Who’s really driving AI adoption in the workplace? According to new research from UKG, it’s not who you might think. In this episode, we unpack groundbreaking findings from a national survey revealing that Gen Z is outpacing other generations and many executives when it comes to integrating AI at work. With 90% of Gen Z workers believing AI can save them time (and nearly half saying their boss doesn’t “get” it), the generational divide around emerging tech has never been clearer or more important to address.

From the floor of SHRM 2025, we’re back and sharing the big ideas and real talk shaping the future of work. From AI to employee experience, here’s what you need to know about the conversations and insights at SHRM 2025 in San Diego! 

Join Chas and Julie as they discuss career development and finding fulfilment.  Also, hang tight as they share some amazing news.

At the Great Place to Work For All Summit in Las Vegas, speakers discussed the importance of creating a positive work culture. Julie highlighted the summit's international presence and the benefits of being Great Place to Work certified, including better financial and retention outcomes. Chaz shared a personal story about his wife securing a job through the Great Place to Work list. They emphasized the role of HR, payroll, and AI in fostering trust and employee engagement. The conversation underscored the significance of employee surveys, with over 70% employee certification required for listing. The partnership between UKG and Great Place to Work was praised for providing valuable insights and data-driven decision-making.

Join Chas & Julie as they are joined by R "Ray" Wang from Constellation Research as Ray discusses the evolving landscape of AI, emphasizing its widespread adoption across industries. He highlighted AI's role in enhancing productivity, particularly in manufacturing, where it aids in quality control, marketing, and spatial imaging. Wang predicted that by year-end, AI will be ubiquitous, benefiting mid-market businesses most. He also addressed the misconception of AI as dystopian, advocating for AI's positive impact on efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Resources: https://www.ukg.com/resources/white-paper/ai-modern-workplace

Find Ray and Constellation Research's work here.  Connect with Ray here.

Chas and Julie highlight what it takes for a successful implementation of any change inside your organization.  Have a listen!

Chas and Julie kick off this episode lamenting about the inconvenience of airport carpet, noting the smooth transition from laminate to carpet in terminals, which snags luggage. They also touch on the Super Bowl's impact, citing a study showing 22.6 million people took off the day after the game. Julie and Chas also address executive priorities, noting that while CEOs focus on profits, attracting and retaining talent is crucial. They conclude with humorous responses to how they stay productive.

Join Julie and Chas  as discuss Julie's achievements in the Pop-A-Shot  hitting 113 points, and her strategy for aiming for monthly top scores. They transition to payroll trends, emphasizing the strategic importance of payroll in the employee experience and the challenges of multi-country payroll. They highlight the growing role of AI and robotic process automation in payroll, improving efficiency and accuracy. Cybersecurity is also a major concern, with phishing attempts targeting payroll departments. The conversation concludes with the importance of payroll in maintaining employee trust and the need for continuous improvement in payroll processes and technology.

In this special episode celebrating their 100th podcast, Chas Fields and Julie Develin reflect on their journey, sharing insights about their audience and the podcast industry. They discuss the rarity of reaching 100 episodes, with only 2.9% of podcasts making it to 200. Their top five most listened-to episodes include discussions on the state of HR post-COVID, resume trends, employee communications, the cost of doing nothing in HR, and 2023 mega trends. They highlight the importance of transparency, flexibility, and addressing current workplace challenges. The podcast has been downloaded in 90 countries and 130 cities, with significant listenership in the US, Canada, and the UK.

Join Chas and Julie as they address productivity gains in the workplace head on.  Part 3 of the 2025 Megatrend series, Chas and Julie uncover practical elements of making better decisions in the workplace through the lens of artificial intelligence.

Join Chas and Julie as they discuss the 2nd Megatrend in this 3 part series where they uncover the engagement and employee experience outlook for 2025.

Join Chas and Julie as they unpack UKG's 2025 MegaTrends.  In this episode they discuss the escalating global labor deficit and share ways your organization can inventory, create a plan, and execute by focusing in certain areas of your business.

In this episode, Chas and Julie cover UKG's latest research from the Workforce Institute.  The conversation highlights key trends happening amongst the frontline workforce and how you can better prepare your business for the future.

Chas and Julie reveal UKG's 2025 Megatrends your organization should act on.  With over 30 case studies, 200 stakeholders, and hours of compilation, tune in to hear which trends could have the greatest impact on your business.  Chas and Julie also share practical recommendations on how to be proactive with your actions.

Did you miss Aspire 2024?  Join Chas and Julie as they highlight some of the key things you missed live in Las Vegas.

Join Chas and Julie in this brief episode as they share highlights of what is coming up in the next two weeks. UKG Aspire is on the horizon as they will be taking the main stage in "A Closing Conversation." Can't Attend?  UKG has made it possible for you to join them live so you can embrace the energy. Join the fun by clicking here.

Wait times, testing our patience, and poor travel conditions have absolutely nothing to do with this episode.  Join Chas and Julie as they continue the road to 100 sharing their favorite podcast episodes and highlight some of the predictions they were on target with and complete misses.  Have a listen!

About 40% of employees globally listen to music daily while at work.  Join Chas and Julie as they "bring the vibe" of how valuable listening to music is at work.  They share their top 5 list of songs that make them think about work, motivate them to push, and share a bit of music history.  Enjoy this off-beat episode with your favorite co-hosts.

Some days, you just don't have it.  It's hard to find something to be grateful for especially when It's easy to always look at the wrong things an organization does.  Today's episode with Chas and Julie, they share how gratitude in the workplace, specifically for leaders, can shape the way you view work in a positive way.  Listen as they discuss leadership, prioritizing growth, and small acts of kindness can remind us how to find gratitude at work.

You have a name, and it's not just "Payroll." In this episode, Chas and Julie discuss how you, as payroll professionals, can develop a personal brand that highlights your unique skills. Chas and Julie enable you to advocate for yourself, broaden your perspective of the business you serve, and discuss how you are a major contributor to organizational culture. Have a listen!

Payroll's Part to Play for PDCs!

Everyone wants autonomy at work, but is it for everyone?

Join Chas and Julie as they discuss the impact of workplace autonomy on employee satisfaction, job satisfaction, retention, and innovation. They emphasize the need for trust, flexibility, and effective communication to support employee ownership and creativity. Chas highlights the importance of building relationships and providing training, while Julie shares concerns about potential challenges and silos. 

Chas and Julie discuss the challenges of managing political discussions in the workplace during election season. Julie emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for employees to express their opinions without fear of retaliation, while Chas acknowledges that there is no clear solution and encouraged organizations to survey their employees. They also discuss the potential benefits and challenges of allowing politics in the workplace, as well as strategies for addressing controversial issues and navigating sensitive conversations.

Don't know where to start? Try here.

Join Chas and Julie as they sit down with Harvard Business School Executive Fellow Dan O'Connor. With the rapid-changing work environment, Dan provides his insights on predictive artificial intelligence (AI) models that are transforming commerce. With the importance of adapting new technologies, Dan suggests acquiring new and soft skills could help secure your future in the workforce.

Dan is a thought leader known for his retail and consumer products research and insights. Check out some of Dan's work below:

• Harvard Business School: Managing the Future of Work
• Harvard Business School Case Studies on the Future of Commerce and Work
• YouTube Channel Featuring Dan O’Connor’s Presentations

You can hear your country's national anthem playing in your head during this episode of the People Purpose Podcast. Join Chas and Julie as they uncover some wild statistics from the latest UKG study that determines who won't be showing up to work during the Olympics. They highlight the conversations you should be having now to potentially avoid a major loss in productivity.

Join Chas and Julie live from the SHRM 2024 Conference in Chicago.  Joined by special guest George Rogers, they discuss the significance of workplace culture in today's organizations, emphasizing the importance of unity, cultural leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion. George shares steps leaders must take to empower their workforce to thrive.  Rounding out the episode, they each share their #SHRM24 conference experience.

Find George here.

Have a laugh with Chas and Julie  as they discuss their experiences with fidgeting and distractions in the workplace. They then explored the evolving nature of accountability in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of clear expectations, psychological safety, and ongoing evolution to hold individuals and organizations accountable.

They cover questions like:

• How does the frontline employee hold the manager accountable? Or how does the manager hold leadership accountable?
• How do you hold people accountable in a group project setting?

Are you having the time of your life at work?  Chas and Julie just might be.  In this episode, they share their experiences meeting professional basketball player Caitlin Clark at a conference in Connecticut. Later, they discussed the complexities of work-life balance and the importance of meaningful work in today's workplace. Julie shares personal experiences highlighting the significance of finding fulfillment in one's career, while Chas expressed skepticism toward the idea of work-life balance. They emphasized the need for open communication, internal self-reflection, and effective teamwork to achieve this balance, and discussed the growing importance of social skills in the workplace.

Need a pick me up?  Watch the Time of Your Life promo here.

It's part two of our conversation on rethinking employee needs. On this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie further discuss the employee continuum of needs, and dive deeper into autonomy, actualization and fulfillment. Plus, in the business stat of the day, find out what two aspects of a job make an employee more likely to be happy within their role.

Join Chas and Julie as they sit down with Chief Executive Officer of Great Place to Work Michael C. Bush.  Michael shares his approach to leadership, his deep sense of care for all people, and how making decisions isn't always easy.  Tune in as you hear an epic story in this executive series.

On this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie are joined by their colleague Heather Geronemus. Heather is the senior director of social equity, opportunity and impact at UKG, so who better to chat corporate philanthropy with as we get ready for Global Pay it Forward Day on April 28? Also, in today's business stat of the day, find out how much money organizations around the country donate to non profits.

How do you define "engaged" in the workplace? Are there different levels of engagement? On this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss rethinking employee needs, and how one size doesn't fit all when it comes to the workplace. Plus, find out what the global employee engagement rate is on the latest stat of the day.

On this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie were live from the HIMSS Conference in Orlando with special guest, Nanne Finis. The trio discuss the ins and outs of the Healthcare Information Management Systems Society Conference, which had more than 35,000 attendees with an expo hall the size of 90 U.S. football fields.

It's the second executive-series episode of The People Purpose Podcast. In this episode, Chas and Julie sit down with UKG Chief People Officer, Pat Wadors. Chas, Julie and Pat discuss life, family, and early careers. They focus on the keys to being a people leader and the philosophy Pat has used throughout her extraordinary career.

Are you hiring people based on their diploma and previous job titles? Or do you evaluate talent based on their skills and abilities? On this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss skills-based hiring and different ways you can change your approach to hiring. Plus, in the business stat of the day, find out how many executives think their organization should help employees learn new, relevant skills, and how many are actually doing something about it.

What makes a great business conference? If your answer is unlimited coffee, you agree with Julie. On this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie go beyond the food offerings, and discuss ways to help you prepare for conferences you might be attending in the months ahead. Learn tips and tricks of how to make the most out of your time and money. Plus, learn the ins and outs of why intentional networking is a conference secret hack. 

It's another special episode of The People Purpose Podcast, as Chas and Julie sit down with a UKG brand ambassador for the first time. They chat with professional golfer Megan Khang, who is currently the No. 14 golfer in the world, according to the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings.

When you think of a great leader, what qualities do you think of? What can you or your manager do to become a better leader? In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss the different qualities of great leaders. Plus, find out how many organizations prioritize developing leaders, in today's business stat of the day.

Subscribe to the People Purpose Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify or watch on YouTube.

Resources:
Our Website
The Workforce Institute

What is the Workforce Institute Weigh-In? 

Launched in February 2022, The Workforce Institute Weigh-In is a monthly feature from The Workforce Institute at UKG. Each month, we pose a top-of-mind question from the world of HR and include several perspectives from our advisory board. These are succinct, actionable insights that organizations can start implementing today.

Join Chas and Julie as they discuss a few of the features from 2023 along with their perspective on how it's effecting work.

Learn about the Workforce Institute Weigh-In Here.

Are you interested in learning about the most significant trends shaping the global workforce over the next few years? In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss the 2024 Megatrends with guest Dr. Jarik Conrad, who is the Vice President of Human Insights at UKG and Executive Director of the Workforce Institute.  Jarik, Chas, and Julie share the upcoming Megatrends and the potential impacts it will have on the workforce.

In a special episode of The People Purpose Podcast, introducing the first rendition of the "E-Series" or Executive Series. Join Chas and Julie as they sit down with Chris Todd to hear about his journey to become Chief Executive Officer of UKG. He also discusses his approach to leadership, and they share a few laughs along the way.

*ping* *ding* *email sound* *instant message sound*. Is your life overrun by push notifications? In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss the stresses an overwhelming amount of notifications can cause. Plus, find out how many push notifications two billion smart phone users are receiving. The large number may surprise you!

It's a very special episode of The People Purpose Podcast, as Chas and Julie were live from the Spotlight Stage at UKG Aspire 2023. They share their experience and takeaways from a week at the conference in Vegas. They also get perspective from the live audience in attendance.

Ever wonder how partnerships impact your business?  What is the breaking point before you need to reach out for help? The People Purpose Podcast travels abroad to His Majesty's Kingdom in London to discuss the impact of partnerships and how you can stay ahead of the curve with your business.  Plus learn how much data is consumed via the Google search engine.  It's more than you think!

Julie is live at the 2023 HR Technology Conference in Las Vegas. On this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss key themes they're seeing around HR Technology based on sessions at the conference. Plus, find out what impact HR technology has on finding and retaining talent.

What are the best ways to celebrate Halloween in the office? What kind of costumes can you wear to work? Can you comment on your co-workers' costumes? It's a spooky episode of The People Purpose Podcast, as Chas and Julie discuss the Dos and Don'ts of Halloween at the workplace. Plus, find out how much money people spend on Halloween around the U.S.

HR can feel like a thankless profession. What better time to say "thank you" than on HR Professionals Day? In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie are thanking HR members everywhere and celebrating the profession.

The topic of a four-day work week comes with many different opinions. What works for one person or organization might not be the best plan for another. In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss the pros and cons of a four-day work week in the U.S. Plus, find out where four-day work week studies have been successful.

Are you interested in learning what areas you can focus on to improve your organization? Listening to your people will certainly will help. In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss different tools and resources you can use to gain insights from your employees. Plus, find out how many people would be willing to exercise at work if their organization provided a gym.

In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie are together again, in person, in Indianapolis. They discuss data use at work and what you can learn from the data consumed by your organization. Plus, find out how many gigabytes of data the average American consumes in one day.

Have you been searching for tips on how to grow your career? Look no further than this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, where Chas and Julie discuss five tips for those starting out in their professions. This is a rare episode of The PPP, as we're in front of an audience for the first time -- live from UKG's young professional program called Elevate.

More than two years ago we began this podcast with an episode discussing The State of HR. The world has changed so much since then, so what better topic to revisit? On this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss The State of HR and how the profession has evolved since Episode 1 in April of 2021.

Do you need to broaden your talent pool?  Are you finding it difficult to find the right person for the right job?  Do you struggle with stakeholders determining their needs for requisitions?  On this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, join Chas and Julie as they discuss key resources and ideas that will help you fill positions faster.  

Live from SHRM 2023, it's The People Purpose Podcast. This week, Chas and Julie recorded our episode from inside the expo hall at the SHRM annual conference in Las Vegas. They discuss the ins and outs of this year's event and give an insider's perspective in case you missed it.

How will GenAI impact your organization? In a rapidly changing world, it's crucial to be proactive rather than reactive. Are you still willing to learn, adapt and prepare for new emerging technologies? On this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss present futurism and how best to prepare for technology changes coming to the workplace.

Do you recognize there are some introverts on your team who may have difficulty speaking up during meetings? What do you do to overcome this hurdle? On this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss how to plan meetings for personalities of different types. Plus, find out how what percentage of people consider themselves an introvert or an extrovert. And let us know what you consider yourself!

How has the perspective on mental health evolved over the last three years? Is there still a stigma in the workplace when there's a need to focus on mental health? On this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie revisit the discussion on mental health in the workplace. Plus, they dive into The Workforce Institute's study on mental health in the workplace, and how much of an impact managers have on their employee's mental health.

How do you like to communicate? How do you like to be communicated with? Are the answers different? On this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss effective communication with employees. Plus, find out how often companies with effective programs for communication and support are more likely to beat out their competition.

How do you and your employees adapt to change? What tools can be used to make adjustment to changes easier? On this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss how to effectively manage change and create resiliency. Plus, find out how many employees feel capable of responding to changing business and customer needs, and how often those changes lead to success.

Did you know, if you're late to work by 20 minutes two times per week, it nearly equals missing an entire week by the end of the year? On this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss lateness and the unintended consequences it has. Plus, find out how frequently people are late to work and how much that tardiness is costing businesses.

Resumes have been around for centuries, but the style, function and goal of them have changed over the years. In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss what the importance of resumes should look like in 2023. Plus, how long do you think the average hiring manager spends reading a resume? Who do you think is credited with creating the first resume? The answer to both questions may surprise you!

Are your employees engaged? Are your HR processes automated and time-saving? In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss the cost of doing nothing and how a lack of productivity -- or not using time wisely -- can add up on the bottom line. Plus, find out how many hours lost productivity costs organizations around the world.

Traveling can be an essential part of working for some people. Luckily for our listeners, Chas and Julie are professional travelers. In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, we discuss the importance of business travel and how to make the most out of what could be a costly expense. Plus, if you're traveling for your job, you're not alone. Find out how many people at the airport with you are also traveling for business.

Live from New York it’s … The People Purpose Podcast. Chas and Julie are together, in person, at the UKG booth during the NRF 2023. It’s good timing for the duo to be together, because they’re talking about partnerships in business in this episode.

Every year, an international team of UKG researchers, thought leaders, and social scientists partner to reflect on the previous year’s developments, evaluate the implications for executives and their HR teams, and predict how these forces will shape organizations and the industry for years to come.
 
People are struggling to adapt to an era of relentless change and uncertainty. In 2022, these tensions reached a tipping point due to compounding economic instability, climate change, violence, and political unrest. The impact on organizations and their people is — and will continue to be — substantial. Based on these daunting challenges that are having a significant impact on workers and workplaces, UKG has identified three major trends set to impact organizations on a global scale in 2023 and beyond. 

Join Chas and Julie as they discuss UKG's 2023 Megatrends.

Should an organization take the time to develop their leaders, or should the employee seek out their own development path? In this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss different ways to invest in leadership. Plus, they talk about their history in leadership positions. And in the business stat of the day, you'll find out how often women are in leadership roles around the world.
 

A little more than half of employees are willing to speak up against workplace misconduct, but is that enough?  In this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss ethical decision making in HR, and how to separate what’s happening in your personal life from the decisions you’re making at work. Plus, they talk about the differences between morals and ethics. 
  

Nearly half (46%) of today’s workers wouldn’t recommend their job to their children, according to a new global study by The Workforce Institute! In this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie dive into some of the most intriguing stats from the institute’s latest research on the current state and future of work. How did we get here, and what do we need to change in the years ahead to make work better for all employees, including future generations?
 

Thanksgiving is right around the corner in the United States. In this episode, Chas and Julie spend some time sharing what they’re grateful for, and especially why they’re thankful for HR professionals amid the ever-growing, ever-evolving role of HR. You’ll also gain insight into the hosts’ Thanksgiving plans, their thoughts on cooking and spending time with family, and much more! Plus, Chas and Julie share some startling findings from The Workforce Institute’s latest study.
 

UKG's first annual customer conference has come to an end.  With over 3500 people in attendance, listen to Chas and Julie discuss the sights, the sounds, and the opportunity that presents itself when attending.  If you missed being there and have "FOMO," this episode is for you. 

More surveys? Again? In this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss ways to make sure your surveys are effective and have an impact. Plus, find out how popular gamification is and how to utilize it in the workplace.

When do you like to work? How do you like to work? Where do you like to work? In this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss the pros and cons of being an early bird or night owl, and how to collaborate with teammates who may not have a similar style. Plus, they discuss the top advantages of gig jobs.

We’ve all seen it: someone is good at their job, so they get promoted to a managerial role. But does that always make sense? In this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss leadership criteria and what it takes to be a good leader. Plus, find out how often people quit their jobs directly due to the manager they have.

Summer is over, fall is here, and our interns return back to school. What are the benefits of internships? How can you make sure to get the most out of internship programs? In this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss the impact of interns, and they also talk about their own internship experience. Plus, they reveal how often internships turn into full-time roles within their organization.

Did you know that HR technology is so popular, there’s a three-day conference surrounding it each year? In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie give a recap of the HR Tech Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.  They talk about trends they noticed, the big focus on recruitment and retention products, and just how many HR technology products are out there that can help move your business forward. 

What You Need to Know:

• HR tech goes beyond the daily tasks — it plays a pivotal role in being a strategic leader.
• If you don’t know where to start with your tech, reach out to your network and ask.
• Technology is a critical component to a positive employee experience and retention strategy.

Are you overthinking before you’re making decisions? Does this lead to procrastination? In this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss paralysis by analysis, and ways to develop better decision-making skills. Plus, the business stat of the day is about how much procrastination costs employers.

Many managers think meetings can be unproductive. While meetings will always exist, how do you identify meetings that need to happen, and ones that don’t? In this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss this ins and outs of meetings, what aspects they do and don’t like about them, and what makes a “good” meeting.

In this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss their experiences with Covid-19 and how it has impacted their work. They also try to answer some questions surrounding the hard-to-navigate topic. Plus, find out how often employees are forced to miss work due to quarantine or taking care of a family member.

How is accountability viewed within your organization or your team? How do you define trust? Where does feedback fit in with accountability and trust? In this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss nuances of accountability in the workplace. Plus, find out how often attendance issues in the manufacturing industry leads to loss of job for employees.

Many employees are dissatisfied with their organization’s training and development program. What are ways you can improve? How can you be proactive and cater to your employees’ learning styles? In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie continue the discussion on training and development from last episode. If you haven’t listened to that one yet, go back and check it out first! 

Many organizations are missing the mark when it comes to training and developing their employees. The lack innovation in training and development can lead to higher rates of turnover among new hires. In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss ways to identify flaws in your training and how you can improve your organization’s development programs. Plus, find out how many people would recommend their company’s current program for training and developing them.

How do you set a budget? What are your financial goals? How can you help your employees with their financial wellbeing? In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss financial wellness and the steps you can take to better position yourself to be more informed. Plus, learn what the average debt is per person in the U.S. and how much the average person has in their savings account.

Welcome to a BONUS episode of The People Purpose Podcast. In this episode, Chas and Julie come to you live from New Orleans at the SHRM 22 Annual Conference. They discuss the conference's theme of "cause the effect." What does that theme mean to them? What does it mean to HR as a profession? Plus, go behind the scenes, and learn all about the expo, night life, speakers and more surrounding SHRM 22.

Are your employees feeling disengaged due to the distance while working remote? In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss ways to keep employees engaged, and how to make sure you’re effectively communicating with your employees. Plus, find out how many job openings there currently are and how many people have been hired around the country in the last month.

What keeps you motivated? What does “burnout” look like to you? In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie reflect on how to identify burnout, ways stay motivated, and how to practice self care. Plus, find out how many people are “opening to leaving their jobs?”

The grass might not always be greener. The Great Resignation is rife with great regret. Research from UKG shows many pandemic-era job-quitters regret their decision, with millions “boomeranging” back to their old jobs. Plus, find out how you may get the chance to see Chas and Julie live in person at an upcoming conference.

 What does managing up mean? How can you work collectively to help improve your team dynamics? In this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss the ins and outs of managing up and down. Plus, find out how many people are believed to be qualified for a manager’s position. The number may surprise you.

What is the psychological contract? What happens when it’s violated? In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss how to repair breaches of the psychological contract, and what it means for both employees and their workplace.

Plus, find out what percentage of jobs are currently remote positions, and how high that number is expected to go by the end of 2022.

Resources:

• What Do You Expect?  Exploring the Psychological Contract at Work
• The Workforce Institute
• How the psychological contract helps HR pros connect with their people

Paid time off (PTO) policies are different from company to company. In this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss the pros and cons of the three main PTO policies most organizations use. Which way attracts the most talent? Which has the most benefits? Which can cause the most headaches for HR or payroll? Plus, find out how many people keep certain facts hidden on their resume when applying for a job. And, should it matter?

Resources:

The Workforce Institute
The Latest on the Labor Shortage
UKG Careers — Benefits include Unlimited PTO

Do employees want to work for a company with a dress code? Are employees more likely to feel productive if they can feel comfortable in their work attire? In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss the dress code conundrum — which has only been intensified since the start of the pandemic. Plus, are you forgetting to assign tasks to remote workers? You’re not alone. Find out what percent of managers typically neglect to remember their virtual employees.

Resources:
The Workforce Institute
Dress Code May Lead to Discrimination Claims
2022 Workforce Institute Predictions

What does the number $10,157 mean? How does it translate to 18 car payments or $1 million in retirement savings? In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss ways to identify gaps in pay, how technology can play a role in closing the gap, the need to teach managers to go through processes in unbiased ways, and how to use data when determining ways to analyze pay equity.

From holding virtual lunches to asking a “question of the day,” which of Julie’s early pandemic projections about improving company culture ended up being true? In this episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie discuss what they thought a shift to remote work would look like back in March 2020 — compared with what it actually looks like today, nearly two years later. Plus, find out which age group is likely to double in the workforce by the end of 2030. 

Resources:

Workforce Institute Predictions

What We've Learned About Remote Work

Julie's 2020 Remote Work Predictions

It's been an exhausting and trying two years for all of us, both at work and in our personal lives.  During that time, we've withstood so much, - including (but not limited to) grief, uncertainty, and shifting employee expectations.  Looking ahead to 2022, the Workforce Institute at UKG has identified workplace predictions that should be top of mind for human resources and business professionals.  Join Chas and Julie, back for the first episode of 2022, as they will reveal and discuss these predictions.  Learn how to navigate what's ahead in the new year and ultimately make 2022 a success for your people and your business.

Resources:

·         2022 Annual Workplace Predictions from The Workforce Institute at UKG

·         Catch Up on Past Episodes of the People Purpose Podcast

·         Subscribe to The Workforce Institute

 You might be thinking this is the episode for our accounting people — but this is an important listen for all people leaders across every department at every organization. Tune in as Chas and Julie identify our best workplace resource, reinforce the importance of hearing and respecting all voices, and help you transform employee feedback into meaningful action. 

They say what happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas. However, Chas and Julie wanted to bring you in on the action as they discuss what goes on at UKG Works. If you’re looking to hit the jackpot on learning something new and exciting — whether it’s product related or professional development related OR doing good with a great partner like World Central Kitchen — you must listen to this episode. You’ll hear about Julie and Chas’ great adventure of being introduced to Buffalo football, how to take advantage of the next UKG customer conference, Connections, and how to challenge your organizational culture.

Resources:

1. UKG Connections Info
2. Exploring Remote Work & Burnout
3. Workforce Institute Research

Episode Title: When the Cause Just May Be the Cure: Exploring Remote Work and Burnout

Description: Remote work: a cause of burnout — or the antidote? When the COVID-19 pandemic began, employees at many organizations were told to grab what they could from their offices and head home, not knowing how long they would be there. Uncertainty took hold of the entire workforce, and record levels of daily stress and worry emerged. The emotional trauma from stress and worry has been even higher among remote workers than in-office workers throughout the pandemic, due to the challenges of balancing home life and work in the same setting. Join Julie and Chas as they discuss remote work and burnout and whether working remotely helps — or hurts — burnout in the workforce.

Resources: 

• It’s a New Era for Mental Health, Wellbeing at Work
• Improving Employee Wellbeing
• Showing Gratitude for the Frontline Workforce

Each year, the holiday season brings about different considerations when it comes to people and their expectations in the workplace. This has been complicated by many different factors over the past two years. In this episode, Chas and Julie discuss the current state of the workplace during the holiday season and some better practices for employers to consider. Learn what to do about seasonal hiring, how to show appreciation for current employees, and how to answer the age-old question, “Do we throw the annual holiday party?”

Resources:

• How Meaningful ESG Drives Performance
• Performance Reviews: What’s Not to Love?
• When Was The Last Time You Thanked HR?
• Are you maximizing your impact? Where HR pros at SMBs need to focus.

In light of recent worker strikes happening around the globe, we’ve recognized we have to change the way we cultivate culture and retain talent. We know it’s hard to hire right now but, often times, employers need not look far to fill existing roles. In this episode, Chas and Julie talk about Career Pathing and the steps you need to take to build a successful internal pipeline of talent to fill current and future roles at your organization. Listen as they give practical steps and help you think outside the box in your succession strategies.

Resources:

• https://hrexecutive.com/beyond-the-great-resignation-an-action-plan-for-hiring-and-retention/ 
• Why creativity is the key to your HR team's recruiting and retention strategy
• Answers for absence: Starting to face today's pressing HR challenges

Did you know that HR technology is so popular, there’s a three-day conference surrounding it each year? In this episode of The People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie give a recap of the HR Tech Conference & Expo they recently attended in Las Vegas. They talk about trends they noticed, the big focus on recruitment and retention products, and just how many HR technology products are out there that can help move your business forward. Julie also discusses a small snafu she experienced getting into the conference that is surely a sign of the times!

What You Need to Know:

• HR tech goes beyond the daily tasks — it plays a pivotal role in being a strategic leader.
• If you don’t know where to start with your tech, reach out to your network and ask.
• Technology is a critical component to a positive employee experience and retention strategy.

 Resources:

• The Heard and The Heard Nots Research
• The Workforce Institute
• September in Review — The Latest from the WFI

The joke is on us — Open Enrollment doesn’t have to be painful. In the latest episode of the People Purpose Podcast, Chas and Julie talk about the importance of overcommunication, some of the new demands you may not consider as an employer, and everybody’s favorite: compliance considerations. You will also hear about Julie’s paper-filled experience as a practitioner when handling Open Enrollment, as Chas chats about his journey being a millennial while dealing with benefits.
 
 Key Points:

• Learn new perspectives, or relatable perspectives, on pain points you need to address during benefits season.
• Understand the importance of considering new benefits in light of the pandemic.
• Gain knowledge that Open Enrollment can be experience-led versus checking a box.

Resources: 

• SHRM 21 Recap, The Turnover Tsunami & Unicorns
• Mental Health and its Impact on Work
• The Effectiveness of Teams: We are meant to work and thrive with others.

Viva Las Vegas! It’s the SHRM ’21 recap bonus episode of The People Purpose Podcast! Let us take you behind the scenes for a glimpse into the day-to-day happenings that occurred at SHRM ’21. In this special episode, Julie and Chas recap all the activities at SHRM ’21, which was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 9-12. They talk about a very impressive booth set-up in the expo hall, Chas and Julie’s experience as speakers at the conference, and SHRM’s “turnover tsunami” wall where attendees shared their ideas for how to retain top talent in the current job market. 

They also chat about Purpose the Unicorn.  You'll have to tune in to learn all about it!

Resources Mentioned:

• Research Report: The Heard and the Heard-Nots: Who feels heard in the workplace — and who doesn’t?
• The Heard and the Heard-Nots Podcast Episode

As HR professionals, we are busy. We are busy handling the day to day tasks and responsibilities that come along with our job, we are busy handing our lives outside of work, and we are busy trying to stay on top of all the tips and trends that help make workplaces better! Perhaps, though, we are too busy to focus on something that is vital to making everything else work--ourselves and our well-being. This episode will explore ways HR professionals can (and should) be aware of the importance of self-care, self-advocacy, and other mental health awareness considerations.

Understand that if you don’t take care of yourself, it’s hard to take care of your employees.

Why are we so hesitant to change?  It’s time to put things in check and discuss why change is so difficult and what we can do to make a positive impact.  In this episode listen to Julie and Chas discuss how to navigate change and remove the disruption in your organization.  

1. Learn how to commit to creating a better workplace.
2. Understand that problem solving and accepting change leads to a competitive advantage.
3. Improve your transparency and lean on the stages of change to help employees improve their overall well-being.

Intentionality is important in HR, especially when it comes to performance reviews. Everyone's favorite "love to hate" management task doesn't have to be a bad experience. Performance reviews are a critical element to your organizations overall culture & recruitment strategy. Join Julie and Chas where they discuss the importance of getting performance reviews right, especially in today's world of work. 

Within the words “written” in invisible ink are important agreements between the employer and the employee that shape the relationship, thus affecting employee experience, productivity, satisfaction, and several other important metrics. If you work in HR--or if you manage people--you’ve entered a contract that is in effect from day one of the employment association. This contract is not written, and it cannot be seen, signed, or notarized. In this presentation we will discuss the concept of the psychological contract at work and explore the (often forgotten and misunderstood) exchange relationship that has a myriad of impacts from both the employee and employer viewpoints.  Join Chas and Julie as they arm you with  with different insights into the “whys” of employee behavior and reactions, and help your people thrive.

The number of job openings that are available in the US is at an all time high.  What does this mean for companies that are having trouble keeping up with their operations due to staffing shortages.  Join Julie and Chas explore ways to ensure business continuity through active recruiting.  This episode will give Recruiters and business professionals a new lens to look through in a saturated job market.

What is that and what are the implications in business?  In HR we discuss the concept of onboarding often.  But rarely, do we discuss reboarding and what it means to the organization and to employees.  Join Chas and Julie as they discuss the things you should know when bringing employees back to the office after an extended period of time. 

Chas and Julie dive into the importance of destigmatizing mental health at work.  They cover practical elements to increase organizational awareness surrounding the important relationship between managers and employees.  It's not just about Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) - it's about taking an intentional and strategic approach to employee mental health. 

Do you think your employees are being heard? If you find yourself struggling with employees that are frustrated, leaving, or developing negative behaviors in the workplace, this episode is for you.  Join Chas and Julie for the latest research from the Workforce Instutute at UKG about employee voice.   

What does remote work and return to the office mean for your people? Join Chas and Julie and they provide guidance and deliver 3 key elements on making remote work and returning to the office a success.  They also share their experiences on what remote work could mean in the future and how to set expectations with your organization.

You may be asking yourself, "What is the people purpose podcast?"  It's the show that explores all the ins and outs of the challenges and opportunities HR, people managers, and all people face at work every day.

In this episode you will get quick information on what you can expect from hosts Chas Fields and Julie Develin.



Don’t forget to like, subscribe and use the hashtag #peoplepurposepod on social media sites like Twitter and LinkedIn. Also be sure to check out the latest blogs and research from the Workforce Insititute at UKG by visiting www.workforceinstitute.org. 

Join Chas and Julie for a quick laugh on all the cliches HR has faced over the last year.  They also cover the top trends and how HR needs to take a break so they can bring their whole selves to work.