Introduction

In this episode of the podcast, Chloë Touati, founder of the firm Authentic Talent, interviews Miloud Benaouda, President of the Western Europe zone for Barilla Group.

Together, they address:

• his professional career, from his beginnings at Danone to his current role at Barilla
• The importance of diversity, inclusion and the well-being of employees in a company
• his perspectives on talent management, recruitment, employee retention, and the evolution of the HR function
• current and future challenges in the world of work, in particular the adaptation to new generations and the integration of responsible social practices into business strategies.

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Plan of the episode

• 00:00: Introduction
• 02:05: The challenges related to attractiveness, retention, diversity and new generations for organizations
• 03:30: Jobs in tension at Barilla and the challenges associated with certain jobs such as negotiation.
• 04:08: Retention strategies and the importance of giving meaning to work.
• 05:10: Initiatives to improve working conditions.
• 07:43: The commitment to social responsibility.
• 09:08: The importance of diversity and inclusion.
• 11:55: Reflecting on the importance of the embodiment of company values by its leaders to inspire and motivate employees.
• 13:00: Concrete actions to value its employees and the balance between professional and private life.
• 14:40: Strategy and the importance of diversity for company performance.
• 15:36: Corporate culture
• 16:21: The impact of younger generations on business practices
• 19:06: The management of difficult jobs and the necessary adaptation in the face of the aging of the active population.
• 20:00: Expectations for HR directors for the years to come
• 22:30: The real impact of corporate actions on the attractiveness and retention of talent, beyond marketing.

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Part 1: Employee Development at Barilla: An Innovative Approach

In this episode, we explore how Barilla is adopting innovative strategies for employee development.

The company focuses on building professional skills while balancing the personal lives of employees. Through specific examples taken from the interview between Chloë Touati and Miloud Benaouda, we discover the initiatives and programs implemented by Barilla to create an enriching work environment such as internal mobility and the sharing of skills.

These measures illustrate Barilla's commitment to the overall well-being and personal and professional growth of its employees.

Part 2: Talent Retention Strategies at Barilla

Recognized for its commitment to talent retention, Barilla takes a strategic approach to creating a stimulating work environment.

As described in the interview with Miloud Benaouda, the focus is on the valuation and involvement of employees in various aspects of the company, thus contributing to a high retention rate.

These initiatives demonstrate Barilla's commitment to offering an attractive and inclusive work environment, which is key to its success in the field of human resources.

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Part 3: Diversity and Inclusion at Barilla Group: A Concrete Commitment

Miloud Benaouda highlights Barilla's approach to diversity and inclusion. The company values the integration of cultural, gender and age diversity within its team.

Examples from the interview illustrate how these efforts promote innovation and enrich corporate culture. Barilla's commitment to a diverse and inclusive work environment is obvious, demonstrating the importance given to these aspects in its overall strategy.

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Miloud Benaouda's advice

• Focus on employee retention as a crucial aspect of business success. It highlights the importance of providing continuous development and learning opportunities to keep employees engaged.
• Implement initiatives and policies that promote an inclusive and diverse work environment
• Encourage internal mobility and varied career opportunities within the company. Miloud Benaouda supports the idea of allowing employees to explore different roles and functions, which contributes to their personal and professional growth.

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The quotes from the episode

• It is essential to understand that professional development is not only about technical skills, but also about personal development and well-being.
• “An HR manager has such an important role to play in the life of a company. But, if it sticks to the old image of HR managers, I think there is a mistake. The HR manager is an extremely important business partner.”
• “My reading is that the subject of diversity and inclusion will become an essential issue for my recruitment and retention issues. So today, it's going to serve my business. It's going to help the business.”

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Key points to remember

For the development and retention of its employees, the company must prioritize the development of skills while maintaining work-life balance.

Creating a rewarding professional environment facilitates the well-being and growth of its employees. The company must adopt effective talent retention strategies, by valuing and involving its employees.

Finally, the commitment to diversity and inclusion proves that integrating different cultures and perspectives drives innovation and strengthens corporate culture.

To follow Miloud Benaouda, find him on Linkedin.

Watch the episode with Miloud Benaouda on YouTube