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:

3:15 - 4:15 PM

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

PanelistS coming soon:

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

The Future of Leadership: AI at the Crossroads with Coaching

PanelistS coming soon:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

As AI technology advances its intersection with leadership coaching represents a pivotal opportunity for HR leaders. The challenge lies in effectively integrating AI to enhance leadership development without losing the human touch. Failure to address this could mean a disconnect between leaders and their teams, stifled innovation and missed growth opportunities. However, successfully blending AI with coaching can provide personalized, data-driven insights that enhance leadership effectiveness and adaptability. This panel will explore how to strategically incorporate AI into leadership coaching strategically, balancing technological advances with human insight to foster a new generation of leaders.

• Enhancing Leadership Development with AI: Discover how AI can provide real-time feedback, personalized development plans, and predictive analytics to tailor coaching programs to the unique needs of individual leaders.

• Maintaining the Human Element: Discover best practices for combining AI tools with traditional coaching methods to ensure the preservation of empathy, trust, and personal connection in leadership development.

• Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness: Understand how AI-driven insights can drive innovation, improve decision-making, and support continuous growth and adaptability among leadership teams.
  

5:30 - 6 PM

Work, Workforce, Workers Reinvented in the Age of Generative AI

Keynote SPeaker coming soon:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

As the era of Generative AI dawns, Chief HR Officers and their teams are at the forefront of navigating unprecedented changes in how we work, how our workforces are structured, and how employees are prepared for the future. Delve into the transformative potential of Generative AI, exploring how it can drive significant economic value, revolutionize business processes, and create more meaningful work for people. Drawing insights from recent research, the discussion will also address the critical role HR leaders play in bridging the trust gap between employees and organizations, ensuring that the integration of AI is both responsible and inclusive.

• Strategic Reinvention of Workflows: Discover how leading organizations are rethinking entire workflows to align Generative AI with business goals, enhancing efficiency and fostering innovation.

• Building Trust and Transparency: Learn strategies to close the trust gap between employees and leadership, essential for successful AI integration.

• Preparing the Workforce for AI: Gain insights into creating a resilient workforce through continuous reskilling and the development of new competencies.

• Leadership in the AI Era: Understand the importance of leaders who are willing to learn, adapt, and drive change with compassion and humility in an AI-enabled future.

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 MC (Matt), event hosts (Celeste and Betty) and event 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:

9:10 - 10:20 AM

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

PanelistS coming soon:

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:

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

11:05 AM - 12:15 PM

Human-Centered Leadership: How to Create the New Social Contract Between Employees and Employers

PanelistS coming soon:

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

Becoming a Skills-Based Organisation: Leveraging Talent, Technology, and L&D to Attract Next-Generation Talent and Drive Success

PanelistS coming soon:

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.

• Effective methods for identifying and developing future-critical skills

• Strategies to integrate cutting-edge technology into L&D initiatives

• Best practices for cultivating a culture of continuous learning and skill development

3:10-4:20 PM

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

PanelistS coming soon:

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

Defining and Delivering the Value of Culture

Keynote SPEAKER:

4:50 - 6 PM

Closing Remarks & Evening Drinks & Networking

SPEAKER:

The perfect opportunity to follow up on the great discussions during the day in a completely informal environment with your peers.

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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