HR Mavericks

Doing the same thing for years on end doesn't offer much opportunity for growth—and it quickly gets boring. Jeri Rosenberg, corporate HR director at CASSIA, knows how important balance is when making career decisions. On one hand, we all have skills and abilities that set us apart—and that's great! But on the other hand, it's important to stretch ourselves, get out of our comfort zone, and use our skills to do new things.In this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, we talk about:Why people resist branching out in their careers How to transition our existing skills to new rolesUtilizing transferable skills to help your company thriveWhy organizations benefit from hiring people with diverse skill setsWays to refresh your skills and gain new onesConnect with Jeri on LinkedIn

Pay transparency is one of the biggest topics in HR right now—and one of the most controversial. What are the advantages and disadvantages of posting salaries in job descriptions? Do the pros outweigh the cons? In this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, Brandon Fluckiger, people and capability advisor at Thiess and freelance HR consultant, tackles those questions and more. He's a strong believer in transparency, but he knows that in order for transparency to work, businesses need to have the right processes in place first.In this episode, we talk about:The definition of pay transparencyHow companies can benefit from making salary information publicPotential downfalls of salary transparencyWhy it's essential to have a solid compensation strategyHow small businesses can be transparent—without losing their competitive edgeResources HR can use to determine how much to pay employeesConnect with Brandon on LinkedInRead his article on pay transparencyVisit Brandon's website to learn more about his consulting services

Nobody can see the future. But Kelly Loudermilk, talent innovator at BuildHR, has a knack for predicting HR trends. In episode 27 of the HR Mavericks podcast, she predicted that 2022 would see an anti-work movement. Now, she's back to discuss what she thinks will happen in the people industry during 2023.In this episode, we talked about:How people ops has transformed the workplaceWhat the term “people success” means—and why it's importantHow the people industry had been impacted by the 2022 layoffsWhy Kelly believes HR will have to adopt a “less is more” mentalityHow to become a true partner with your employer (even when times are tough)

It's a vicious cycle: employees feel burnt out, so their engagement drops. With less engagement, the burnout just continues to get worse. HR often tries to solve the problem with rewards, recognition, events, and culture initiatives. While all of these are great, they don't solve the issues at the heart of burnout. In this episode, Deb Calvert, president of People First Productivity Solutions, offers some simple but powerful methods to tackle burnout at its roots.During our discussion, we talked about: The rising levels of employee discontent and disengagement in 2022Who's responsible for minimizing workplace stressWhat factor influences employee engagement the mostWays that HR and management can work together productivelyFive things you can do to help employees feel less burnt outPeople First Productivity SolutionsPeople First Leadership Academy

How can we create an experience at work that reflects what our employees really want? Gregory Offner Jr, founder of Global Performance Institute and keynote speaker on the topics of engagement and performance, believes he has the answer: a tip jar culture. In this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, Gregory uses his experiences as a performer at a dueling piano bar to explain the give-and-take of employee experience. Ultimately, it's all about creating a workplace culture where everybody gets what they want, and gives something in return. In the episode, we talk about: What piano bars and people management have in common The three types of people in any organization What a tip jar culture is—and how to create one Why a great employee experience benefits everyone The importance of learning & development How to understand what your people really want from work Want to get in touch with Gregory? Email him at greg@gregoryoffner.com, visit his website, or connect with him on LinkedIn.

When it comes to employee engagement, appreciation is key—but it has to be done right. In this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, we sat down with HR consultant Violet Mendez to talk about how appreciation can keep employees motivated, engaged, and eager to do their best work. Violet knows from experience the difference it can make when an HR leader truly cares about each individual they work with, and she shares how she's used those insights in her own career. During our discussion, we talked about: Why it's important to value employees' ideas The effect that recognition can have in the workplace What it looks like to care about individuals' wellbeing How to show appreciation—whether you have a budget or not The connection between engagement and employer brand

It takes two things to make a good employee: the right skills and the right behavior. Fred Rafilson, chief I/O psychologist at Talview, doesn't underestimate the importance of skills—but he also knows that neglecting to measure candidates' behavioral attributes could be a big hiring mistake. The best candidates have the knowledge and abilities to perform a job, and the behavioral tendencies (motivation, attitude, and personality) to become standout employees. In this episode, Fred draws on his knowledge of I/O psychology to explain how behavioral assessments work and why they're beneficial. We discussed: Why it's important to screen candidates for both skills and behavioral traits The qualities that behavioral assessments measure How providers ensure that the tests are fair What a behavioral assessment might look like—and what goes on behind the scenes Three things that the best assessments have in common

What's your focus: profits or people? Of course, there's no reason you can't have both: a profitable business and happy, engaged employees. In fact, Ashleigh Wilson believes that the best way to have a successful company is to prioritize your people. In this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast we talk with Ashleigh, CEO and founder at Auditmate, about how her mission-driven, human-centered approach has helped her grow her business. We talked about: What it means to bring your authentic self to work How to have a heart-centered corporate culture Choosing investors who share your company values Why it's important for leaders to be aware of their blind spots Simple ways to build a diverse workforce  Learn more about Ashleigh's company Auditmate by visiting their website or checking out their LinkedIn page.

In business, it's easy to slip into an “us-versus-them” mindset. When an issue arises, there's the company on one side, the employee on the other, and human resources—or a legal team—stuck in the middle of the fight. But moving away from this adversarial mindset benefits everyone in both the short- and long-term. On this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, Bob Coursey shares his take on the intersection between compliance and compassion. As an attorney and owner at Modern Age Employment Law LLC, Bob has spent 20-plus years litigating employment law cases. In that time, he's come to realize that viewing employees as human beings is the key to handling conflict. We talked about: The real purpose of employment law (and lawyers) How seeing employees as people helps with compliance issues Going beyond legal requirements to help employees How the younger generations are changing the workforce Consequences that come from not treating employees well Tips for changing your company's approach to compliance Get in touch with Bob by emailing him at bobcoursey@modernagelaw.com or visiting his website.

“Let's talk about our feelings.” Those are words that you don't often hear at work. But understanding—and mastering—our emotions can make a huge impact on physical and psychological safety in the workplace. On this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, Steven Farber explains what EQ is, why it matters, and how to improve workplace EQ. As vice president of training and certifications at Take Flight Learning, Steven knows a thing or two about how humans work together, and he says that growing our emotional intelligence is one of the first steps toward success at work. During our discussion, we talked about: The importance of controlling our emotions How having a higher EQ leads to better workplace safety Understanding personality types to better understand emotional intelligence Why awareness is the first step toward improving EQ Signs of a high-EQ workplace How to develop greater emotional intelligence The 4 main components of EQ

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way that healthcare workers see their jobs. As medical professionals prioritize flexible schedules and work-life balance, competition to hire talent is fierce. But with the right techniques, recruiters in the healthcare industry can still be incredibly successful. On this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, we sat down with HR business partner Cecilia Clark to talk about what it's like recruiting for healthcare roles, how things have changed in recent years, and the best ways to recruit. We discussed: How the pandemic has taken a toll on healthcare workers The types of jobs that healthcare workers are most interested in The importance of company culture, values, and brand Why “speed is king” when it comes to recruiting How technology has shortened the hiring process Becoming familiar with the environment you're recruiting in The importance of networking and building personal relationships

In the past, there's been a stigma against job hoppers—why hire somebody who might not stay long? But there's a lot more to job hoppers than meets the eye. On this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, we talked to Necole Jones, HR director at Webhelp, about why companies shouldn't shy away from hiring job hoppers. Necole compared job hoppers to grasshoppers; both are fearless and forward-thinking. While you may not know why somebody has switched jobs quickly, you should definitely be aware of what they could bring to the table. We talked about: What the term “job hopper” means How at-will employment applies to employees too Generational differences in the way we approach work Reasons people might have for changing jobs The importance of a paycheck in determining if people stay at their jobs How to boost retention (without focusing on candidates' employment history) What companies miss out on when they refuse to hire job hoppers

Sometimes, the best way to promote your employer brand and attract candidates is through social media. Other times, it's through … a newspaper ad? On this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, Sarah Hughes, corporate compensation advisor at Acher Daniels Midland (ADM), shared some of the things that make recruiting in rural areas unique—for one, newspaper job ads still work. Sarah explained that while recruiting in rural areas has its own challenges, it's rewarding to see firsthand the outcomes of your work. During our discussion, we talked about: Three things that make recruiting in rural areas challenging How to overcome those challenges Effective ways to find candidates in rural areas The way that small town culture affects employer branding Tips for new recruiters Why recruiting in rural areas is exciting and rewarding

Some people dream about a career in HR, only to find themselves overwhelmed and without support. Others get tossed into an HR role with no experience and little training. For a one-person HR department at a small business, the task of running human resources can be extremely daunting. Thankfully, there are resources out there that can help—including HR communities. On this week's episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, Stephen Fortuna, Community Organizer at HR Mavericks, shares how communities can benefit everyone from seasoned HR pros to people who don't even know where to start with HR. Stephen and I discussed: The different backgrounds and experiences that people bring to HR roles Four kinds of HR communities—and which is the most helpful Tips for getting involved in an HR community Why it's so important for HR communities to have a defined purpose What it means to democratize HR The vision behind the HR Mavericks community How to join and participate in the HR Mavericks community

Benefits shouldn't just be about checking off boxes. Instead, employers should offer the benefits that their people actually want—and need. And according to Spencer Barclay, Founder and CEO at Savology, one of the most impactful things a company can do is offer a financial wellness benefit. When people are stressed about money (and in the current economic climate, who isn't?) they carry that stress to work. Offering a financial benefit can alleviate that stress, increase employee productivity, and encourage people to remain loyal to their workplace. During our discussion, we talked about: The shifting employer-employee relationship How the current economy has made a financial wellness benefit relevant Money-related stress—and its damaging side effects Why financial wellness benefits convince employees to stay with their company longer Three things that don't count as an effective financial wellness benefit Four things that an effective financial wellness benefit includes The strategy employers should use to choose which benefits to offer Visit Spencer's site to learn more about financial wellness.

The world of HR changes quickly, and those who learn to adapt will ultimately find the most success. On this week's episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, I talked about the evolution of human resources with Phil Strazzulla, an entrepreneur and investor and the founder of Select Software Reviews. Phil has been in the HR space for a decade, and he started Select Software Reviews to help small businesses make the right decisions about what HR software they should use. That means that Phil has a close-up view of how HR tools and approaches have changed throughout the years. I talked with Phil about: The sheer number of HR tools businesses have to choose from How businesses of all sizes can leverage HR tools The future of artificial intelligence software in the HR space Why it's important to get buy-in from multiple people before choosing an HR software Ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced human resources HR's shift from administrator to strategic driver Examples of successful companies that approach HR strategically Understanding the impact that human resources has on your business. Looking for a new HR tool? Check out Select Software Reviews for ideas.

Once upon a time, an employer could threaten to fire an employee for not dropping everything to come into work on a Saturday—but not anymore. Today's employer-employee relationships are drastically different from what they were 10, 20, 30 years ago. As the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we work, more and more companies are beginning to realize that if they want their workers to stay, they need to treat them with respect and match their values. Philip Romm, founder and chief human capital strategist at EliteHR, sees evidence of unwritten employer-employee contracts every day as he advises growing companies about their strategic HR. In this week's episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, Philip discusses why employer-employee relationships have shifted and gives advice to businesses struggling to keep up with the change. During our discussion, we talked about: The three most recent stages in the employer-employee relationship How employee loyalty (or lack thereof) impacts companies Tips for respecting your people's work-life balance Why it's important for employers to know what employees value How to create flexibility in industries where remote work isn't an option The importance of getting employee input Get in touch with Phil via email: phil@hr-elite.com

How well do employees understand their benefits? Unfortunately, there are many people out there whose knowledge is fuzzy at best. Leslie Carver, CEO at Carver Connections, understands that the world of employee benefits can be difficult to navigate, whether you're a small business owner, a worker, or part of HR. So she's developed a technique that helps people understand how to take full advantage of their benefits: storytelling. On this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, Leslie shared several ideas for using storytelling to take people from “This is so confusing” to “I get it now!” Leslie and I discussed: The power of storytelling throughout history Why storytelling works well for explaining employee benefits Examples of stories you could tell to teach about benefits The importance of taking people's life situations into account Tips for continually educating workers about their benefits Ideas for sharing stories in videos, emails, and group discussions How storytelling impacts every level of an organization (and makes HR's job easier) Why small businesses should take benefits seriously

No matter what type of work you do, you have something in common with every other member of the American workforce: you're getting a paycheck. Most people are glad when they get their check, but they don't think much about it. But people like Christine Stolpe know that a lot of work goes into making sure that employees across the country get paid accurately and on time. This week Christine, owner and CEO at Wages Creek, joined us for the HR Mavericks podcast to tell us what Payroll Appreciation Week is all about and how employers and employees alike can get more informed about their paychecks. Christine and I discussed: Why we have Payroll Appreciation Week—and why it's for every member of the workforce The payroll processes that go on behind the scenes How payroll is like a blender What paycheck literacy is and how to foster it in the workplace The things an employee should understand about their own paycheck Tips for choosing tax withholdings that will benefit you most How the COVID-19 pandemic shook things up for payroll professionals in the U.S. Why it's important for small business owners to be informed about payroll

Whether you're hoping to get into the HR space, already working in HR, or seeking opportunities to progress in the field, there may come a time when you consider getting certified. But if you're not familiar with the HR certifications out there, you'll have questions—a lot of them. Is this for me? How do I justify spending the time and money? What certification do I need to land that dream job? In this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, Anthony Howard answers these questions and more. As the founder, CEO, lead facilitator and coach at HR Certified, LLC, Anthony is well-equipped to give advice for anybody considering getting certified. During this episode, we talked about: Who HR certifications are good for—and who they're not good for Creative ways to pay for certifications The two main ways that HR certifications add value to your career Which certifications to get started with How to choose between HRCI and SHRM The process and timeline of becoming HR certified Tips for getting started with a human resources career Find Anthony on LinkedIn or send him an email to get in touch!

The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm, leaving businesses scrambling to make big decisions about workplace safety. But now that we've seen the effects of the virus, we can be prepared for health crises that the future has in store. Clint Van Marrewijk, Founder and CEO at SaferMe and guest on this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, emphasized the importance of preparation. To make sure employees stay healthy (now and moving forward), you need more than a six month plan. During our discussion, we talked about: The “big three” methods used to fight sickness at work How contact tracing technology helps HR know who needs to isolate SaferMe's method of contact tracing Contact tracing and data privacy Why employees expect their employers to take action What businesses can do to prepare for diseases like COVID Communicating honestly to build the trust of your people

If you want to be strategic about your people functions, you can't just wing it. On this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, I sat down with Remone Robinson, human resources business partner at Pathways and small business HR consultant, to discuss why it's important to trust HR pros when it comes to people. Remone recommends that even small businesses invest in a CHRO (chief human resources officer), because having HR present at the executive level shows that your company is committed to investing in its people. During our discussion, we talked about: The importance of having a dedicated HR person in every business Some of the benefits of hiring a CHRO The right time for a small business to hire a dedicated HR person Things HR pros handle (that non-HR people might not realize) Why it's important for companies to promote diversity and inclusion How to be assertive—and effective—as an HR department of one Resources that overwhelmed HR professionals can turn to Find Remone on Instagram

How well do you handle a work-related crisis? This week, I met with Tim Reitsma, general manager and podcast host at People Managing People, to discuss how to move through crises (personal and company-wide) and return to a pre-crisis state. He gave some ideas on how individuals and businesses alike can build the resilience needed to make it through tough times. Tim's simple formula is all about the 3 Rs: reflecting, reframing, and reaching out. Tim and I talked about: Understanding how challenges affect everybody differently How to view resilience from both a personal and a business standpoint How the 3 Rs can help when things get hard The importance of leaders reaching out to struggling team members What HR pros and business owners can do to develop their own resilience Potential threats to the 3 Rs framework The People Managing People website Tim's article on resilience

Bargaining, unions, contracts, arbitration, compliance. If you Google “employee labor relations,” you'll be hit with a wave of downright scary terms. But when you focus on the human element—instead of fixating on legal issues–employee labor relations becomes something positive. On this week's episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, Heather Anderson, HR Manager at SP Plus Corporation, shared her insights on the importance of employee labor relations. She emphasized that when you're passionate about people, you can make an impact on your company's employees and upper management alike. Here are a few things we discussed: What employee labor relations means How to respond when people come to you with problems Making your office a safe space for employees to vent The importance of strong communication Why trust is the foundation of strong business relationships How HR can work with senior leadership effectively Tips to help HR professionals avoid burnout Steven Farber's article “DISC Personality Assessments” and his HR Mavericks podcast episode Michael Sorensen's book, I Hear You

Your company might be veteran-friendly—but is it veteran-ready? While most businesses are happy to hire veterans, they haven't taken the steps needed to fully support them in the workplace. On today's episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, I met with Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz, founder and president at Vanguard Veteran, to discuss the challenges that veterans face in the civilian world and learn how to become a veteran-ready employer. We talked about… The traits that make veterans great employees Myths and misconceptions about people in the military The difference between veteran-friendly and veteran-ready How to identify the transferable skills of veterans Tips for recruiting and interviewing veterans Being aware of the differences between military and civilian culture Best practices for working with veterans  Overview of Vanguard Veterans' services Complimentary Veteran-ready assessment Beyond “Thank You for Your Service:” the Veteran Champion Handbook for Civilians O*NET Military Crosswalk feature Women Who Lead — a monthly free virtual leadership discussion forum for women Veterans and non-Veterans to empower leadership and foster mutual support

If you feel like your career is at a dead end, you've got a few options: reignite your spark or find another path. On this episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, we talked with Tony Martignetti, founder and chief inspiration officer at Inspired Purpose Coaching, about how to find fulfillment at work – and help others do the same. Tony draws from his own experience reinventing his career, pivoting from finance to the world of executive coaching. We discussed: The difference between happiness and fulfillment How to know if you're on a path of fulfillment What it means to have a fulfillment mindset Why you should define success on your own terms Becoming the sort of person you want to be Reconnecting with the reason you chose a career in the first place What leaders can do to help employees find fulfillment Tony's recent book, Climbing The Right Mountain: Navigating the Journey to an Inspired Life The Virtual Campfire Podcast Get in touch with Tony through his website

When HR professionals meet with negativity from all sides, it can be hard to imagine a happy ending. But Meghan Markle, member of the British royal family, is living proof that even when life doesn't feel like a fairy tale, HR professionals and duchesses alike can still succeed. This week I sat down with Robin Schooling, VP of technology consulting at Cielo and co-host of the DriveThru HR podcast, to learn how HR practitioners can follow Markle's example and make the best of opposition. During our discussion, we talked about: How Meghan Markle is like an HR professional Staying aware of what's going on in the world What it means to be the person who's signed up for a hard job Why we should deliberately oppose racism and misogyny The importance of living by your personal values How to prove the HR haters wrong Making a difference within your own sphere of influence  Robin's blog

The best managers know that boosting employee engagement doesn't have to be complicated. On this week's episode of the HR Mavericks podcast, we talked with Russ Laraway, chief people officer at Goodwater Capital, about simplifying leadership tactics. Russ says that good management can be broken down into three simple steps – and he has the numbers to back up his approach. During our discussion, we talked about… What's missing from many management resources The impact of good (and bad) leadership Russ's “Big Three”: direction, coaching, and career What employee engagement actually is The relationship between management, engagement, and productivity How to measure employee engagement and manager effectiveness Tools to measure employee engagement and manager effectiveness Where to find Russ's new book Russ's First Round Review CEO Summit talk

When people experience genuine human connection at work, everything changes. In this episode, Dr. Kevin Skinner, clinical director at Noble Health, tells us about the importance of human connection and how to foster it in the workplace. He says that because humans are relational beings, finding social connection in the workplace will make all the difference for their wellbeing – and for your business. During our discussion, we talk about: Using a loneliness assessment to evaluate how your people are doing Helping workers overcome feelings of alienation and unfulfillment How to create a foundation of psychological safety The importance of being open to employees' ideas How social companionship affects job performance The ways that social connection can impact company culture The Noble Health site Schedule a call with the Noble team to assess the loneliness of your employees Questions for Dr. Skinner? Email him at kskinner@noble.health

In our extremely competitive market, recruiters are actively trying to draw away dissatisfied employees – and it's working! In this episode, we met with Molly McGrath, founder of Hiring & Empowering Solutions, LLC, to learn how companies can hold on to skilled employees. She told us that you can only keep your best people if you give them a good reason to stay and put in the time necessary to help them grow. During our discussion, we talked about: Cultivating a “leaders leading leaders” mindset Providing employees with opportunities to give feedback and improve processes Reworking the company framework to focus on human beings first The importance of pouring time into manager-employee relationships How to replace performance reviews with quarterly employee growth plans Why raises and bonuses are important factors in employee retention Where to get the three books Molly has written on this topic Check out Molly's Employee Growth & Retention Tools

In this episode, we sat down with Heenle Turner, Vice President of Content and Consulting at the All In Company, to talk about recruiting top talent with planning, clarity, and culture in this applicant-driven climate. During our discussion, we talked about: The reason employees leave and what that says about candidate requirements and expectations What common mistakes employers make when recruiting that undermine their efforts to secure top talent What qualities to look for in 5-star candidates that set them apart from all the others How to appeal to the right candidates with specific, clear communication Why a rigorous, data-driven screening and interview process is so important to finding a long-term mutual fit

In this episode, we sat down with Tamara Jones, Senior Human Resources Generalist at the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center, to talk about the rising tide of employee turnover and what small businesses can do to improve retention. During our discussion, we talked about: The impact of the pandemic and other factors on employee engagement and the balance between work and home What employees actually matters to employees versus what business owners often think employee's prioritize Why policies and not just perks stand out to prospective employees What small businesses can do to retain their current employees and bring in talent that stays The role communication and dialogue play at every step of the process when developing policies and practices What steps to take to stay ahead of employee satisfaction and applicant attraction trends

In this episode, we sat down with Earl Foote, CEO at Nexus IT to talk about the importance of company culture and the value of intentionality when it comes to creating a workplace environment employees can thrive and succeed in. During our discussion, we talked about: How words and actions define and redefine company culture Why a healthy, strong culture of trust is important for recruitment and retention now more than ever What it takes to shift default culture to one of intentionality that supports the mission and vision of the company Why leaders can make or break any attempt to shift or maintain workplace culture The benefits and business reason to cultivate a workplace environment where trust and safety take priority in everyday decisions

In this episode, we sat down with Shalie Reich, HR Consultant and Content Writer at CareerAddict, to talk about leadership potential in every employee at every level of a small business. During our discussion, we talked about: The universal attributes HR professionals must cultivate to become effective leaders How to foster leadership qualities first internally before developing leaders within the organization What behaviors encourage others to lead in a culture that celebrates development How leadership development and career advancement go hand-in-hand

In this episode, we sat down with Steven Farber, CEO and Retention Sherpa at Hero Culture, to talk about the DISC personality test and the profound impact self-awareness has on employee engagement and retention. During our discussion, we talked about: The power of personality and the role self-awareness plays in employee retention What makes the DISC personality test unique and why it is effective for any business The benefits of conducting a personality assessment program for both employers and employees How to implement a DISC assessment with real results Why businesses fail to see lasting results with personality testing initiatives

In this episode, we sat down with Lotus Buckner, Founder & CEO at LB Talent Solutions; VP of People & Culture at Chowbus to talk about how HR differs in startups versus corporate environments and how to get the best of both worlds without sacrificing goals and values. During our discussion, we talked about: The different HR approaches of small businesses or startups and corporate environments Why these distinctions matter for HR practitioners in their career development and success in any particular role What small businesses get right in the realm of HR and what they can borrow from corporate to improve the employee/employer experience How to start or restart with a people and culture approach that builds on the mission of small businesses

In this episode, we sat down with Kimberly Bozeman, Founder and Principal Consultant at KNB Sensible Solutions, to talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and how even a small business can make meaningful change in every aspect of their organization. During our discussion, we talked about: Where the spotlight has been for the last few years and where it needs to shift to shed light on the broader impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The difference between meaningful change and performative gestures. Why it is important for DEI efforts to align with the existing mission, vision, and values of your organization. What tangible, small steps HR professionals can take to improve policies and practices that support diverse employee experiences.

In this episode, we sat down with Jessica Holsapple, Executive Coach, Consultant, and Fractional COO at SCG Consulting Group, to talk about the barriers to recruiting, hiring, and retaining top talent in this increasingly employee-driven market. During our discussion, we talked about: The importance of the human element in any business process or company strategy. The current state of recruitment and the challenges that exist for small businesses looking for top talent to join their team. What role marketing, company branding, and culture plays in attracting the right person for the job. Which practices and platforms to evaluate and improve to make better, more meaningful connections in the recruitment and hiring process.

In this episode, we sat down with Darryl L. Mobley, CEO and founder of Catapult Leader, to talk about the challenges that diverse employees face that limit or impede their productivity on the job. During our discussion, we talked about: The unseen, unspoken barriers and stresses that people of color and other diverse employees face in their daily lives. The importance of raising awareness to these challenges and acknowledging their impact on productivity. How each unique challenge correlates to behavior(s) that limit a diverse employee's path to success. Ways that employers and HR people can assist diverse candidates and facilitate greater opportunities for success

In this episode, we sat down with Will Peng, CEO and Co-Founder of Northstar to talk about the value of holistic benefits and the importance of offering financial well-being programs for employees as a part of total rewards. During our discussion, we talked about: The impact of financial burdens on employee focus, productivity, and retention Why it's important to understand the diversity of each employee's life and experience to fully appreciate the need for and impact of financial tools and training The altruistic and practical reasons employers should offer financial well-being programs to their employees How programs that inform, advise, and make next steps easier mutually benefit employees and employers What steps small businesses can take now to prioritize employee financial well-being

In this episode, we sat down with Tatiyana Cure, Founder and Head of Talent at HTW Talent and author of Hire to Win: Manager's Practical Guide for Attracting and Interviewing Top Talent to talk about recruiting practices and strategies that help hiring managers bring in the best new talent for their organization. During our discussion, we talked about: The recent changes in candidate expectations and behavior in the search for their next job Why it's important to acknowledge and address the emotional component of the hiring process How taking it slow at the beginning of the hiring process improves the outcome for both new employees and companies How working smarter not harder in recruiting helps hiring managers and prospective employees find a mutual fit

In this episode, we sat down with Heather Skillman, HR Strategist and Owner of The Skillman Enterprise. We wanted to know how Heather navigates office issues without being seen as the HR police. During our discussion, we talked about: How The Skillman Enterprise seeks to help small businesses with their retention needs, while breaking the mold of the typical HR norms The value that getting up from your desk to develop relationships with employees brings to a company Why learning about the business can help HR professionals open up their eyes to different things How being curious and asking questions helps companies find the real issues and come up with solutions  #HR #culture #smallbusiness #leadership #companyculture #hrengagement #hrmavericks

In this episode, we sat down with Natasha K. A. Wiebusch, Legal & HR Writer and Attorney-in-recovery, to learn about how to facilitate successful DEI training for employees. During our discussion, we talked about: What DEI training is and why it's important Why we keep seeing articles that say "DEI training doesn't work” Where DEI training fits into a people strategy Her experience implementing a successful DEI training program What made her DEI training program for employees more successful than previous attempts Her key learnings and takeaways from that experience Also, as Natasha mentioned in the episode, here's the research on why DEI matters: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=2476&context=etd https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/featured%20insights/diversity%20and%20inclusion/diversity%20wins%20how%20inclusion%20matters/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters-vf.pdf https://hbr.org/2016/11/why-diverse-teams-are-smarter

In this episode, we sat down with Brandon Buttars, HR Manager at Vivint, to learn about the five principles for becoming an effective and strategic HR business partner. During our discussion, we talked about: Why the five principles apply to all HR business partners—whether you work at a company with 10 or 1,000 employees The power of speaking the language of your business leaders Why getting your HR tasks done is great, but getting out of your office and getting to know your leaders and employees—and asking for their feedback—is just as (if not more) important How HR can shake its “no-fun zone” reputation

In this episode, we sat down with Angie Redmon, President at striveHR, to talk about navigating the world of workplace awards—and the importance of doing the work along the way. During our discussion, we talked about: Why an organization would want to become an award-winning workplace The types of awards that workplaces can win The steps an organization should take before applying for a workplace award Her expert advice for getting started with applying What happens if you apply for a workplace award and your organization does not win Plus, here's the guide Angie shared with us in the episode.

In this episode, we sat down with Ryan Drawdy, Director of Culture & People Ops at Sweet Fish Media, to talk about how companies can evolve their candidate experience to better hire new employees in a remote world of work. During our discussion, we talked about: What the landscape looks like for remote working—and in turn, virtual hiring The main differences (for candidates and recruiters) between an in-person hiring experience and a virtual hiring experience. How Sweet Fish Media ensures a strong candidate experience while hiring virtually(and the four steps you should take, too) Bonus: Here's the Typeform application Ryan mentioned.

In this episode, we sat down with Leeatt Rothschild, Founder & CEO at Packed with Purpose, to talk about creating a workplace culture that's purpose- and people-driven. During our discussion, we talked about: How Packed with Purpose builds culture and nurtures employee development, wellness, and engagement How investing in corporate wellness pays off for both employees and companies Why integrating a company's purpose into everyday employee experience is so essential to its success The successes and challenges Packed with Purpose has experienced on its own journey

Thanks to a decade of small business HR experience, Ben Eden has seen his fair share of HR professionals—usually on small teams or teams of one—struggling to meet the demands of growing companies. In this episode, we sat down with Ben, now HR Executive Coach at Reach Your Ultimate Potential, to learn about the challenges HR professionals face prioritizing their own mental health and well-being when they're already busy taking care of others. We also talked about: Why it's important for HR professionals to look after their own well-being How HR professionals can take care of themselves (especially for those who are new to doing so) Hosting an HR well-being week—and why now's the right time to do it (for yourself, NOT your employees)

In this episode, we sat down with Chase Cragun, MHR VP of Recruiting at Utah State University - Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, to hear about how small businesses can get started building the framework for happier, more productive employees. We talked about: The three functions of the AMO framework: ability, motivation, and opportunity Why falling behind in any part will impact employee performance What can be done to improve each of the functions for employees The role HR plays in implementing and supporting the AMO framework

In this episode, we sat down with Coreyne Woodman-Holoubek, Founder of Progressive HR, to learn about the benefits of building a creator culture at your organization—and how HR can play a lead role in supporting that culture. We also talked about: What the creator economy is, as well as who can be a creator Her expert tips for HR professionals who are interested in becoming creators (especially if you're an HR team of one) How HR can help organizations build a creator culture Why creating community will be as important as ever in the future of work

In this episode, we sat down with Chris Ruddy, HR and Operations Specialist at Skill Struck, to hear about his experience establishing and running an HR department of one at a small business. Like many in the industry, Chris fell into the field of HR. But what's kept him here is the possibilities that come with establishing a new HR department from scratch. We also talked about: Where to start when you're the first HR person hired for a small business How to create an HR department from very little (or nothing) The biggest small business HR challenges he's faced—and how he overcame them Tips for small business HR pros who might be facing similar challenges