In the latest instalment of our HR industry executive interview series, we spoke to Lynn Smith, Chief People and Operations Officer at Wealth Wizards, about the company, getting to grips with remote working, market opportunities and new technology…
Tell us about your company, products and services.
Wealth Wizards has a mission to make financial advice accessible and available to all. We do this through our digital financial adviser called MyEva who is available 24/7. MyEva is supported by her human colleagues for more complex queries or where a user needs that human interaction. MyEva offers guidance as well as advice on all life events, using jargon free language to support all users in their quest of being in control of their finances, whether that’s getting out of debt, saving for a rainy day or getting ready for retirement.
What have been the biggest challenges the Human Resources industry has faced over the past 12 months?
Getting to grips with remote working; from ensuring all employees have the right equipment to be able to carry out their roles to ensuring the culture of the organisation thrives in a remote environment.
And what have been the biggest opportunities?
Implementing new ways of working, whether that be remote inductions, regular all company communications (townhalls on zoom), widening the recruitment pool as the office location is no longer a barrier to finding great people.
What is the biggest priority for the Human Resources industry in 2021/22?
Holding on to great employees – the market is so buoyant – if the people proposition isn’t strong employees will leave.
What are the main trends you are expecting to see in the market in 2021/22?
- Home working continuing and being the norm as an offering not a ‘perk’
- Employee Wellness will be a priority and employees will look for organisations who really take this seriously
- Employee Benefits will be shaken up as some of the more traditional benefits won’t be needed, ie free snacks in the office.
What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market this year?
- Cloud Based HR as companies move to a remote first model
- Digital Chatbots for resolving day to day queries, and for recruitment
- Employee engagement and wellbeing technology
In 2025 we’ll all be talking about…?
- Data and AI and how this is used to make meaningful and impactful decisions on recruitment, development, skills gaps, wellness in all contexts.
- We will be more focused on the employee experience than we have ever been
- Virtual Reality will become a more normal workday experience.
- The gig economy
Which person in, or associated with, the Human Resources industry would you most like to meet?
I would most like to meet the Queen – she has the welfare of the country as her priority so I’m sure she would offer some great insights.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learnt about the Human Resources sector?
The most surprising thing I’ve learnt about the Human Resources sector is how well it’s coped and adapted to the challenges of the pandemic and its ability to manage through a crisis.
You go to the bar at the HR Summit – what’s your tipple of choice?
It would have to be a nice cold beer.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
Variety and the unpredictable nature of the human which makes each day fascinating.
And what’s the most challenging?
So many possibilities – ensuring the focus is right for what we need now and in the future.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Just be you.
The Crown or Peaky Blinders?
Definitely the Crown.
