Shows
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep131: Chuck Goes to SHRM!Send us a textJohn talks to Chuck to glean what he learned at the recent National SHRM Conference. While there was the expected hot topic of AI in human resources, there were some interesting and unexpected topics covered - particularly in the mental health space. Join the team as they recap the topics that are viewed as "Can't Miss" from SHRM. Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions. Support the showOur new book...The Ultimate Gui...
2025-08-1226 min
Honest HRHR’s Top FMLA Questions from the SHRM Knowledge CenterThe Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is one of the top topics SHRM gets member questions about in our HR Knowledge Center. So, host Monique Akanbi sits down with Liz Petersen and Sheri Martel, two FMLA experts within SHRM’s own ranks, to tackle the questions HR pros ask the most. Together, they break down key FMLA areas such as eligibility, intermittent leave, compliance, job restoration, and special circumstances. Whether it's calculating requirements, managing leave patterns that suggest misuse, handling benefit coverage obligations, or navigating tricky return-to-work cases, their conversation delivers practical insights for appr...
2025-06-1731 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep74: Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions: They're threatening to sue for wrongful terminationSend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:Several employees clock in early and sit around, drinking coffee and talking, prior to their shift. Are we required to pay them for this?What do you do if you start a new company and some employees do not have I-9’s or other documents?How do you handle an underperforming new hire that threatens a wrongful termination suit if they are let go?What’s your take on candidates sending “thank you” messages after a...
2024-05-1421 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep73: The Headline Stories - You've Read About It. Let's Talk About it.Send us a textChuck and John do a twist on the normal episode, taking headlines you may have read and heard about and diving into them to pull out the lessons to be learned. In this jam-packed episode, the team talks through a several topics. Can making someone work longer shifts be illegal? The team's favorite answer - It depends. When companies are pulling back the reigns on WFH, is it inadvertently creating a boys club? How is this shift in policy putting unfair challenges on men vs. women? And wha...
2024-05-0727 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep72: Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions: The Trolly Car Predicament for Saving JobsSend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today we have a couple of updates before we dive into the questions.White-Collar Exemption UpdateCan you keep gossip out of the workplace?Reasons companies aren’t hiring 50+Today's episode goes into these questions:Do I need to get a new I-9 for an employee who just became a citizen?Does an exempt employee have to work 40 hours on a regular basis?How do you create a suitable employee handbook?Would you be willing to take a pay cu...
2024-04-3030 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep71: Testing the limits: when Honest Belief meets Workplace Reality.Send us a textAn employee gets drug tested and the test comes back positive. Seems like an easy call to make... or so you think. This was the predicament that an Airgas employee found himself in after using hemp products during his cancer treatments. After trying to plead his case, that he had not been doing drugs, Airgas terminated him, claiming it was their honest belief that it was the right decision based on their information. The story may have ended there if it weren't for a plot twist that drives home the importance o...
2024-04-2352 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep70: Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions: Got a policy for your policies?Send us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:Is there a type of policy an organization should have that shows the process of suggesting new ideas or policies?Our company is being bought out and there is a new perfect attendance policy. This feels like it will disproportionately impact working parents. Is this legal? How should I address concerns on this?What’s the next step in a sexual harassment claim where there are no evidentiary findings?BONUS QUESTION: Does anyone have a...
2024-04-1624 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep69: A Pig’s Head - I am going to make him an offer he can’t refuseSend us a textThis week, the team is uncovering the dark side of retaliation in the workplace, straight from a nightmarish case at Tosh Farms, Tennessee. A shocking number of EEOC claims involve retaliation. Listen in to hear the spine-chilling tactics used against employees and the impact on company reputation and legal standing. In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:How payroll weeks impact overtime considerationsThe salary transparency laws changing the hiring landscapeAge restrictions on employee-provided housingRetaliation evidence in company text messagesSupport the show
2024-04-0938 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep68: Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions: Vulgar Vehicles, Restricted Workloads, PTO Negotiations, and Poor PerformersSend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:Our handbook policy says we cannot wear anything vulgar, but we don’t have anything about vulgar bumper stickers on our personal vehicles. Can managers order individuals to cover vulgar bumper stickers on their personal vehicles?I have an HR friend who was asking me about a problem supervisor who likes to limit an employee’s workflow so that there is no work to do on a daily basis, so the employee quits. Is this...
2024-04-0220 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep67: What You Missed - Policy and Law Updates You Can't Afford to MissSend us a textJoin Chuck and John in this special episode where they replay their webinar they hold quarterly, updating HR professionals in all of the major industry law and regulation updates YOU CAN’T MISS! Stick around to the end for a special announcementFrom reviewing the big game changer policies of 2023 such as the I-9 changes, the PUMP Act, and religious accommodations, to talking about the most recent updates to minimum wage, Joint Employer Rule from NLRB, and DOL’s final rule on Independent Contractors, this episode is jam packed with the deta...
2024-03-2749 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep66: Exposed and Ignored: The Battle for Mother’s Rights Under the Golden ArchesSend us a textIn this week's episode, we delve into the critical yet often overlooked aspects of the PUMP Act, through the lens of two compelling stories from nursing mothers at McDonald's. Discover what happens when workplace policies fail to support nursing employees, and the crucial lessons HR can learn from these real-life experiences. We'll explore the importance of the PUMP Act for HR professionals, offering key insights into how to effectively implement and adhere to its guidelines. This isn't just about compliance; it's about fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for all e...
2024-03-1249 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep65: Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions! A Verbal Assault and a Disability DefenseSend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:We’re having trouble with a background check on a 15 year old intern. Is this even required?An employee verbally assaulted a new employee and she claims her autoimmune disease causes her to not think clearly and not act herself. What do you do in this situation?Are we legally required to provide medical benefits to our paid interns whose assignment is shorter than 3 months?Support the showOur new book......
2024-03-0520 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep64: We Don't Know What We Don't KnowSend us a textDive deep as we peel back the corporate curtain, revealing the shocking disconnect between leaders' expectations and the harsh realities faced by employees. From unpaid overtime at Garnett News Company to deadly safety oversights, discover how policies fail in the face of middle management decisions and workplace culture.Are extensive policies enough when employees suffer and laws are ignored? Join us as we explore the crucial steps needed to bridge the gap, transform organizational culture, and truly protect our workforce. This episode is a wake-up call to all leaders and HR...
2024-02-2734 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep63: Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions: I'm tired of firing people. Help!Send us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:How many times/how often do you fire employees in your organization? What’s your take on who should talk during a termination?How long should you usually give an emplopyee to cash a check? If a check was lost and you re-issue a check and they have not come to pick up the re-issued check, 2 months later.Can you review the types of exempt employees?Support the showOur new bo...
2024-02-2014 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep62: Remote Work: The Failure to ReturnSend us a textIt goes without saying (but we will anyways) that the pandemic drastically changed our ways of working as well as our expectations of a job. One of the most notable changes was the shift to remote work. While many companies embraced this change and have found a new way of collaborating, others have grown tired of it and are starting to pull back on the remote flexibility many employees have come to expect. While there is no right or wrong way, there is certainly a better way to tell your employees t...
2024-02-1355 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep61: Boundaries Beyond Borders: Navigating PTO, Relocations, and Rumors in Solo DepartmentsSend us a textIn this episode, we dive into the unique challenges faced by HR department of one employees. From managing PTO allocation to navigating a remote-first company culture spread across multiple states, listeners gain insights into the delicate balance of work-life boundaries and professional expectations. We explore practical strategies for addressing personal relocation requests within a company mission rooted in a different geographic region and offer guidance on handling sensitive workplace situations, like rumors and accusations, with transparency and professionalism. Join us as we unravel the complexities of HR department of one dynamics and remote...
2024-02-0622 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep60: Breaking Legal Barriers: The Part-Time Secretary Who Rewrote Harassment LawsSend us a textDive into a riveting episode of HR Stories Podcast, featuring the story of Sheri Minarsky's brave stand against workplace harassment. This episode, reveals Sheri's struggle as a secretary in Susquehanna County’s Department of Veterans Affairs, where she endured years of harassment in silence due to fear and isolation. Her story unfolds as a gripping narrative of resilience and courage, culminating in a groundbreaking legal battle that challenges the conventional norms of workplace dynamics and legal responsibilities.Discover how Sheri's fight led to a landmark decision in Minarsky v. Susquehanna County, tr...
2024-01-3051 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep59: Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions! My Ex-Wife Is Claiming I Forced Her Out of the CompanySend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:Question #1 –Does your company do anything to compensate exempt employees if they travel/work on weekends or holidays? Also, if they travel home on a work day, but they get to town with 4 hours of work day left, do they have to go into the office or get to take the rest of the day off?Question #2 -Have you ever heard of an...
2024-01-2320 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep58: Failure to Follow Direction Leads to an Employee DeathSend us a textWhen a piece of equipment with a history of related injuries claims the life of a high school student picking up hours over the summer, is it just a freak accident, or was this a preventable situation? How did the company respond to the OSHA recommendations? In today’s episode, Chuck and John dive into a heavy story about the death of an employee at a mill, covering different levels of OSHA considerations when evaluating injuries in the workplace. NEW offerings from The Team at HR Stories!! Learn more at TeamAtHRStories.com...
2024-01-1642 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep57: Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions! How to Make Them Swipe Right on Your Job PostingSend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:Does anybody have good ideas to make your Indeed postings stand out and look less “basic” and “dry”?As a Manager, how do you create an environment where employees can be brave and have no fear of speaking up? Could you share some examples if you have any?We hired a woman who is pregnant. One of the supervisors is worried she cannot lift snow and feels like she shouldn’t be called to work. Can...
2024-01-0922 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep57: 2023's Top 10 Listener QuestionsSend us a textWhat a year it has been, not only in the world of HR, but for The Team at HR Stories! This year, we kicked off a new episode format called Listener Q&A where we answer questions submitted by YOU! This has been a great opportunity to discuss a variety of issues, from hygiene to employees illegally recording others. Thank you for joining us each week as we dive into stories and learn lessons along the way! Keep the questions coming in 2024 and we'll see you in the new year!Support...
2023-12-2953 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep56: Rudolph and Kringle Inc.- Unwrapping HR Lessons at the North PoleSend us a textIn this special holiday edition of the HR Stories Podcast, join John and Chuck as they delve into the enchanting yet enlightening tale of Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This episode offers a whimsical exploration of serious HR topics, including workplace discrimination, ADA implications, and the responsibilities of management in fostering an inclusive environment. Through the story of Rudolf's unique challenges at Santa's workshop, listeners will uncover the nuances of employment law and the importance of proactive HR practices. This episode promises not only a festive journey but also valuable insights for HR professionals...
2023-12-1938 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep55: Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions! She Was Recording Her Coworkers!Send us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:My new employer is sending me on training in Los Angeles. Can I bring my significant other?I recently discovered an employee is recording her teammates when she leaves the room to find out what they are saying about her when she is gone. Any other words of wisdom in encouraging her to stop recording?I have an employee who’s had some issues with micromanaging other coworkers and she’s not even a mana...
2023-12-1223 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep54: No Age Limitations: Old Workers Rebel against Employer BiasSend us a textThe ADEA, or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, is meant to protect older workers from disadvantages in job searching and while employed. Whether it's assumptions about technology skills or desires to see a longer tenure from a new hire, older people in the workforce face several hurdles that can result in discrimination allegations. In today's episode, Chuck and John go through three different scenarios where there were violations of the ADEA and how they could have been avoided. In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics a...
2023-12-0551 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Ep53: Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions! Mergers, Holidays, and Status ChangesSend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:From an HR perspective, what do we need to keep in mind during a merger?Which would be better received by staff - a Friday or Tuesday as a day to observe a holiday?If you have an employee requesting to move from full-time to part-time, do you adjust their accrual rate?How do you stay motivated through the challenges of the job?Support the showOur new book...The...
2023-11-2818 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Something Illegal Brewing at StarbucksSend us a textWho ordered the Venti Peppermint Mocha Latte topped with discouraging of union activity? Anyone? In today’s story, Chuck and John ‘spill the beans’ on a an issue that ‘brewed’ among a group of employees at Starbucks. This story goes into the ripple effects that can spread when basic communication breaks down and employees have collective issues with company practices.Updates from the Team at HR Stories:Holiday parties webinarHR Kitchen Table - open conversations to help HR professionalsIn the HR News segment, the team touches on the following...
2023-11-2155 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions! Prioritize, Performance Evaluations, and PTOSend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:As a new HR Team of One, where do I start?What would you do if an employee uses PTO suddenly, then silently quits? Would you pay out the time off?What is HR’s role in performance evaluations?Do owner partners count toward your total employee count?Support the showOur new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE! Go to ...
2023-11-1423 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!What Employees WantSend us a textWe’ve all had those days at work where we just can’t give 100%. Maybe we were staying up late to watch the end of the big game. Maybe we had trouble finding childcare for the week. Whatever the reason, there are guaranteed times that employees will struggle with stress and other negative factors that impact overall work production. How can we take opportunities to lessen the negatives and boost the positives, as employers, to not only increase work productivity but also create better environments for our employees?In today’s episod...
2023-11-0755 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!From the Vault: Accommodation Fails - All he wanted was to be treated equallySend us a textToday, the team dips into the vault and resurfaces an episode from 2020. See how UPS could have avoided big legal trouble by following accommodation procedures. When a deaf employee was required to attend meets, leadership tried to find every way around hiring an interpreter. Revisit the importance of ADA and how to properly accommodate individuals. Support the showOur new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE! Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Ri...
2023-10-3126 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Age and Generation DiscriminationSend us a text"Okay, Boomer! Turn those hearing aids up and listen in." Even when said in jest, statements like these can easily create a situation of age or generational discrimination. In today’s episode, Chuck and John dive into stories of employees who have felt discriminated against due to their age, whether through comments, application processes, or pressures to change appearance. Learn ways to avoid having a potential lawsuit on your hands. In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:Proposed changes to EEOC guidelines‘Culture Shock...
2023-10-2455 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!HR Q&A - We Answer Listener Questions! Requests, Referrals, and I-9 FormsSend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:I got fired and now my ex-boss is asking for the whereabouts of important files. How should I respond?What do you do when asked for a reference?Would you require a new I-9 to be completed if there’s an incorrect document number?Support the showOur new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE! Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com...
2023-10-1718 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!It Ain't Funny Creating a Hostile Work EnvironmentSend us a textWhat do you get when you cross a comedian with a hostile work environment? Today’s story! When a complaint comes out against people on the Jimmy Fallon staff of The Tonight Show, people’s assumptions of it being a fun, positive place to work are challenged. The internal teams at NBC are challenged with the task of addressing issues with a lead personality.On today’s episode, Chuck and John dive into what steps to take when a leader at a business is accused of mistreating employees and creating a hostil...
2023-10-1053 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!HR Q&A - We Answer Listener Questions! Grumbling employees, PIPs, and Heavy BurdensSend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:I have an employee who consistently makes comments that they aren’t getting the OT they are used to getting and the lack of consistent hours (being they get 37 and not 40 plus). These comments are harming them personally (how people are perceiving them in the workplace). What is a good way of handling this with the employee?How do you explain the difference between behavioral issues (insubordination) vs. a PIP (performance improvement plan) for so...
2023-10-0317 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!"You don't get to tell me how to do my F_ _ _ ING job!" said the boss. An NLRA Section 7 and 8 Story.Send us a textWhen a Pittsburg pizzeria’s kitchen staff raised a number of complaints about working conditions, they felt repeatedly unheard. After a heated exchange...and references to Nation Labor Relations Act Section 7 and 8 (NLRA) the fallout of the situation landed in the courts. Pulled from court documents, The Team digs deep into this story and breaks it down on where the pizzeria went wrong and what they could have had on their hands if the employees decided to take it a step further and organized into a union.In the HR News se...
2023-09-2659 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!HR Q&A - We Answer Listener Questions! Personal, Documentation, and Policy HygieneSend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today’s episode goes into these questions:Is it HR's Responsibility to address personal hygiene in the workplace?If an employee does not follow through on providing necessary paperwork from a doctor for a service animal, what is the employer’s role in that situation?What should be included in an AI policy?Support the showOur new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE! Go to Ul...
2023-09-1919 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!We are all Employees (Part 2) - Stories about Employee Rights that Managers and HR Pros Need to RememberSend us a textPart 2 of our Employee Rights Series, Chuck and John dive further into how understanding employee rights can not only help your company avoid legal troubles but also improve employee retention.In one case, Amazon had exposed their employees to ergonomic hazards on an ongoing basis. When a situation like this is realized by an employee, what steps would need to take place to correct it? In another story, the team will discuss age discrimination in the application process and whether consequences for statements are a violation of the First Amendment or...
2023-09-121h 00HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions! Establishing PoliciesSend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today’s episode goes into these questions:How do you properly calculate travel pay for hourly employees?How do you communicate policies that are not in the employee handbook?Looking for direction on bereavement policies - do you offer pre-death (hospice care) leave, leave for the death of a pet, etc.?Email your questions to TheTeam@hrstoriespodcast.com!Support the showOur new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE! ...
2023-09-0521 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!We are all Employees (Part 1) - Stories about Employee Rights that Managers and HR Pros Need to RememberSend us a textHave you heard that you can get in trouble for discussing wages with other employees? This intimidation practice can not only be stressful or infringe upon employee rights but also illegal. There are a number of ways that employers can violate employee rights and this is part one of a two-part series all about those rights. It’s important to remember that you, as an HR professional, are also an employee with rights - not just all of the other employees.In today’s episode, Chuck and John will talk about poor...
2023-08-2949 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions! How far do we investigate?Send us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today’s episode goes into these questions:We have a full-time employee who is not reaching his minimum of 32 hours a week. What should we do if his leadership doesn’t have enough work for him?There is a department at my company that has loud cursing all day long. Is it considered a hostile work environment if no one has complained?An employee gets an inappropriate message at 3 am from a coworker that the sender ends up saying was an a...
2023-08-2227 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Unveiling Shadows: A Tale of Third-Party Sexual HarassmentSend us a text When a business decides to work with a vendor or other third party that is not an employee, they still must protect their employees from inappropriate or unlawful actions from those third parties. In today's episode learn what happened when a Manager for UPS in Boulder, Colorado turns down the advances of her Union Rep. Chuck and John also tell a couple of different stories where employees were harassed by other non-employees and the companies failed to protect them appropriately, even leading to a criminal investigation. In the HR News...
2023-08-1541 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions! FMLA Notes and Accommodations, Potential Age Discrimination, Leave of Absence ProceduresSend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today’s episode goes into these questions:We have an employee on FMLA who has been released back to work after surgery in about a month. Do we need to request a more current doctor's note closer to the return date or will the original note suffice? The employee is asking for an accommodation to work from home upon returning - if they were released with no restrictions and the position is not conducive to WFH, do we need to ma...
2023-08-0813 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!From the Vault: The Story of the Lost Employee - Onboarding and OrientationSend us a textIn today's episode, we take a trip back to 2020 to revisit one of our most popular episodes - The Story of the Lost Employee. You only get one shot at a first impression and nowhere can that be felt more than the very first day at a new job. From unclear directions to stale information, there is a multitude of ways to have your new employee leaving asking themselves, "Did I just make a big mistake?" But there are also so many little things that can be done to make the f...
2023-08-0131 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions! Paid Undue Money, Exit and Stay Interviews, and Fire DrillsSend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today’s episode dives into several interesting questions:I left my former employer but they never termed me in their system. They ended up paying me wages on this payroll that I'm not entitled to. I've contacted the CFO and they have not gotten back to me. What do I do?How are you currently handling exit interviews? Do you do something with that data?How do you handle taking attendance during fire drills with hybrid employees, visitors, and inconsistent sc...
2023-07-2520 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!The Story of the Night Workers: Paying all Employees RightSend us a textHave you had that nightmare where you’re locked into your office and can’t get out? You check all of the doors and everywhere you go, you’re locked in and have no choice but to keep working. For a team at Home Depot doing overnight work, this was a reality.On top of the safety concerns with this, there were also violations of their break times occurring if a manager was not there to let them out. What do you need to keep in mind when it comes to paying...
2023-07-1849 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Listener Q&A - We Answer Your Questions! Refusing to Work with opposite sex, Bringing someone out of their shell, Switching an employee to non-exemptSend us a textWelcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today’s episode dives into several interesting questionsHow do you deal with an employee who refuses to work alone with a member of the opposite sex citing religious convictions? Any ideas how to bring an admin out of her shell? I hesitate to use the word anti-social, but I'm at my wits end trying to deal with her. She'll use one-word responses that I have to practically drag out of her. No socialization at all. If someone is a...
2023-07-1116 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!"I’m Going to Run You Over with this Forklift" - An Intense Tale of Sexual HarassmentSend us a textWhen an employee consistently makes harassing comments and even threatens violence against another coworker, this company made missteps in responding and properly stepping in. In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:E-Verify and I-9 requirementsEEOC newly released sexual harassment guidelinesEEOC weighing in on equal pay when trying to hire new talentProtecting your employees in extreme environmental conditionsAI policy considerationsThe EEOC has recently released some additional information about sexual harassment and in today's episode, Chuck and John dive i...
2023-07-0551 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Listener Q&A...We Answer Your Questions! - Remote Workers, FMLA, and Age Discrimination, Oh My!Send us a textWelcome to the first Listener Q&A episode! Today, Chuck and John take on a batch of listener questions:How do you deal with an employee who refuses to work alone with a member of the opposite sex citing religious convictions?Any ideas how to bring an Admin out of her shell? I hesitate to use the word anti-social, but I'm at my wits end trying to deal with her.If someone is an exempt employee, can they ask to be switched to non-exempt? Does the employer need to honor their request?
2023-06-2917 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!The HR Stories Podcast TrailerSend us a textThe Team at HR Stories is on a mission to help small business owners, non-profit leaders, and HR Professionals create better employee management practices. We do this through stories. In each episode of the HR Stories Podcast, management and HR consultants John Thalheimer and Chuck Simikian share stories where organizational leaders allowed poor decision-making, lack of knowledge, or hubris to cause harm to their organization. For Example, In Episode 17, we told the story of a company that ignored an employee’s complaint about racial and sexual harassment, which...
2023-06-2003 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Spreading Sickness: The New Work PandemicSend us a textYou're sitting at your desk and the person next to you sneezes. A Few moments later, another sneeze, followed by the blowing of their nose. You start hearing some coughs thrown into the mix. We've all been in that position when we see someone in the office while they're under the weather, wishing they had stayed home rather than getting everyone else sick. Since the COVID Pandemic, there has been a rise in awareness around sickness in the workplace. In today's episode, Chuck and John discuss handling sick employees and how t...
2023-06-2035 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Pregnancy Discrimination Supreme Court Ruling - Geduldig vs Aiello - the ORIGINAL Pregnancy Supreme Court Case That Changed HRSend us a textSylvia Aiello, was a pregnant woman who sought disability benefits under the California State Disability Insurance program. However, the program excluded coverage for pregnancy-related disabilities. Aiello argued that this exclusion violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The state, represented by Michael N. Geduldig, defended the exclusion, stating that pregnancy was not a "disability" covered under the program and that the program treated men and women equally.In their on-going series – Supreme Court Cases That Changed HR…..John and Chuck breakdown this important case that launched many of the preg...
2023-06-0556 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Did you get that signature? The High cost of NOT getting your I-9s right.Send us a textYou get a knock at the door. Your heart is beating in your ears. You knew this day could come but you weren’t sure when. You approach the door, hand trembling to open it. Then you see the government officials asking you for I-9 documents!This doesn’t have to turn into a horror movie. In today’s episode, Chuck and John discuss the importance of I-9 documents and ensuring they are handled properly to avoid fines. In that discussion, you will hear a story about a company that did not ha...
2023-05-2252 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!The AI in HRSend us a text“Hello! I'm ChatGPT, an AI language model trained to answer questions and provide information. As an AI myself, I believe that the use of AI in Human Resources has the potential to revolutionize the industry and bring many benefits, but it is important to approach it with caution and ethical considerations.”That message above was provided by one of many AI systems that are ever-growing and evolving. AI is here and it’s time to consider its use in our day-to-day work - the pros and the cons. In today’s episode...
2023-05-1544 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Overcoming the HR Time SuckSend us a textYou start out your day with a list of to-do’s. First, you start checking your emails. Then another colleague stops by and asks you to take a look at a document for them. A phone call comes in asking about a new upcoming project and a projected budget to be put together. A task, another, and another all pop up throughout the day and all of a sudden, the day is gone and your original to-do list is still waiting for you.Does this sound familiar? In this episode, Chuck an...
2023-05-0853 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Constructive Discharge: Constructing a Potential Lawsuit for your CompanySend us a textRetaliation is a known issue when an employee reports a problem but did you know that indirect action to create an environment that would push someone out of the workplace has its own name? In this episode, Chuck and John talk about Constructive Discharge - how it can happen and how to avoid a lawsuit by preventing it. In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:FTC guideline recommendations for non-competesIncreases in Sexual Harassment ClaimsWalmart’s increase in diversity within leadership rolesA trend in the...
2023-05-0154 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Serving up Discipline and Potential Discrimination at Whole FoodsSend us a textIn each of our work environments, we have specific policies and procedures that we outline for our employees. Holding employees to these expectations can, at times, mean disciplinary measures are taken if they are not followed. This can seem like a clear process but there are some important steps to keep in mind when entering into these moments with your team.Haley Evans was an employee working at Whole Foods who had been disciplined for attendance issues when she was repeatedly sent home for wearing a Black Lives Matter face mask...
2023-04-2443 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Payroll Pitfalls: The 5 Sneaky Traps You Need to Watch Out ForSend us a textThere are a number of ways that you, as an HR professional, can run into trouble, potentially even legal trouble, with employee payroll. In this week’s episode, the Team take on the topic of payroll and running payroll audits. Doing simple payroll audits to make sure you have all of your bases covered can help you avoid complications before they arise.Want to watch the Team rather than listen? Check out our YouTube channel every Thursday for the video versions of the episodes! See this week's here: https://youtu.be/8YG...
2023-04-1857 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Violence in the Night: How to Protect Your EmployeesSend us a textTrigger Warning Today’s episode contains discussions about workplace violence, violent acts, bullying, and the use of weapons. If you are uncomfortable with any of these topics, we recommend skipping this episode and joining us again on the next episode.We hear about new acts of violence daily on the news and, unfortunately, these sometimes occur in people’s workplaces. These can range in severity and complexity while involving customers, clients, or other employees. How do we, as HR professionals, establish procedures and policies to protect our businesses and...
2023-04-0949 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!When Joking Around at Work is No Laughing MatterSend us a textIn honor of April Fools Day recently rolling around again, the team talks about when jokes go too far and cross a line in the workplace. Many people have either been the butt of the joke or been around the big joker at work. And perhaps, at times, you may have been around these situations when it goes from being a funny moment into an uncomfortable situation. How, as HR professionals, do we make sure we handle these situations properly? Chuck and John will tell you all about it with several story examples...
2023-04-0357 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Why did they leave you? The Story of Employee TurnoverSend us a text We are seeing an increased rate of people voluntarily leaving their jobs. There is no one "golden ticket" answer to say why this is happening, but rather there is a multitude of reasons - pay, flexibility, and culture among them. How do we as HR professionals tackle this? In today's episode, Chuck and John discuss the ins and outs of employee retention.The Team also talks about 4-day work weeks and ongoing studies around them as well as ADHD as an ADA-covered accommodation. After the recent bank collapses in the news, C...
2023-03-2749 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Supreme Court weighs-in on FLSA Overtime for HCE'sSend us a textMichael Hewitt worked for Helix Energy Solutions Group on an offshore oil rig, usually for 84 hours a week. Helix Energy paid Hewitt on a daily-rate basis, with no overtime compensation. Michael Hewitt disagreed and eventually it ended up with the U.S. Supreme Court. This week's story shows how a very narrow interpretation of FLSA rules can have very wide impact. Chuck and John also talk about the latest HR news and other stories including upcoming Supreme Court cases, dogs in the workplace, OSHA incident reporting changes that could increase fines, and...
2023-03-1948 min
SHRM All Things WorkJohnny C. Taylor, Jr., on SHRM’s 75th AnniversaryAs the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) launches its 75th Anniversary year, SHRM now counts more than 323,000 members and plans to welcome more than 18,000 guests to Las Vegas in June for the SHRM23 Annual Conference. In this episode of All Things Work, host Tony Lee speaks with SHRM President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, on plans for commemorating the anniversary, SHRM’s key accomplishments, and Taylor's goals for the organization’s future.Follow All Things Work wherever you listen to podcasts; rate and review on Apple Podcasts.Music courtesy of bensound.This...
2023-03-1524 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Pregnancy and New Laws Coming to the WorkplaceSend us a textThis week, Chuck and John welcome their first guest to the podcast - HR Stories Podcast Social Producer, Kait! When Kait was working in a sales, commission-based role and prepared to go out on maternity leave, she ran into pushback from management around her compensation. When she returned she encountered confrontation around how she was scheduling her pumping time. Along with Kait's story, Chuck and John talk about additional considerations when working with pregnant employees and how to ensure you are following the law and avoiding discrimination. The team...
2023-03-141h 11HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Griggs vs Duke Power Supreme Court Ruling - Employment Testing and DiscriminationSend us a textIn our ongoing series - Supreme Court Cases that Changed HR, we explore the Griggs v. Duke Power case, a lawsuit that involved intelligence testing that discriminated against a group of African-American employees. Willie Griggs was a Janitor that wanted an opportunity for promotion, yet the policies at his workplace prevented him from moving forward, despite the recent Civil Rights Act of 1964. So he and 13 other employees took matters to the courts. Eventually the Supreme Court made a unanimous landmark ruling that changed HR and employment law forever. Education...
2023-03-0647 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!HR Stories Vault Episode - Sexual Harassment and Beth the Lifeguard - Faragher vs The City of Boca RatonSend us a textThis week we pull out one of our more popular recording from the series - Supreme Court Cases that Changed HR Forever!Beth Faragher was a 19 year old college student Lifeguard for the City of Boca Raton in Florida. But after years of constant sexual harassment by her male supervisors, she quit, filed a lawsuit, got heard by the US Supreme Court, and changed everything for companies across the United States. Companies and organization today conduct sexual harassment training and education based on two court cases that c...
2023-03-0237 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!The Employee Edition...being Aware and Noticing DiscriminationSend us a textIn this episode, John and Chuck turn the storyline around and talk to employees with stories about how different employers violated the law. They look at circumstances that have occurred where employees experience negative results of poor employer decisions.John and Chuck also talk about best friend at work and social connections, AI/Chatbot, 4 day work week, last week's Valentines episode, and other HR news!Support the showOur new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE! Go to...
2023-02-2151 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Workplace Romances. Is Love in the Air at your Workplace?Send us a textIt’s the start of so many rom coms - two co-workers working long hours together, having lunch together in the break room, and catching the same elevator up to the office each morning. Then, before you know it, they’re more than co-workers.Romantic relationships in the workplace are almost unavoidable but navigating them from an HR perspective can be tricky. In today’s episode, Chuck and John talk about relationships in the workplace and how you can best protect the company and workplace from unwanted, uncomfortable, and sometimes illegal situat...
2023-02-1454 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!A Hairy Situation | The CROWN ActSend us a textMany companies have put forth statements about increasing DEI initiatives. Even companies that haven't are having to become more aware of inclusion in the workspace. A related area that has been the subject of increasing conversation is natural hair, most often of Black or African American employees. Historically, grooming standards have been the focus of several discrimination cases. In today’s episode, Chuck and John discuss a case where this situation happened. They also dive into the CROWN Act - legislation to ban hair bias. Also in today's episode, Chuck and Joh...
2023-02-0644 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!The ADA - Don't Assume Because It Can Make an Ass Out of U and MeSend us a textThere are always a lot of intricacies to consider in the HR world. What can make that even more challenging to navigate is having to read between the lines and know how to protect the business from there. In today's episode, Chuck and John dive into how to determine if someone is eligible for FMLA and when ADA accommodations may need to be considered when FMLA isn't applicable. Also discussed in the episode: how to deal with those frequently asked questions, an update to ADA requirements for hard of hearing disabilities...
2023-01-3042 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Major Mess Ups With Minors WorkingSend us a textWhile there have been many laws instituted and policies established, there are still many instances of minors working inappropriately. In today’s episode, Chuck and John dive into multiple situations where minors were hired to work in situations that were unlawful. This can relate to hours worked or assigned tasks. Beyond the procedures you need to think about when working with minors, what should you be aware of when working with a staffing agency? Listen to find out.Chuck and John also discuss level-setting and discussion expectations with small business owners an...
2023-01-2351 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!The Word on Word-of-Mouth RecruitingSend us a textIn a world where referral bonuses exist, there is a level of encouragement for employees to help in the recruiting process. This can be a great way to reach new candidates but can it also leave the door open for potential legal issues? Chuck and John talk about Rockland Bakery and their hiring practices, diving into the additional layer of complexity that came from them being government contractors. Some other topics covered by Chuck and John are the situations where you're allowed to use volunteers versus those where you're not and s...
2023-01-1750 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Workplace Violence...."There's nothing we can do"Send us a textIn this episode, Chuck and John investigate workplace violence through a story taking place in a small town at a chicken farm. A woman gets hit by another employee driving a forklift carrying a heavy load after she had reported being threatened by that employee. Is that true when they tell her there is nothing they can do? Were there opportunities to prevent what happened? Chuck and John also discuss bereavement policies and how to get HR involved in the strategic planning of your company.Trigger Warning: This episode...
2023-01-1046 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!The Checklists Edition - Getting HR Right and Avoiding Costly MistakesSend us a textIn this episode, Chuck and John share 4 stories of HR missteps, how companies could have avoided their fate, and the importance of using checklists to ensure consistency. Chuck and John also dive into their upcoming release of The Ultimate Book of HR Checklists.....a go-to resource for small business owners, entrepreneurs, HR teams of one, and seasoned HR professionals. Sign up for the HR Stories Podcast newsletter to receive an invite to join the HR Stories Podcast team on January 25th, 2023 for a sneak-peak webinar all about the book so you ca...
2023-01-0246 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Price Check at Kroger on New Uniforms Logo and Religious AccommodationsSend us a textNew uniforms and rebranding can be a fun and exciting time at a company. That, unfortunately, was not the case at Kroger grocery stores. When a couple of employees said that a new logo was representative of something they couldn't support for religious reasons, a disagreement between employer and employee ensued. On today's episode, Chuck and John try to break the situation down discuss a wide range of topics. What should the role of a company be when introducing new branding? Can the way you communicate these changes impact the way employees receive...
2022-12-2855 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Harassment: A Dish Best Never ServedSend us a textApplebee's is marketed as a neighborhood place, welcoming of everyone. At a location in Plant City, FL, that was anything but the truth for a cook who worked in the kitchen. Gabriel was experiencing frequent harassment regarding his race and sexual orientation. In this episode of HR Stories, John and Chuck will discuss how Gabriel's work environment fell into the classification of unlawful harassment and how to handle these situations from an HR perspective. Chuck and John also discuss current HR issues including - the future of HR, dress codes in t...
2022-12-1852 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Nurses - employees or not? A story about Classifications.Send us a textAt Steadfast Medical Staffing, a group of nurses filed complaints with the Department of Labor that kicked off an investigation into the classification of employees. The investigation will take the listeners on a journey through checkpoint after checkpoint that companies should consider. Who classifies as an independent contractor? Who classifies as an employee? Through this HR story, Chuck and John will break down the different checkpoints that the Department of Labor look at in these situations to determine if employees are being classified correctly. Chuck and John also discuss current HR is...
2022-12-1145 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Sleeping on the Job...not a bedtime story.Send us a textDanielle Clark worked for Charter Communications Regional Operations Center in Dallas, Texas. Her job was to monitor computer displays tracking the network’s status and to immediately dispatch technicians in the event of an outage. But, she had trouble staying awake during her shifts due to narcolepsy. This tale combines ADA Accommodations with Essential Job Duties. How the company handled the situation, what Danielle ended up doing, the twists and turns, and ultimately the surprise outcome all make for another great HR Story!Chuck and John also discuss current HR issues in...
2022-12-0755 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!One Phone call cost the company 7.2 Million DollarsSend us a textIn this episode, John and Chuck dive into how a single phone call costs a company 7.2 million Dollars in back wages and penalties. If you didn’t know, there is a worker shortage in the United States, and more and more companies are trying to be creative to ensure they meet their customers’ expectations. One option small businesses are turning to is hiring independent contractors to do the work. However, it can cost the company millions of dollars if done wrong. Tune into this episode of HR Stories, where John shares a story wher...
2022-11-1243 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!But Boss...I Need to go to the Bathroom - A Reasonable Accommodation StorySend us a textMisty was a great temp employee who was on her way to being offered a full time position....until she revealed she needed extra bathroom breaks. Welcome to HR Stories.....where the lesson is in the story. In this episode we talk about the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, and what happens when companies do pay attention to the law. As mentioned in this story, download the copy of the new EEOC poster here.Support the showOur new book......
2022-11-1142 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Child Labor Law HR stories and Mistakes Companies MakeSend us a textIn this episode, John and Chuck discuss the lessons learned in a variety of child labor law violations.Support the showOur new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE! Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories...
2022-08-0831 min
The HR and Leadership Spotlight ShowThe Truth About Selling - Time to Make the Biscuits with John ThalheimerTime to make the biscuits! Yep - you read that correctly...you can learn all about it in the Truth About Selling, John Thalheimer's latest book is Part Fable and Part Instruction Manual, providing insights on how to get others to invest in your ideas, products, and service.John is a business coach and author based in Nashville, TN. You can reach him at www.JohnThalheimer.com. Look for John's next book, The Ultimate Book of HR Checklists, co-Authored with Chuck Simikian, SPHR, SHRM-SCP.The HR and Leadership Spotlight Show features Leaders - HR Professionals...
2022-04-1223 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!"I want to go to bed with you", said her boss. - Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson...the original Sexual Harassment Supreme Court caseSend us a textIn this episode, our hosts John and Chuck tell the behind the scenes story of Mechelle Vinson....a 19 year old Bank Teller and how she was coerced into having a sexual relationship with her boss in order to save her job.In May of 1975, Mr. Sidney Taylor, Branch Manager at a local bank takes his employee, Bank Teller Mechelle Vinson, out to dinner at a Chinese Restaurant after work. Years later, Michelle recollected the story of the Chinese restaurant dinner with the Washington Post…in her own words…she said… ‘I don’t wan...
2021-05-2831 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!"Are you wearing shorter skirts yet”? - Ellerth vs Burlington IndustriesSend us a textKimberly Ellerth was 23, fresh out of college and recently married, when she landed a prized marketing job with Burlington Industries in its Chicago office. But eventually her dream job became unbearable, she said, after a boss began making sexual advances toward her.As we continue our HR Stories of Court Cases and Laws that made HR today we look at the second case in 1998 that the US Supreme Court saw in regard to sexual harassment. The case of Ellerth vs Burlington Industries continued the question in the Faragher case….wh...
2021-05-0545 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Sexual Harassment and Beth the Lifeguard - Faragher vs The City of Boca RatonSend us a textBeth Faragher was a 19 year old college student Lifeguard for the City of Boca Raton in Florida. But after years of constant sexual harassment by her male supervisors, she quit, filed a lawsuit, got heard by the US Supreme Court, and changed everything for companies across the United States. Companies and organization today conduct sexual harassment training and education based on two court cases that came out of the summer of 1998. In this episode we dive deep into the landmark case - Faragher vs The City of Boca Raton. S...
2021-04-1637 minHonest HRCreating Positive Change In Your Workplace with Trisha Zulic, SHRM-SCPIn this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong leads a wide-ranging conversation with HR consultant and SHRM instructor Trisha Zulic, SHRM-SCP, on how to develop into a more effective and empathetic HR professional. Trisha provides her insights on topics including how to identify professional mentors, the value of volunteering and professional development and how HR professionals are poised to change workplaces into more diverse, equitable and inclusive spaces.EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGEpisodes of Honest HR help you build your competencies while also earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your...
2021-04-011h 18HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Temper Tantrum Tom Cruise - Profanity and yelling at your employees in the workplaceSend us a textIn December 2020 an audio leaked with actor Tom Cruise yelling and screaming at his production crew because of their lack of following COVID-19 protocols. What makes this different is that Tom Cruise was not only an actor on set....he was technically their employer. As Executive Producer, this was his project and they were his employees.Chuck and John explore this situation, listening to a clip of Tom's rant and then exploring the implications in the workplace.Don't make the same mistake this company did. This episode of HR...
2021-02-1422 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Baby Bump and Dump: Pregnancy Discrimination.Send us a textIt should be one of your happiest moments when the doctor tells you you are pregnant. And for Rosario Juarez, it was, yet she was afraid of how she would be treated at work. And for a good reason, the New York Times reported that over the last decade, tens of thousands of pregnancy discrimination cases have been filed. In this story, we learn what happens when Ms. Juarez tells her boss and how the company's missteps ended with one of the largest jury rewards in California's history. Don't make the s...
2020-12-0328 minHR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!Dirty Words Matter: Profanity and Hostile Work EnvironmentSend us a textAsk any of your employees; co-workers matter. What they do? How they treat you? And what they say? In this episode's story, we learn how Ingrid Reeves's male co-workers created a hostile work environment through the language they used and their lack of concern about how their actions might impact her. WARNING!!: Language that would make your Mom blush....seriously, not joking....HR is not pretty sometimes!Support the showOur new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
2020-12-0326 min