Episodes
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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
[email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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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
[email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Missing episodes?
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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
[email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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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
[email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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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
[email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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This is the second of the Wild Side podcasts’ addressing the impact of social networks on employee relations. In this episode, Host Alan Wild looks at non-traditional forms of collective action such as protests and disputes organized not through trade unions, but by employees orchestrating collective voice by leveraging social media tools. It also explores cases where employees have joined together to overturn agreements reached by untrusted trade unions. Are union-free companies immune to protests or strikes? This episode challenges outdated assumptions that haven't stood the test of time.
Key Takeaways:
Examples of successful socially-driven protests that affected tech giants Google and Amazon. [1:34]
Why is socially driven collective action significant? [4:08]
Employee voice now has multiple channels. [7:07]
How companies can adapt to the new world of employee voice and employee listening. [11:18]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
[email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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This new episode of The Wild Side podcast deals with Activist Capture. Host Alan Wild describes the two forms of activist capture and shares regional examples of how it might play out. The first is where low voting in Works Council ballots results in the election of members who put their own interests before those of the people they represent. A similar issue is faced where thresholds for trade union representation are very low, and militant unions secure bargaining rights for the workforce despite having few members. The phenomenon is observed in rights-based employee relations systems and is a growing issue for Tech companies with no history of works council organization or trade union membership. The second form of activist capture is where internal company issues are hijacked by militant activists for their purposes, explode out of control in social and mainstream media, and are judged in the court of public opinion.
Key Takeaways:
The two distinct forms of activist capture. [1:40]
A recap of power-based countries and rights-based countries. [2:56]
All European employees have a say in who represents them in elections. [4:21]
Rights of Trade Union Committees in Nordic and Central and Eastern European countries. [7:37]
Activist capture in the Tech industry in Europe. [9:28]
Examples of socially-driven activist capture in the United States. [11:41]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
[email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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The seventh episode in the “Wild Side '' focuses on works councils. Information and consultation bodies exist in many countries in some form, this episode concentrates on works councils or trade union committees with information and consultation rights in Europe. We discuss why establishing constructive relationships with bodies that represent employee interests is fundamental to European employee relations. A short example of managing a restructuring exercise across Europe sets out information and consultation and the penalties that can apply if the company gets it wrong.
Key Takeaways:
The history of works councils in Europe. [:12]
Common misconceptions about works councils and the common threads that bind them. [2:10]
Membership guidelines for works councils. [5:14]
Power and penalties of works councils. [8:10]
An example of how works councils and trade unions can affect workplace restructuring. [9:44]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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This episode of the Wild Side podcast delves into the intricacies of Mexico, shedding light on its trade unions, labor codes, and recent developments impacting employee relations. In a staggering shift, more than 90% of Mexico's industrial companies were under collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) before May 2023. However, by June 1st, this figure plummeted to less than 20%. Reuters reports that a staggering 139,000 CBAs dissolved in May 2023 alone. Leaving companies used to years of so-called “Protection Agreements” or sweetheart deals with “white“ unions, union-free. Starting in the auto sector, and aided by US colleagues and the USMCA treaty, Mexico’s more militant unions are on the organizing trail. Host Alan Wild unravels the events leading to this significant change, offers insights into the future of trade unions, and explores the considerations companies may be contemplating.
Key Takeaways:
A data snippet of Mexico’s economy and demographics. [1:51]
Current events impacting Mexico’s trade unions. [4:30]
Mexican labor codes and regulations. [6:43]
A brief history of Mexican trade unions. [9:18]
Pertinent information for companies with employees in Mexico. [12:38]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
[email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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The fifth episode in the “Wild Side” deals with European Works Councils or EWCs. European Works Councils have become a familiar part of the employee relations infrastructure in Europe over the last 25 years. This podcast describes the evolution of EWC law and practice up to the current proposals from the European Commission for a major revision. Despite employer fears when the laws were passed, most companies reached voluntary agreements prior to the law taking effect. Companies have adapted well and describe most EWCs today as constructive. That assessment may be revised when the laws are likely to be revised during 2024.
Key Takeaways:
The European Works Council Directive. [1:30]
National laws must comply with the European Union Directive. [4:57]
Requirements for establishing an EWC Directive in a company. [6:13]
Definitions within the EWC environment. [9:40]
Important elements of EWC agreements. [12:02]
Transnational events and Select committees. [13:52]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
[email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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The fourth episode of the “Wild Side” details the anatomy of a corporate campaign, what they are, how they are organised, and how to identify a company's vulnerabilities. National corporate campaigns began in 1899. Today, global campaigns go viral with the help of social media. Tools of the trade are not strikes or workplace labour sanctions but actions that damage a company’s reputation in the eyes of customers, legislators, politicians, shareholders, and the public. Notable real-world examples are “Killer Coke”, “Rotten Apple”, “The Real Toy Story”, “Just Stop It”, and “Make Amazon Pay”.
Key Takeaways:
Two examples of global corporate campaigns targeting and linking company vulnerability. [1:22]
Origins of a global campaign and common tactics intended to damage a company’s reputation. [5:54]
Global corporate campaign design and risk profiles. [8:48]
Unpacking Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals. [10:38]
How companies can protect themselves from global corporate campaigns. [12:25]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
What Kind of Company Are You Keeping?
Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky
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This episode of the “Wild Side” presents an overview of the international framework for employee relations. Why do the employment laws in every country differ slightly but cover the same issues? It is because the framework for international labour law comes from the International Labour Organization (ILO). 190 ILO Conventions guide national lawmakers. Initially intended for governments, ILO Conventions have found their way into employee relations work in international companies. Host Alan Wild explains how the international framework for employee relations developed and which organisations are behind it all.
Key Takeaways:
The ILO: Its primary functions and why it was established. [:57]
The eight fundamental Conventions and three areas of current focus of the ILO. [3:12]
How do ILO Conventions become adopted by companies? [6:49]
Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact [8:36]
Laws and directives of the EU and the European Court of Justice. [11:30]
OECD guidelines for multinational companies. [13:08]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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This episode of the “Wild Side” examines the key concepts that enable the international Employee Relations Specialist to tackle issues with empathy and success. Much of the day-to-day work involves jumping from country to country and dealing with multiple issues in different contexts. There are some ideas that make issues easier to understand and resolve. Is the country system power-based or rights-based? How mature are the employee relations? And, how culture matters and understanding risk play an important part in the role.
Key Takeaways:
Power and Rights: The three types of systems. [1:27]
Maturity and Immaturity: How established is the HR discipline in a country? [5:55]
Culture and its influence on bargaining styles. [8:17]
Risk: Internal and External. [10:02]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
American Game Japanese Rules on YouTube
Getting to Si, Ja, Oui, and Da by Erin Neyer
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Alan Wild, author and narrator of A Walk on the Wild Side, is a leading expert and practitioner in global employee relations. Over a long career, Alan led global employee relations for Guinness, IBM, and Amazon; he was a member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization and later its CHRO; and has conducted consulting assignments in more than 100 countries and for many of the 400 CHRO members of the HR Policy Association.
The ”Wild Side” was first released in 2020 and became an immediate success with more than 6,000 regular listeners in 60 countries. After a three-year pause and having hung up his cleats with Amazon, Alan is re-launching this new and updated version of the podcast to cover the large and complex landscape of modern employee relations.
The first episode of the new series looks at how a role that barely existed 30 years ago has become an essential part of business success in the modern world. It discusses the business, political, legal, and social reasons that make the successful management of international employee relations such a key role today.
Key Takeaways:
The modern definition of employee relations. [2:01]
How the role of the global employee relations executive was born. [5:22]
Four massive shifts changed employee relations forever. [6:49]
What to expect in future episodes of A Walk on the Wild Side. [9:40]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast is the last in the series curriculum for managing employee relations in global and millennial times. In this episode, host Alan Wild discusses how companies structure and manage the functions of Employee Relations. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
With the increase in offshoring to new parts of the world, the emergence of corporate campaigns and work of the UN, NGOs, and global trade unions, the European model of employee relations went global. More and more companies started to wonder how the role should be organized and how much they should spend on the function. We began to put together advice on structuring and managing the function, irrespective of budgets, or reporting requirements. These are the top tips we have crafted for the role of Employee Relations Professionals. Remember, the ability to pick up issues and resolve them before they escalate is the true name of the employee relations game today.
Key Takeaways:
Tip #1 — Visibility: Demonstrating the business impact of employee relations. [2:03] Tip #2 — Trust: Developing trust between HR, the Finance Department, and the country’s General Manager are essential. [4:24] Tip #3 — Annual Risk Profile: The ability to identify, explain, and quantify employee relations risk to the business in a credible way. [4:54] Tip #4 — Employee Relations Plan: Plans, priorities, and anticipation of fixing problems. [7:54] Tip #5 — Have an expert network. [8:51] Tip #6 — Be invested personally and keep abreast of current events and company developments. [10:53] Tip #7 — Have a plan based on people’s roles, needs, and expectations. [13:29] Tip #8 — Communications: Sharing information with traditional as well as non-traditional workers i.e. supply chain, and gig workers. [14:29] Tip #9 — Listen and respond to employees. [15:08] Tip #10 — Awareness: Dealing with emerging issues early, means offering professional support, not criticism, and blame. [16:04]Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast contains resources to help you be the best Employee Relations Specialist you can be. In this episode, host Alan Wild introduces guest host, Tom Hayes, who is an integral part of the knowledge base behind this series of Employee Relations related podcasts to explain how he maintains his expertise. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
As an Employee Relations professional, how do you keep up to date with the vast amount of global information in the labor relations and trade union industry? With all the information available, how do you organize the data to make the best use of your time? If you have been in search of the best resources and would like to better organize your information gathering process this episode with Tom Hayes, an industry expert is a must-listen.
Key Takeaways:
PATCO: An event that changed the face of US Labor Relations forever. [2:08] A brief account of offshoring in the media. [3:54] Resources the experts use to stay current in matters regarding labor relations. [5:21] The time it takes to stay informed and organize the data is minimal. [11:36]Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
@TomHayes on Twitter
BEERG Newsletter
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast is about the future of supply chain management. In this episode, host Alan Wild discusses how changes in hard and soft law increase the importance of supply chain management for Employee Relations Professionals. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
Supply Chain management today is a high-value item at the UN, the European Union, and many national governments. It's also increasingly important for those seeking to develop corporate campaigns. Ten years ago there were few laws and regulations requiring businesses to implement human rights due diligence processes and to report on human rights risk management. As global labor standards are universally adopted, national governments are embracing the Ruggie principles and passing new legislation that will focus on the global supply chain. As momentum grows for stronger government action and the introduction of mandatory measures to address business-related human rights impact, now is the time to recalibrate enterprise risk and give greater consideration to your supply chain.
Key Takeaways:
As the Clifford Chance report and Ruggie principles become widely adopted, the legal risk for companies shifts dramatically. [2:50] The commonalities and differences of national initiatives and public reporting requirements. [5:06] Why international companies should anticipate new legislation and mandatory measures regarding due diligence in global supply chains. [8:40] Five takeaways from the Clifford Chance report that businesses need to know. [10:19]Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast is a short yet detailed overview of employee relations in France. In this episode, host Alan Wild discusses the important issue of consultation and the way the employment law in France has been changing in recent years. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
The French economy is diversified across all sectors but oriented towards service-based businesses which make up about 70% of GDP. The French government still has full or partial ownership of many large companies and maintains a strong presence in some sectors. In 1982 bucking the trend of other developed nations, President Mitterrand ruptured with capitalism and increased a socialist influence into French businesses. That said, France is one of the most difficult countries in the world for Employee Relations professionals. particularly when it comes to making changes in workforce shape and size. France has recently witnessed major reforms in employment law designed to add flexibility in what was a very restrictive environment.
Key Takeaways:
A brisk economic portrait. [1:55] Essential information for Employee Relations Specialists working in France. [3:21] How France differs from other countries with regard to company obligations. [4:59] Significant Labor Code reforms since 2015 and Macron’s influence. [6:48] French Trade Unions and collective bargaining agreements. [8:46] How French law underpins collective bargaining. [12:15] The CSE and the simplifications that followed. [14:02]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast is a short overview of employee relations in Germany. In this episode, host Alan Wild discusses the historical and cultural factors that influence Germany’s employee relations. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
The Federal Republic of Germany is split into 16 states and is well-placed for international trade with nine national borders both to the East and to the West. It is considered Europe's industrial powerhouse with 25% of the country's 46 million workers producing about one-third of the GDP. And, two-thirds of Germany’s workforce is covered by collective bargaining agreements. Recent developments have led to deviations and flexibility in previously rigid bargaining agreements. Works Councils and Supervisory Boards are all about establishing and managing constructive relationships.
Let’s dive into the rarely replicated German employee relations framework.
Key Takeaways:
A brief history of Germany’s economy. [3:19] Why Germany is considered Europe’s industrial powerhouse. [5:33] Understanding Germany’s Works Councils and supervisory boards and why consensus is key. [6:32] Two-thirds of Germany’s workforce is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. [10:07] Identifying Germany’s trade unions. [12:55]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast is a country profile of Poland, using Poland as a broader proxy for much of Eastern and Central Europe. In this episode, host Alan Wild offers insights on Poland’s trade unions and growing economy. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
Poland is the largest of the Central and Eastern European countries in the European Union. It has a population of 38.5 million people and a working population of 17.6 million. Poland's manufacturing sector is very competitive on a world scale. Large modern industrial sites have been born after the acquisition of old, state-owned companies and highly incentivized foreign direct investment from the US and Western Europe. Outside of manufacturing Poland continues to build a substantial IT sector around its capital city, Warsaw. Economically, Poland suffered more than most after 1990 yet has since recovered more spectacularly. Let’s look at the likely factors that led to Poland to have the largest economy in its region.
Key Takeaways:
A brief history of Poland. [4:07] Poland’s economic success is due to the flexibility and productivity of its employees. [5:55] When trade unions have the support of a high membership they are strong and influential. [6:42] Establishing a new trade union is simple but is it cause for concern? [7:30] Poland’s three major Trade Union Federations. [9:39] The polish system of restructuring is straightforward. [10:33] Summary for Employee Relations Specialists serving Eastern and Central Europe. [11:36]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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