In this episode of the HumAIn Workforce Podcast, host Sarah Lawrence dives into the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace with guest Simone Garrad, co-founder and director of Nine Yards, a Melbourne-based people and culture consultancy. In this insightful conversation, Simone shares her expertise on navigating AI’s rapid evolution, its impact on productivity, job design, and how HR professionals can adapt to support their organisations effectively.

Guest Bio:

Simone Garrad is the co-founder and director of Nine Yards, a consultancy specialising in people and culture. With over 20 years of experience across industries, Simone helps businesses navigate complex HR challenges, from startup recruitment to large-scale organisational projects. Simone is passionate about equipping HR professionals with practical tools and strategies to create impactful workplace cultures.

5 Key Points from the Episode:

1. AI's Widespread Impact on Work and Society (03:00)

Simone discusses the increasing prevalence of AI, from tools like ChatGPT to advanced platforms like Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini, and its use by individuals and organisations alike.

2. Ethical Considerations and AI Policies (08:00)

The importance of setting clear policies and guardrails around AI use in organisations to mitigate risks such as data privacy breaches and misuse.

3. AI's Role in Productivity and Job Design (14:00)

How AI can augment roles by automating repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on high-value, innovative work, and reshaping job responsibilities for the better.

4. HR’s Role in Managing Change (21:00)

Practical advice for HR teams to support leadership and employees through AI-driven changes, including workforce segmentation, identifying impacted roles, and reskilling/upskilling strategies.

5. Starting with AI: Tips for HR Professionals (27:00)

Simone highlights the importance of HR professionals understanding AI tools, experimenting with them, and seeking expertise to drive informed decisions and innovation.

Links:

Connect with Simone Garrad:

Website: https://www.nine-yards.com.au/

Connect with Your Host – Sarah Lawrence:

To connect or provide feedback, questions, or topic suggestions, you can contact Sarah

Lawrence on linkedin.com/in/sarah-lawrence-24b03b127 or email her at thehumainworkforce@gmail.com

Website: https://practicalworkforceplanning.com/

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