In this episode of the HumAIn Workforce Podcast, host Sarah Lawrence dives into the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace with guest Simone Garrad, co-founder and director of Nine Yards, a Melbourne-based people and culture consultancy. In this insightful conversation, Simone shares her expertise on navigating AI’s rapid evolution, its impact on productivity, job design, and how HR professionals can adapt to support their organisations effectively.

Guest Bio:

Simone Garrad is the co-founder and director of Nine Yards, a consultancy specialising in people and culture. With over 20 years of experience across industries, Simone helps businesses navigate complex HR challenges, from startup recruitment to large-scale organisational projects. Simone is passionate about equipping HR professionals with practical tools and strategies to create impactful workplace cultures.

5 Key Points from the Episode:

1. AI's Widespread Impact on Work and Society (03:00)

Simone discusses the increasing prevalence of AI, from tools like ChatGPT to advanced platforms like Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini, and its use by individuals and organisations alike.

2. Ethical Considerations and AI Policies (08:00)

The importance of setting clear policies and guardrails around AI use in organisations to mitigate risks such as data privacy breaches and misuse.

3. AI's Role in Productivity and Job Design (14:00)

How AI can augment roles by automating repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on high-value, innovative work, and reshaping job responsibilities for the better.

4. HR’s Role in Managing Change (21:00)

Practical advice for HR teams to support leadership and employees through AI-driven changes, including workforce segmentation, identifying impacted roles, and reskilling/upskilling strategies.

5. Starting with AI: Tips for HR Professionals (27:00)

Simone highlights the importance of HR professionals understanding AI tools, experimenting with them, and seeking expertise to drive informed decisions and innovation.

Links:

Connect with Simone Garrad:

Website: https://www.nine-yards.com.au/

Connect with Your Host – Sarah Lawrence:

To connect or provide feedback, questions, or topic suggestions, you can contact Sarah

Lawrence on linkedin.com/in/sarah-lawrence-24b03b127 or email her at thehumainworkforce@gmail.com

Website: https://practicalworkforceplanning.com/

Help Grow the Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your network, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and bring inspiring conversations to light! Thank you for being part of the journey!

Disclaimer For Podcast:

For details click the link below:

In this episode of the HumAIn Workforce Podcast, host Sarah Lawrence explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), work design, and employee wellbeing with expert guest Fleur Mouchemore. Fleur shares practical insights from her extensive experience in learning and organisational development, focusing on the Smart Work Design Model, created by Professor Sharon Parker of Curtin University. This evidence-based framework provides organisations with tools to foster employee wellbeing and productivity in the evolving world of AI.

Guest Bio:

Fleur Mouchemore is a consultant specializing in learning, organisational development, and employee wellbeing. With a focus on resilience, leadership, and workplace mental health, Fleur integrates frameworks like the Smart Work Design Model, developed by Professor Sharon Parker, into her practice. Fleur co-hosts the Coffee with Fleur podcast, exploring diverse topics in workplace wellbeing.

5 Key Points from the Episode:

1. Introduction to the Smart Work Design Model (05:30)

Fleur explains the foundation of the Smart Work Design Model, developed by Professor Sharon Parker at Curtin University, which emphasises five key principles: stimulating work, mastery, autonomy, relationships, and tolerable demands.

2. The Role of AI in Job and Work Design (08:15)

AI is reshaping jobs rather than replacing them. Fleur discusses how organisations can proactively design roles that integrate AI while enhancing human contributions.

3. Addressing Employee Concerns About AI (12:45)

With fears of job loss and resistance to change, Fleur highlights the importance of involving employees in work design to alleviate anxiety and build trust.

4. Proactive Wellbeing: Moving Beyond Quick Fixes (16:20)

Fleur critiques common wellbeing initiatives like wellness apps, advocating for proactive, evidence-based work design to enhance mental health and engagement.

5. Practical Tips for HR Professionals to Adapt (22:45)

From understanding AI’s potential to using the Smart Work Design Model in job descriptions, Fleur provides actionable advice for HR leaders to manage AI-driven changes effectively.

Links:

Connect with Fleur Mouchemore:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fleurmouchemore

Coffee with Fleur podcast: https://www.coffeewithfleurpodcast.au

Connect with your Host - Sarah Lawrence:

To connect or provide feedback, questions, or topic suggestions, you can contact Sarah

Lawrence on linkedin.com/in/sarah-lawrence-24b03b127 or email her at thehumainworkforce@gmail.com

Website:

https://practicalworkforceplanning.com/

Help Grow the Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your network, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and bring inspiring conversations to light! Thank you for being part of the journey!

Disclaimer For Podcast:

For details click the link below:

Welcome To The HumAIn Workforce Podcast with Sarah Lawrence

In the first episode of The HumAIn Workforce Podcast, host Sarah Lawrence sets the stage for an informative journey into the future of work where humans and AI thrive together. With over two decades of HR experience and a passion for workforce planning, Sarah introduces her mission to empower HR professionals, business leaders, and tech enthusiasts to navigate the transformative impact of AI on work design, workforce planning, and job creation.

Key Topics Covered:

The Podcast’s Mission: Redefining the workforce to foster collaboration between humans and AI, while ensuring inclusivity and ethical AI deployment.

The HR Perspective: Tackling workforce challenges and empowering HR professionals to adapt to AI’s rapid evolution.

Inspiration from "Scary Smart" by Mo Gawdat: A thought-provoking exploration of AI’s potential, the ethics surrounding it, and realisation of the importance of designing jobs to integrate AI effectively.

The Future of Work Design: How HR professionals can rethink job roles, upskill employees, and view AI as a collaborative virtual employee rather than a replacement.

Upcoming Topics:

• Redesigning work in the age of AI.
• Managing AI’s rapid evolution and its impact on productivity.
• Practical steps for HR professionals to adapt and lead organisational transformation.

Connect with your Host - Sarah Lawrence:

To connect or provide feedback, questions, or topic suggestions, you can contact Sarah

Lawrence on linkedin.com/in/sarah-lawrence-24b03b127 or email at thehumainworkforce@gmail.com

Website: https://practicalworkforceplanning.com/

Help Grow the Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your network, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and bring inspiring conversations to light! Thank you for being part of the journey!

Disclaimer For Podcast:

For details click the link below:

https://practicalworkforceplanning.com/podcast-disclaimer/