Why has HR’s operating model barely changed in 25 years – while everything around it has?
In this episode of the OrgDev Podcast, we speak with Perry Timms about the uncomfortable truth at the heart of modern HR: we’ve spent decades optimising processes instead of redesigning how HR actually works.
As organisations evolve at pace – driven by digital transformation, new workforce expectations, agility, and shifting power dynamics – many HR functions are still operating with models built for a different era. Perry argues that incremental improvement is no longer enough. What’s required is a fundamental rethink of HR’s operating model, its role in organisation design, and its contribution to business value and societal impact.
We explore: Why traditional HR structures struggle to support adaptive organisations The limits of efficiency thinking in transformation work Self-managed and freedom-centred work systems The future of HR operating models What “Better Business for a Better World” really means in practice
Wish you had a handy recap of the episode? So did we.
That’s why each week in our Next Step to Better newsletter, we’re sharing From Pod to Practice – a 2-page visual summary of each episode designed to help you take the learning from the podcast and into your work.
You’ll get: ■ Key insights from the episode ■ A reflection prompt ■ A suggested action
Sign up now to get From Pod to Practice delivered to your inbox each week: https://distinction.live/keep-in-touch/
About Us
We’re Dani and Garin – Organisation Development (OD) practitioners who help leaders and people professionals tackle the messiness of organisational life. We focus on building leadership capability, strengthening team effectiveness, and designing practical, systemic development programmes that help you deliver on your team and organisational goals. We also offer coaching to support individual growth and change.
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör
Dani Bacon and Garin Rouch. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Dani Bacon and Garin Rouch och inte av,
eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.