Future of Talent 2024

It’s always intriguing to hear from those who are the forefront of shaping the “People” functions in their organisations whether they’re HR Directors, recruiters or other specialists. Today, I was MC for the “Future of Talent 2024” conference with FRS Recruitment and I summarise my key takeaways in this video:

1.If everybody thinks the same way, you’re losing out on opportunities and by documenting what you’re doing today within Diversity and Inclusion, you can compare how you’ve grown over time.

2. Rather than assume we know what retains people, talk to them about what they want and need at this stage in their journey.

3. You may not have to report under CSRD right away, but you could be supplying a customer who does so become aware of your ESG metrics to help you help them when the time comes.

4. An inclusive workplace needs a strong culture, high engagement and phsychological safety.

5. The puzzle of HR may be more complicated, but the rules of engagement are still the same.

6. Consider shaping your job opportunities in terms of BISFACTS - Belonging, Inclusion, (Sense of) Self, Fairness, Autonomy, Certainty, Transcendance and Safety.

7. The scenario planning gamification (for all sorts of reasons).

8. Champion AI and automation.

9. Feed forward as well as feedback.

10. Critique your culture’s strengths and weaknesses.

11. Informal power structures can have a big impact and need to be called out.

12. In “Tipping Point” language, fix your broken windows.

13. Balance the intensity of reactive leadership with proactive leadership. Remember, the most valuable thing that anybody can give you is their time. Show your people how their work is important.

14. In terms of Learning & Development, have a strategy to know where you want to strive towards. Clarify roles and responsibilities and its important to highlight that the role of personal development also lies firmly with the employee as well as HR and leadership.

15. A “stay interview” prevents an “exit interview”.

16. Consistency is the predicative indicator towards success.

17. Do what you do for its own sake and not just the result. (The video gives you the full Olympian context for this!).

18. Focus is the greatest efficiency of all.

A sincere thank you to Lynne McCormack, Anne-marie Tierney-Le Roux, Laura O'Donovan (She/Her), JulieAnn McCann, Solat (A) Chaudhry, Imelda Rey, Renee Lewis, Bertie Tonks (FCIPD), John Counihan and Deirdre Ennis as well as Daire Lynch for your insights today.

Further, thank you sincerely to Colin Donnery, Lynne McCormack, Aoife Grant, Joe Lord, Laura Guiney and JulieAnn McCann for giving me the opportunity to work with you all again this year. It’s a genuine joy.