Beyond Survival Mode: How HR Brought Wellness + AI to Manufacturing

In this episode of the Future Proof HR podcast, Jim Kanichirayil, our podcast co-host and executive producer, sits down with Dominique Williams, Head of HR for North and South America at Forbo Movement Systems, to discuss the high-stakes transformation of HR in a manufacturing environment. Dominique shares her journey of walking into a "blank slate" organization—where the entire previous HR team had departed—and how she rebuilt the function from the ground up while facing a heartbreaking reality: five employees passing away before reaching retirement.

Dominique explains why she prioritized health and wellness over traditional administrative "optimizations" during her first three years. From addressing the "survival mode" mentality of frontline workers to bridging a significant technology gap, she shares practical examples of how focusing on the human side of the business leads to tangible financial results.

The conversation dives deep into the innovative use of AI in mental health. Dominique discusses the implementation of "Bella," an AI chatbot that provides 24/7 support to employees who might otherwise be reluctant to seek traditional therapy. She breaks down why AI can actually lower the barrier to mental health care by removing the fear of judgment often found in face-to-face interactions.

The episode closes with a powerful reminder: HR’s true value lies in building trust and ensuring employees don't just work for 30 years, but actually live to enjoy the retirement they worked so hard for.

Topics Discussed:

• Rebuilding an HR department with zero institutional knowledge.

• Shifting the mindset of a generational manufacturing workforce.

• How prioritizing mental health led to a 10% decrease in turnover and lower healthcare costs.

• Using the "Bella" chatbot to provide confidential, 24/7 support.

• Overcoming employee and leadership reluctance toward new digital tools.

• Partnering with academic institutions (UNC Charlotte) to modernize supervisor communication.

• Creative ways to get participation in financial literacy and health fairs.

• Presenting wellness as a business case to CFOs and Operations leaders.

• Protecting the HR team from burnout to ensure they can lead from "clarity, not depletion."

If you are an HR leader in a traditional industry, navigating high turnover, or curious about how AI can be used for more than just automation, this episode offers a compassionate and data-backed blueprint for modernizing the workplace.

Additional Resources:

• Cleary’s AI-powered HR Chatbot

• Future Proof HR Community

• Connect with Dominique Williams on LinkedIn