The basis of an organisation’s culture is its people; not what it wants out of its people.
It’s been a great couple of days at the CIPD Ace event.
But I’m feeling bittersweet about it.
The HR field can feel a little trendy or faddy at times.
🐝 4 years ago, the conference focus was ergonomcs, standing desks and environment
🐝 3 years ago, it was ED&I
🐝 2 years ago, it was mental health, resilience and grit
🐝 Last year was AI, tech and how it can “revolutionise human capital”
This year, the focus is heavily around employee engagement and culture.
Music to my ears, obviously.
So why the bittersweet?
Well, this year seems to have an undercurrent – a subtitle – that is laser-focused on productivity.
Discussions included:
🐝 “Unlock your employee productivity potential”
🐝 “Unlocking the power of essential skills in helping to solve the productivity puzzle”
🐝 “Sustaining momentum in career development to enhance workforce productivity”
🐝 “Productivity is key – driving success across your workforce”
🐝 “How to build emotional capital and create competitive advantage”
Yes, we are businesses.
Yes, we need to be commercially viable.
But, for me, commercial viability doesn’t come from using new platforms, processes and policies to “squeeze” every drop of productivity out of our people.
It comes from intentionally and purposefully nurturing a culture that supports your organisation’s goals.
It’s fabulous that CIPD have championed this important area this year.
I’d just love to see more vendors and the voices given this vital influential airtime to be championing more about real employee engagement.
