The HR Exchange Network is gearing up for its next online event:  HR and Future of Work.  Scheduled for March 24 and 25, the event promises to engage human resources professionals in conversation about the topics that fall under the future of work umbrella.

Some of those include:

• HR Automation
• Employee Experience
• Internal Talent Economy
• Strategic Workforce Planning
• Employee Burnout

Another area the event will cover is HR automation.  The issue will be discussed on March 24 at 1:30p EST.  The presenter is:

Tracie Sponenberg Chief People Officer The Granite Group

HR Exchange Network editor Mason Stevenson interviewed Sponenberg on the future of work and HR automation.

HR Automation

Mason Stevenson

When thinking about the future of work, what concerns you most?

Tracie Sponenberg

The fact that we can guess all we want, but we can't ever truly know what the future holds.  That's incredibly exciting - and also terrifying! 

Mason Stevenson

Thinking about that challenge, what solution or strategy should HR deploy to address the issue?

Tracie Sponenberg

If HR takes the time to automate the routine day-to-day tasks and "paperwork," we can be free to really dig into strategy and people development - coaching, training and developing our team members to be prepared for the future of work - whatever that may mean to our individual industries and companies. 

Mason Stevenson

Give me a 36,000 ft. view of your session.

Tracie Sponenberg

It seems as if every conference I attend, I'm hearing about HR Technology from large, global public companies - which is great, but not relatable.  What they don't often share is that more than fifty percent of us work for companies with less than 500 people.  "Small" companies.  And even for those of us in small to mid-sized companies, automation is possible.  I'll share our story at The Granite Group, where we overhauled our HR Technology in order for us to focus on what really matters - our people - and share some tips and tricks to help other HR professionals - no matter what size company they are in! 

Mason Stevenson

What do you hope audience members will take away from the session?

Tracie Sponenberg

It's absolutely critical to put in the time to learn new things, especially when it comes to HR Technology.  Don't let fear of the unknown, or a lack of understanding about technology scare you away.  We must keep moving forward! 

Mason Stevenson

What attracted you to joining the speaking faculty for the HR Exchange Network’s HR and Future of Work online event?

Tracie Sponenberg

I'm fascinated by the future of work, and I'm excited to participate in thinking about and learning what comes next in the world of work.  I've seen HR evolve significantly in my twenty plus years as a working HR professional, and I am excited to share some of the things I have learned along the way! 

Mason Stevenson

Piece of advice you’d give every HR professional when dealing with future of work topics?

Tracie Sponenberg

Don't just read about the future of work (though that is a good start!), participate in it.  Join a virtual summit like this one.  Attend conferences.  Talk with others.  Be an active part of the future of work. 

Mason Stevenson

Piece of advice you’d give a new or aspiring HR professional?

Tracie Sponenberg

Networking is everything.  Everything.  Take the time to build your professional and personal networks, and it can help you more than you know. 

Mason Stevenson

What’s one book every HR professional should read or podcast every HR professional should listen to?

Tracie Sponenberg

This is a really tough choice.  But, for a book, I'd have to go with "HR On Purpose" by my friend Steve Browne.  Steve shares some terrific stories, and it is exactly the positive, uplifting HR book we need right now.  He's also the biggest champion of HR professionals I have ever met.  

Continuing the Discussion

Sponenberg will be participating as a speaker in the HR Exchange Network’s HR and Future of Work online event.  To see who else is speaking at the event, the view the agenda or to register, click the link below.

Photo courtesy:  StockPhotoSecrets