In the world of HR, change is often seen as a catalyst for innovation and growth. But HR leaders also need to champion stability without stifling progress. In this episode, we explore themes from Ashley Goodall’s latest book, The Problem with Change, which challenges the assumption that constant disruption is always beneficial for business.

Goodall draws on his extensive experience leading people and learning functions at Deloitte and Cisco, offering practical examples and fresh insights into how perpetual change can erode employee wellbeing and performance. This is a must-listen episode for HR and business leaders alike.

Show notes

Resources and learning

AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members to discuss some of the themes explored in this episode with their HR peers. Become a member today: https://bit.ly/41tcOFu

Learn how to manage change more effectively with this short course from AHRI: https://bit.ly/3Drj9Hw

Further reading

Explore Ashley Goodall's latest book: The Problem with Change And The Essential Nature of Human Performance: https://bit.ly/4gNCMIp

Explore Ashley Goodall's book 'Nine Lies About Work', co-authored with Marcus Buckingham: https://bit.ly/4iLbKmr

A Radical Rethink of HR (MIT Sloan article) by Ashley Goodall: https://bit.ly/4iKYcre

In this episode, we unpack the shift from viewing psychosocial safety as a compliance exercise to embracing it as a strategic imperative. Tanya Heaney-Voogt, a mentally healthy workplaces expert, shares how HR practitioners can influence and enable organisations to create environments where employees feel supported, engaged and safe to speak up.

Listeners will gain practical advice on demystifying complex psychosocial concepts, fostering open dialogue and adopting sustainable work design practices. By focusing on long-term cultural and behavioral change, HR practitioners can better support leaders, balance performance pressures and enhance both people and business outcomes.

Free resources

AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members, to access a range of free templates from Tanya, including a great 1 on 1 template and a 6-step change plan template.

Become a member today: https://bit.ly/41tcOFu

Cited research

• University of South Australia research which includes great proof-points for getting buy in psychosocial safety initiatives: https://bit.ly/4ffFzbS
• Amy Edmondson's research into psychological safety: https://bit.ly/3DcnIW4
• Michelle McQuaid's research into thriving work cultures: https://bit.ly/3Vz3Vq4
• Professor Sharon Parker's research into work design: https://bit.ly/41wJVZe
• Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report 2024: https://bit.ly/3ZAuAEa

Further reading

• Comcare code of Practice: https://bit.ly/41BISH8
• Tanya's books: Finding Equilibrium, Transforming Norm and Creating Space (coming soon: free download): https://bit.ly/3Df7s6U
• Good versus bad stress (HRM article): https://bit.ly/3Bs64x4

In this episode, we explore the evolving role of HR and the expanding remit of people practitioners in today’s complex work environments.

Isa Notermans, Chief People Officer at Fleet Space Technologies and former HR leader at Spotify, Airtasker and Google, shares her insights on how HR can move beyond transactional functions to become trusted strategic advisors.

Listeners will gain practical advice on fostering collaboration across the business, leveraging data and storytelling to influence decision-making, and redefining HR’s role to drive both people and business outcomes.

Further learning and resources

• Australian HR Capability Framework: https://bit.ly/4g4RJ8m
• Position yourself for an HR leadership position with this short course from AHRI: https://bit.ly/3U1REKj
• Learn how to overcome stakeholder resistance with this short course from AHRI: https://bit.ly/3MR1dro
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• Not yet an AHRI member? Sign up for resources, networks and learning opportunities to help you build careers that have an impact – https://bit.ly/3Vhu50o

Further reading/listening:

• Learn more about Isa via this HRM profile article: https://bit.ly/4eMSHpA
• Hear more about aligning your business strategy with your DEI initiatives in this podcast episode with Liz Griffin FCPHR: https://bit.ly/3B2qMU1

• Hear more about how to take care of your own wellbeing as an HR practitioner with this podcast episode from Dr Adam Fraser: https://bit.ly/3AYK8cJ