From 2015 to 2023, the ICON-Institute implemented a Benchlearning initiative of the European Public Employment Services (PES) Network launched and supported by the EC Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL). One of the most tangible and exciting results of this project was the development of PESPod, the PES Network podcast, as a new information dissemination tool of the PES Network.
The idea of podcast production was born by ICON in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. While reengineering all in-person activities into an online format, we considered a new, modern and attractive way of spreading information about recent developments, topics for joint consideration, and innovative solutions.
In less than a year, from the inception of the idea, logo, and concept design, we successfully published the first PESPod episode in March 2021. Since then, the ICON team has produced another 17 PESPod episodes, all with the unwavering support of DG EMPL and the recognition of the PES Network.
PESPod listeners highly appreciated informal conversations between PES staff members and guests from businesses and the academic community. PESPod episodes were first published on the European PES Network website and now are available on the DG EMPL website: PES Podcast – Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion – European Commission (europa.eu)
We are proud that DG EMPL further supports the PESPod production pioneered by ICON. The list of the PESPod episodes produced by the ICON team includes the following ones:
- 2020 – the most challenging year in the PES Network’s history
- Lessons from the Pandemic
- How will the future work?
- Benchlearning is fun
- Digitalisation of the Greek PES
- How participative management is transforming a Belgian Public Employment Service
- The secret of successful change management
- Interview with Commissioner Nicolas Schmit
- Dawning the Age of Data
- Domestic abuse – How PES can save lives
- Benchlearning assessment – Et vive Pole emploi
- Labour shortage
- Behavioural Science – a new tool for PES?
- Strength through diversity
- Upskilling and reskilling
- PES Network responses to Ukraine
- Staff management matters
- Benchlearning a brilliant European endeavour