What is the HR Innovation Roundtable?

A powerful closed-door workshop bringing together 45 HR executives from leading global
brands for intimate discussions about specific challenges and transferable solutions.

Agenda: Day 1

October 21st, 2024

2 - 2:15 PM

Arrival Reception & Welcome

About:

For more than 130 years, Merck has brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines.
“We try never to forget that medicine is for the people. It is not for the profits.” – George Merck, Founder of Merck & Co.

Join us at Merck’s state-of-the-art reimagined workplace (opened in mid-2023) for the HR Innovation Roundtable taking place at their new global headquarters in Rahway. Rahway was the site of Merck’s first manufacturing plant and was Merck’s former headquarters from 1926 to 1992. The updated collaborative workspace brings together all of Merck’s divisions and leadership teams in one location.

Merck is a global healthcare company, comprising 72,000+ employees that delivers innovative health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. Merck’s commitment to a safe, sustainable and healthy future for people and communities everywhere is reflected in its purpose to use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

2:15 - 3:15 PM

Managing the Noise: Continuing to Drive DEI in Today’s Workplace

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

In today’s climate, anti-diversity efforts, from legislative pushback to internal resistance, are creating significant challenges for organizations committed to DEI. Diversity practitioners face heightened scrutiny and pressure, making it harder to implement programs that drive equity, innovation, and engagement. For organizations, these efforts can disrupt progress and create tension between stakeholder expectations and DEI goals. Navigating these challenges requires resilience and a strategic approach to maintaining inclusive cultures. This panel will provide practical insights to help you advance DEI initiatives despite external pressures, ensuring both organizational success and employee empowerment.

• Gain practical strategies to navigate the external challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) while addressing the needs of employees and stakeholders

• Learn how to sustain and advance DEI efforts within the workplace, despite external anti-diversity forces

• Equip listeners with relevant and actionable initiatives to uphold their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the face of external opposition

3:15 - 4:15 PM

DEI is Not Disappearing—It’s Evolving: How to Demonstrate the ROI of DEI

PanelistS:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

As Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) continues to evolve, it's clear that these efforts are far from a fleeting trend—they are a critical driver of business success and innovation. This panel discussion brings together distinguished Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officers and CHROs who will explore how to effectively demonstrate the ROI of DEI initiatives. You will gain insights into the evolving landscape of DEI, learn how to develop robust metrics to measure impact, and discuss how aligning DEI efforts with core business strategies can enhance organizational performance. By addressing both the challenges and opportunities of DEI, organizations can not only build more inclusive workplaces but also drive long-term value and growth.

• Innovative Approaches to DEI ROI: Discover how leading companies are developing innovative strategies to measure the return on investment of DEI initiatives, linking them directly to financial and business outcomes

• Navigating Organizational Change: Learn how to implement DEI strategies that align with organizational goals and foster a culture of inclusion, driving sustainable change and performance improvement

• Leadership, Accountability, and Impact: Understand the critical role of leadership in advancing DEI, and explore best practices for holding your organization accountable and measuring the success of DEI programs

4:30 - 5:30 PM

How to Transform Company Culture for Agility and Competitive Advantage

PanelistS:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

In an era defined by constant disruption, transforming your company culture is key to staying ahead. This panel will reveal how successfully fostering a culture of agility can drive innovation, improve employee engagement, and secure long-term competitive advantage. However, if done successfully, your organization will not only stay resilient in the face of change but also create a workforce that thrives on continuous improvement and opportunity. Failure to address this could mean falling behind in the market, losing your best talent to more agile competitors, and facing inefficiencies that stifle growth and innovation.

• Foster a Culture of Adaptability: Learn how to build a workforce that quickly responds to change, keeping your organization nimble and proactive

• Align Culture with Strategic Objectives: Discover how embedding agility into culture accelerates strategic outcomes, enabling long-term growth and market leadership

• Avoid the Pitfalls of Stagnation: Understand the risks of a stagnant culture and how to revitalize it before it hampers innovation and progress.

5:30 - 6 PM

Snow Melts from the Edges: Building an Alert Enterprise

Keynote SPeaker:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

Why do so many organizations staffed by smart people, with plenty of resources, so often get blindsided by events that in retrospect they ought to have anticipated? Rita McGrath argues that a key reason is that they have not baked strategic sensing practices into their day to day lives. In this talk, she will show how our current strategic context, characterized by transient competitive advantages and disruptive change, require a different focus of leadership attention than is needed in calmer times. There are 8 questions, associated with practices designed to get information from the front lines to the corner office that HR leaders can use to create new habits of environmental alertness. The important information decision-makers need doesn’t present itself in a neatly wrapped package in the conference center at headquarters – it’s “out there” where the organization meets its environment – in other words, at the edges.

• The ability to clearly explain why strategies of transient advantage demand new skill sets from leaders

• A concise set of 8 questions they can use to nudge the right curious behaviors from senior executives

• the ability to clearly explain the value of this exercise to corporate leaders

6 - 7:30 PM

Networking, Drinks & Evening Dinner

Get to know your esteemed peers over some hors d'oeuvre and deliciously prepared cocktails. We will then head to Merck’s private restaurant for a three-course evening dinner. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in the presence of your peers to learn, share and ponder over the key topics of what was discussed earlier in the day and the exciting conversations in store for you on day 2.

Agenda: Day 2

October 22nd, 2024

8 - 8:40 AM

Registration & Breakfast followed by Welcome Reception

PanelistS:

Join us nice and early to grab a tasty bite to eat and your daily dose of caffeine to set you up for a full-on day of learning, sharing and innovating. At 8:30 AM hear a few words from our event chair (Chris), host (Betty) and partner (Will) on what to expect over the course of the day.

8:40 - 9:10 AM

Designing a Rewards & Recognition Program that Supports Your Retention Strategy

PanelistS:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

For large organizations, retaining their top talent is becoming increasingly critical as rewards and recognition programs need to effectively support their retention strategy. If not addressed, organizations may face high turnover rates, leading to increased hiring costs, loss of experienced employees, and diminished team morale. However, by developing a comprehensive and strategic rewards and recognition program, companies can significantly enhance employee engagement and loyalty. This results in a more stable and productive workforce, driving sustained business success and competitive advantage.

• Alignment with Retention Goals: Understand how to design rewards and recognition programs that directly support and enhance your retention strategies

• Implementation Best Practices: Learn effective methods for rolling out a rewards and recognition program that appeals to a diverse employee base

• Performance Metrics: Discover how to measure the success of your program through key performance indicators and adapt it to continuously meet organizational and employee needs

9:10 - 10:20 AM

Human-Centered Teams: Driving Workplace Transformation through Enhanced Employee Experience in 2024

PanelistS:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

The emphasis on creating human-centered teams is more critical than ever for driving workplace transformation. HR leaders face the challenge of enhancing employee experience in a way that promotes well-being, engagement, and productivity. Failure to address this challenge could lead to disengagement, high turnover rates, and a decline in organizational performance. However, successfully enhancing employee experience can result in a more motivated, innovative, and resilient workforce. This panel will explore strategies for fostering human-centered teams, leveraging technology to improve employee experience, and measuring the impact of these initiatives on organizational success.

• Building Human-Centered Teams: Learn strategies for creating and sustaining teams that prioritize employee well-being, collaboration, and a sense of belonging

• Leveraging Technology to Enhance Employee Experience: Discover how to utilize advanced HR technologies to personalize employee experiences, streamline communication, and boost engagement

• Assessing Impact and Performance: Gain insights into evaluating the success of employee experience initiatives and their direct impact on organizational performance, productivity, and employee satisfaction

10:35 - 11:05 AM

How to Use AI to Improve Talent Management

PanelistS:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

Merck is at the forefront of revolutionizing talent management by harnessing the power of AI to create a skills-based workforce that drives growth and adaptability. In a rapidly evolving market, Merck recognizes that retaining and developing top talent is not just about filling roles—it's about strategically matching the right skills with the right opportunities. By leveraging AI, Merck is transforming how they identify, nurture, and mobilize talent across the organization, ensuring employees have the resources and pathways to grow, while the business remains agile and resilient. This innovative approach not only enhances employee engagement but also builds a robust pipeline of future leaders ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

• How Merck has implemented AI to create a dynamic, skills-based talent marketplace that aligns with evolving business needs

• Best practices for using data-driven insights to support employee development and retention

• Real-life examples of how AI-powered talent management leads to enhanced business agility and workforce satisfaction

11:05 AM - 12:15 PM

Leadership Reimagined: Shaping a New Social Contract Between Employers and Employees

PanelistS:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

As the workplace evolves, establishing a new social contract between employees and employers is crucial for fostering trust, engagement, and mutual growth. HR leaders are tasked with the challenge of redefining leadership to focus on human-centered values that meet contemporary workforce expectations. Failure to adapt could lead to employee dissatisfaction, increased turnover, and a decline in organizational performance. Conversely, getting it right can enhance loyalty, motivation, and productivity. This panel will delve into strategies for developing a new social contract that prioritizes transparency, collaboration, and continuous development.

• Crafting a Modern Social Contract: Learn how to develop a social contract that emphasizes transparency, mutual respect, and shared growth, aligning with the values of today’s workforce

• Promoting Collaboration and Inclusion: Discover ways to cultivate an inclusive workplace that encourages collaboration, leverages diverse perspectives, and fosters a sense of belonging among all employees

• Evaluating Impact and Success: Explore methods to measure the effectiveness of the new social contract on employee satisfaction, retention, and overall organizational performance

12:15 - 12:45 PM

AI-Powered, Human-Centered Team Transformation at Scale

panelists:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

In this session, we will delve into how leveraging advanced AI technologies can drive significant improvements in team dynamics and performance within large organizations. By integrating AI-driven insights with a human-centered approach, we will explore strategies for enhancing communication, collaboration, and leadership development. It will highlight real-world examples and case studies demonstrating how AI can support scalable, personalized coaching solutions that empower teams, foster innovation, and align with organizational goals, ultimately leading to sustained business success.

• Enhance Team Dynamics with AI: Learn how AI can boost communication and collaboration within your teams

• Scale Personalized Coaching: Discover ways to implement AI-driven, scalable coaching solutions that empower employees

• Align AI with Business Goals: Understand how to use AI to support innovation and drive organizational success

1:45 - 2:55 PM

Building a Skills-Driven Organization: Harnessing Upskilling, Team Dynamics, and Talent Analytics to Elevate Performance and Future-Proof Your Workforce

PanelistS:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

In an increasingly competitive business environment, HR leaders are tasked with the pivotal challenge of transforming their organizations into skills-based entities. This transformation requires a strategic approach to leveraging talent, technology, and learning and development (L&D) to attract and retain next-generation talent. The challenge lies in accurately identifying the skills that will be essential in the future, implementing effective training programs, and integrating advanced technologies to facilitate continuous learning. Ignoring this transformation can lead to a widening skills gap, reduced innovation, and a decline in competitive advantage. Conversely, successfully becoming a skills-based organization can result in a dynamic, innovative, and future-ready workforce, driving long-term success and growth.

• Identifying Future-Critical Skills Effectively: Discover proven methods for recognizing and nurturing the skills that will be essential for your organization's future success

• Integrating Technology into L&D Strategies: Learn how to leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance learning and development initiatives, driving innovation and growth

• Cultivating a Continuous Learning Culture: Explore best practices for fostering an environment that supports ongoing skill development and lifelong learning.

3:10-4:20 PM

AI is Changing Every Part of HR—and Every Role in the Company

PanelistS:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

As generative AI continues to reshape the business landscape, building an effective HR strategy that incorporates this technology within the first year is crucial for staying competitive. HR leaders face the challenge of seamlessly integrating generative AI to optimize HR functions, enhance employee experiences, and drive strategic decision-making. Failure to do so could lead to missed opportunities, inefficiencies, and a disengaged workforce. Conversely, successfully leveraging generative AI can result in streamlined operations, improved talent management, and a more innovative and agile organization. This panel will provide insights and practical guidance on developing a robust HR strategy that maximizes the potential of generative AI from the outset.

• Effective AI Integration: Learn how to integrate generative AI into HR processes, ensuring smooth adoption and immediate impact on efficiency and effectiveness

• Strategic Decision-Making with AI: Understand how to utilize generative AI for data-driven insights that improve decision-making and align HR initiatives with organizational goals

• AI-Powered Talent Management: Discover how generative AI can enhance recruitment, employee development, and retention strategies, leading to a more engaged and skilled workforce

4:20 - 4:50 PM

How to Unlock the Power of People Data for CHROs Using Generative AI

Keynote SPEAKER:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

With increasing complexities in workplace data, a well-rounded data maturity framework is key to staying ahead for any future-focused CHRO. This session, led by Ian O’Keefe (People Analytics Leader at Amazon, J.P. Morgan Chase, Google and American Express), will share a practical approach how tools like Generative AI offers automation opportunities for data interpretation and truly focus on what are activities that yield the greatest results for organizations. The importance of getting this right is undeniable—enhanced data capability in HR leads to better business outcomes, allowing HR teams to become proactive rather than reactive in their strategies. All the while allowing CHROs to build alignment among stakeholders and accelerate their People Analytics journey.

• How CHROs can work with the People Analytics Leaders to develop a roadmap for HR data capability growth

• Explore the use cases for integrating Generative AI models and other sophisticated data-driven approaches in HR

• Learn the strategies required to navigate and optimise complex HR data ecosystems

4:50 - 5 PM

Closing Remarks

SPEAKER:

Apply to Attend

Please fill out your details in the form below.

We reserve the right to reject any registrations if your role is to provide HR services, products, or consultancy offerings.
The HR Leaders Innovation Roundtable is strictly reserved for Executive level HR Practitioners (both generalists & specialists).

Why Should You Attend the Innovation Roundtable?

Members

Hosted at Merck’s Corporate headquarters in Rahway, New Jersey

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