Nebel challenges the traditional approach to HR: instead of siloed programmes, she advocates for systems thinking that recognises the impact work has beyond the office - for employees’ work-life blend, and for society. Nebel recommends data and employee voice as starting points, to build evidence-based practices that create genuine belonging.

Nebel is passionate about the relationship between work and socio-economic background. From her socioeconomic start to becoming a CPO, Nebel knows the barriers first hand. Sharing examples such as supporting people in the criminal justice system into work, Nebel reflects that the foundation of inclusion is trust, built through honest two-way communication and transparency, and that the critical CEO-CPO relationship sets the tone.

Looking ahead, Nebel urges HR to step up, look up and look out. To stop being the policy keepers and people police, instead the strategic lever that enables organisations to succeed through their people. When HR truly steps into the space it belongs in, HR don't just change organisations - HR changes society. That's the real power of this profession.

References:

Book recommendation: The Multi-Hyphen Method by Emma Gannon

What actually drives progress for women in leadership? Encompass Equality's latest research

Thank you to Encompass Equality for sponsoring this episode.

Encompass is dedicated to creating better workplaces for women and building cultures where everyone benefits.

Powered by industry-leading research into women's lived experiences at work, Encompass turns real insight into targeted interventions that improve how people work together.

Their latest research, conducted with the FTSE Women Leaders Review and Chartered Management Institute, reveals what actually works and how to make change happen in your organisation.

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Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work?  

Our book of the month for March is Don't Fix Women by Joy Burnford – a bold call to rethink how we approach gender equality in the workplace.

Joy challenges the narrative that women need to adapt or be "fixed" to succeed. Instead, she shines a light on the systemic barriers and cultural norms that need to change. Drawing on extensive research including the landmark Why Women Leave study, she demonstrates that the barriers women face aren't about women at all – they're about how work is structured, managed and experienced.

With published Gender Action Plans coming in next year, if you're thinking about root causes, want compelling data points for your business cases, and ideas for practical steps you can take, Don't Fix Women is the book to read. It's a timely read as we approach International Women's Day too.

Grab your copy – perhaps an International Women's Day gift for yourself or a colleague.

Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab your copy, and we hope you enjoy this month’s Uplifting Book.