In this episode of the Future of Work Hub’s Peer-to-Peer podcast, Julia Paulding is joined by Richard Vanner, Human Resources Director at WTW.

They discuss the importance of sustaining a strong, consistent culture through rapid growth and transformation and how technology and AI are reshaping workforce design and skills, emphasising that how change is delivered matters just as much as what is implemented.

Key takeaways

1. Anchor growth in enduring values: Clearly articulated values and consistent behaviours create a unifying fabric that attracts the right people and maintains a strong employee experience, even as structures and scale shift. 

2. Consider a "right work, right place" strategy: Establish near- and offshore centres of technical expertise and carefully consider the optimal fit for each role within the structure at the point of hiring. Encourage strong connectivity and collaboration to ensure dispersed teams maintain cohesion and performance.  

3. Make AI a people-first transformation: Strike the right balance between upskilling and creating space for self-learning and knowledge sharing.  Align L&D and technology teams to accelerate adoption of tech, while ensuring tools support how people work and learn. 

4. Communicate changes clearly and consistently: Resistance to change often stems from uncertainty. Make the benefits of workforce changes tangible at the individual role level, communicate these consistently across multiple channels and avoid long transition periods that dilute momentum. 

 

Authors

External authors

Richard VannerHuman Resources Director, WTW