In this episode Sheila Lord is speaking to Peter Cheese, CEO of the CIPD the professional body for HR and a fellow of the Australian HR Institute, about the role of HR in workplace well-being and the development into more cross-functional working with other disciplines such as wellbeing, H&S and Leadership. Since January 2019, Peter has been co-chair of The Flexible Working Task Force, a partnership across government departments, business groups, trade unions and charities, to increase the uptake of flexible working. He is also Chair of Engage for Success and the What Works Centre for Wellbeing. Peter writes and speaks widely on the development of HR, the future of work, and the key issues of leadership, culture and organisation, people and skills. In 2021, his book ‘The New World of Work’ was published, exploring the many factors shaping work, workplaces, workforces and our working lives, and the principles around which we can build a future that is good for people, for business and for societies.
In recent years, businesses worldwide have prioritised employee well-being, a tendency heightened by the pandemic. Nonetheless, the fundamental tenet of human resources should surely be well-being. It is vital to work for a greater sense of psychological, emotional, and physical well-being on an individual and collective level. Although alarming, until recently, human resources was not accorded the priority it deserved in many areas. However, expanding HR’s role in workplace well-being now necessitates a cross-functional approach that incorporates collaboration with other disciplines such as leadership, quality, health, and safety.
My guest today is Peter Cheese. He is the Chief Executive of The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). He is recognized as a consultant, speaker, and writer in human capital and organisation. He is also a fellow of the Australian Institute. Moreover, he has got many more strings to his bow. He is the co-chair of the flexible working Task Force, a partnership across government departments, business groups, trade unions, and charities to increase the uptake of flexible working. Also, he is the chair of engagement for success and what works centre for well-being.
Throughout today’s conversation, Peter delves into the critical nature of the human resources function. Also, Peter discusses the influence of human resources on an organisation’s success while presenting the substance of his book, The New World of Work: Shaping a Future That Helps People, Organisations, and Our Societies Thrive. Furthermore, He outlines how to incorporate the concept of well-being into corporate cultures with an incredible explanation. On the other hand, while sharing his thoughts on the recently published ISO standard on managing psychological health and safety concerns within an occupational health and safety management system, Peter talks about substituting the best practise for the best fit. Finally, ending the episode, Peter emphasises the importance of sharing some mind-blowing advice with company executives.
[02:43] Developing role of HR - Peter describes how HR is beginning to transform in terms of new areas of responsibility.
[05:27] HR – Human resources plays a critical role in shaping the future of businesses by determining the types of skills and capabilities that will be required. Peter elaborates on his perspective on the human resources function.
[08:15] The New World of Work - Peter shares the story behind his book and highlights some significant points made in it.
[12:32] ISO 45003 - This standard provides guidelines on handling psychological health and safety hazards within an occupational health and safety management system. Peter expresses his thoughts on this standard and its application in the workplace.
[15:15] Best Fit - Peter highlights the need to substitute the best practice for the best fit and how to integrate the concept of well-being into organisational culture.
[20.40] Leadership – Peter presents excellent insights for executives, emphasising how to strengthen human resources through continual learning and adaptation.
[25:43] It is Process - Peter illustrates why embedding well-being into organisational culture is a process that cannot be accomplished overnight and how to proceed incrementally.
[34:25] Advice – Peter imparts vital wisdom to business leaders and health and safety experts.
[40:00] Guidance – Peter addresses how corporate leaders should approach the topic of well-being in greater detail.
Resources:
Connect with Peter:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/petercheese/
Mentioned in the episode:
The New World of Work: Shaping a Future That Helps People, Organizations, and Our Societies to Thrive: goodreads.com/book/show/56849121-the-new-world-of-work?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=rJQQoZ1FXa&rank=1
Quotes
“We should all be striving both individually and collectively to achieve a greater sense of psychological, emotional, and physical well-being because what helps us thrive is a powerful construct.”
“Use the standard as a frame of reference. And then, at the end of it, you can truly say that you are compliant with the standard because you can demonstrate how you’ve embedded it in your organisation.”
“At the end of the day, if you’re not looking after people, if you’re not creating an environment that’s good for them, helping them to thrive. Then they’re not going to give their best; they will not stay with the organisation either.”