People Fundamentals by Betterworks
Great HR leaders know that people deliver better business results when they find fulfillment in what they do — but bringing the right elements together to make that happen can be a challenge. Join host Ashley Litzenberger of Betterworks as she invites senior HR executives, academics, advisers, analysts and other thought leaders to share their unique insights on the People Fundamentals that enable performance at scale.
All Episodes
Jeff Jolton on Using AI to Make Smarter People Decisions
In this episode of People Fundamentals, Jeff Jolton, leader of data and insights at Spencer Stuart, explains why AI must enrich jobs, not just enlarge them. He shares why organizations should measure collaboration, innovation, and data-driven outcomes, how leaders can foster adaptability and critical thinking, and what AI means for entry-level career paths.
Annie Cosgrove: The Surprising Ways Workspace Design Shapes Engagement
In this episode of People Fundamentals, Annie Cosgrove, director of analytics and insights at Density, explains how workplace data and employee listening combine to improve collaboration, engagement, and belonging. Annie shares how her team uses occupancy analytics alongside employee feedback, why variety in spaces supports productivity and inclusion, and what surprising details like bathroom traffic and quiet room usage reveal about workplace culture.
Nick Haap on What Conversations Can Tell You About Employee Engagement
In this episode of People Fundamentals, Nick Haap, director of talent management and continuous listening at KeHE Distributors, explains how conversations are the most powerful tool that managers can use to connect engagement, retention, and performance. Nick shares how KeHE shifted from performance management to performance enablement, why continuous listening creates better employee experiences, and how centralized dashboards and AI can support better decision-making.
Ranya Nehmeh on Unlocking Manager Effectiveness in Hybrid Work
In this episode of People Fundamentals, Ranya Nehmeh, senior HR leader, lecturer, and co-author of In Praise of the Office: The Limits to Hybrid and Remote Work, shares why manager effectiveness is the true driver of success in hybrid and remote environments. Ranya explains how early-career employees struggle without in-person guidance, why proximity bias quietly undermines equity, and how “dry promotions” can backfire over time. She offers practical strategies for building intentional manager practices, strengthening feedback and goal alignment, and measuring effectiveness as a leading indicator of business performance.