Looking for a quick ten-minute update or a deeper one-hour dive into the world of human resources? Podcasts deliver just that!
They are easy to access, fit seamlessly into everyday activities, and offer an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills.
Below, you’ll find a list of 8 hand-picked must-listen shows that might either have you nodding in agreement or leave you shaking your head in disbelief.
Curious about why?
No spoilers here – you’ll have to listen to find out!
So, get ready to tune in!
8 Most Influential HR Podcasts
HR Happy Hour
Host: Steve Boese and Trish Steed
Duration: 30 minutes
Periodicity: Monthly
Overview: This longest running and most downloaded HR podcast centers on human resources, management, leadership, and workforce technology. The hosts often invite renowned industry experts to discuss emerging trends and popular work practices in a relaxed and funny way.
Level of expertise: Entry to senior
Area of expertise: Industry trends
Listener’s opinion:
I love the way hosts interview on this show. They take very business topics and discuss them with a very real, candid human approach. Every episode has actionable ways to tie back to what you’ve learned in your day job. It’s awesome.
Best episode: Unlocking HR’s Potential in the AI Revolution
The hosts are joined by Aashna Kircher and Cristina Goldt at the HR Technology
The discussion explores the strategic significance of AI-based technology in shaping business decisions and fostering cross-functional collaboration and delves into the essential aspects of data readiness, building trust with AI partners, and the importance of adopting responsible AI practices within organizations.
WorkLife
Host: Adam Grant
Duration: 30 minutes
Periodicity: Bi-weekly
Overview: “I am an organizational psychologist. I study how to make work not suck,” Grant says.
Throughout the episodes, listeners are introduced to valuable skills such as “How to remember anything” and “How to embrace criticism.”
Grant interviews the business leaders from the companies that have adopted unconventional approaches to organizing work.
These case studies serve as a powerful reminder to question our assumptions about our own work environments.
Level of expertise: Mid to senior
Area of expertise: Workplace culture and employee engagement
Listener’s opinion:
I can’t see enough good things about Adam, Grant, and the work he has put into this world. I have been a huge fan and resort to his content almost on a daily basis.
I appreciate the time and effort he puts into his work and bringing other, insightful people along with him to share amazing information with all of us.
Best episode: The Zombie Guide to Surviving Bureaucracy
In this episode, Adam tells about the reasons behind the emergence of ineffective rules, discusses ways to reduce red tape without causing disorder, and examines how to navigate flawed policies for a positive impact.
The Talent Angle
Duration: 1 hour
Periodicity: Weekly
Overview: This podcast from Gartner dives into the science of talent and performance. Each episode features conversations with thought leaders about the latest research and practical strategies for managing talent effectively.
Level of expertise: Mid to senior
Area of expertise: Performance improvement and employee engagement
Best episode: Building Inclusive Organizations With Cisco’s Fran Katsoudas and Great Place to Work’s Michael C. Bush
In this episode, the two legendary talent management leaders from Cisco explain what it takes to build not just a great place to work but a place where all the employees will be treated equally.
The HR Leaders
Host: Chris Rainey
Duration: 1 hour
Periodicity: Weekly
Overview: This podcast features interviews with senior HR executives who share their real-life experiences and field-tested practices. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at how top organizations tackle HR challenges and innovate in their practices.
Level of expertise: Senior
Area of expertise: Strategic HR management and leadership
Best episode: How to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone as a Leader
The episode features Andy Molinsky, a Professor of Organizational Behavior and International Management at Brandeis University. The speakers explore the art of stepping beyond comfort zones, cultivating resilience, and developing cross-cultural relationships that create meaningful impact.
Andy shares actionable strategies for overcoming psychological obstacles, adopting a global perspective, and thriving in challenging situations.
Recruiting Future
Host: Matt Alder
Duration: 30 minutes
Periodicity: once in 3 days
Overview: The podcast focuses on the future of recruitment and talent acquisition, featuring discussions on trends, technologies, and strategies. It features interviews with industry pioneers discussing the latest advancements in the industry.
Level of expertise: Entry to senior
Area of Expertise: Talent acquisition and recruitment strategies
Best episode: Assessing Durable Skills to Future Proof Hiring
How can organizations move past the obsolete practices and concentrate on what truly matters? In this episode, Caitlin MacGregor, a strong advocate for hiring based on durable skills, explains why resumes alone are insufficient and how prioritizing durable skills can lead to sustained success for both employers and employees.
Beyond the To-Do List
Host: Erik Fisher
Duration: 1 hour
Periodicity: Once in 3 days
Overview: While it’s not exclusively an HR podcast, it offers valuable productivity tips that can benefit HR professionals. Host interviews experts on time management, productivity, and work-life balance.
Level of expertise: Entry to senior
Area of expertise: Productivity, time management, and personal development.
Listeners opinion:
Beyond the To-Do List, hosted by Erik Fisher, is a standout podcast for business enthusiasts. Erik’s insightful interviews and deep understanding of the topic make each episode educational and engaging. He has a knack for making the topic easily digestible and turning it into actionable advice that listeners can apply to their situations. I highly recommend it—this is time well spent!
Best episode: Optimizing Brain States: Hyperefficiency with Dr. Mithu Storoni
In this episode Dr. Mithu Storoni, a physician, researcher, and expert in neuroscience and performance optimization, challenges traditional productivity methods and presents a brain-based approach that emphasizes working smarter, not harder.
She differentiates between conventional efficiency (doing more in less time) and hyperefficiency (maximizing cognitive performance by aligning with brain rhythms).
The conversation is filled with practical tips for anyone looking to enhance their mental energy, prevent burnout, and collaborate with their brain rather than against it.
HR Works
Duration: 5 – 30 minutes
Periodicity: Weekly
Overview: This podcast provides practical advice for HR professionals looking to improve their skills and knowledge. Each episode features experts discussing relevant HR topics, compliance issues, and best practices.
Level of expertise: Entry to mid
Area of Expertise: Compliance, HR best practices, and operational HR.
Listener’s opinion:
I love the way Joshua interviews. He is very real about all of the topics he covers, completely approachable, and most important for me: he gives actionable takeaways in each episode that I have been able to use in my work. Don’t miss it!
Best episode: HR Work Break: Leading with Curiosity and Growth
In this episode, Karen Guzicki, a faculty member at HCI, shares her passion for assisting professionals in addressing talent management challenges through effective tools and strategies.
Employee Experience
Host: Gillian French
Duration: 30 minutes
Periodicity: Monthly
Overview: Most episodes focus on the importance of employee experience in driving organizational success. The host interviews experts who share strategies for enhancing employee engagement and satisfaction.
Level of expertise: Mid to senior
Area of Expertise: Employee engagement and experience design
Best episode: Janice Fraser – Farther Faster and Less Drama
In this episode, Gillian sits down with Janice Fraser, an experienced coach and a co-author of the recently released book, “Farther Faster and Far Less Drama.”
“We no longer believe in work/life balance; it’s all just life. We must recognize that it’s a life we want to lead—one filled with security, confidence, love, and meaning,” Janice claims.
She explains the concept of leadership, challenging the traditional “solitary hero” narrative and delves into the intricacies of workplace relationships, the importance of making durable decisions, the rise of portfolio careers, and much more.
