HR Happy Hour Network

HR Happy Hour Network

At Work in America, the longest running and top downloaded HR podcast, focuses on human resources, management, leadership, and workforce technology. The show is hosted by Steve Boese, the Co-Chair of the HR Technology Conference and Trish Steed, CEO of H3 HR Advisors.

  1. 6 days ago

    Workplace Connection: What Drives Motivation, Retention, and Performance

    Workplace Connection: What Drives Motivation, Retention, and PerformanceHost: Steve Boese Guest: Jason Lauritsen, Workplace strategist, Executive advisor, Keynote speaker, and co-author of the Human Connection Study   Summary In this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese speaks with workplace strategist, advisor, and keynote speaker Jason Lauritsen about the Human Connection Study, a large-scale research project examining how connection shapes the employee experience. The study includes responses from more than 286,000 employees across nearly 1,700 organizations, providing a deeper look at what connection is, how employees experience it, and why it matters to organizational success. Jason explains why workplace connection extends beyond relationships with managers and colleagues. Employees also need to feel that their work matters and that they understand and believe in the purpose and direction of their organization. The conversation explores the study’s most surprising findings, including why connection to organizational purpose may be even more influential than having strong workplace relationships—and what HR and business leaders can do to create the conditions where connection can flourish.   Topics include: Why connection should be viewed as a driver of performance rather than simply a cultural benefitThe difference between relational connection and resonance connectionThe four primary dimensions of workplace connectionWhy organizational purpose and direction have such a powerful influence on employeesHow connection affects motivation, retention, inclusion, and advocacyHow managers can create moments where employees feel seen, heard, and understood   Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!    The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Nearly 9 in 10 HR leaders say they don't have a strong leadership bench. Workhuman's Future Leaders gives organizations a smarter way to build one. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence solution to identify high-potential VP+ talent already within your workforce—up to four years before promotion. Using proprietary AI and real-time recognition data, it uncovers the leadership signals hidden in everyday work long before traditional succession planning can. It's a smarter, data-driven approach to building tomorrow's leaders. Learn more at Workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

    Workplace Connection: What Drives Motivation, Retention, and Performance

  2. 7 Aug

    How Culture Can Make or Break AI Adoption

    How Culture Can Make or Break AI AdoptionHosts: Mervyn Dinnen Guest: Nick Holmes, VP of Learning and Culture, and Founder of Culture Nova   Summary In this episode of HR Means Business, Mervyn Dinnen speaks with Nick Holmes, organizational culture researcher, VP of Learning and Culture, and founder of Culture Nova. Nick is currently completing a PhD focused on developing a clearer, more relevant definition and measurement of organizational culture. Together, they challenge the common question, “What will AI do to our culture?” Instead, Nick argues that leaders should ask, “What kind of culture do we need for AI to work?” The conversation explores why organizations often confuse familiarity with genuine understanding, how AI can expose existing weaknesses in trust and psychological safety, and why successful adoption requires far more than introducing new tools. It requires leaders to rethink how information flows, how people learn, how change is communicated, and how work itself is designed.   Key Takeaways How an organization’s existing culture shapes AI adoptionWhy AI often amplifies cultural strengths and weaknessesWhat an AI-ready organizational culture looks likeWhy leaders must model responsible and thoughtful AI useHow AI can increase workload rather than reduce itThe relationship between AI adoption and psychological safetyWhy frontline and location-based workers must be included in the AI conversation   Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Nearly 9 in 10 HR leaders say they don't have a strong leadership bench. Workhuman's Future Leaders gives organizations a smarter way to build one. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence solution to identify high-potential VP+ talent already within your workforce—up to four years before promotion. Using proprietary AI and real-time recognition data, it uncovers the leadership signals hidden in everyday work long before traditional succession planning can. It's a smarter, data-driven approach to building tomorrow's leaders. Learn more at Workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

    How Culture Can Make or Break AI Adoption

  3. 4 Aug

    Moments That Matter and Shape Employee Trust: Lessons from SHRM 2026

    Moments That Matter and Shape Employee Trust: Lessons from SHRM 2026 Host: Steve Boese Guests: Tom Fischer, Marketing Leader Brian Elfrink, Product Leader Troy Hupp, Product Leader for Employee Verifications Erin Derby, Sr. Director, Partners and Alliances   Summary In this special episode of the HR Happy Hour recorded live at SHRM 2026, Steve Boese brings together insights from four conversations with leaders from Experian Employer Services to explore how compliance, HR technology, and connected systems influence the moments employees remember most. From onboarding and employment verification to workforce compliance and HR technology ecosystems, this episode examines how organizations can reduce friction, build trust, and create better employee experiences during life's biggest moments. Whether an employee is starting a new job, buying a home, relocating, or navigating changing regulations, the systems supporting those experiences matter more than ever.   Topics include: Why compliance has become an essential part of the employee experienceHow employment verification impacts major life events like home purchases and government benefitsThe growing importance of connected HR technology ecosystemsWhy automation should enhance—not replace—human serviceHow organizations can balance innovation, compliance, and employee trustPractical advice for evaluating HR technology partnersWhy the "back office" increasingly defines the employee experience   Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Nearly 9 in 10 HR leaders say they don't have a strong leadership bench. Workhuman's Future Leaders gives organizations a smarter way to build one. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence solution to identify high-potential VP+ talent already within your workforce—up to four years before promotion. Using proprietary AI and real-time recognition data, it uncovers the leadership signals hidden in everyday work long before traditional succession planning can. It's a smarter, data-driven approach to building tomorrow's leaders. Learn more at Workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

    Moments That Matter and Shape Employee Trust: Lessons from SHRM 2026

  4. 28 Jul

    How Leaders Can Build AI-Native Organizations

    How Leaders Can Build AI-Native Organizations Host: Steve Boese Guests: Brian Solis, Head of Global Innovation - Dave Wright, Chief Innovation Officer, ServiceNow   Summary On this episode of System of Record, Steve Boese is joined by Dave Wright and Brian Solis, co-authors of Infinite: How Leaders Transform Businesses with AI, for a conversation about what it really takes to become an AI-native organization. Rather than focusing on AI tools alone, they explore why successful transformation requires organizations to rethink leadership, redesign workflows, and build cultures that can continuously adapt. The discussion challenges leaders to move beyond using AI solely for efficiency and begin leveraging it to create entirely new ways of working. From organizational design to workflow orchestration, the episode offers practical insights into what separates companies that simply adopt AI from those that use it to reinvent their business. Whether you're leading HR, IT, operations, or enterprise strategy, this conversation provides a thoughtful framework for preparing your organization for the next era of work.   Topics include: Why AI represents a fundamentally different transformation than previous technology waves.What it means to build an "infinite company" designed for continuous adaptation.How leadership must evolve to support AI-driven organizations.Why workflow design is becoming one of the most important competitive advantages.The difference between using AI for operational efficiency and using it to drive innovation.How organizational culture, trust, and curiosity influence successful AI adoption.   Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. We talk a lot on this show about where HR is headed — and one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen lately is what Workhuman is doing with Future Leaders. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence tool of its kind, helping companies identify high-potential VP+ talent already inside their organization — up to 4 years before they step into the role. And it’s not based on gut instinct or visibility. Using real-time recognition data and proprietary AI, it reveals who’s already influencing and elevating the people around them. Future Leaders from Workhuman is setting a new standard for internal talent development. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

    How Leaders Can Build AI-Native Organizations

  5. 24 Jul

    Leadership Development, No Budget Required

    Leadership Development, No Budget Required Host: Sabrina Baker   Summary Small businesses run on homegrown leaders, high performers promoted into management with zero support for the completely different skill set that role actually requires. Sabrina argues that leadership development is already happening in every organization, whether intentional or not, because new leaders learn by watching everyone above them. If those role models are bad, the org just keeps reproducing the same gaps. With no budget for formal programs, she walks through ways to build leadership development into work that's already happening: asking questions instead of handing managers answers, using real business misses as leadership case studies in team meetings, running one-on-ones that surface what managers actually need, pulling engagement survey data to make the case for support, and running informal lunch-and-learns during meetings that already exist. None of it requires CEO sign-off or a line item just intention about turning everyday moments into development.   Key Topics Promoting from within can enhance morale and engagement.Onboarding programs are crucial for small businesses.Leadership development can happen informally through daily interactions.Assuming individual contributors will be great leaders is a mistake.Real business problems can be used as learning opportunities.   Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. We talk a lot on this show about where HR is headed — and one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen lately is what Workhuman is doing with Future Leaders. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence tool of its kind, helping companies identify high-potential VP+ talent already inside their organization — up to 4 years before they step into the role. And it’s not based on gut instinct or visibility. Using real-time recognition data and proprietary AI, it reveals who’s already influencing and elevating the people around them. Future Leaders from Workhuman is setting a new standard for internal talent development. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

    Leadership Development, No Budget Required

  6. 21 Jul

    AI and the Next Evolution of Performance Management

    AI and the Next Evolution of Performance Management Host: Steve Boese Guest: Bryan Hancock, Partner at McKinsey & Company   Summary On this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese sits down with Bryan Hancock, Partner at McKinsey & Company, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of human resources. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for people, Bryan explains how organizations can use it to strengthen the human side of work - from improving performance management and coaching to creating more meaningful employee experiences. The conversation explores where AI can reduce administrative burden, provide better insights for managers, and help employees grow while maintaining trust and transparency. Steve and Bryan also discuss one of the biggest challenges organizations face today: balancing personalized employee experiences with concerns around privacy, surveillance, and ethical AI use. As companies continue investing in AI-powered HR technology, leaders must ensure these tools enhance relationships instead of replacing them. Whether you're an HR leader, people manager, or executive preparing your organization for the future of work, this episode offers practical insights into using AI responsibly while keeping people at the center of every decision.   Topics include: How AI is changing day-to-day HR operationsWays AI can support better coaching and manager effectivenessHow organizations can build trust while introducing AI-powered toolsThe importance of balancing personalization with employee privacyWhy successful AI adoption depends as much on culture as technologyWhat HR leaders should be preparing for as AI capabilities continue to evolve   Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. We talk a lot on this show about where HR is headed — and one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen lately is what Workhuman is doing with Future Leaders. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence tool of its kind, helping companies identify high-potential VP+ talent already inside their organization — up to 4 years before they step into the role. And it’s not based on gut instinct or visibility. Using real-time recognition data and proprietary AI, it reveals who’s already influencing and elevating the people around them. Future Leaders from Workhuman is setting a new standard for internal talent development. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

    AI and the Next Evolution of Performance Management

  7. 17 Jul

    How AI and Assumptions are Shaping Hiring in 2026

    How AI and Assumptions are Shaping Hiring in 2026 Hosts: Mervyn Dinnen Guest: Ken Ward, Talent Acquisition Leader   Summary On this episode of HR Means Business, Mervyn is joined by talent acquisition leader Ken Ward to explore what today's hiring market looks like from the perspective of an experienced executive candidate. Drawing on more than 30 years in talent acquisition, Ken shares what he's learned while navigating his own career transition, including how AI is changing recruitment, why judgment still matters more than technology, and how senior professionals can rethink visibility, networking, and career positioning. He also discusses how studying counseling has changed the way he approaches leadership, decision-making, and professional resilience. The conversation offers a thoughtful look at hiring from both sides of the table and challenges many of the assumptions surrounding AI, executive recruiting, and the future of talent acquisition.   Key Takeaways Why senior talent acquisition professionals face unique challenges in today's hiring marketHow AI is influencing recruiting—and where human judgment remains essentialThe changing role of LinkedIn, personal branding, and professional visibilityWhy hiring decisions should prioritize curiosity and critical thinking over certaintyHow counseling skills can strengthen leadership, recruiting, and career resiliencePractical advice for experienced professionals navigating career transitions  Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. We talk a lot on this show about where HR is headed — and one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen lately is what Workhuman is doing with Future Leaders. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence tool of its kind, helping companies identify high-potential VP+ talent already inside their organization — up to 4 years before they step into the role. And it’s not based on gut instinct or visibility. Using real-time recognition data and proprietary AI, it reveals who’s already influencing and elevating the people around them. Future Leaders from Workhuman is setting a new standard for internal talent development. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

    How AI and Assumptions are Shaping Hiring in 2026

  8. 14 Jul

    Rebuilding Workplace Connection in the Age of AI and Hybrid Work

    Rebuilding Workplace Connection in the Age of AI and Hybrid Work Host: Steve Boese and Trish Steed Guest: David Goldstein, Founder of TeamBonding   Summary On this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese is joined by David Goldstein, Founder of TeamBonding and author of Beyond Trust Falls: The Definitive Guide to Building Teams That Click, to explore how team building has evolved beyond traditional activities into meaningful experiences that strengthen workplace culture. David shares how intentional team experiences can create psychological safety, uncover hidden talents, and help employees build stronger relationships across roles, generations, and work environments. They discuss why play, curiosity, and even failure are essential parts of innovation and how shared experiences can improve trust, communication, and collaboration. The conversation also explores the growing need for human connection in an increasingly digital and AI-driven workplace, the impact of charitable team experiences, and why investing in relationships is a critical part of building teams where people can do their best work.   Topics include: Moving beyond outdated team-building stereotypesCreating safe environments where employees can contribute and take risksThe role of play in creativity, innovation, and problem-solvingBuilding connection across hybrid teams and multiple generationsWhy meaningful experiences create lasting workplace impactThe importance of belonging and human connection in the future of work   Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. We talk a lot on this show about where HR is headed — and one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen lately is what Workhuman is doing with Future Leaders. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence tool of its kind, helping companies identify high-potential VP+ talent already inside their organization — up to 4 years before they step into the role. And it’s not based on gut instinct or visibility. Using real-time recognition data and proprietary AI, it reveals who’s already influencing and elevating the people around them. Future Leaders from Workhuman is setting a new standard for internal talent development. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

    Rebuilding Workplace Connection in the Age of AI and Hybrid Work
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About

At Work in America, the longest running and top downloaded HR podcast, focuses on human resources, management, leadership, and workforce technology. The show is hosted by Steve Boese, the Co-Chair of the HR Technology Conference and Trish Steed, CEO of H3 HR Advisors.

Information

  • Creator
    HR Happy Hour Network
  • Years Active
    2009 - 2026
  • Episodes
    915
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Steve Boese (C/O Blogtalkradio)
  • Show Website
    HR Happy Hour Network

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