Ep: 30 — Revision of the European Works Council Directive: Babies, Bathwater, and Golden Geese
Release Date: 11/03/2025
Ep: 35 — The AI Mandate: 5 Global Challenges for HR
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
It’s impossible to ignore the flood of AI content in HR today—much of it generated by AI itself. At the CHRO Association, we provide expert guidance led by IBM’s Nickle LaMoreux: AI is 'the big thing' for a reason, as it will reshape work globally. HR leaders are pivotal to this success, but first, they must master five global challenges. Key Takeaways: In the age of AI, a CHRO needs to embrace rapid and continuous change. [1:53] Global AI challenges, by country. [2:46] Building an environment of trust. [3:53] Implementing AI tools with Trade Unions and Work...
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Ep: 34 — Union Organizing Risk in the US Decoded: Transforming Anxiety into High-Performance
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
In the U.S., many companies are gripped by a "union-free" obsession, pouring massive budgets into positive employee relations programs that often feel anything but positive to the actual workers. While these expensive strategies are designed to keep unions at bay, they frequently miss the mark on what actually drives a business forward. Alan explains how a true "Employee Experience" agenda is broader and more proactive than simple union avoidance, as it focuses on performance and culture rather than defense. Key Takeaways: Streamlining U.S. Labor Relations for Lower...
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Ep: 33 — Practical 2026 Employee Relations Initiatives: Calendars, Competence, and Risk Assessment
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
Demands on ER functions have increased in recent years and show no signs of slowing. In part two of the blueprint for success in 2026 Wild Side Pod, Alan offers a practical look at the initiatives that will lead to Employee Relations success this year. Alan covers three practical high-impact strategies that increase success potential. The building blocks of an essential ERT calendar, leveraging data to predict areas of risk, and establishing ER competence deep within the organization. Key Takeaways: Constructing an Employee Relations calendar. [2:33] Anticipating...
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Ep: 32 — A Seat at the Table of Influence: Shaping Strategy & Action Plans
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
The Wild Side Pod kicks off the New Year by providing Employee Relations leaders with a strategic blueprint for success in 2026. Alan emphasizes the importance of securing a seat at the decision-making table and details how to organize for success. He provides a framework for mastering role clarity, elevating employee experience and engagement by fostering the relationships necessary for the fair and fast resolution of workplace issues. Key Takeaways: How ER Managers can set themselves up for success in 2026. [3:47] Employee Relations leaders must prepare for strategy...
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Ep: 31 — Workplace Negotiations, Santa Style: How to Solve a Christmas Strike
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
The Wild side updates the traditional poem by Clement Clarke-Moore … “A visit from Saint Nicholas” into a modern-day setting involving offshoring, sustainability complaints, and strike action in Santa’s workshop. ’Twas the night before Christmas, the elves were on strike, not a candy cane ready, no presents in sight. The workshop lay quiet, with Christmas in doubt, the headlines on Reddit were “out comrades out”. Tune in to find out if an Employee Relations hero can step in to save Christmas … of course, she can. Key Takeaways: An ode to...
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Ep: 30 — Revision of the European Works Council Directive: Babies, Bathwater, and Golden Geese
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
For the specialists dealing with European Works Councils, this is for you. The European Works Council (EWC) 3.0 directive has been agreed upon by the Council of Ministers, European Commission, and Parliament. While this new text is less detrimental to businesses than initial proposals (which included penalties and injunctions against restructuring), it still necessitates negotiations for every existing EWC agreement. Crucially, pre-1996 EWC agreements will need to be replaced. This can be managed effectively with careful planning. Key Takeaways: Every EWC agreement in the...
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Ep: 29 — The Renewable Workforce
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
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...
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Ep: 28 — OPTIMIZING EMPLOYEE RELATIONS PERFORMANCE BY MANAGING RISK
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
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...
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Ep: 27 — WHY DON’T WE TREAT EMPLOYEE CONCERNS IN THE WAY WE TREAT OUR CUSTOMERS?
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
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...
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Ep: 26 — ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ER MANAGEMENT
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
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: ...
info_outlineFor the specialists dealing with European Works Councils, this is for you. The European Works Council (EWC) 3.0 directive has been agreed upon by the Council of Ministers, European Commission, and Parliament. While this new text is less detrimental to businesses than initial proposals (which included penalties and injunctions against restructuring), it still necessitates negotiations for every existing EWC agreement. Crucially, pre-1996 EWC agreements will need to be replaced. This can be managed effectively with careful planning.
Key Takeaways:
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Every EWC agreement in the database must be renegotiated. [3:43]
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Agreements are minimum provisions used to heal relationships. [7:01]
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An example of negotiatory and consultative approaches. [9:55]
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How will wise companies address the directive? [11:48]
Resources: