PwC's People and Organization podcast series

Confirming a company has the talent it needs is a basic building block for success. According to our most recent Executive Pulse Survey, investments in the workforce is on every board and management team's agenda for 2022.  In this episode, we'll discuss the important role that managers have in influencing the talent agenda that both enables growth and manages risk.

To boost trust in your company, you need actionable information on how your employees are thinking. You need to really understand what trust means to your workforce and how it impacts your business today, and tomorrow. In this episode, we discuss what actions companies and business leaders can take now that build employee trust, build employee loyalty, and manage some of the needs to attract and retain today's talent.

The challenges that leaders face today are more significant and complex than they've been in generations.For organizations to thrive, they need to access their people's full potential and develop and execute new, dynamic strategies.In this episode, we'll discuss the six “no regrets” moves collectively identified by HR and business leaders surveyed for our Global Future of Work and Skills report and how these plays may help shape workforce trends in 2022. 

The current labor market paradox is that while unemployment remains uncomfortably high, employers continue to report widespread labor shortages.The record-high job openings and quit rates continue to suggest a labor market that is tighter than the US has had in decades. In this episode we'll discuss the impacts of this and how business leaders may have to adjust their workforce strategies.

After a year like 2020, it's time to reimagine rewards. People are motivated to work for companies who are purpose-led, yet they face a future that is less defined. Employee compensation needs a rethink if companies are to attract and retain talent. And total rewards are more than fair pay, insurance benefits and time off. In this episode, we discuss how companies can develop and implement programs specifically designed to attract and retain their critical talent.

Employees have had more than a year to reflect on their needs and aspirations, and many want a new model of work. Our latest US Pulse Survey found that employees are looking for a new job. We also talked to executives, many of whom said they are seeing higher turnover than normal. In this episode, we discuss why CHROs and HR leaders are faced with two critical challenges at once: retaining employees and leading the charge on making hybrid work a success.Contacts:Bhushan Sethi, Principal, Joint Global Leader, People and Organization, PwC USJulia Lamm, Principal, Global Workforce Strategy Leader, PwC US

The pandemic has increased the number of employees who want more flexibility in where and when they work—and that's leading to more people choosing to become gig workers. With the gig economy growing, employers are able to increasingly tap into different types of talent to access vital skills while also managing costs. In this episode, we'll discuss how companies can develop the right workforce strategy, processes and tools to successfully mobilize and deploy their extended workforce. Contacts:Bhushan Sethi, Principal, Joint Global Leader, People and Organization, PwC USMike Boro, Partner, Transformation, PwC US

The experience people have at work is becoming a vital part of an organization's ability to thrive. Employees want their employers to provide a workplace experience that matches what they've come to expect as customers and in other areas of their life: Meaningful, personalized, user-friendly and digital. In this episode, we'll describe what the employee experience is, why it's important, and how organizations can use this to help retain and attract talent.Contacts:Bhushan Sethi, Principal, Joint Global Leader, People and Organization, PwC USAamena Khan, Partner, PwC US

If there's one lesson companies have learned from 2020, it is essential to have an agile and flexible workforce that can respond quickly to changing circumstances. However, many organizations lack the data and capabilities that enable them to rapidly respond to external change. Organizations that have built a capability around integrating strategic and workforce planning are better positioned for the future. In this episode, we dive deeper into building an integrated workforce strategyContacts:Bhushan Sethi, Principal, Joint Global Leader, People and Organization, PwC USIngrid Carlson, Director, Global Policy, Strategy and Leadership, PwC USAlex Spira-Gutner, Director, Transformation, PwC US

The past year of global disruption has tested organizational cultures as never before. While in some cases their culture helped businesses pivot and adapt quickly during a time of tremendous change, in others, culture proved to be a barrier. In this episode, we discuss our 2021 Global Culture Survey that explored these issues and more, including the gap in perception between senior managers and employees about their company's culture and what business leaders can do to address that difference.Contacts: Bhushan Sethi, Principal, Joint Global Leader, People and Organization, PwC USAlice Zhou, Director, PwC USChristopher Hannegan, Principal, PwC US

In our recently published Employee Financial Wellness survey, we found finances are the top cause of employee stress, impacting productivity and well-being. In this episode, we will discuss how employers can foster a culture of financial wellness and support to help their workforce better manage their money during these critical times, and in the future.Speakers:Bhushan Sethi, Principal, Joint Global Leader, People and Organization, PwC USCornell Staeger, Principal, PwC US

From new initiatives around purpose and upskilling to investments in technology and new ways of working, today's businesses are considering how the world has changed and what employers can do to help their employees thrive. In today's episode, we will discuss how firms are thinking through transformational change and the leadership in a post pandemic world.Speakers:Bhushan Sethi, Principal, Joint Global Leader, People and Organization, PwC USAntonia M Cusumano, Partner, Workforce of the Future, PwC US

Today's business leaders expect a post pandemic recovery that will stretch the boundaries of what's possible for their organizations in an increasingly digital world. As a result, business leaders are focused on expanding products and service offerings, as well as pursuing new mergers and acquisitions to help accelerate their access to talent and technology.In this episode, we'll discuss how focusing on culture and people can create value during the M&A integration.Speakers:Bhushan Sethi, Principal, Joint Global Leader, People and Organization, PwC USNadirah Ibrahim, Partner, People & Organization, PwC USDavid Baral, Managing Director, US Deals, PwC US

Many organizations recognize they can’t simply go back to “normal” once the pandemic fully subsides, but few have ironed out exactly what that means. To figure that out, human resources leaders are taking charge of inventing a new vision for work in a post-pandemic world. In this episode, we’ll discuss findings from our recent CHRO Pulse Survey and how CHROs are leading the charge on reimagining work.Contacts:Bhushan SethiDiane Youden

In February, PwC commissioned one of the largest global surveys of workers. People revealed a mostly optimistic story, but one with some concerning undercurrents. Workers reported feeling excited or confident about the future. In this episode, we discuss the issues surrounding the digital divide and how leaders can ensure inclusive upskilling and reskilling in their post-pandemic business. To gain more insights from the findings check out: PwC's Hopes & Fears Survey 2021Contacts: Bhushan Sethi Michael Pino Alexandra Hom

In this episode, we look back at what the future of work looked like ten years ago and how that compares to today as companies prepare for their new future of work in a post-COVID-19 world.Contacts:Bhushan Sethi Julia Lamm

With vaccines rolling out, business leaders are focused on their return to growth strategies. On this episode, PwC subject matter experts discuss key workforce considerations leaders should factor into their plans as they work to recover, reopen the economy, and grow their business.  Contacts: Bhushan SethiJennifer FarkasMatthew Egol

Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) is in the spotlight, including with institutional investors who now have a growing interest in incorporating ESG considerations within their investment processes. That has highlighted the fact that many organizations do not have consistent, standard ways to track D&I progress and report results. In this episode, our PwC subject matter experts talk about the importance of D&I transparency, the challenges many organizations are facing and steps they can take to counter these hurdles.Contacts: Bhushan SethiBlair TaylorSheri Wyatt

Our recent Workforce Pulse survey shows confidence in safety and support is still a major issue. With employees becoming more open to COVID-19 safety measures, business leaders can ramp up messaging on vaccines, masks and more. In this episode, we discuss the importance of vaccines, vaccine distribution and what it could mean for employersContacts:Bhushan SethiBreck Marshall

Now more than ever, companies need a workforce with flexibility, new skills and the ability to work differently. Upskilling is more than a business differentiator – it’s a necessity. In this episode we discuss how you can prepare your workforce for the future. Contacts:Bhushan SethiAnn M. Johnston

This discussion takes a deeper dive into workforce data from two of our recent surveys — one where we surveyed C-suite executives, including CHROS, and one taking the pulse of the American workforce. There are a lot of insights, including a big gap between leaders and employees on vital issues like safety, mental health and inclusivity. Contacts: Bhushan Sethi Julia Lamm

We dive deeper into a topic many people are struggling with now: mental health and well-being. In our recent Workforce Pulse survey, only 31% of employees surveyed strongly agree that their company has successfully addressed employee well-being, including mental health and morale. How can you better support your employees and your organization’s wellness goals now, during the pandemic, as well as in the future? We’ll also share our best tips from what we’ve learned through PwC’s own wellness journey. Our Be Well, Work Well program supports our employees in achieving greater well-being across four dimensions of energy — physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Contacts: Bhushan SethiDeAnne Aussem Christine Randazzo

Holiday time usually serves as a needed organizational “culture boost” as people are encouraged to connect on a personal level and have a little fun. Are you wondering how your company can mark the holiday season during a global pandemic? We’ll talk about how you can help people celebrate the end of the year, connect with each other and have a little fun— even if you don’t hold your usual holiday party.Contacts:Bhushan SethiReid CarpenterStefanie Coleman

Are businesses succeeding at keeping their people engaged and productive? Our latest Workforce Pulse survey shows some groups of employees say no. We'll talk about why and what you can do to improve your people's day-to-day experience.Contacts:Bhushan SethiJulia Lamm

PwC specialists share insights from the13th annual Health and Well-being Touchstone Survey, which covers all aspects of the employee benefits space. The survey was completed in Spring 2020, a time of unprecedented upheaval of the US healthcare system, the economy, and the well-being of people. The amount of change and angst permeates everything from how people feel about the government, society, and their benefits. Listen in as PwC examines the key workforce trends that emerged in this year’s responses.Contacts: Barbara GniewekCornell Staeger

The SEC adopted recent amendments in August 2020 to modernize its business reporting disclosures and released a new final rule 101(c) Human Capital Disclosure. Our PwC specialists are here to discuss: How did we get here?; Why does this matter?; and What are some of the metrics and/or measures companies should take into account when reporting. Contacts: Nik ShahBrandon YerreJustin HallBrigham McNaughton

What exactly is talent architecture? And how can it help organizations prepare their workforce for the future? PwC specialists discuss the basics of talent architecture and how it can help you and your leaders successfully undertake organizational transformation with a strong foundation that supports talent management and builds organizational capabilities. Contacts: Jeff Jolton, Susie Marlow, Ale Matamala

The impact of COVID-19 on employer-sponsored benefits could be profound. Ron Barlow discusses areas of “hidden” costs that can be addressed in the short-term to combat the mounting cost pressures on employers. In addition to potential “quick hits,” Ron discusses why adopting a more strategic approach can help employers better leverage their benefit offerings, offer effective healthcare for employees, potentially reduce employee stress, and more.Contacts: Aron Minken, Ronald Barlow

Employees’ utilization of their medical, dental, and vision benefits is down, which may lead to significant induced demand for services in late 2020 or 2021. Barbara Gniewek and Derek Skoog discuss how deferrals of preventive care and elective procedures by plan participants will impact employer’s benefit costs in the near-term, and how employers and payers alike can budget for 2021.Contacts: Aron Minken, Barbara Gniewek, Derek Skoog

Many employers may be seeking to achieve benefit plan cost savings in the near-term as a result of the budgetary pressures brought on by the impact of COVID-19. At a time like this, it is particularly important for employers to offer programs that meet the needs of all employees, during prosperity and hardship. Christine Randazzo will discuss how employers can leverage employee preference analytics to balance cost-cutting measures with providing benefits that meet the needs of a diverse, multigenerational workforce.Contacts: Aron Minken, Christine Randazzo