When HR is in the way of WFM | Marianne Withers

WFM Unfiltered | Workforce Management Podcast

Message the show!

In this eye-opening episode of WFM Unfiltered, host Irina Mateeva engages in a candid conversation with Marianne Withers, Managing Director of The Verity Centre. The discussion centers around a critical yet often overlooked issue: the obstacles HR departments can pose to effective Workforce Management (WFM). With over two decades of experience in leadership roles across various sectors, Marianne offers an insider’s perspective on how HR's control and rigid processes can hinder operational efficiency and growth.

Marianne doesn't hold back as she recounts her experiences where HR's overreach and insistence on unnecessary bureaucracy resulted in significant delays and operational inefficiencies. Drawing from real-world examples, including her work in scaling up contact centers, she argues that HR should be a supportive partner in the decision-making process rather than a gatekeeper. She also emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach, where HR and WFM teams work together to align business needs with legal compliance, thus fostering a more agile and responsive work environment.

Irina and Marianne further delve into how empowering WFM teams with the right tools and autonomy can lead to better resource management, improved employee satisfaction, and ultimately, higher customer retention. They discuss how outdated HR policies can stifle innovation and why it’s crucial for HR to evolve from being a ‘blocker’ to an enabler of change.

If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by HR’s interference in WFM processes, this episode is for you. Marianne’s practical insights and Irina’s probing questions will leave you rethinking the role of HR in your organization. Don’t miss out on this engaging discussion that could very well change the way you approach workforce management.

Watch the full episode on 3/9/24 and be sure to subscribe for more unfiltered insights: https://www.youtube.com/@WFMUnfiltered?sub_confirmation=1.

Show Links:

• Marianne Withers’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne10/
• Verity Centre: www.tvc15.co.uk

Thanks for listening.
If you'd like to contact me about the show, you can email me HERE.
If you have questions about working with me on WFM projects and Consulting, you can find The RightWFM website HERE.
Please remember to subscribe and leave a review of you've enjoyed the show!