On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, we’re joined by Karen Evers, the founder of HumanSmarts, a transformative human resources consultancy focused on revitalizing HR for small businesses. After 25 years in corporate HR, Karen experienced burnout and recognized a gap in the market for authentic, people-centric HR solutions. Since launching HumanSmarts, she has partnered with startup founders and small business owners across the USA, helping them cultivate thriving workplace cultures.
Karen shares that HR can be more than just compliance and risk management. She doesn’t just preach a human-centred approach to HR and employee experience; she equips entrepreneurs with the practical tools and strategies to implement it. She emphasizes creating a work environment where people feel valued, leading to improved business outcomes.
Throughout our conversation, we delve into how traditional HR practices have become dehumanized and discuss the psychological impact this has on employees. Karen highlights that the increasing focus on compliance has drawn individuals to HR who may prioritize rules over relationships, leading to the loss of the authentic human connection that should be at the heart of HR. By focusing on empathy and genuine understanding, organizations can foster a culture that retains and attracts top talent.
Karen provides compelling examples of how small organizations can transform employee experience to match their culture and values. We also discuss the vital connection between employee satisfaction and customer experience. Karen passionately advocates for treating employees as internal customers, as their happiness and engagement directly influence the service they provide to clients. By humanizing the workplace, businesses enhance employee experiences and position themselves as employers of choice in a competitive talent landscape.
This enlightening discussion with Karen is not just a call to action; it’s a wake-up call for all business leaders. It’s time to reassess your HR practices and embrace the power of human connection within your organizations. The future of your workplace culture and business outcomes depends on it.
Karen’s Contact Information:
Website: HumanSmarts
LinkedIn: @klevers
Tacey’s Contact Information:
All Social Media Platforms: @taceyatkinson
Email: [email protected]
Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future.
Remember:
Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences.
Now Go Spread the Magic!