Nick McClelland of Mercer Marsh Benefits on how the agents of change are transforming engagement

Over the past year HR directors have been catapulted into the driving seat on company boards to make rapid strategic decisions. In this interview, REBA’s Debi O’Donovan is joined by Nick McClelland, partner and growth leader at Mercer Marsh Benefits, to discuss how longer term forces are influencing people risk and employee engagement.

The People risk: why the need for change is urgent report is the first of a major three-part series looking at transforming engagement. In the first report, we researched why the need for change is so urgent for employers, and therefore HR. In this interview, O’Donovan and McClelland delve into the key findings and insights, and offer a view on the changes ahead for reward and HR practices.

In particular, they focus on the many agents of change that are influencing strategic decisions. These include diversity, equity & inclusion, flexibility and fluidity in ways of working and employee wellbeing. All of which require new thinking on employee engagement.

“I firmly believe that how a business reacts and behaves in the face of these agents of change could very well mean the difference between thriving and surviving over the coming years,” says McClelland.

The People risk: why the need for change is urgent report aims to bring into succinct focus the key challenges facing businesses today, alongside the vital areas where HR teams will increase or decrease their attention during 2021. We cut through the enormity of the challenge by breaking down, in data, practical lists and advice, the actions against which HR can check thinking and rework or expand current plans.

Download the People risk: why the need for change is urgent report.