10 Top HR Podcasts to Listen to in 2021
Check out these 10 podcasts that cover different aspects of the HR world.
With 57% of Americans listening to podcasts in 2021, you probably have a long list of murder mysteries, scientific discoveries, and dating podcasts on your “must listen to” list. But did you know that there are dozens of podcasts dedicated to human resources (HR)? Some cover more specific interests, like the importance of achieving workplace equality. Others go in-depth about building a better working environment for your people, especially given the challenges COVID-19 has presented to companies and their employees. These podcasts delve into real stories about HR successes, failures, lessons learned, interviews with business experts, and common Q&As.
These thought-provoking podcasts can help you expand your view of the HR world. Below we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 favorite HR podcasts of 2021 to inspire and help you in your pursuit to make your company a great place to work.
These podcasts delve into real stories about HR successes, failures, lessons learned, interviews with business experts, and common Q&As.
1. POPS! The People Ops Podcast
Our very own podcast shares real-world examples of how companies are adapting to COVID-19. We answer questions about everyday HR challenges and share our people-centric approach to putting your employees first. Some episodes include employee retention strategies and how to manage your talent (given an upward trend in resignations). Other episodes cover common Q&As, like our 4-part series on employee engagement, which has become more than just a buzzword.
2: WorkLife with Adam Grant
Organizational psychologist, Adam Grant, focuses on finding motivation and meaning in work. The TED original podcast features world-renowned guests, including Lin-Manuel Miranda and Malcolm Gladwell. This truly exceptional podcast was the #1 show on the entire podcast chart for 2 weeks. Grant dives into common issues facing today’s workforce, such as conquering imposter syndrome and burnout.
3. How I Built This with Guy Raz
Hosted by the award-winning Guy Raz, How I Built This explores the stories of companies you’ve definitely heard of, and how they became a success, such as SoulCycle and Chipotle. He also interviews some of the brightest leaders in their respective fields, including Brené Brown (the vulnerability specialist), and entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk.
4. HR Happy Hour
Hosts Steve Boese and Trish McFarlane discuss modern HR trends in hiring, benefits employees are actually seeking, and labor market trends. This podcast will help you stay informed about the state of today’s workplace as an HR professional.
5. #SECURETHESEAT
As an HR professional, a top concern of yours might be to do a better job with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at your workplace. Fostering a more inclusive workplace means understanding the experiences of minorities and people of color. Host Minda Harts explores the stories of women of color in the office. These episodes educate listeners on using inclusive language, and feature experts who are well-versed in racial and social justice issues.
6. HBR IdeaCast
Hosted by Alison Beard and Curt Nickisch, this podcast features thought-leaders in the business world. They have a series called “Back To Work, Better”, that explores what going back to work looks like, as the pandemic winds down, with episodes focusing on hybrid working arrangements, and how to manage your talent as people’s values change. Other episodes are more unconventional, including one that looks at how the music industry can help people improve their performance at work.
7. Eat Sleep Work Repeat
Host Bruce Daisley ran twitter for 12 years in Europe and in his podcast, he focuses on the psychology and science of how to improve our jobs. He interviews experts about workplace conflicts, company politics, mental health, and burnout at work. This podcast is perfect for HR professionals who also have a passion for organizational psychology.
8. Punk Rock HR
In host Laurie Ruettimann’s own words, she became a podcaster “as a result of the heartbreak and outrage [she] experienced throughout [her] corporate career.” She believes many workplaces, as they are today, are broken. Her podcast interviews professionals, and covers pressing issues — including addressing workplace equality by amplifying Black and Brown voices. With Punk Rock HR, you can learn how to be your own HR by negotiating your worth.
9. The HR Uprising Podcast
This podcast will help you, as an HR professional, learn from masters in your field. You’ll learn concrete steps to help your employees feel valued and engaged. Host Lucinda Carney conducts interviews that delve into what it means to feel a sense of belonging in the workplace. In her series called “Real HR,” she talks with HR professionals about their career journey and their areas of focus in the HR world. Carney also provides concrete advice on how to adapt to our new ways of working, such as how to conduct performance reviews for remote workers.
10. The Future of Work With Jacob Morgan
For the more future-focused HR professional, this podcast features weekly interviews that ask the tough questions about the future of work, and what it means for companies. Some topics Jacob Morgan looks at include the impact of AI on our careers, the importance of having a growth mindset, and how technology will influence the future of work.
Did we miss any great ones? Let us know what you’re listening to these days!
