A New Employee-Employer Contract with Keri Higgins-Bigelow of LivingHR

People Strategy Leaders Podcast

Introduction:

Meet Keri Higgins Bigelow, Founder and CEO of Living HR. Since 2009, she has been dedicated to humanizing workplaces by aligning business strategies with talent and culture. Keri is also an advocate for advancing women in corporate roles through her co-founded group, Fair League, and she frequently speaks at HR and business events.

Key Achievements:

• Co-founded Fair League to promote women in leadership.
• Hosts "Work Now Plus in the Future" series and Disrupt HR events.
• Member of Forbes Human Resources Council, recognized by various business journals and HR accolades.

Main Discussion Points:

1. The New Employee-Employer Contract:

• Post-pandemic, traditional contracts are outdated. Employees now seek autonomy, flexibility, and a greater sense of purpose in their work.

1. Systemic Workplace Issues:

• Keri highlights the disconnect between the traditional 9-to-5 workday and modern life demands, leading to inefficiency and employee dissatisfaction.

1. Outcome-Based Work:

• Moving away from time-based work models to focus on results and performance. Advances in AI make it possible to complete tasks faster, pushing for a shift in how work is measured.

1. Challenges Across Industries:

• Time-based models still dominate industries like retail. Keri proposes an "Uberization" of work schedules, giving employees flexibility to choose shifts with varied pay structures.

1. Loneliness in Remote Work:

• Remote work can lead to isolation. Keri stresses the need for intentional efforts to foster community through virtual tools and social channels, as implemented at Living HR.

1. Employee Accountability:

• Employees should take ownership of their career growth. While employers provide resources, it’s up to the individual to invest in their development.

1. Flexibility for Performance:

• Flexibility at work should be earned based on performance. Transparency and mutual accountability form the foundation of the new employee-employer contract.

1. Leveraging Technology:

• Companies should use data-driven tools to objectively track engagement and performance, moving beyond subjective evaluations.

Closing Thoughts:

Keri envisions a new, healthier workplace culture focused on outcomes. She invites listeners to connect with her on Living HR’s LinkedIn and join their Chief People Officer collective.