VP of people and culture talks about 2-pronged approach to engagement

Kylie Elsom to speak at HRD's National HR Summit New Zealand

BY Jodi Walters 22 Feb 2023

It’s no small feat managing over 600 people across three countries, but it’s part in parcel for Kylie Elsom, Discovery’s vice president of people and culture, ANZ & Japan.

“That every last person is as engaged as they can be — that’s always the goal,” said Elsom who has a two-prong approach to employee engagement: to attack it at a broader organisational level and on a personal, individual level.

“Balance is key right now so it’s thinking of ways to help people find balance,” said Elsom. “At a broader organisational level, we run a hybrid working model with three days in the office and two out, then during the summer months we run ‘Summer Fridays’ where everyone can log off at 1 pm.”

But on an individual level, Elsom says cultivating engagement comes down to leadership. “You’ve got the broad programs that set the culture and the scene but then on an individual level, the person best equipped to really engage a person and understand what matters to them and how they can deliver, is their leader. So, that’s why we look to have programs that help our leaders have those conversations and provide solutions for their people.”

Elsom will be participating in a panel discussion taking place at the HRD National HR Summit at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland on April 27, along with other HR industry leaders discussing strategies for how to overcome quiet quitting by cultivating an engaged workforce.

From the Great Resignation to quiet quitting, there is a growing disconnect between the employer and employee, leading to disengagement and higher attrition rates. How can organisations manage the delicate balance between employee expectations and business objectives to improve morale and productivity? In this panel session, hear how companies are engaging and motivating their employees as a retention strategy.

Improving the communication and leadership strategies of middle management to address disengagement
Performance management and reward and recognition strategies to avoid ‘quiet firing’
Overcoming challenges in engaging and onboarding a younger generation in a hybrid workplace
How to align your company’s larger purpose with employee contributions and efforts

Chaired by Love HR’s, Stephanie Love, the Summit promises to be a day of information sharing and networking. “I feel really privileged to MC the Summit in April,” said Love. “I always enjoy any opportunity to facilitate people coming together to learn, collaborate and connect, especially in a profession like HR which can sometimes feel lonely. Some of the best inspiration gets sparked when we come together so I’m looking forward to seeing and supporting the magic happening.”

Elsom agrees and adds, “Nobody has the answers all themselves. I'm more than happy to steal, plagiarise, pillage from any of my peers because I often think that's where you get some really great ideas. It's a real opportunity to connect and get the best of what everyone's doing and also share what you're doing.”