Sponsored by Workhuman
In this episode, we are going to discuss HR’s role as a strategic partner in the C-Suite. While the conversation has changed over the years, vying for a seat “at the table” has been an ongoing challenge for HR leaders. We will dive into how to add value to executive-level conversations as well as reveal ways to ensure your team is up to the challenge. Join us!
Let’s Meet Our Guest
Joining us today is KeyAnna Schmiedl from Workhuman. KeyAnna Schmiedl is Workhuman’s Chief Human Experiences Officer responsible for guiding all of the organization’s human experience strategy including talent, total rewards, learning and development, culture and employee experience, organizational design, yes, there’s more, corporate social responsibility, and DEI initiatives. KeyAnna has been recognized by the Diversity Journal, Forbes 40 under 40, as well as Business Insider for her work as an inspirational organizational leader and creator of open, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture.
HR in the New Year
What do HR professionals around the world care about the most?
HR has really been about the people. And your business is your people. You do not have success as a business without your people. So I don’t know about that fighting to get in the C-suite. I think those C-suiters who have been there, who have understood the purpose of what HR is and can continue to be for them, have started to get it. Right? You start to see more folks in HR reporting directly into the CEO. You start to see them at those budget and planning conversations, because you have to take into account, “How should we be treating our people? And also, what are we looking to get out of our people?” It’s more of a back and forth now than it ever was.
HR and the C-Suite
What are some examples of HR adding value to the C-suite?
So, okay, let’s talk about some of the value that HR brings. And I’ve got to tell you, if you hear me hesitate when I say HR, I’m still like, “Ugh.” The idea of us being human resources, personally, I love the idea of us prioritizing the human experience. That’s why that’s in my title and that’s in my team’s title. So you may hear me use HX as another term. Why don’t we get to innovate like all of the other roles? Am I right?
Equipping HR Leaders
How do HR leaders equip themselves to rise to the occasion and get their teams to a place where all of this is actually possible?
It’s about taking that moment to say, “Within 2025, this is going to be a defining year.” So take the strategy, yes, but also look at the opportunity to fill your time with the things that really matter to the people within the organization that will drive the organization forward. So let’s have our people, our HR people, reinvest in themselves. Get creative again. Right? We don’t have to just go through the motions of, “Yes, we do performance reviews here. And yes, this is a merit increase over here.” But rather saying, “How can we really think creatively about how we support the business by supporting the people?” And identifying a place that could be almost like a retreat for people to get to and to get together with other people who are thinking like you are thinking.
I will tell you, it’s one of the reasons why I fell in love with Workhuman is because we have Workhuman Live. Right? And so, that’s our own conference. But it really is that place where you get around other like-minded people who aren’t necessarily asking, “How do I get through this next policy draft?” but instead saying, “Well, should we be focused on that being the policy? Or should we think differently about how we approach this overall?” And that’s really the opportunity that I think we have in 2025 and every year going forward, but specifically at a conference like Workhuman Live.
To Learn More About HR and the C-Suite
For more insights into HR using the C-Suite, listen to this full podcast episode. And be sure to subscribe to the #WorkTrends Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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