Making work ‘work’: Recent Episodes
Mercer Workforce Solutions
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.
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/
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
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/
Host: CourtneyHughes-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/
In this captivating episode, our host Cynthia Cottrell asks Ilya Bonic, the President of Mercer's Workforce Solutions business and Head of Mercer Strategy globally, a thought-provoking question: "Do you think AI will ever replace your job?" This question sets the stage for the conversation as they delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, exploring its impact on the present and future of work.
Their conversation covers:
- HR’s crucial role in integrating AI into business and culture
- Reshaping work to leverage AI for the benefit of organisations and their workforce
- Bringing fairness and minimising bias in decision-making with AI
- Embrace the cultural shift in the way we work, as AI complements and enhances our capabilities
This is an insightful episode on the incredible potential that AI holds for our future. Tune in now and be part of the transformation.
Step into Mercer’s world of work and discover the secrets behind creating a truly great place to work. In this captivating episode, our host Cynthia Cottrell, Partner and Workforce Solutions Leader, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Gaye Morris, Chief People Officer at Mercer Pacific. They delve into the dynamic landscape of modern workplaces and explore the initiatives spearheaded by Gaye, resulting in Mercer's coveted nomination for the prestigious 2023 AFR BOSS Best Places to Work list.
You will discover how Gaye and her team cultivated an exceptional culture of collaboration during the acquisition of BT Super Fund and gain insights into the transformative power of distributed leadership, learning and development, and the importance of creating a relatable organisation.
The conversation also uncovers the essential pillars that visionary people leaders should prioritize in their quest to attract and retain top talent, even in the face of evolving labour markets and pressing concerns like artificial intelligence and employee burnout.
Are you ready to unlock the secrets of what makes a remarkable workplace? Tune into a stimulating discussion that tackles the pivotal role of Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) in today's challenging times.
Learn more about this movement, listen to the podcast now: https://www.mercer.com.au/our-thinking/workforce/podcast-making-work-work.html
One of the biggest challenges for organisations has always been how to monitor the skills they have and the skills they will need in the future. But as Cynthia Cottrell, Partner and Workforce Solutions Leader at Mercer Pacific, and Ravin Jesuthasan, Global Transformation Leader for Mercer, discuss in this episode, a new way of looking at work is emerging, one that takes a different approach at building capacity, unlocking potential and managing careers. They describe this new approach as a movement called “skills-powered” and explain that when skills (not jobs) become the currency of work, this not only helps organisations become more agile and resilient in the face of constant change and uncertainty, but helps secure futures – for workers and societies.
Tune in to listen to Mercer’s thought leaders discuss the evolution of work, how companies are using Talent Marketplaces to power their skills journeys, the role of AI and tools like ChatGPT in monitoring and matching supply and demand of skills, and advice for companies considering or starting their shift towards a skills-powered enterprise.
Learn more about this movement, listen to the podcast now: https://www.mercer.com.au/our-thinking/workforce/podcast-making-work-work.html
As businesses grapple with the challenge of ongoing labour and skills shortages, a growing number are adopting a skills-based approach to define the skills they will need in the future, flex their workforce, and purposely drive career development.
In this episode, our host Cynthia Cottrell, Partner and Workforce Solutions Leader at Mercer Pacific, speaks with Amy Baxendale, Global Capability & Workforce Readiness Director at Arcadis, about their journey towards becoming a Skills-Powered Organisation (SPO).
Their conversation covers: The business case for change and why now is the time for Arcadis to shift to a skills-based model, why Talent Marketplace technology is critical to enable the transition but culture change is at the heart of this human-centric transformation, HR’s role in this business-led change program, and how to get started with moving from jobs to skills.
Tune in to learn how an SPO talent model can help your business and hear practical steps to get started.
Visit the podcast page for the episode’s transcript, references and resources https://www.mercer.com.au/our-thinking/workforce/podcast-making-work-work.html
Whether you're in the boardroom or living room, inflation and the rising cost of living continue to dominate the conversations in 2023. Employees are worried about their finances and the prospect of limited pay increases. Executives are concerned with the impact of inflation on both their businesses and talent management decisions. Where does this leave workers and their employers?
In this episode, our host Cynthia Cottrell, Partner and Workforce Solutions Leader, Mercer Pacific, and guests Chi Tran, Head of Market Insights and Data, Mercer Workforce Solutions Pacific, and Andrew McKechnie, Head of Mercer Workforce Solutions NZ, talk about how organisations can respond to the crisis by centring their value proposition and business model on the needs of their workforce. They also cover key trends from Mercer’s latest salary and benefits surveys, the role of purpose, culture and the EVP, and practical steps that organisations can take today to navigate the current environment and promote higher engagement and retention.
Visit the podcast page for the episode’s transcript, references and resources https://www.mercer.com.au/our-thinking/workforce/podcast-making-work-work.html
Is your graduate or early talent program delivering long-term value? In this episode, Laura Manescu, Senior Talent Strategy Consultant at Mercer Workforce Solutions, Fiona Herron, Senior Manager of Graduate Programs at Commonwealth Bank, and Phil Harrington, Leader of Mercer’s Talent Assessment Business, talk about trends and best practices that will help you bring talent in early and develop and nurture them through your organisation.
In this conversation, they talk about the challenges and opportunities for hybrid work in recruiting and developing early talent, the evolution of assessment practices, assessing for skills, aligning graduate programs with broader HR strategy, using the recruitment process to make strides in DEI, personalising the candidate experience, using data beyond the point of hire, getting candidates excited about your offer, and more.
Visit the podcast page for the episode’s transcript, references and resources https://www.mercer.com.au/our-thinking/workforce/podcast-making-work-work.html
Do jobs really define what we do? In this episode, Cynthia Cottrell, Partner and Workforce Solutions Leader at Mercer Pacific and her colleague Anne Leblanc, talk about the evolution of work: the journey from job descriptions, capability and competencies to units of skills and the cultural shift required to unleash the value that all employees can bring to their organisations.
In this conversation, they discuss the circular economy of talent development, the pressing need to close talent gaps by quickly moving skills to where they are needed most, the benefits of building a skills-powered organisation, and the role of technology and talent marketplaces. They also share three actionable tips for employees, HR and organisations to start their own skills revolution today.
Visit the podcast page for the episode’s transcript, references and resources https://www.mercer.com.au/our-thinking/workforce/podcast-making-work-work.html
Cynthia Cottrell, Partner and Workforce Solutions Leader at Mercer Pacific and her colleague Andrew Lafontaine, Strategy and Growth leader, explore what makes workers happy at work and why it's so important for organisations to focus on creating "lovable" work experiences.
They talk about the decline of employee engagement in organisations, the rise of the Chief Happiness Officer, the role of employee benefits, flexibility, the 4-day work week, culture and work design.
Not many organisations are able to say that the hours and effort that their people dedicate to work truly contribute to making a happy life. Cynthia and Andrew share insights and practical actions that employers can take to create the conditions to make work lovable.
Visit the podcast page for the episode’s transcript, references and resources https://www.mercer.com.au//our-thinking/workforce/podcast-making-work-work.html