CIPD’s reward adviser: New professionals must recognise the importance of empathy

Cotton will be speaking at the conference, taking place on December 5th at the Hilton London Bankside.

Reward Strategy (RS): What has been the story of your career so far?

Charles Cotton (CC): “One of hard work, fun, adventure and stress - sometimes all in one day.”

RS: What do you think has been the most visible change to the reward and HR profession in the last year?

CC: “A focus on openness and transparency in how pay decisions are made and the outcome of those pay decisions. This is being driven by a concern to be seen as a fair employer by employees, customers and investors. Either because employers see an opportunity from having fair reward systems in place or because they see the risk of not having remuneration practices that are seen as fair.”

RS: What do you think are currently and will be the biggest trials facing reward professionals?

CC: “Trying to achieve an appropriate balance between competing needs of the business and its employees in a changing economic and political environment. For instance, trying to balance what a job is worth, with the contribution the person in that job makes, with the cost of living and the current and future business and political environments. How you achieve this balance has an impact for employers and their people?”

RS: What advice would you give the next generation joining the profession?

CC: “Recognising the importance of empathy and making evidence-based decisions. When coming up with polices, it is important to put yourself in the shoes of those who will be impacted by these new policies. Similarly, when coming up with new policies, you should consider what the latest research and thinking says about what you’re planning to do.”

RS: Without giving too much away, what two things will delegates learn from your session?

CC: “What’s driving pay transparency and how reward and pay professionals can help their employers be more open about their pay processes and outcomes.”

RS: What other sessions are you looking forward to at this year’s Autumn Update?

CC: “I’m really looking forward to the session on addressing employee wellbeing.”

The Rewards, sponsored by Cintra HR & Payroll Services and FMP Global, take place the evening of the Autumn Update. Entries to the awards end this Friday (September 20th).

Save £100 on conference tickets by booking before October 11th. Reach out to Jamie Thomas, from our delegates team, by calling 020 7940 4832 or email. Or, take a look at the event website here.

If you are interested in speaking opportunities or sponsorship, please speak to Ben Miller, commercial director, by calling 020 7940 4803 or email. Or, take a look at the media pack here.