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Managing Employee Relations in Global and Millennial Times. A series of podcasts for international Employee Relations and Human Resource professionals designed to help you manage today's employee relations opportunities and risks effectively.
56 Episodes
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Current restructuring processes are wasteful and detrimental to employee engagement. As AI-driven productivity replaces offshoring, it’s time to stop restructuring and start remodelling. This is not about simply upgrading to "durable bags" as supermarkets did; it's about a more fundamental shift in how we value our employees. Listen in to learn more. Key Takeaways: Issues with the current workforce restructuring model. [2:57] A progressive workforce remodelling process better adapts to a company’s needs. [6:05] In modern management, old versions of the restructuring model are still prevalent. [8:18] Tips for building a skills-renewal model that replaces outdated workforce restructuring. [11:01] Resources: HR Policy Association Wild Side Podcast Archive Alan Wild on LinkedIn awild@hrpolicy.org HR Policy Upcoming Events
A question often asked, especially by those new to international Employee Relations, is how to manage massive global responsibilities—sometimes across 100+ countries—without adequate resources. Many have learned that simply complaining or begging for more headcount does not work. We have all been there and have the t-shirt to prove it. The most effective way to build a stronger team and secure the resources you need is to prove your worth to the business. I know it seems counterintuitive—that you will get more resources only after you've shown you can manage without them—but that is the reality of our role. In my experience, three things truly matter when making the business case for a larger team... Key Takeaways: How to measure risks and identify country hot spots in Employee Relations. [2:53] Three elements to evaluate to mitigate risk. [5:54] Build an internal and external Employee Relations risk map. [7:01] Evaluate the Employee Relations Team’s skills to reduce risk. [11:15] Resources: HR Policy Association Wild Side Podcast Archive Alan Wild on LinkedIn awild@hrpolicy.org HR Policy Upcoming Events
In this episode, Alan explores a straightforward question: Why do so many companies handle employee complaints so differently—and often less effectively—than customer complaints? He offers examples of this paradox and discusses how applying the same principles of excellent customer service to our internal employee relations could benefit us all. Key Takeaways: Three basics to managing Employee Relations effectively. [:33] When internal complaints escape the confines of Human Relations. [3:06] The media can create an ER crisis. [10:39] What to do when people demand better treatment. [12:52] Resources: HR Policy Association Wild Side Podcast Archive Alan Wild on LinkedIn awild@hrpolicy.org HR Policy Upcoming Events
This episode focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the effectiveness of global employee relations leadership. Alan explores AI's applications as a research tool, editorial aid, and sounding board, ultimately demonstrating its potential to improve work quality while underscoring the continued importance of human expertise. Key Takeaways: Asking AI the right questions. [1:57] AI is an essential productivity tool for Employee Relations Leaders. [3:52] AI as a deadline-friendly all-in-one assistant. [9:19] Resources: HR Policy Association Wild Side Podcast Archive Alan Wild on LinkedIn awild@hrpolicy.org HR Policy Upcoming Events
Social media is a powerful tool for the issues that matter most to employees. Could these digital platforms be poised to replace trade unions as the primary voice of labor, particularly in the United States? While the U.S. system is often seen as dysfunctional, the entrenched "all or nothing" approach is favored by both unions (who wield significant power in their limited domains) and most employers (who benefit from roughly 90% of workplaces remaining union-free). In this episode, Alan provides strategies and best practices for effective social media management. Key Takeaways: How social platforms have transformed employee voice. [2:07] US unions are adapting to the power of social media. [3:53] Long-term systemic gains born from employee voice on social platforms. [6:26] Best practices and strategies for effective social media management. [8:04] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on LinkedIn awild@hrpolicy.org HR Policy Upcoming Events
This episode of The Wild Side is a little different. About nine months ago, Alan embarked on an experiment to work from his dream location in Koh Samui Thailand. A month ago, he received his coveted Destination Thailand digital nomad visa. As he points out, this is not early retirement disguised as gainful employment. His “business as usual” move produces work from a tropical island instead of the English countryside. Alan shares the important factors necessary to work from an offshore destination, setting disciplines whilst living amongst tourists, and the cultural adaptations necessary to successfully transition. Key Takeaways: Three requirements to make offshore working viable. [3:05] Cultivating disciplined work habits and achieving life balance abroad. [5:15] Managing time differences and long-haul travel is essential. [6:45] Challenges in adapting to a new culture, lifestyle, and language abroad. [8:50] Nomad life requires a focus on the quality of available healthcare. [11:29] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on LinkedIn awild@hrpolicy.org HR Policy Upcoming Events
Alan Wild explores the German national works council elections to be held early in 2026. The results of these elections will determine who represents employees in a company for the next four years. For those unhappy with the current situation, now is the time to take action. For those satisfied, now is the time to ensure continued stability. Company management should be actively involved in employee elections. The focus of Employee Relations Managers should be on the principals of the process. Key Takeaways: Statutory representation is achieved through rights-based or union-led frameworks. [1:12] Two key issues to consider during Works Council elections. [2:17] 2026 Works Council elections requirements and thresholds. [5:05] The importance of getting involved in Works Council elections. [7:33] Tips for Employee Relations Managers during Works Council election cycles. [11:14] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin awild@hrpolicy.org HR Policy Upcoming Events
Alan Wild explores the intersection of AI and organized labor, focusing on the challenges of workplace change and restructuring. German works councils are currently overwhelmed with AI technology proposals. AI's impact on gig workers, particularly delivery drivers, may lead to their reclassification as employees. While recent developments in American docks are noteworthy, the full story is more complex. Key Takeaways: Labour practices at odds with modern methods and technology. [1:33] Docker’s unions in the US restrict the use of technology and automation. [4:35] HR and Employee Relations involvement at the onset of AI integration discussions is paramount. [8:10] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin awild@hrpolicy.org HR Policy Upcoming Events
As the link between senior leaders and the global workforce, Global Employee Relations Managers play a crucial role. This final installment of a two-part series outlines ten essential strategies to help ER managers achieve the most important aspects of their roles, trust, and success. Consider these your 2025 resolutions for navigating the complexities of international employee relations in today's dynamic landscape. Alan Wild, author and podcast host, outlines strategies 6-10 for global employee relations managers to succeed in 2025, including building a global strategy, enhancing capabilities, leveraging modern forms of collective voice, expanding employee relations beyond the employment contract, and cultivating a strong professional network. Key Takeaways: Building a global strategy for Employee Relations managers. [1:19] Enhancing Employee Relations capability comes from all levels within an organization. [4:42] Modern forms of employee voice are not limited to internal restrictions or bureaucracy. [6:25] Employee Relations managers must work beyond the employment contract. [8:05] Key advantages of a broad network of Employee Relations professionals. [9:39] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin awild@hrpolicy.org HR Policy Upcoming Events
As the link between senior leaders and the global workforce, Global Employee Relations Managers play a crucial role. This two-part series outlines ten essential strategies to help ER managers achieve the most important aspects of their roles, trust, and success. Consider these your 2025 resolutions for navigating the complexities of international employee relations in today's dynamic landscape. Author and Podcast Host Alan Wild explores the first five strategies for success for global employee relations managers in 2025. They are establishing visibility and trust, early engagement, assuring rapid response, risk mapping, and prediction, and creating an event calendar. Key Takeaways: How Global Employee Relations managers can establish visibility and trust with senior leaders. [1:20] An early engagement strategy for Global Employee Relations managers. [6:41] How to prepare an effective and rapid response. [9:30] Achieve sustainable influence from risk mapping and prediction. [13:28] Create an employee relations 2025 planning and management calendar. [18:02] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin awild@hrpolicy.org HR Policy Upcoming Events
What will a second Trump presidency mean for US businesses? Putting America First means putting other countries second, third, or even lower down the order. America First actions at home will not be mirrored by benevolent actions abroad. The international impact of delivering a MAGA agenda is predictable. CHROs should consider how US domestic politics will challenge their global operations. Author and Podcast Host Alan Wild explores the five management challenges for global CHROs in 2025: geopolitics, tariffs, immigration, labor relations, and international cooperation. Key Takeaways: Geopolitical challenges for CHROs during a Trump presidency. [3:09] Historical data and future expectations of imposing higher tariffs. [5:10] Expected immigration and labor challenges for CHROs in 2025. [7:46] Trump will promote expensive labor reforms outside of the US. [9:44] Global business leaders will see US interests out above international governance. [11:42] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin awild@hrpolicy.org HR Policy Upcoming Events
How has Mercedes found itself in a German lawsuit over its labor union practices in the United States? How did Japan's Panasonic find itself under investigation by US authorities regarding labor practices in Mexico? There are more; Amazon and Ikea are accused in Germany of poor labor practices in Bangladesh; Maersk stands accused in Denmark of abuses in Cameroon, Uber has been investigated by the Dutch contact point under the OECD Declaration and Armani is in trouble in Italy. These and other issues have arisen in the last twelve months, causing consternation in C-suites across the United States, Japan, the UK, and Denmark. Author and Podcast Host, Alan Wild explains this new, game-changing twist on an old game … and it is gaining traction fast. Key Takeaways: The name and shame era led to supply chain codes of conduct. [3:02] The art of triangulation and hard law campaigns. [6:34] The shift from soft law to hard law includes mandatory disclosures and compliance. [10:03] USMCA’s Rapid Response Mechanism imposes trade sanctions on companies. [13:30] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin awild@hrpolicy.org HR Policy Upcoming Events
This episode of the Wild Side podcast reveals the findings of the recent global survey conducted by HR Policy Global among employee relations leaders. It explores how the role of global employee relations has evolved into a pivotal executive function and examines the alignment of current skills with future success. It offers ten actionable insights to ensure your employee relations function remains adaptable and effective in the evolving global landscape. Key Takeaways: Characteristics of a global employee relations leader. [3:03] The convergence of Employee Relations and Labor Relations. [5:40] Employee relations leaders often intervene on priority issues. [6:42] New challenges in the age of AI-driven employee management. [7:24] 10 actions that future-proof the function of an employee relations leader. [9:41] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin awild@hrpolicy.org — Request the 2024 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events
This episode of the Wild Side podcast is a national profile of Poland. The title tells the story of Poland since 1989 and looks at how a country in economic crisis in the 1990s turned into one of Europe’s success models and did so on its own terms. When people talk about employee relations in Europe, they often mention works councils, powerful unions with political clout, and sectoral bargaining. Poland is distinctly different, and this episode asks how, why, and how to succeed in employee relations in the country. Key Takeaways: Poland’s economic and demographic data since WW2. [2:59] Poland’s history. [4:47] Employee Relations in Poland. [7:11] Trade unions and works councils in Poland. [10:09] Restructuring in Poland is a simple process. [11:10] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin awild@hrpolicy.org — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events
In this episode of the Wild Side podcast we look at the merits of sectoral collective bargaining, how the Global Employee Relations Leader should view sectoral deals in the countries they cover, and the questions they should be asking when faced with mandatory wage awards. Bargaining at the multi-company level, often supported by legislative extensions of the outcomes to all employees, has long been a feature of Western European and South American employee relations. The system came under pressure during the 2007-2008 financial crisis when steps were taken to maintain the system by allowing companies in difficulty to derogate from sectoral agreements they couldn't afford. Key Takeaways: How to identify power-based and rights-based countries. [2:07] Understanding erga omnes extension provisions of OECD countries. [4:32] Nordic countries' agreements are not extended by law. [6:42] Germany’s dual system of employee relations. [8:58] Sectoral collective bargaining agreements in Latin America and the United States. [12:13] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin awild@hrpolicy.org — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events
This episode of the Wild Side podcast is a whistle-stop tour of Germany designed to give you enough knowledge to ask the right questions of your German colleagues. Germany is the world's most successful exporting nation due to domestic efficiency likely due to its co-determination rights, sectoral collective bargaining system, and the fact that works councils have existed there since 1919. Today, German companies employ true employee relations experts, and understanding employee relations is a right of passage for every German HR leader and most line managers, and they, by and large, do it well. Key Takeaways: In 1919, German employers were in favor of Works Councils. [3:08] An economic, political, and social profile of Germany. [4:26] The vital role of works councils and supervisory boards in Germany. [7:41] How German employer-employee relationships differ from other EU nations. [9:55] Germany’s sectoral collective bargaining system. [12:25] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin awild@hrpolicy.org — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events
This episode of the Wild Side podcast focuses on where the next major productivity gains of multinational corporations will come from. Over the last 30 years, major productivity surges have come from challenging the power of organized labor, outsourcing non-core activities, and the wholesale offshoring of manufacturing and service provision abroad. The demand for companies to produce year-over-year productivity gains continues at the same time as operating costs have increased in offshore destinations. As a result, companies are taking cost-cutting initiatives in countries that have previously only experienced growth and are replacing people with technology at an increasing pace at home. This brings new challenges into old markets and old challenges into new markets. Key Takeaways: Two approaches that forever changed employee relations. [2:38] The advent of the International Employee Relations Specialist. [4:15] Productivity challenges of multinational companies. [5:05] Eight Challenges of the Employee Relations Specialist. [7:54] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin awild@hrpolicy.org — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events
This episode of the Wild Side podcast delves into the distinctive nuances of Japan and its unique approach to managing employee relations. With an astonishing 98% ethnic Japanese population, Japan's management landscape is intricate. Despite being an economic miracle in the post-World War II era, Japan has faced hurdles over the last three decades. Host Alan Wild explores the challenges of performance management and sheds light on the persisting gender equality challenges and the unique collective bargaining system. Discover how Japan's influential keiretsu, rooted in Shogun history, continues to wield global significance amid the country's evolving economic trajectory. Key Takeaways: Exploring intrinsic business culture in Japan. [2:14] Economic and demographic data of Japan. [5:22] Japan’s unique employment relationship promise, trade unions, and collective bargaining structure. [7:23] Key issues for employee relation professionals are working hours and performance management. [12:35] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin awild@hrpolicy.org — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events
This is the first of two Wild Side podcasts addressing the impact of social networks on employee relations. In this episode, Host Alan Wild suggests that current internal grievance procedures are not fit for purpose in a world where employees have become used to rating their experiences in real-time using leading-edge technology. It suggests that improvements must be made in company processes but concludes they will never compete with retail and hospitality practices. The answer is to get ahead of the game by continually listening to employee voice, and predicting and addressing issues before complaints and grievances are made. Key Takeaways: Examples of when internal company grievances play out in the public domain. [1:40] The new world of social grievances in the US. [4:21] The history of traditional grievance procedures and how they are handled within an organization. [6:49] Socially-driven grievances put the employee in control. [8:57] Ten tips for mitigating the risk of employee complaints. [12:20] Resources: HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin awild@hrpolicy.org — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events
Wild Side Episode 10 explores international trade unions, their identity, and current priorities. Employee relations professionals often engage with them for expertise in European Works Councils or as targets of global corporate campaigns. These trade unions influence policy through the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UN systems, primarily via ITUC, ETUC, UniGlobal, and IndustriALL. Their focus includes International Framework Agreements and capacity building for the movement. Key Takeaways: What organisations make up the ILO, and what is their collective objective? [1:03] The ITUC is the global coordinating body of National Trade Union Federations. [3:34] The two most active and well-known Global Union Federations (GUFs) and their objectives. [5:02] International Framework Agreements and the conventions they commit to. [9:13] LabourStart.org is an extensive network and resource of trade union information. [12:17] Resources: HR Policy Association LabourStart Alan Wild on Linkedin awild@hrpolicy.org — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events
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