Release is hot off the press bit.ly/3EIenDu along with an article in Human Resource Executive; take a read: http://bit.ly/3KMgBVZ.

Five years ago, we set out on a BOLD mission to change the way the world works. That means changing an entire industry, leading enterprises as well as vendors on their transformation journeys in the NOW of Work, and shaping new thinking to help organizations BE digital, not just DO digital.

It was a pretty audacious vision. When we learned that Mercer shared the same vision, we had to go BIG. Our work continues as part of Mercer, and our values remain the same. When you do what you LOVE in the service of others, it generates ENERGY, inspires AUDACITY, and produces PROOF we can all feel.

Joining Mercer will enable us to offer our clients a full suite of solutions. Mercer is dedicated to bringing world-leading insight and innovation to companies, just like we are.

Jess Von Bank and I welcomed our new colleague, Ilya Bonic, President of Mercer’s Career Practice and Head of Mercer Strategy to the Now of Work community. We talked about the acquisition, how it will change the landscape for HR Tech, enterprise transformation work for people and work insights, and our big, bright hope for the future of work!

Mar 03, 202301:00:19