Drinks After Work with Shannon Tipton and Deborah Harris: Where’s the Human in HR?
Pop the tab on something cold and settle in — it’s time for another round of Drinks After Work! This episode goes straight into the tension between people and policy, asking: when did human resources stop being about the humans?
This time, we’re talking about:
- What happens when HR becomes more about protecting the company than the people
- Why surveys and “great place to work” badges aren’t always what they seem
- How trust is broken—and what it takes to rebuild it
- Why marginalized employees often face the worst of HR’s shortcomings
- What HR professionals can actually do to be human-centered again
From performance improvement plans disguised as betrayal to the illusion of open doors and “employee engagement,” Shannon and Deborah get candid about their own experiences with HR. But it’s not just about calling things out—it’s about exploring what a more authentic, people-first approach could look like.
So grab your drink, tune in, and get ready to:
- Rethink the role HR plays in your org’s culture
- Explore what people really want from workplace support systems
- Consider how L&D and HR can (and should) work together
- Walk away with simple, practical steps—whether you’re on the team or just surviving it
Because it wouldn’t be Drinks After Work without the Happy, here are our Frosty Adult Beverage (FAB) picks:
Deborah:
Raspberry Sangria– Fruity, punchy, and honest to a fault.
Shannon:
Frozen Espresso Martini – A Bon Appétit gem with brunch-level boldness.
Resources:
HR Trends: How to Build a Human-Centric Culture in 2024
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Hosts:
Shannon Tipton &
Deborah Harris
Podcast produced by:
Obsidian Productions
