So the great Summer get-away has begun. The out-of-office is on, the suitcase is packed and you’re looking forward to a couple of weeks in the sun.
Holidays should of course be about switching off from HR systems, relaxing and leaving the pressures of work behind you. But for many, it’s also a rare chance to do some of the reading and thinking that just isn’t possible when you’re juggling the day-to-day demands of HR.
I’m a great fan of podcasts by the pool. No book or Kindle to juggle with, you can simply lay back, put your headphones on and listen while lounging.
When you’ve had your fill of comedy, true crime and politics and want to feed your professional brain, here are some regular HR podcasts you might like to download and listen to.
1. CIPD
A new dawn for organisational development. The engagement myth. Why is it so difficult to talk about BAME? Just a few of the intriguing titles from the CIPD’s podcast series, which brings together a range of experts to challenge our thinking about topical HR issues. You’ll go back to work tanned – and with a tankful of new ideas.
https://www.cipd.co.uk/podcasts
2. XpertHR
The podcast to keep you up-to-date with the latest in employment law. You’ve probably gone away on holiday to forget about GDPR – but if it’s playing on your mind, there’s a handy podcast on here about responding to subject access requests under the new regulations. You’ll also find episodes on the implications for employers of forthcoming rulings on whistleblowing, covert CCTV and violence at work-related social events. Fingers crossed nothing nasty rears its head while you’re away.
https://www.xperthr.co.uk/audio-and-video/
3. TED Talks Audio
Fans of TED talks will be pleased to hear that you can also catch up with the latest releases on audio. Sign up to the daily feed to hear from leading thinkers on everything from goal-setting and motivation to Artificial Intelligence and mindfulness. Food for thought to discuss over your paella at dinner.
https://www.ted.com/about/programs-initiatives/ted-talks/ted-talks-audio
4. Trainer Tools
One for the L&D enthusiasts among you. There are some really interesting podcasts on here – from the secrets of accelerated learning to using competencies in L&D. Anyone who runs training will also be interested in an episode on smartphones in the training room – should you ban them or embrace them? Something to think about while you’re listening and learning – on your phone.
https://trainer-tools.com/
5. That HR Podcast
And last but not least …. It’s ‘That HR Podcast’ from the folk at People Management Magazine. Described as the podcast that takes the pulse of HR, it features interviews and debates with everyone from Professor Sir Cary Cooper to Pash Reddy, Head of Learning at Deloitte.
https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/voices/podcasts/that-hr-podcast-episode-2
Happy listening. And keep an eye out for our round-up of the books to put on your Summer reading pile – coming to a poolside near you soon.
Erika Lucas
Writer and Communications Consultant
Erika Lucas is a writer and communications consultant with a special interest in HR, leadership, management and personal development. Her career has spanned journalism and PR, with previous roles in regional press, BBC Radio, PR consultancy, charities and business schools.
