In this conversation, Thom Dennis interviews Dean Carter, Chief People and Purpose Officer at GUILD, about purpose-driven organizations, healthy work culture, the ROI of caregiving and onsite childcare programs, the adoption of AI in HR technology, and the potential of VR technology. The conversation explores the value of flexible work and the challenges and benefits it brings. It emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of belonging in a flexible work environment and expanding the talent pool by allowing remote work. The discussion also touches on mitigating loneliness and depression in remote work through community groups. The pushback against flexible work is discussed, along with the importance of diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) in organizations. The conversation concludes with a focus on the authenticity of a company's purpose and the challenges faced by CHROs in navigating paradoxes. Takeaways • Purpose-driven organizations focus on the human experience, engage employees, and reward productivity and performance. • Onsite childcare programs can have a high ROI, benefiting employee retention, diversity, and upskilling. • HR needs to take a leading role in the adoption of AI, ensuring it is used ethically and inclusively. • VR technology has the potential to revolutionize work experiences, but careful consideration must be given to its impact on addiction and mental health. Flexible work provides numerous benefits, including increased productivity, reduced commuting time, and access to a larger talent pool. • Creating a sense of belonging in a flexible work environment is crucial for employee engagement and well-being. • Remote work can be mitigated by implementing community groups and fostering connections among employees. • The pushback against flexible work highlights the need for organizations to adapt and embrace new ways of working. • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential for creating a thriving and authentic workplace culture. • CHROs face the challenge of navigating paradoxes and making decisions that consider trade-offs and consequences. Sound Bites 00:00 Introduction 02:02 Purpose-driven Organizations and Guild 04:39 Determining Factors of a Healthy Work Culture 06:45 ROI of Caregiving and Onsite Childcare Programs 11:03 Adoption of AI in HR Technology 15:56 AI and Human Intelligence 22:54 Creating Belonging in a Flexible Work Environment 24:19 Expanding the Talent Pool with Flexible Work 25:24 Mitigating Loneliness and Depression in Remote Work 25:56 The Positive Impact of Community Groups 29:33 The Pushback Against Flexible Work 31:44 The Importance of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) 38:07 Authenticity and a Company's Purpose 41:21 Navigating Paradoxes as a CHRO Visit our website, https://www.serenityinleadership.com