How to Have the Best Day Ever At Work!

Host Verhanika Willhelm answers your most confounding workplace queries. This week we're tackling questions about managers!  Inside the episode:How to cover your @ss when going against corporate policy. SOS: My manager is bffs with my workplace bully!The importance of documentation. What is a good management training program? The Peter Principle Have a workplace question? Send it here for a chance to have it answered on the podcast! https://willhelmconsulting.com/askv/Follow me on Instagram @verhanika and @bestdayeveratworkpodFind me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/verhanikawillhelm/Sign up for my newsletter at WillhelmConsulting.comRate, review, subscribe, & share!    

   Host Verhanika Willhelm answers your most confounding workplace queries. This week we're tackling questions about balance- time, energy, & what to say.  Inside the episode:Correctly someone who is wrong...professionally!  Dealing with grief and "functional freeze" at work.  Performance review blues. Have a workplace question? Send it here for a chance to have it answered on the podcast! https://willhelmconsulting.com/askv/Links mentioned in the episode:Performance Review podcast episode Polyvagal Theory podcast episodeSome advice on grief.  Essay on griefVerhanika's guest appearance on the Made for Mother's podcast episode (on grief)Follow me on Instagram @verhanika and @bestdayeveratworkpodFind me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/verhanikawillhelm/Sign up for my newsletter at WillhelmConsulting.comRate, review, subscribe, & share!    

Welcome to our new season- Ask V! Host Verhanika Willhelm answers your most confounding workplace queries. This week we're tackling questions about big feelings! Inside the episode:Dealing with "yellers" at work.  Mixed emotions about quitting a job.  Why send e-mail when the planet is dying? Existential dread at work. Love, Worth, Connection and Belonging (and Snacks!) Have a workplace question? Send it here for a chance to have it answered on the podcast! https://willhelmconsulting.com/askv/Follow me on Instagram @verhanika and @bestdayeveratworkpodFind me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/verhanikawillhelm/Sign up for my newsletter at WillhelmConsulting.comRate, review, subscribe, & share!

Welcome to our new season- Ask V! Host Verhanika Willhelm answers your most confounding workplace queries. This week we're tackling questions about communication. Inside the episode:Expectations around "working while sick." "This meeting could have been an email." How to do a meeting audit. Passive aggressive communication woes. Have a workplace question? Send it here for a chance to have it answered on the podcast! https://willhelmconsulting.com/askv/Follow me on Instagram @verhanika and @bestdayeveratworkpodFind me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/verhanikawillhelm/Sign up for my newsletter at WillhelmConsulting.comRate, review, subscribe, & share!

Host Verhanika and producer Bethany got an email announcing the theme of the SHRM 2025 conference and we have....questions and some potentially spicy takes.  How many times are we going to ask  "How do we work with Gen Z?!" before moving on to more productive questions. Verhanika attended the 2024 conference earlier this year. She also works very with many HR professionals as clients and has been a member of SHRM for years. Season 4 of this podcast is all about the history and purpose of human resources in workplaces. Inside the episode:Is "How do we work with Gen-Z the right question?" (spoiler- no) Link to old man yells at cloud memeLink to referenced poetry by Mary OliverIntergenerational workplaces, mentorships, and friendships are.. *gasp*... good. Follow me on Instagram @verhanika and @bestdayeveratworkpodFind me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/verhanikawillhelm/Sign up for my newsletter at WillhelmConsulting.comRate, review, subscribe, & share!

In this week's BONUS episode: Verhanika sits down with her producer, Bethany, to discuss her recent trip to the SHRM Conference ( Society for Human Resource Management.)  Tune in to hear Verhanika's hot takes, lingering questions, and lightbulb moments from the world's biggest gathering of HR professionals. Follow me on Instagram @verhanika and @bestdayeveratworkpodFind me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/verhanikawillhelm/Sign up for my newsletter at WillhelmConsulting.comRate, review, subscribe, & share!

How can we ensure that HR is a true resource for you and what you need? HR is an important part of an organization, so what do you need to know to utilize their capabilities and power to help you at work?Inside the Episode:How to have a good relationship with HR:Get clear on their role. What are the explicit functions of HR in your organization? Get to know the people in HR and ask about their background. Learn about the processes that HR are involved in.Think about when to involve HR. Use HR more (not just for very big problems.) Follow me on Instagram @verhanika and @bestdayeveratworkpodFind me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/verhanikawillhelm/Sign up for my newsletter at WillhelmConsulting.comRate, review, subscribe, & share!

Why don't people trust HR? This week we examine power dynamics, practices, and perceptions that corrode trust and "tear the middle."  Inside the Episode:What don't people trust HR? HR is unaware of their personal biases. Confidential conversations don't remain confidential.HR often prioritizes the company's interests over employees' needs.Follow me on Instagram @verhanika and @bestdayeveratworkpodFind me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/verhanikawillhelm/Sign up for my newsletter at WillhelmConsulting.comRate, review, subscribe, & share!

What should your human resource person or department be doing? Last episode we dove into the history of HR from the industrial revolution to Toby from The Office (Michael's nemesis!) History and jokes aside, there are 5 bare essential functions of HR and though that list might seem short, the details of each function can be enormous and complex!   Inside the Episode:The 5 bare essential functions of HR Labor Law ComplianceHiringOnboardingCompensationsEmployee Relations. Follow me on Instagram @verhanika and @bestdayeveratworkpodFind me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/verhanikawillhelm/Sign up for my newsletter at WillhelmConsulting.comRate, review, subscribe, & share!

Welcome to Season 4! Over the next few weeks, we'll be diving into the rich topic of Human Resources: what it is, how it should be functioning, the history, the pitfalls, stereotypes, successes, and more.Inside the Episode:The History of HR:Origins of HR: The concept of Human Resources (HR) can be traced back to the early 20th century. Industrial Revolution: The rise of factories and large-scale production created a need for more structured workforce management. This period saw the beginning of formal HR practices, including employee welfare programs and labor rights.Connections with Unions:  HR departments began to work closely with unions to negotiate contracts, resolve disputes, and ensure compliance with labor laws.Post-World War II: This era marked a significant shift that emphasized the psychological and social aspects of work.Shifting tide & Stereotypes:  "HR is not your friend" This sentiment has become a popular punchline as HR departments are perceived as protecting the interest of the company over anything or anyone else. Follow me on Instagram @verhanika and @bestdayeveratworkpodFind me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/verhanikawillhelm/Sign up for my newsletter at WillhelmConsulting.comRate, review, subscribe, & share!

We're wrapping up season 3 with a recap of everything we learned in the previous episodes and how to use structure to make sure we don't make the same mistakes again.Inside the episode:Recap Recognizing the metaphorical current and your current situationAssessing and triaging using:The 5 WhysEisenhower Matrix Trusted colleagues, thought partners, or a coach as mirrorsSelf compassionUsing structure as a preventative measureParts of Structure: goals, roles, processes, resources

Ever been caught in a riptide? Swimming against a strong current can just wear you out and make the situation all the more dangerous. Today, we're talking about how to get yourself out of the metaphorical riptide that is taking you further and further from where you want to be AND how to get back on track. Inside the episode:Recognizing the metaphorical current and your current situationAssessing and triaging using:The 5 WhysEisenhower Matrix Trusted colleagues, thought partners, or a coach as mirrorsSelf compassion 

We're taking a deeper dive into polyvagal theory & co-regulation because understanding our nervous system can aid in managing moments of panic or stress. Inside the episode:Polyvagal theory, proposed by neuroscientist Stephen Porges,  simplifies the nervous system's response to threats into three states: fight, flight, and freeze. Unlike the common four-state model, which includes faun, freeze, and variations of fight or flight, Polyvagal theory focuses on these three primary states.  Co-regulation, where calm signals from trusted individuals alleviate threat responses, is another method we can use to help get our brains and bodies back online. In professional settings, trusted colleagues or managers serve as co-regulators. Lack of co-regulation contributes to feelings of isolation and heightened stress in workplaces.When co-regulation isn't immediately available, individuals can employ retrospective techniques, recalling moments of safety and creativity to soothe their nervous systems. These practices, documented in an "SOS note," aid in re-regulation and problem-solving. Notably, the urge to rush through soothing processes impedes progress. Adhering to Phil Dunphy's adage from Modern Family— "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast"—advocates for a deliberate, unhurried approach to achieving a calm, creative state conducive to problem-solving Homework:  Make a SOS note.Think about that relaxed state where creativity has come to you. What were you doing? What were the conditions for this? Write that down so you can reference it when things are bad so you don't have to try and figure out how to feel better in that moment.

Welcome to Season Three!Lately, I've been highlighting a variety of phrases that I hear very frequently from clients in orgs and businesses of all shapes and sizes. The following phrase was too big to talk about in a newsletter or a social media post so I'll be talking about it all season three: "How did I get here?"Inside the episode: the realization of waking up and realizing you're not where you want to bePolyvagal theory How to soothe your nervous system What your procrastination might be telling youwhen you ask yourself "How did I get here?"   Take these first steps:Take a walk, moveDrink waterBreathe- box breathing, (inhale, hold, exhale, hold for the same amount of time.  Producer Bethany's favorite meditation linked hereGrounding Exercise  (5,4,3,2,1- linked here) Homework: Write down the ways you soothe in a reactionary way . Write down the ways that you can soothe intentionally. 

In today's episode, I'm chatting with my producer Bethany about why every organization NEEDS a handbook, what should go in it, and how to get started! 

Change is inevitable, and within organizations, it can be daunting. In this episode, we delve into the full contact sport that is staging an organizational intervention. We'll explore the challenges and triumphs that come with initiating transformation within group.  

Content Warning: Some brief swearing while talking about my HOA. Sure a cleansing fire sounds like a good idea sometimes....but here's my tips for dealing with messy situations that don't involve arson. 

Today we're talking trauma and the biggest thing you can do to create NON- traumatizing workplaces. 

This Monday we're discussing how to pick and choose what organizations to get involved with (hint: it has to do with values!) Value Webinar discussed in the episode here- https://willhelmconsulting.com/discoveryourvalueswebinar/

Welcome to Season Two of How to Have the Best Day Ever at Work! What about volunteering and volunteer organizations?  This season we'll be talking about how to pick organizations to volunteer your time with, what I think is the one thing all volunteer organizations need to function better that almost none of them have, how to know when to intervene and push for change in a volunteer organization, what does it mean to have a space like this that is non-traumatizing, and some scripts along the way to help you get what you need and make the organization better and healthier for you.

Work reviews can be time-consuming, unhelpful, and stressful- but they don't have to be!  Tune in to learn Verhanika's work review tips and tricks! 

 Performance Improvement Plans (PIP for short) is the topic this week. What are PIPS and How do you create one?! Tune In. PIP PIP Hooray! 

Happy belated Valentine's Day! Treat yourself to some (now) 1/2 price heart-shaped peanut butter cups & tune in to hear Verhanika wax poetic about workplace romance! Also introducing our new office assistant- Flexo the beautiful & wise tuxedo cat! She also has a lot of thoughts about heavy petting in office settings. 

Buckle up for Strategic Planning 2 Electric Boogaloo!Exciting announcement - Verhanika is starting a group strategic planning virtual cohort this March!  For information, including how to sign up, go here- https://willhelmconsulting.com/gsp

We're back with an all new episode!Friends don't let friends create & try to implement bad strategic plans. Your friend & host Verhanika will lead you through the ins & outs of Strategic Planning. 

New Episodes start new week! January is a traditionally a month where there is a lot of talk surrounding goals. Here's a replay of what goals are, and how to make them! Original show notes below. Under the heading of structure, you'll find Goals, Roles, Processes, and Resources.  Today we're tackling goals! Are your goals making work harder? How do achieve your goals both personal and company-wide? 

Happy New Year! We'll be back with new content in two weeks! Until then, here is a replay of one of the most important things I talk about: Structure! Original Show notes below. I have a secret weapon to help folks have their best days at work and it's structure!Vocab Recap & Show Notes Waterline ModelTask - Jobs that need to get done. when task is interrupted, we dip below the waterline  of maintenance  Maintenance- Things we do to support the task. StructureGroupInterpersonalIntrapersonal Where do we first look to solve problems?Often it's interpersonal or Intrapersonal. Go to Structure first!StructureGoals Roles  Processes Resources

As we stand on the precipice of a new year-  reviews, reflections, and resolutions are on everyone's mind.  Tune in to hear about what tools you can utilize to look back AND keep moving forward! Mentioned in this episode: My Values Webinar https://willhelmconsulting.com/discoveryourvalueswebinar

Today we  have a quick announcement about upcoming episodes!  Til then, chief feline officer Ollie and I wish you peace, rest, and hot chocolate! 

We conclude our mini dive into Structure  (Goals, Roles, Processes,  & Resources!) What are your resources? As an employee, how do you get the resources you need? As a leader, do your employees have what they need to do their job? 

Today we're talking about PROCESS! What is yours? Is it still relevant? How does process support goals and roles? 

Today I'm discussing roles, how "accountability is love", and ways to write anti-oppressive job descriptions!  

Mentioned in the episodeDiscover your Values Webinarhttps://willhelmconsulting.com/discoveryourvalueswebinarHummingbird Cake Recipe https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe

Under the heading of structure, you'll find Goals, Roles, Processes, and Resources.  Today we're tackling goals! Are your goals making work harder? How do achieve your goals both personal and company-wide? 

I have a secret weapon to help folks have their best days at work and it's structure! Vocab Recap & Show Notes Waterline ModelTask - Jobs that need to get done. when task is interrupted, we dip below the waterline  of maintenance  Maintenance- Things we do to support the task. StructureGroupInterpersonalIntrapersonal Where do we first look to solve problems?Often it's interpersonal or Intrapersonal. Go to Structure first!StructureGoals Roles  Processes ResourcesNext episode: we'll dive into structure more..starting with GOALS! 

What is Organizational Development (OD) ?  What will we be even talking about and learning on this podcast!?