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HR has more influence than any other position in an organization. They have access to all the data and are having conversations with everyone from the CEO to the janitor on a daily basis. It becomes crucial, then, to make sure HR is using that influence in the most effective way possible: Proactively driving change to address the current labor crisis Making sure the company’s workforce provides a competitive advantage Addressing the challenges of employer-sponsored healthcare head-on We speak with Dr. Wade Larson, Chief Human Resources Officer at Wagstaff, about workplace retention, behavior changes in regards to health care, and the value of HR becoming business savvy. Key takeaways from this episode: HR has no authority in the workplace BUT has total influence. Most people who don’t like to change, unless it’s their idea. This is where HR can add value. Your people are not coming back to work, it is time to act now before it’s too late. If you don’t know the rules when it comes to healthcare, you will lose. To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe to CHRO Champions on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts

Sustainability isn’t just about the environment. It’s a broad topic that also takes into account health and safety, human capital, and community service. Jenn Congdon, former Chief Human Resources Officer at Ecobat, is passionate about leading sustainability initiatives from HR and she shares her thoughts on the topic. Key Takeaways: Sustainability (doing well by doing good) is not just about PR. It’s a tangible way to impact recruiting & retention. Plus employees care about sustainability more than you think. You need more than surveys to measure success. Focus groups will take it to the next level. At the end of the day Sustainability is about Continuous Improvement, and Continuous improvement is one of the best ways to drive employee engagement. Know your Audience, especially when working with other cultures. HR is not the Police!  To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe to CHRO Champions on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts

Healthcare prices continue to skyrocket, and payers from small employers to large public sector entities are struggling to keep up. In the midst of today’s labor crisis, how do plan purchasers and fiduciaries keep costs in check while keeping both employees and the DOL happy? In this episode, we speak with Chris Deacon, Former Director of Health Benefit Operations for the State of New Jersey, about her success with the state’s plan and what she learned along the way, why fiduciaries are in the hot seat, and what they can do to prepare themselves. Join us as we discuss: Best practices in healthcare procurement  The challenges public sectors are facing Why fiduciaries are in the hot seat (and what to do to mitigate risk) Improving the healthcare experience Best practices in the pharmacy space  Chris’s research recommendations:  The Relentless Health Value Podcast  Revenue Cycle Management Blogs Amicus Briefs To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe to CHRO Champions on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Podcast, or wherever you listen to podcasts

Did you know one of the most crucial characteristics for an HR professional is listening? It may seem obvious, but you can't overstate it. Keeping a pulse on your team through active listening can mean the difference between retention and turnover. In this episode, we speak with Jess Williams, Chief People Officer at Biscuitville, about the ins and outs of HR, the changing times, and supporting employees. Join us as we discuss: The future of HR and Jess’s plan for success Red flags employers should keep an eye out for  Supporting employees through listening and action To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe to CHRO Champions on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Podcast, or wherever you listen to podcasts

What does it mean to be a leader? It means treating your customers and employees like a family — whether that means helping one another when a crisis like COVID hits, having fun together, or even grieving together. That’s how Debbie Schultz approaches leadership as President of Totem Solutions. In this episode, we get a peak at what that looks like in practice. Join us as we discuss: Debbie’s entrepreneurial roots Why a good leader needs to let their employees see who they really are How to come together as an organization in in a crisis  To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe to CHRO Champions on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Podcast, or wherever you listen to podcasts

Healthcare’s annual inflation has outpaced every other industry and is leaving most Americans with less than $1,000 in their savings accounts compared to the $10,000 they’d have otherwise. Pair that with people deferring much needed care, our economy and overall health are at risk. We speak with two team members from Totem: Geoff Rowson, SVP of Sales and Finance, and Annette Griffin, SVP of Business Development, about preventative care, alternative employee benefit opportunities, and employer healthcare challenges. They join the show to discuss: Current system issues & the three healthcare villains The challenge of healthcare for employers Audience Q&A To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe to CHRO Champions on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Podcast, or wherever you listen to podcasts

Travel to, through, and from the airport can be a bit stressful; especially as we’ve navigated safety concerns through the COVID-19 pandemic.  Our guest today, however, is here to talk about all the ways that experience is improving and just how important it is to value your employees. Today’s guest, Alan House, Chief Human Resources Officer at OTG Management, talks about the airport experience, employment procedure, and the value of HR. He joins the show to discuss: Innovation at OTG Management and the roadmap for the next 12 months Maintaining & reinforcing the position as an employer of choice Winning the battle for talent & looking to the future   To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe to CHRO Champions on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Podcast, or wherever you listen to podcasts

Thought leadership makes perhaps the loudest buzz of any buzzword today. That’s because true thought leadership is immensely powerful. How can you tell the difference between the phony buzzword and genuine article? It comes down to 3 things: confidence, vision and courage. Today’s guest, Ellen Duncan, Chief Human Resources Officer at Enercare , says that without these essentials, it’s not thought leadership.  She joins the show to discuss: The true meaning of thought leadership  The shifting responsibilities of a CHRO in the wake of the pandemic How Enercare is helping to tackle the labor shortage in the trades  To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe to CHRO Champions on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Podcast, or wherever you listen to podcasts

HR may not generate revenue, but that doesn’t mean understanding the business’s strategic objectives doesn’t matter. As any great HR leader knows:It's vital. That piece of wisdom has helped catapult today’s guest, Tracy Notte , into a shining example of a great HR leader in her current role as Chief People Officer at Shift . She joins the show to share some of the many lessons she learned getting there. In this episode, we discuss: Why future HR leaders should experience every role in HR How Tracy is tackling diversity and inclusion For more interviews like this one, subscribe to CHRO Champions on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you listen to podcasts!

The Hard Rock Casino in Cincinnati is thriving through the pandemic due to an impressive HR culture. Emboldened by a set of strong values and mottos, the business looks to expand their workforce. Deborah Gentry Davis, Vice President Human Resources at Hard Rock Casino in Cincinnati, joins the show to discuss her experience with the company and how treating co-workers as you treat guests is the key to cultural success. What we discussed: -Deborah’s Background and How She Got Started in HR -Transition into Hospitality within HR -Successes & Strategies in HR with Regards to Retention -Hard Rock Casino Objectives and COVID-19 Challenges -Encouraging & Incentivising New Employees -Personal Motivators for Deborah For more interviews like this one, subscribe to CHRO Champions on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

The HR world is rapidly changing, and today’s professionals have to be adaptable, innovative, and ready to drive major changes. Employee experience is vastly different than it was last year and the future of human resources lies in creating an environment where employees feel safe and free to grow and celebrate success. In this episode of CHRO Champions, I sat down with Stacey Valy Panayiotou, CHRO & Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Graphic Packaging International, LLC, for a lively exploration of her amazing career and valuable contributions to the field. My five takeaways: -For the young people out there: don't specialize too early. -Don't forget the plot. -The best companies measure and promote their people using objective data. And it's not only good for your company, but it's actually better for your people in the long run. -Experiment and iterate to drive change. -You're only as good as your team. To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe to CHRO Champions on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or follow us here on the Totem Blog!

In the post-pandemic world, employees are more focused than ever before on health: mental, physical, and financial. That’s why it’s crucial for leading companies to embrace the value of unique group wellness concepts and comprehensive insurance plans that address mental health needs. Rory Trotter, Director of Total Rewards & Executive Compensation at Brown-Forman, shares some fascinating insights on the importance of mindfulness and the overall impact of well-being on employee culture. Rory joins co-host Annette Griffin to discuss: -One of the largest challenges benefits professionals are facing: how to manage the cost of healthcare. -Combining a comprehensive insurance package with unique wellness programs to boost overall employee health. -Removing the stigma around EAP programs and mental health, especially post-pandemic. Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Rory Trotter, Director of Total Rewards & Executive Compensation at Brown-Forman Annette Griffin Totem Solutions For more interviews like this one, subscribe to CHRO Champions on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!