We're Only Human

In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks converses with Louise Willoughby, Chief People Officer at Beekeeper, to explore the groundbreaking strategies Beekeeper has employed to enhance employee retention. The discussion underscores the importance of aligning company and employee values, and introduces impactful initiatives such as 'frontline days', mental health support platforms, and flexible learning budgets. Louise highlights programs like paid sabbaticals for personal learning projects, proactive business continuity planning, and fostering a people-centric culture through regular check-ins and manager involvement in comprehensive career conversations. These insights offer actionable advice for HR professionals aiming to cultivate supportive and effective workplace environments.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:42 Meet Louise: Career Journey and Role at Beekeeper04:09 The Big Resignation and Retention Strategies07:47 Innovative Benefits for Employee Retention11:45 Addressing Business Continuity Challenges12:20 Learning Opportunities and Coverage Plans12:59 Customer-Facing Team Challenges13:48 Impact on Attrition Rates14:12 Proactive Culture and Team Support14:41 Breaking Down Stereotypes Through Proximity15:50 Creating a People-Centric Culture17:51 Approachability and Empathy in HR18:41 Building Trust with Managers and Employees20:40 Practical Tips for HR Professionals21:23 Connecting with Louise and Beekeeper21:50 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

Building Trust in HR: Kathy White on Compensation and CommunicationIn this episode of 'We're Only Human', host Ben Eubanks talks with Kathy White, VP of HR for Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, about the critical aspects of compensation and communication in the workforce. Kathy shares her experiences from the World at Work conference and her role in developing a transparent compensation strategy at her organization. The conversation covers the importance of making HR work tangible, the necessity of clear communication and building trust, and discusses methods for enabling managers to effectively handle compensation discussions. Kathy also highlights the need for continuous refinement and learning in HR processes, emphasizing the significance of patience, dedication, and alignment with organizational values.00:00 Introduction and Preview01:26 Meet Kathy White: HR Leader at Habitat for Humanity03:41 The Role of Compensation in HR05:00 Communicating Compensation Strategies09:36 Training and Supporting Managers16:36 Lessons Learned and Best Practices19:39 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCheck out the FREE HR Summer School replay for 7.5 HRCI/SHRM CreditsConnect with Kathy on LinkedInSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We Are Only Human, host Ben Eubanks is joined by Poornima, Chief Product Officer at Rival. Together, they discuss the latest research in Talent Acquisition, focusing on the importance of flexibility and agility within organizations. They delve into the challenges employers face in forecasting hiring needs, the necessity of personalized onboarding processes, and the evolving role of AI in talent acquisition. The conversation highlights the significance of having integrated systems to maintain data accuracy and compliance. They also touch on the evolving landscape of ATS and the critical role of skill development in maintaining an adaptable workforce. Poornima emphasizes the importance of engaging deeply with vendors and understanding the real capabilities of their solutions.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:43 Guest Introduction: Poornima from Rival01:20 Research Insights: Workforce Agility and Flexibility02:22 Challenges in Talent Acquisition and Onboarding03:16 The Importance of Data Integration and Accuracy06:50 Personalized Onboarding: Best Practices and Examples14:02 The Role of ATS in Talent Acquisition20:57 AI and Skills in Talent Management26:08 Final Thoughts and AdviceConnect with PoornimaConnect with RivalSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We're Only Human, Ben Eubanks interviews Marcus Thorpe, Global Head of Talent Acquisition (TA) at ThoughtWorks, during the Starcircle Supernova Conference in Cork, Ireland. Marcus shares his experiences and strategies for scaling TA functions across 20 countries, centralizing recruiting processes, and leveraging data to make informed hiring decisions. Key topics include the importance of calibration, data-driven decisions, and building a cohesive global TA strategy. Marcus also provides actionable advice for TA leaders facing similar challenges in alignment and data utilization.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:03 Overview of the Conference 00:57 Conversation with Marcus Stuart Begins01:17 Marcus Thorpe's Background at Google and other companies01:50 Challenges and Strategies in Talent Acquisition04:05 Centralization of Talent Acquisition05:15 Importance of Data in Talent Acquisition08:32 Advice for Talent Acquisition Leaders16:54 Connecting with Marcus ThorpeConnect with Marcus on LinkedInSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We're Only Human, Ben Eubanks discusses with Jessica Teitjen about her journey from law to executive leadership in HR and IT. Jessica shares her personal experience of burnout and her subsequent deep dive into the neuroscience of human performance. They explore the disconnect between current workplace practices and positive human outcomes, emphasizing the need for practices that balance both business and human results. Jessica outlines practical steps for HR professionals to align and optimize the nervous system for better performance, advocating for balanced breathing and a holistic approach to integrating creativity, compassion, and courage in the workplace.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:28 Jessica's Career Journey01:26 The Disconnect in Work Design04:02 Impact of Performance Reviews06:56 Human Body and Workplace Stress10:09 Aligning Neural Networks for Better Performance13:32 Practical Tips for HR Leaders16:53 Connecting with Jessica17:38 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Jessica on LinkedInSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of 'We Are Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks is joined by Amy Mosher, Chief People Officer at isolved. They discuss the crucial elements of building a company culture where employees are eager to join and reluctant to leave. Amy shares insights from her experience transforming isolved's culture, emphasizing high trust, transparency, and a focus on diversity and inclusion. The conversation also covers practical advice for HR leaders on driving business success through culture and excellent leadership. Ben and Amy share laughs and personal stories, making for an engaging and insightful discussion.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:05 Meet Amy Mosher from isolved00:31 Exciting Plans and Personal Stories01:07 HR Summer School Replay02:10 Creating a Workplace People Love02:35 Building a Strong Company Culture04:16 Challenges and Strategies in HR09:16 Transforming Established Companies17:05 Encouragement for HR LeadersSee the HR Summer School replay for freeConnect with Amy on LinkedInSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this engaging episode of 'We Are Only Human', host Ben welcomes Paul Norman, a seasoned TA leader and consultant. Paul shares his extensive experiences in talent acquisition across diverse industries like financial services, technology, and healthcare. The discussion covers TA strategy, aligning recruitment with business goals, user experience in recruiting, and building credibility with hiring managers. Paul also emphasizes the importance of listening, contracting during intake meetings, and simplifying the hiring process to be successful at scale. Tune in for practical tips on enhancing your talent acquisition function.Key moments00:41 Paul Norman's Career Journey02:00 Challenges and Success in Talent Acquisition03:50 Aligning TA with Business Goals06:51 Strategies for High Volume Hiring13:57 Improving Candidate and Hiring Manager Experience19:37 Building Credibility and Effective Processes31:34 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationConnect with Paul on LinkedIn See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks converses with James Galvin, founder of Starcircle. They discuss key aspects of talent acquisition, including being data-driven, understanding market dynamics, and achieving internal alignment within organizations. James introduces Starcircle’s 12-component Hiring Friction Model, which addresses various elements such as demand alignment, candidate experience, and technology enablement. The discussion emphasizes proactive planning and continuous improvement in hiring practices to meet business objectives successfully.Connect with James on LinkedInSee the Starcircle Hiring Friction ModelSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

Rebroadcast note: For the first time in We're Only Human's 8-year history, we're rebroadcasting some of our most popular episodes to share them with new listeners. That means sometimes the speakers will have moved to a new company in the interim, but the lessons they shared are still relevant, topical, and valuable. Enjoy!In this episode of We're Only Human, Ben Eubanks talks with Kristi Jones, a former Talent Acquisition leader at H&R Block, about their innovative approaches to seasonal recruitment and workforce planning. Kristi shares insights on building strong hiring manager relationships, the transition from recruiter to manager, and the importance of data and metrics in talent acquisition. She also discusses how H&R Block uses technology, including AI tools, to improve recruiting processes and stay ahead of industry trends. The conversation explores the challenges of high-volume recruitment, the importance of strategic planning, and the need for transparency and collaboration between recruiters and hiring managers.Connect with Kristi on LinkedInSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

This episode of We're Only Human features a keynote panel discussion with Ben Eubanks, Broc Edwards, and Dana Ullom-Vucelich. The panel focuses on the importance of creating cultures centered around giving, seeking, and receiving feedback regularly. The discussion highlights how performance reviews should be routine and uneventful if feedback has been consistently shared throughout the year. The episode stresses the need for regular communication to avoid the pitfalls of ineffective performance reviews.Speakers:1. Ben Eubanks2.  Broc Edwards, Director of Learning and Leadership at Baylor University3. Dana Ullom Vucelich, CHRO of Ohio LivingThree Takeaways:1. Establishing a culture of regular feedback is crucial for effective communication and growth.2. Performance reviews should merely encapsulate ongoing discussions, making them less daunting.3. Regular feedback prevents performance reviews from becoming painful experiences.Connect with BrocConnect with Dana See the show archives and sign up for episode updates