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Financial stress has real consequences for organisations — affecting productivity, engagement and retention. In this episode of HR Chats, Te Radar talks to Slavic Teplitsky, Senior Director of Fintech at Deel, as he explores how innovation in payroll is reshaping the employee pay experience. From long-established pay cycles to the growing interest in on-demand pay, the conversation examines why organisations are rethinking how and when employees are paid. Slavic also discusses what financial wellbeing means in a workplace context, the questions HR and payroll teams are asking about new payment models, and the practical first steps organisations can take to improve employees’ financial wellbeing through payroll. About Slavic: Slavic is a fintech product leader passionate about building modern financial systems that make access to money faster, fairer, and more human. Throughout his career, including at industry leaders like PayPal and now Deel, Slavic has focused on solving liquidity challenges for people and businesses - whether through earned wage access, real-time payments, or inclusive product design that helps everyone manage their finances with confidence.

Changing business models and the rise of remote working means that workers can no longer rely on building friendships and social ties within traditional workplace hours. In this HR Chat, Te Radar talks with Alice Burks, Director of People Success at Deel, as she shares her experience and insights for NZ HR leaders on; Global workplace trends which are shaping NZ worker experiences Advice for maintaining culture and engagement in hybrid and remote workplaces. How online communities can support remote/hybrid workers. About Alice Alice Burks is Director of People Success at Deel, where sheleads the people strategy across the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding new hires to developing leaders and driving performance and engagement.

Artificial intelligence has moved quickly from theory to practice in recruitment. For many employers, including those in New Zealand, the question is no longer whether AI will feature in hiring, but how to use it responsibly, transparently, and in a way that genuinely improves outcomes for both employers and candidates.

In our latest HRNZ Podcast Kōrero, we sit down with Chris Maika (Te Arawa, Ngāpuhi) for a powerful and deeply personal conversation exploring assimilation, identity, and belonging in Aotearoa’s workplaces. Chris shares his journey of assimilation and the moments that led him to rediscover his cultural identity, and what it truly means to show up authentically at work. Drawing on over 20 years in learning and development — including his mahi through Ruku ki te Ako — Chris offers valuable insights for HR professionals on how we can create environments where people feel seen, safe, and connected.

How can organisations move beyond awareness to real action when it comes to neurodiversity? In this episode, Te Radar sits down with Dr. Dana Ott and Associate Professor Miriam Moeller to unpack why neuroinclusion matters, the challenges companies face, and the practical steps leaders can take to better support neurodivergent employees. Drawing on years of research and practical tools like the Autism Employment Playbook, Dana and Miriam share fresh insights on how organisations can unlock the strengths of neurodiverse talent, foster inclusion, and build workplaces where everyone can thrive. About Dana: Dana L. Ott (MSc, PhD) is a Senior Lecturer in International Management at the University of Otago. Dana’s research seeks to enhance global mobility experiences for individuals pursuing international careers and to provide guidance for organisations in effectively supporting neurodivergent employees and leaders. She is deeply committed to advancing DEI initiatives, particularly championing neuroinclusion, fostering cultural intelligence, and promoting gender equity.