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Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Collective Effervescence: Hope From HR Leaders As They Face Challenges
Teamwork and thought leadership can overcome any challenge. If you're in the business of HR nowadays, the world of work can feel bleak. The divides amongst us grow broader and deeper; our businesses face layoffs, real and existential threats; DEIB has become a four-letter word; the C-suite implore us to help solve and ready the organization for an AI-laden near future, except instead of building the plane as we fly it, we're dismantling and repurposing the parts as we take off. At the interpersonal level, those of us in HR can feel like caretakers. We are the willing, compassionate warriors who strive to prevent and alleviate the suffering of others. We are a place where people air their grievances. And many times, that's a good thing. But who cares for the caretakers? Enter Workhuman Live, an HR conference put on by Workhuman, an employee recognition software company. My team attended Workhuman Live in Aurora, Colorado, the week of May 12th this year, and came home full of topical insights, new friends, and, more importantly, hope. Waypower and Willpower In psychology and the social sciences, hope is a measurable psychological state with tremendous power to enable action. Its component parts are Waypower and Willpower. Waypower encompasses the strategies necessary to achieve a goal, and willpower refers to the motivational energy required to reach it. Workhuman Live and events like these, when done well, can provide both. For ten years, Workhuman Live has gathered HR professionals, senior leaders, social scientists, and thought leaders to explore: How do we make work more human? From the likes of Adam Grant and Trevor Noah this year, to Michelle Obama, Brené Brown, Amal Clooney, and others in past years, this conference explores a wide range of topics. It seeks to unpack big questions, ponder challenging ones, and tread on uncomfortable ones, providing a place for HR professionals to collaborate, strategize, and bring actionable insights home to make a meaningful impact. This all contributes to the Waypower aspect of Hope. Beyond the brainpower and best practices, though, this conference provided attendees with the powerful experience of collective effervescence, a sociological term describing the feeling of belonging and connection to a group, making one feel like they are part of something larger. With high-energy visuals, engaging and thoughtful emcees KeyAnna Schmiedl and Holly Ransom, high-powered speakers, coffee bars, customizable water bottles, and (actually) good, healthy food, the week in Colorado at Workhuman Live was a place of connection and re-energization. Through this, Workhuman Live enlivened our Willpower. Key Themes: AI is Here to Stay One of our biggest takeaways from this year's conference was, possibly no surprise, the role of AI as a workplace disruptor. Met by some with cautious optimism, others with trepidation, and others with doomsday predictions, there is no doubt that AI is here to stay and changing work in ways yet to be fully revealed. With heavy-hitters weighing in like Adam Grant, Kelly Jones, the Chief People Officer at Cisco, and Kerry Dryburgh, the Chief Human Resources and Communications Officer at BP, it was nice to know that we are kindred spirits pondering the question: how will AI affect the future of work, workforces, and (up)skilling? Adam Grant suggested that we tap into the collective wisdom and creativity of our own workforces by launching a sort of AI hackathon, inviting employees to unlock the best possible ways to deploy AI to improve the organization. Whether you take his advice or not, the answer is not to crawl under your desk in the fetal position and hope that AI goes away soon. Great leaders are People-Centric We sat down and interviewed conference presenters, authors, and leaders, and asked them to differentiate between good and great leaders. Although our interviewees hailed from different industries, backgrounds, and areas of study, they all agreed that great leaders need to be people-centric, building relationships and cultivating the best in their people. Best-selling author and keynote speaker Cy Wakeman has been pondering this question for some time. Her insights were summed up with 'I think there's a totally new skill needed for great leaders. They are not going to manage the systems and the processes. That is for AI. Leaders should be managing the energy of their people. The new great leaders will be alchemists.' Niamh Graham, Vice President, Global HR at Workhuman said the great leaders truly care about their people. '[They] have to be a good listener, and [they] have to care.' We also spoke with Kia Afcari, Director of Greater Good Workplaces at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center (GGSC), who brings an academic lens to the question, given the GGSC's focus on the psychology and neuroscience behind wellbeing in the workplace. Kia shared, 'We've been doing a lot of research and writing on kindness in leadership. Known in academia as prosocial behavior, prosociality is generally defined as 'positive' social behavior intended to promote the welfare of others. Companies with prosopical CEOs perform better. Employees perform better for prosocial managers.' He writes in his article Why Kind Workplaces are More Successful, 'fostering a prosocial and well-being–oriented workplace is not only 'the right thing to do' but also a strategic business decision.' One way to initiate a more intentional approach to developing people-centric leaders is to explore the compassionate leadership toolkit, which includes a free assessment, and consider attending WorkHuman's next conference for educational and morale purposes.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
9 in 10 companies lack ‘future-ready' talent strategies, Adecco says
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. Only 10% of companies qualify as AI 'future-ready,' according to the results of an Adecco Group survey of 2,000 C-suite leaders across 13 countries and a variety of industries. The talent firm defined 'future-ready' as having structured plans to support workers, build skills and lead through disruption created by artificial intelligence. Companies struggling with the transformation have one thing in common, according to the report: They place unfair expectations on workers. The survey found that nearly two-thirds of organizations expect workers to proactively adapt to AI, but one-third have not instructed workers on how to use the technology, Adecco said. The small segment of companies that are AI future-ready also shared characteristics; 65%, for example, have adopted skills-based workforce planning and moved away from rigid job structures, according to the survey. The Adecco report echoes a consistent theme: To support and guide talent through the ever-accelerating pace of AI and generative AI transformation, companies need a robust plan and cannot leave employees to navigate AI use on their own. 'The difference is the mindset,' Denis Machuel, Adecco Group's CEO, said in a statement. 'Future-ready organisations aren't simply reacting to AI. Instead, these leaders are rethinking how their business works, how talent grows and how decisions are made.' However, to agree on a talent strategy, senior leaders must first be united on core talent issues, such as the organizational barriers preventing talent improvement, Adecco said. Also, if leaders expect their workforces to adapt to AI, they need to act as role models, the firm said. The survey found that only about a third of leaders worked to develop their own AI capabilities over the last 12 months. Additionally, companies are lacking data, which Adecco called the missing foundation for workforce strategy. Just 33% are investing in data to understand and close skills gaps, its research showed. Critical data includes understanding employees' generative AI training needs, according to a May report by Amazon Web Services. Lacking this understanding — and not knowing how to implement the training programs — may prevent companies from creating robust training plans that properly upskill workers, the report said. Two weeks ago, at a Workhuman conference, the founder of the AI Leadership Institute and one of the original Amazon team members who developed Alexa, emphasized HR's critical role in making sure workers are prepared for the changes. Organizations that have a future-ready mindset and have done the work see flexible, adaptable, tech savvy and proactive employees, Adecco said. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 ways Yelp prioritizes employee engagement in the ‘big stay' era
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. AURORA, Colo. — Yelp made waves in 2022 when it became one of the early adopters of shifting to permanently remote work in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision, which came about in large part due to employee feedback, is just one of the ways Yelp has put listening to workers at the center of its people strategy, Chief People Officer Carmen Amara and Senior Director of People Business Operations Brad Auernig told a Workhuman audience Tuesday. Employee engagement has shifted in what's being called the 'big stay' — a time that began around 2023, when employees decided to stay put in their roles, prizing stability over the draw of a new position. Yelp is experiencing this phenomenon along with other workplaces; its average tenure expanded from 2.8 years in 2022 to 3.9 years today, Amara said. 'But just because retention is high, that doesn't mean that employee expectations are not evolving,' Amara said. Potential challenges of the 'big stay' include maintaining workers' motivation, avoiding career stagnation and preventing burnout, she said. Amara and Auernig outlined a few strategies Yelp is using to keep workers engaged. Listening to employee feedback creates 'a foundation necessary for employees to thrive,' Auernig said, pointing to several approaches the company takes to listening: consistently through an annual survey, regularly at large events, and as-needed through focus groups and smaller surveys or events. What about survey fatigue? 'The truth is employees get worn out in providing feedback when they don't see change,' Auernig said. 'It's about turning insights into action quickly and effectively.' Yelp asks leaders to take feedback and do '1-2-3.' First, pick one issue. Next, devise two solutions. Then, commit to three follow-ups. 'Don't just listen,' Auernig said. 'Do something with what you hear.' When employees stay longer in the organization and their roles, 'they need to feel like they're continuing to move forward,' Amara said, noting that investment in growth and development is essential — not optional. How can HR foster this feeling? Yelp offers cross-functional projects, for one, Amara said. Employers can also offer mentorship and job shadowing, promote continuing education and certifications, and encourage workers to use AI tools to create a personalized development plan. 'It's really imperative that we do not wait for promotions to celebrate growth,' Amara said. 'We absolutely need to recognize skill-building, stretch assignments and progress along the way.' Finally, employees need to understand how the organization they work for makes a difference every day for those it serves. Yelp consistently reinforces the 'why' of the company, Auernig said, and helps employees connect how their work contributes to the broader project. 'When people feel connected to the purpose of the company, they will thrive,' Auernig said. 'They will bring their best selves to work.'
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A Decade of Human Connection: Workhuman Wraps It's Tenth Workhuman Live Conference; Announces Workhuman Live 2026 in Orlando, Florida
With bold keynotes, AI-powered innovation, and a decade of impact, the world's leading HR event continues to inspire people leaders to connect, recognize, and transform the future of work FRAMINGHAM, Mass., May 15, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Workhuman®, the world's leading employee recognition company, wrapped the tenth instance of its flagship event Workhuman Live, in Denver, where thousands of HR leaders gathered to reimagine what it means to create thriving workplace cultures. This year's Workhuman Live wasn't just a look ahead—it was a mirror held up to the profession. It asked HR leaders not just to adapt to change, but to own it. To stop supporting from the sidelines and start architecting the future of work with data, dignity, and bold decisions. From May 12–15, thousands of HR leaders, practitioners, and executives from around the globe gathered. The mainstage came alive with headlining speakers like Trevor Noah, Adam Grant, and a who's who of industry trailblazers, offering fresh insight into leadership, workplace culture, and the human experience at work. Workhuman customers shared how they're using recognition not as a perk, but as a performance strategy—showing measurable impact on engagement, retention, and inclusion. "Workhuman Live has become more than a conference—it's an entire movement," said Tom Libretto, President of Workhuman. "It's where people leaders come to recharge, rethink their impact, and return to their organizations with the tools and momentum to build better workplaces." And this year's event proved that the work of the HR industry has never been more important. Among the many highlights, Workhuman and The Wall Street Journal Leadership Institute announced the launch of the inaugural CPO Council—a first-of-its-kind coalition bringing together visionary Chief People Officers to elevate the role of HR in shaping strategic business outcomes. The Council represents a bold step forward in redefining the impact of people leaders at the highest levels of the enterprise. Innovations in Human Intelligence: Turning Recognition into a Live View of Workplace Culture Another defining moment of this year's event was the debut of Workhuman Topics™, the newest addition to Workhuman's Human Intelligence™ suite. Topics uses advanced AI to turn recognition moments into a living, breathing map of how strategic priorities—like inclusion, innovation, or leadership behaviors—are actually showing up in the culture. No forms to fill out. No added workload. Just continuous, real-time insight into how values and strategies are being reinforced across every team, function, and geography. Topics is the newest innovation in Workhuman's launch of Human Intelligence—new AI-powered tools that help companies understand what's really happening in their culture. While others focus on giving rewards, Workhuman leverages recognition data to help leaders see who's making an impact, how teams are working together, and where support is needed. Workhuman Live 2026 The next frontier of business isn't digital, it's human. In a world driven by AI and automation, Workhuman is calling HR to lead with purpose, insight, and recognition as a growth lever. HR leaders are encouraged to enhance their learning, networking, and professional growth at Workhuman Live 2026, which will take place April 27–30, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Early registration is now open at and code WHL26PRESS will provide a 20% discount. As attendees head back to their organizations, the message is clear: Workhuman is leading the next era of HR. One where recognition fuels performance, culture becomes a competitive advantage, and human intelligence drives business growth. About Workhuman Workhuman® is the world's leading recognition and rewards platform, serving organizations of all sizes—from the Fortune 500 to fast-growing mid-market companies—across more than 180 countries. With over 25 years of category leadership, we support 7 million employees worldwide and have facilitated more than 100 million moments of connection that elevate culture and drive performance. With over a decade of consistent profitability, Workhuman® stands as proof that investing in people delivers lasting business value. Our pioneering Human Intelligence™ technology transforms recognition into strategic insight, empowering organizations to unlock the full potential of their people while driving measurable business impact and culture transformation. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
A Decade of Human Connection: Workhuman Wraps It's Tenth Workhuman Live Conference; Announces Workhuman Live 2026 in Orlando, Florida
FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Workhuman ®, the world's leading employee recognition company, wrapped the tenth instance of its flagship event Workhuman Live, in Denver, where thousands of HR leaders gathered to reimagine what it means to create thriving workplace cultures. This year's Workhuman Live wasn't just a look ahead—it was a mirror held up to the profession. It asked HR leaders not just to adapt to change, but to own it. To stop supporting from the sidelines and start architecting the future of work with data, dignity, and bold decisions. From May 12–15, thousands of HR leaders, practitioners, and executives from around the globe gathered. The mainstage came alive with headlining speakers like Trevor Noah, Adam Grant, and a who's who of industry trailblazers, offering fresh insight into leadership, workplace culture, and the human experience at work. Workhuman customers shared how they're using recognition not as a perk, but as a performance strategy—showing measurable impact on engagement, retention, and inclusion. 'Workhuman Live has become more than a conference—it's an entire movement,' said Tom Libretto, President of Workhuman. 'It's where people leaders come to recharge, rethink their impact, and return to their organizations with the tools and momentum to build better workplaces.' And this year's event proved that the work of the HR industry has never been more important. Among the many highlights, Workhuman and The Wall Street Journal Leadership Institute announced the launch of the inaugural CPO Council —a first-of-its-kind coalition bringing together visionary Chief People Officers to elevate the role of HR in shaping strategic business outcomes. The Council represents a bold step forward in redefining the impact of people leaders at the highest levels of the enterprise. Innovations in Human Intelligence: Turning Recognition into a Live View of Workplace Culture Another defining moment of this year's event was the debut of Workhuman Topics™, the newest addition to Workhuman's Human Intelligence™ suite. Topics uses advanced AI to turn recognition moments into a living, breathing map of how strategic priorities—like inclusion, innovation, or leadership behaviors—are actually showing up in the culture. No forms to fill out. No added workload. Just continuous, real-time insight into how values and strategies are being reinforced across every team, function, and geography. Topics is the newest innovation in Workhuman's launch of Human Intelligence—new AI-powered tools that help companies understand what's really happening in their culture. While others focus on giving rewards, Workhuman leverages recognition data to help leaders see who's making an impact, how teams are working together, and where support is needed. Workhuman Live 2026 The next frontier of business isn't digital, it's human. In a world driven by AI and automation, Workhuman is calling HR to lead with purpose, insight, and recognition as a growth lever. HR leaders are encouraged to enhance their learning, networking, and professional growth at Workhuman Live 2026, which will take place April 27–30, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Early registration is now open at and code WHL26PRESS will provide a 20% discount. As attendees head back to their organizations, the message is clear: Workhuman is leading the next era of HR. One where recognition fuels performance, culture becomes a competitive advantage, and human intelligence drives business growth. About Workhuman Workhuman ® is the world's leading recognition and rewards platform, serving organizations of all sizes—from the Fortune 500 to fast-growing mid-market companies—across more than 180 countries. With over 25 years of category leadership, we support 7 million employees worldwide and have facilitated more than 100 million moments of connection that elevate culture and drive performance. With over a decade of consistent profitability, Workhuman ® stands as proof that investing in people delivers lasting business value. Our pioneering Human Intelligence™ technology transforms recognition into strategic insight, empowering organizations to unlock the full potential of their people while driving measurable business impact and culture transformation. Learn more at
