Making work ‘work’

Mercer Workforce Solutions
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Is work working for your people and organisation? In this podcast, Mercer thought leaders, industry experts and business visionaries share big ideas and best practices to help you transform your organisation, build great workplaces and shape a more equitable and sustainable future – a future where work ‘works’ for everyone. Making work ‘work’ is a podcast from Mercer Workforce Solutions.

  1. AUG 10

    Navigating uncertainty: Three essential HR moves for continuous success

    Economic volatility, AI, and evolving employee expectations are reshaping the way organisations operate. HR leaders are tasked with not just responding to these challenges but also proactively shaping the future of work, ensuring that their organisations remain resilient and competitive in an ever-evolving environment. Join Mark Philips, Head of Consulting, Mercer Workforce Solutions, as he moderates a discussion with other Mercerleaders on how HR can tackle these challenges and transform disruption into opportunity. Together, they will explore three critical strategies that organisations must prioritise: enhancing employee experience, fostering continuous skills development, and leveraging HR technology. Host: Mark Phillps, Partner, Workforce Solutions, Mercer Pacific Guests: Cynthia Cottrell, Workforce Solutions Leader, Mercer Pacific David Guazzarotto, Digital HR and Technology Advisory Leader, Mercer Pacific Emma Webb, Employee Experience and Culture Senior Associate Learn more, visit our website: https://www.mercer.com/en-au/insights/talent-and-transformation/podcast-making-work-work/#episode22

    52 min

  2. MAY 5

    The AI balancing act: Navigating hype, anxiety, and opportunities in the workplace

    Are we still in the hype phase, or have organisations come to peace with AI? In this episode, host Cynthia Cottrell and Mercer’s Global Business Solutions and Innovation Centre Leader, Jean Martin, explore AI in the workplace – in both its current and potential future state. Cynthia and Jean discuss the ‘productive anxiety’ that HR executives grapple with as AI continues to evolve, which gives rise to uncertainty on how to effectively leverage the technology. This leads to discussion about the challenges and opportunities that come with AI adoption, including the risks of overestimating AI's capabilities and concerns around data privacy. They also talk about the role of AI agents, the importance of redefining human potential within organisations, and HR's role as custodians of both AI and employee data. The episode wraps up with an exciting preview of Mercer’s People Insights platform and AI-based job matching and grading tools, which promise to revolutionise HR functions. Tune in for ideas and considerations when it comes to using AI in your workplace. Listen and discover State of AI in organisationsAI as a HR digital colleagueWhy HR executives feel ‘productive anxiety’ regarding AIManaging the risks of AI adoptionRedefining human potential in organisationsHR as custodians of AI and employee dataNew Mercer solutions that will transform how HR worksLearn more: ⁠https://www.mercer.com/en-au/insights/talent-and-transformation/podcast-making-work-work/the-impact-of-generative-ai-on-hr-and-the-workforce/

    32 min

  3. 11/27/2024

    Salary and benefits trends 2025: The tide is turning in favour of employers

    Host: Andrew Lafontaine, Partner, Workforce Solutions, Mercer Pacific Guests: Nithya Abraham, General Market Leader, Digital & Insights, Mercer Pacific Don Barrera, Client Engagement Manager, Digital & Insights, Mercer Pacific Description: Drawing insights from the latest releases of Mercer’s Total Remuneration Survey (TRS) and Australian Benefits Review (ABR), this episode highlights a shift in the job market dynamics, where salary budgets are stabilising and employers are regaining power as hiring slows and turnover rates decline. Tune in to hear more about: Shifting power dynamics: Why employers are regaining control in the job market and what they are doing to keep their people engaged and motivated. Salary budget forecasts: Employers plan a 3.6% allocation for merit raises in 2025, down from 3.8% in 2024. Employee benefits: Flexibility is key, with 89% of organisations offering flexible work arrangements. Some are now being creative in their approach to flexibility. Incentives for retention: Organisations are focusing on comprehensive compensation packages, including performance-based bonuses. Upskilling and development: 60% of organisations are now offering learning and development for the entire company. Learn what training topics are trending. Visit our website to access the reports: https://www.mercer.com/en-au/insights/talent-and-transformation/podcast-making-work-work/

    26 min

  4. 11/14/2024

    HR: From personnel department to leaders in AI activation

    Host: Andrew Lafontaine, Partner, Workforce Solutions, Mercer Guest: Shane O'Neill, Host of the HR Community Podcast   In this episode, Andrew Lafontaine, Partner and Workforce Solutions leader at Mercer, and Shane O'Neill, host of the HR Community Podcast, talk about Andrew’s 25-year career journey from teaching degree graduate to his current role as Partner for Mercer Pacific. The conversation focuses on how the HR industry has evolved, its challenges, opportunities and innovations. Tune in to learn more about:  The evolving role of HR: how HR is transitioning from being an administrative function to strategic partners that drive business outcomes. Human insights matter: the critical role of consultants in providing ethical guidance, cultural insights, and change management expertise that AI cannot replicate. Why HR professionals must become digital natives, leveraging AI tools to enhance decision-making and improve organisational efficiency. Strategies for creating tailored employee experiences that address mental health, diversity, and work-life balance in today’s workforce. This conversation was originally published on the HR Community Podcast: https://thehrcommunitypodcast.buzzsprout.com/   To learn more about the Making Work ‘Work’ podcast or to contact Mercer, visit our website: https://www.mercer.com/en-au/insights/talent-and-transformation/podcast-making-work-work/

    31 min

  5. 09/04/2024

    From automation to augmentation: Sharing the productivity gains from AI

    The goal of AI is not to replace workers but to create a new constellation of jobs and skills. In this episode, Cynthia Cottrell, Workforce Solutions Leader, Mercer Pacific and Ravin Jesuthasan, Global Transformation Leader, Mercer, discuss the importance of organisations understanding how AI can substitute, augment, and transform work and being intentional in their approach to AI to ensure its ethical implementation. They highlight the value of designing work in a way that democratises access to AI and allows for the productivity gains from AI to be shared equitably with employees. By leading with the work, being adaptable and becoming AI fluent, business and HR leaders can navigate the transformative era of AI and create a work environment that harnesses the full potential of employees while prioritising their well-being and growth. “Leaders should educate themselves and their workforce about AI, its potential, and how it can transform work.” Ravin Jesuthasan, Global Transformation Leader, Mercer “As an optimist, I believe in the power of technology to augment human performance. I see AI as a tool that can unlock sustainable performance, with humans at the forefront.” Cynthia Cottrell, Workforce Solutions Leader, Mercer Pacific Tune in to learn more about: • The new opportunities and jobs created by AI and the potential talent gaps • Being proactive in preparing for the future by educating the workforce about AI, experimenting with AI tools within safe zones and incorporating AI into work design • The role of HR leaders in driving the upskilling and reskilling to efforts to adapt to the changes brought about by AI • Democratising access to AI and ensuring that the productivity gains are shared equitably. References: Mercer 2024 Global Talent Trends https://www.mercer.com/en-au/insights/people-strategy/future-of-work/global-talent-trends/ Tech Council of Australia https://techcouncil.com.au/newsroom/ai-to-create-200000-jobs-in-australia-by-2030/#:~:text=2%20July%202024%20%E2%80%93%20Artificial%20intelligence,by%20Microsoft%2C%20LinkedIn%20and%20Workday Woolworths Launches Scan&Go Trolley https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/au/en/media/latest-news/2024/woolworths-launches-scanandgo-trolley.html Books by Ravin Jesuthasan https://www.ravinjesuthasan.com/author/ To learn more or contact us: https://www.mercer.com/en-au/insights/talent-and-transformation/podcast-making-work-work/

    26 min

  6. 07/07/2024

    Test, learn, adapt: Skills-powered transformation at Arcadis

    Imagine a company where every employee, regardless of their location, has equal access to learning opportunities, career growth and experiences. A company where the ability to solve client problems and deliver a differentiated service is amplified by the diverse expertise and perspectives of a connected global network of skilled employees. Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of skills-powered organisations (SPOs) with Amy Baxendale, Global Capability & Workforce Readiness Director at Arcadis. With 36,000 employees in over 30 countries, Arcadis embarked on their journey to become a SPO nearly two years ago. Amy, who is spearheading this transformation, shares the valuable lessons she has learned along the way and the secrets behind their transformation journey. Insights for HR leaders in this episode Importance of skills in the future of work and benefits of skills-powered model Key challenges and considerations when implementing a skills-powered approach, such as ensuring privacy and data protection, integrating with existing technology and effectively managing change Importance of collaboration between the organisation, technology partners and change management Conditions for a successful journey, including strong leadership support and stakeholder engagement Test and learn phases and the need for flexibility and continuous adaptation Effective strategies for driving change and facilitating communication throughout the transformation process Practical suggestions for organisations considering a similar transition. Ready to unlock the power of skills in your organisation? Tune in now and take the first step towards your transformation today. Discover how organisations can bridge skills gaps through data-driven strategies. Download the skills guide: https://www.mercer.com/en-au/insights/talent-and-transformation/skill-based-talent-management/skills-powered-organization-in-the-age-of-ai/

    1h 1m

  7. 06/24/2024

    Transferable skills: What can a former rugby captain and an artist teach organisations?

    In a world where technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, the demand for skilled talent is reaching critical levels. As HR leaders and practitioners, it's crucial to address these skills shortages and find innovative ways to retain and develop top talent.  In this episode we explore the career journeys of a former rugby captain and a talented artist. Through their unique experiences and unconventional paths, we uncover valuable insights that will inspire you to reimagine your talent model, skills development program, and employee value proposition.  Discover how transferable skills can bridge the gap between industries and roles and unlock untapped potential within your organisation.   Host: Emma Webb, Senior Associate, Workforce Transformation, Mercer Pacific.  Guests: Dean Mumm, National Manager - Corporate Sport, Marsh Australia and Georgina Lee, Principal, Employee Experience & Culture, Mercer Pacific To learn more visit: https://www.mercer.com.au/our-thinking/workforce/podcast-making-work-work.html

    31 min

  8. 05/15/2024

    Get ready for workforce 2.0: Global talent trends 2024

    Organisations in every industry are looking for ways to increase productivity. But rising levels of employee burnout and a decline in trust show the potential cost. Could AI be the answer? We had over 12,000 C-suite executives, HR directors, employees and investors contribute to our Global Talent Trends 2024 study and we their input helped us uncover four trends that are shaping the people agenda this year: Human-centric productivity (3:32) Equitable work practices (10:40) Ready and resilient workforces (20:55) Digital-first culture (30:19) We explored each of these trends in a recent webinar attended by over 400 HR and business leaders. You can listen to the insights here or watch the replay: https://www.mercer.com/en-au/insights/people-strategy/future-of-work/talent-trends-to-unlock-human-potential-in-an-ai-world/#webinar “To ensure that the Australian workforce truly benefits from the gains of AI, we have to shift the productivity discussion from doing more with less to doing work with less effort.” Cynthia Cottrell, Workforce Solutions Leader, Mercer Pacific To learn more and for the episode references, visit: https://www.mercer.com/en-au/insights/talent-and-transformation/podcast-making-work-work/

    45 min
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About

Is work working for your people and organisation? In this podcast, Mercer thought leaders, industry experts and business visionaries share big ideas and best practices to help you transform your organisation, build great workplaces and shape a more equitable and sustainable future – a future where work ‘works’ for everyone. Making work ‘work’ is a podcast from Mercer Workforce Solutions.

Information

  • Creator
    Mercer Workforce Solutions
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mercer Workforce Solutions
  • Show Website
    Making work ‘work’