Making work ‘work‪’‬ Mercer Workforce Solutions

Host: Courtney
Hughes-Lord, Principal Transformation Consultant, Mercer

Guests: Lang Ip, Principal, Workforce Analytics, Mercer, and Anne Le Blanc, Principal, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead, Mercer

 

Do you want to build more confidence around your organisation’s pay decisions? In this episode, Mercer Workforce Solutions leaders discuss the factors contributing to the gender pay gap and share practical interventions to help close it. They explore an always-on approach to diversity and inclusion which promotes a more inclusive and equitable workplace. The conversation covers:


Challenging the notion that workforce composition and diversity in senior management positions are the sole solutions to closing pay gaps.
The role of data and workforce analytics in identifying and addressing pay disparities.
Ongoing monitoring of pay gaps to ensure progress and prevent the gaps from resurfacing.
Tackling the challenge of rectifying past inequities.
Leveraging AI to reduce bias and create a fair and equitable environment for all.
How talent marketplaces can help provide a level playing field for all employees.

Tune in and take a step towards closing the gender pay gap.

To learn more and for the episode references, visit: https://www.mercer.com/en-au/insights/talent-and-transformation/podcast-making-work-work/

In this episode, Mercer’s Paul Hennessy, Australian Sales Leader and Dean Tulloch, Leadership & Talent Practice Leader discuss the links between effective leadership and organisational success. They explore the leadership behaviours that bring out the best in teams and the need to set clear expectations to build a stable foundation for collaboration. The discussion also delves into the challenges of succession planning and offers insights into how organisations can plan a smooth transition of leadership. They also cover the importance of having the right people and organisational design to execute strategies successfully. The conversation further highlights the role of cultivating a culture of transformation and the need for consistency in implementing change initiatives. These insights will provide valuable guidance for leaders and organisations striving for growth and success.



Topics covered:

•Leadership behaviours that bring out the best in teams;

•The importance of working with diverse teams;

•Addressing the challenges of succession planning;

•The need for the right people and organisational design to execute strategies;

•Culture transformation and the importance of consistency in implementing change.



To learn more, visit: https://www.mercer.com/en-au/insights/talent-and-transformation/podcast-making-work-work/

To end the first season of Making Work ‘Work’, we revisit the question posed in the first episode: How do we make work lovable? Join our podcast host and leader for Mercer Workforce Solutions in the Pacific, Cynthia Cottrell, and Andrew Lafontaine, a Partner in the transformation business as they unpack the year. They discuss the concept of flexibility in the workplace, the challenges and tensions that come with it, and how to create a positive work experience for all employees. 



They also talk about the impact of the pandemic on work dynamics and the need for organisations to design jobs that work well in a hybrid work set up. The conversation also covers the issue of burnout and disengagement in the workforce, with a focus on the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive work environments.



They conclude by exploring a skills-first approach in creating lovable jobs and career pathways within organisations, highlighting the benefits for both employees and employers in terms of career development and strategic workforce planning.

Tune in to discover ways to make work more enjoyable and fulfilling for your people in 2024.

Creating Lovable Work in 2024: Reflections from season 1 of Making Work ‘Work’


To learn more and access the episode’s transcript and references visit: https://www.mercer.com/en-au/insights/talent-and-transformation/podcast-making-work-work/

There’s plenty to debate about where the HR agenda is heading. From hybrid work, to culture, total rewards, skills and AI - what will be the key trends for next year? We asked five experts from Mercer’s Workforce Solutions team to place their big bets for 2024. Tune in to our discussion to gain insights that will help you navigate the increasingly complex world of work.


Episode host: David Guazzarotto, Digital HR and Technology Advisory Practice Leader, Mercer Pacific

In this interview, our host Cynthia Cottrell, welcomes David Guazzarotto, Leader for our Digital HR and Technology Advisory practice, and an authority on digital transformation for the workforce and reimagining HR for the digital age. They discuss the landscape of HR transformation, particularly in the context of generative AI and technology advancements. The conversation centres on the impact and immense potential that technology offers HR and the workforce.

Five key takeaways from the interview:


Opportunities and challenges for HR in the age on generative AI: Nearly 75% of surveyed companies by the World Economic Forum are expected to adopt generative AI. Mercer's global Talent Trend study also highlights that executives' top priorities include redesigning work for agility which will require them to re-design their HR function.
Human-centric approach: David emphasises the importance of being "digital" rather than just "doing digital." HR should focus on understanding the needs of employees and aligning technology to enhance their experience and productivity.
Redefining work: Around 60% of current jobs didn't exist in the 1940s, showcasing the need for reskilling and adaptation to new roles. HR's role is to lead organisations through this change and identify critical future skills for the digital age.
Transformation challenges: Around 80% of HR tech projects fail to achieve intended ROI or solve business problems. David emphasises that organisations should focus on problem-solving rather than adopting technology for its own sake.
Strategic intent: David's recommendations for organisations include starting with a people-centric approach, embracing digital transformation as a cultural shift, and taking intentional steps toward technology adoption aligned with the organisation's strategic agenda.

To learn more and access the episode’s transcript and references visit: https://www.mercer.com/en-au/insights/talent-and-transformation/podcast-making-work-work

Did you know that in Australia, the number of software engineers outnumbers plumbers, hairdressers, or baristas? Despite this, only 15% of Australia's STEM skilled workforce are women, a stark contrast to the nearly 50% female participation in the broader workforce.



Today, we delve into the efforts to bridge this gender gap in STEM fields. Our host, Cynthia Cottrell, shares her experiences as a woman in STEM, reflecting on the challenges she faced as one of the few females in her systems engineering major over 25 years ago. To shed light on empowering the next generation of girls in STEM, Cynthia sits down with Jenine Beekhuyzen, the visionary founder of Tech Girls Foundation. This remarkable organisation is on a mission to inspire young girls to pursue STEM careers through innovative initiatives and programs.



In this captivating conversation, Cynthia and Jenine underscore the importance of female role models and how witnessing successful women solving significant problems in STEM can ignite a spark of inspiration in young girls. They emphasise the need to create a supportive community that nurtures young talent and explore the role organisations play in promoting diversity and inclusion in their workforces so that everyone can achieve their potential, or as Jenine says, bring their 'awesomeness' to work.



For references, transcript or to learn more, visit the website: https://www.mercer.com/en-au/insights/talent-and-transformation/podcast-making-work-work/