HR Unplugged

Words carry weight, and genuine appreciation goes a long way in making people feel valued and motivated.In this replay episode, BambooHR's Anita Grantham and Vanessa Brulotte chat with Trevor Larson, CEO at Nectar. They discuss how thoughtful recognition fuels employee engagement and helps retain your best talent. Together, they share simple ways to start a recognition program and how to make recognition a natural part of an organization's culture.Key takeaways:How recognition influences productivity and performanceWhy executive buy-in drives recognition program successWhat your employee recognition program should includeKey topics:(00:00) Introducing Trevor Larson(02:34) The power of employee recognition (07:57) How recognition reduces turnover (13:28) Common challenges in implementing recognition programs(18:23) Recognition 1.0 vs. 2.0(22:05) Getting the executive team to prioritize recognition(27:08) How to show appreciation for remote teams(30:23) Making recognition a consistent habitKey links:Read BambooHR's blog, “5 Simple Ways to Make Employee Recognition More Meaningful”: https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/meaningful-employee-recognitionRead BambooHR's blog, “How to Celebrate Success: 20+ Creative Employee Recognition Ideas”: https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/employee-recognition-ideasSubscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBambooHR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevordegnlarson/

Hiring the right people isn't about luck or gut feelings. It starts with a clear, consistent process and a solid understanding of what success looks like in each role. In this episode, Vanessa Brulotte talks with Jonathan D. Reynolds, CEO of Titus Talent Strategies. They discuss why most hiring efforts fall short and how to define measurable outcomes before bringing someone on board. Jonathan also explains why accountability after the hire matters. Key takeaways:Why your hiring strategies might not be workingThe importance of an objective hiring processHow to address underperformance promptly and fairlyKey topics:(00:00) Introducing Jonathan Reynolds(04:03) Common hiring mistakes companies make(09:45) The head, heart, and briefcase approach (16:23) Who should be accountable for the success of new hires? (21:45) Importance of onboarding and integration in helping employees become successful (27:56) Setting clear expectations for success(32:00) Handling underperformance and difficult decisions(34:25) Define and quantify every role(36:45) Embracing AI while maintaining human connectionKey links:Read BambooHR's blog, “How to Build Candidate Profiles for Better Job Descriptions”: https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/candidate-profilesRead BambooHR's blog, “Recruit Better Candidates with These Outside-the-Box Ideas”: https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/creative-recruitment-ideasSubscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBambooHR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanreynolds/ Read Jonathan's Book, Right Seats, Right People: A Leader's Guide to Hiring and Developing Top Performers: https://www.amazon.com/Right-Seats-People-Developing-Performers/dp/1642256404 Learn more about Titus Talent Strategies: https://www.titustalent.com/

Many of us fall into our roles without actively planning our career paths. But just because you're in a role today doesn't mean you're stuck forever. In this episode of HR Unplugged, host Vanessa Brulotte is joined by returning guest Kelsey Tarp, Director of HR Business Partners at BambooHR, and executive coach Maria Kyriakos. Together, they discuss how HR professionals can take control of their career growth and mindfully plan their next steps.They share valuable insights on how to spot when you're off track, the importance of experimenting in your career, and how to make bold moves even if you're unsure of the next step. It's never too late to pivot, and this episode will help you take the reins of your growth.Key takeaways:How to align career growth with personal and professional goalsTips for pivoting your career at any stageWays to build a diverse skill set Key topics:(00:00) Introducing Kelsey Tarp & Maria Kyriakos(05:18) Reflecting on what excites you at work(09:51) One-way or two-way door decisions(12:48) Growing faster through actionable feedback(17:30) Self-leadership and limiting beliefs(21:33) How to advocate for yourself at work (28:48) Assessing your goals and current situation(34:16) Spotting opportunities for growth(37:57) Benefits of lateral career transitions(41:12) Using reflection to move forward with purposeKey links:Read BambooHR's blog, “4 Simple Steps for Better Employee Development Plans”: https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/employee-development-plansSubscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://www.bamboohr.com/about-bamboohr/customers/hr-community/BambooHR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Kelsey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseytarp/ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-kyriakos/ Read Maria's Book, Work it!: How to Rock Your Career Intentionally: https://www.amazon.com/Work-Rock-Your-Career-Intentionally/dp/B0DRHTXSKZVisit the Leader Assist website and sign up for their newsletter: https://leader-assist.com/

Are you leading your team or just managing them?The difference between a manager and a mentor can make all the difference. It shapes your team's performance and longevity in the organization.In this episode of HR Unplugged, host Vanessa Brulotte talks with Clint Pulver, speaker, author, and President of The Center for Retention, to explore the deep connection between mentorship and employee performance. Clint shares insights from his groundbreaking undercover research across 400+ organizations and 11,000 employee interviews, revealing what makes people say “I love it here”—and mean it.Key takeaways:What employees want from their leadersWhy emotional safety drives performanceA practical approach leaders can use to check in effectivelyKey topics:(00:00) Introducing Clint Pulver(03:28) Why mentorship matters more than management(06:44) Lasting change is about being consistent over time (10:07) High performance comes when there's a connection(15:09) Be the mentor you were lucky enough to have(17:50) How to conduct a status interview(23:25) Four leadership styles and their impact(27:18) Mentorship happens through trust and choice(33:14) Building connections in a remote environment(35:07) A reminder for leaders: You're doing greatKey links:Read BambooHR's research, “The Hostile, the Unfair, and the Toxic: Bad Boss Index 2025”:https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/assets/ebooks/bad-boss-index.pdfSubscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community:https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBambooHR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Clint on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpulver/ Read Clint's Book, I Love It Here: How Great Leaders Create Organizations that People Never Wanted to Leave.:https://clintpulver.com/book/Read Great Place to Work's blog, “How Much Leaders Care Drives Employee Performance at Best Small and Medium Workplaces”:https://www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/blog/how-much-leaders-care-drives-employee-performance-at-best-small-and-medium-workplaces

HR is a strategic function, and one of the best ways to prove it is by bringing data to the table.In this episode, host Vanessa Brulotte chats with Dr. Mallory Vachon, Chief Economist at LaborIQ, about how HR professionals can use labor market insights to influence hiring, pay, and retention strategies. With broad headlines often missing the full story, Mallory shares why labor data shouldn't be taken at face value. She explains how to focus on what's most relevant to your organization and where to find reliable sources. She also offers simple ways for both new and experienced HR pros to start using data more confidently.Whether you're a team of one or leading a department, learning how to interpret labor data can help you become the trusted advisor your company needs.Key takeaways:How to interpret labor data and apply it to your orgWhere to find trustworthy data sourcesWhy headline statistics can be misleadingKey topics:(00:00) Introducing Mallory Vachon(02:48) Becoming a trusted advisor in your org(05:41) Recommended sources for news and trends (10:22) When headlines feel different from reality(14:18) Interpreting 4% wage growth and what it means for compensation(17:23) How to practice thought leadership in your org(19:07) Being cautious in the face of disruption(22:52) Why generational shifts matter for employers(24:10) Sharing actionable insights on labor market dataKey links:Download BambooHR's “2025 Compensation Benchmarking Report”: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/ebooks/compensation-benchmarking-2025Subscribe to the HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join the HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBambooHR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Mallory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallory-vachon-phd/Follow LaborIQ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laboriqLearn more about LaborIQ Pay Band Manager™: https://laboriq.co/pay-band-manager/

A new hire's first few months can make or break their long-term success at a company. This crucial period shapes their understanding of company culture, their role, and ultimately, whether they decide to stay or go. In this replay episode of HR Unplugged, former host Anita Grantham is joined by Megan Galloway, Founder of Everleader, to discuss how onboarding can make all the difference. Megan shares insights from her work with BambooHR to improve their onboarding process, highlighting the importance of leadership buy-in, manager involvement, and creating an experiential onboarding experience. Megan and Anita explore how values can be integrated from day one and why it's essential for onboarding to go beyond orientation to engage new hires.Key takeaways:Why onboarding should be immersive and experientialThe critical role of managers in onboarding new hiresHow to measure the success of your onboarding processKey topics:(00:00) Introducing Megan Galloway(01:29) How onboarding affects employee engagement and retention(03:56) The importance of communicating company values(06:41) Creating experiential onboarding for new hires(14:07) Metrics to measure onboarding success(18:10) Common onboarding mistakes(24:12) How to ensure values are lived throughout the organization(30:01) Company values should constantly evolveKey links:Read BambooHR's blog, “Why Is the Onboarding Process So Important? 5 Key Purposes”: https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/the-many-purposes-of-the-onboarding-processRead BambooHR's blog, “The 5 Most Common Onboarding Mistakes to Avoid”: https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/most-common-onboarding-mistakesRead BambooHR's blog, “5 Strategies for Building Company Culture with Your New Hires”: https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/onboard-company-cultureSubscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBambooHR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megalloway/

Today's workplaces are more diverse than ever. With employees spanning five generations, each with unique expectations, how can companies create a culture that works for everyone?In this episode, host Vanessa Brulotte sits down with Tara Martell, Chief Customer Officer at BambooHR, and Kate Noel, SVP Head of People Operations at Morning Brew, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of managing a multigenerational workforce.They explore how generational differences shape communication, technology use, and career expectations—and why it's crucial to move beyond stereotypes to focus on individual needs. Plus, they share practical ways to adapt leadership, training, and benefits to better support employees at every stage of their careers.Key takeaways:How to better understand the changing needs of each generationStrategies for adapting leadership and training to different age groups Practical ways to design benefits that appeal to all employees Key topics:(00:00) Introducing Tara Martell and Kate Noel(03:13) How generational needs vary in today's workforce (07:22) The rise of work-life flexibility and mental health awareness(10:15) Learning about your employees' needs(15:51) Compensation and benefits for different generations(20:30) Addressing unique needs through support and training(24:50) The importance of adapting to a multigenerational workforce(26:51) Setting expectations for career growth(32:53) Resources on building inclusive workspaces(34:58) How to screen applicants for authenticityKey links:Read BambooHR's blog, “4 Tips for Managing a Multigenerational Workforce, From Boomers to Gen Z”:https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/manage-multigenerational-workforceRead BambooHR's blog, “How Different Generations Want To Be Recognized at Work”: https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/how-different-generations-want-to-be-recognizedSubscribe to HR Unplugged Series:https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community:https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBambooHR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Tara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-martell-b5600b4bConnect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-noel-2b895242/Sign...

People spend a huge portion of their lives at work, so it's no surprise that workplace relationships happen. But without clear policies, they can lead to conflicts of interest, unprofessional behavior, and even legal risks. When should employees disclose a relationship? How can HR set expectations without overstepping? What role does HR play in preventing harassment at work? A good workplace dating policy answers these questions while keeping things fair, professional, and easy to understand.Join us as Vanessa Brulotte, Employee Relations Partner at BambooHR, interviews Kelsey Tarp, Director of HR Business Partners at BambooHR, about creating proper dating policies to protect employees and the company. Kelsey shares real examples of how unclear policies can create workplace tension and why disclosure matters for preventing favoritism and bias. Most importantly, Vanessa and Kelsey explore how to ensure workplace relationships—whether they begin or end—don't disrupt team dynamics.Key takeaways:Why every workplace needs a dating policyHow to create a policy that employees understandNavigating tricky situations with discretionKey topics:(00:00) Introducing Kelsey Tarp(02:20) Craft a workplace dating policy(05:55) Ensure employees understand your dating policy(12:37) Which relationships need disclosure?(18:44) Code of conduct for professional behavior and anti-harassment(23:03) Build psychological safety through transparency(30:24) Encourage respectful relationships and accountability(34:35) Situational judgment for out-of-the-box situations(37:49) When in doubt, always disclose Key links:Download a free, customizable template for creating your own workplace dating policy:https://www.bamboohr.com/pl-pages/employee-dating-policyRead BambooHR's blog, “Workplace Romance 101”:https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/workplace-romanceRead BambooHR's blog, “8 Workplace Romance Facts You Need to Know”: https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/8-workplace-romance-facts-need-know-right-nowSubscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community:https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBambooHR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Kelsey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseytarp/

AI has been one of the biggest talking points in HR for the past five years and it has already transformed the way HR operates. Whether you are already using it in your processes or are keen to experiment, this episode offers plenty of actionable tips on the best practices and use cases for AI.Joining the episode are Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research and Advisory and BambooHR's Head of AI, Alan Whitaker, to share their experiences and advice for using AI the right way.Ethical considerations around bias are a conundrum for HR pros, but did you know that AI could actually help you stamp out those biases in the recruitment process? Alan and Ben share their tips on how you can use what you know about bias and train AIs to help rather than hinder the process. We hear how to best use AI across different levels of HR, including recruitment, retention, employee satisfaction, and learning and development.Key moments: Ben explains what's new in his recent book edition of Artificial Intelligence for HRThe problems with recruiters and candidates using AIThe upside of using AI in recruitmentHow AI can help to improve employee retentionUse cases for AI in HRHow AI can help in L&DTips for ensuring you use AI ethically Key links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community:https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beneubanks/Connect with Alan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/digiduke/

In between ongoing technological developments, new expectations from leaders, and lurking challenges, 2025 is promising to be a big year for HR teams. But how will the average HR leadership role change in the year ahead?For this episode, we grab the crystal ball and share our top predictions on how roles like Chief People Officer and more are changing as expectations broaden and tech makes new things possible. Vanessa Brulotte speaks with Brandon Welch, Head of Talent Acquisition at BambooHR, and Brad Warga, Partner at Heidrick & Struggles, to hear their takes on the top challenges facing HR professionals this year.We look at what CEOs want from CPOs today, the current state of AI implementation in HR, how HR teams can plan out a training roadmap for leaders, and much more. Key moments:Why shortage of HR talent remains a top challenge How the average role of Chief People Officer has changed Why a good balance of hard and soft skills are needed more than ever The current state of AI implementation in HRHow HR teams of one can get ahead in 2025The biggest challenge facing HR leaders today Attributes that companies need from HR professionalsAdvice for HR professionals in 2025Why training remains the biggest asset to a team like HRWhy employee wellness initiatives are still a major focus for companies in 2025Key links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community:https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

What were the hottest HR topics of 2024? From navigating tricky hiring challenges to setting employees up for success, join Anita Grantham and Vanessa Brulotte as they break down the ten most popular conversations from HR Unplugged in 2024!We discuss everything from how the "cake” framework connects to HR strategy to attracting bilingual candidates, and why recruiters shouldn't feel subordinate to hiring managers. You'll also hear about some of the guests we've had on the show, including Tim Sackett and Casey Bailey, along with tips on how HR professionals can earn credibility as new hires. Plus, we discuss the importance of deciding on milestones and metrics to ensure transparency in the hiring and onboarding process, as well as how to make the most of performance reviews. Key moments:Why job onboarding is often overlooked compared to paperwork and company onboarding The importance of tone and approach when dealing with sensitive topics, such as firingWhy developing a scorecard for hiring is essential How to set employees up for success by demonstrating what winning looks likeWhy performance in a role should be tied back to performance management How to maximize the impact of performance improvement plans How to structure the first forty-four days of employee successKey links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community:https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

From writing job descriptions to scheduling interviews, selecting applicants to assessing candidate quality, the hiring process is time-consuming and difficult. And after all that, the person who gets the job may not be the right fit! However, hiring well is vital to the ongoing success of any organization. In short, hiring needs to be done right.In this episode, we sit down with Tim Sackett, President of HRU Technical Resources and a best-selling HR author, to discuss how to make the hiring process as smooth as possible. We discuss measuring quality of hire, the reality of selecting bad candidates, and some common TA pitfalls.Tim also recounts some of his most memorable HR experiences and discusses how generative AI is impacting the work that hiring teams do.Key moments:Why a job sample is the best way of assessing candidate qualityWhy it's important not to blame one another for bad candidatesHow to use data to judge quality of hireWhy TA and HR are not a cost center, but an essential business functionThe importance of well-thought-out job descriptions and why hiring managers often ‘skate' on writing theseWhy quality of hire is industry-specificThe ways in which the idea of ‘quality of hire' can be problematicKey links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community:https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsackett/

Compensation is the reason people turn up for work. A great company culture helps, and the value of the work itself can make a difference, but realistically, money is what keeps people coming in each day. Indeed, compensation is one of the key factors in employee wellbeing, performance, and retention. However, as revealed in BambooHR's Compensation Trends for 2025 report, things are looking somewhat bleak in this area across the United States.In this episode, we chew over the report, talk about some of the key findings, and explain what's going right and what's going wrong for the employees surveyed. We discuss the data at length, talk about the divide between generations and genders, and explain how current economic conditions play into all this. While many are pessimistic about work and compensation, fear not: there are still positives to draw on and many actionable steps that businesses can take to improve employee satisfaction and engagement.Key moments: How the uptick in dissatisfaction with pay from employees is linked to current economic conditionsThe value of salary tools such as MIT's Living Wage Calculator Why transparent negotiation may be the reason Gen Z is seeing higher salary increases than other generations The optimum time to send out employee surveysWhy total pay transparency is not always optimal How to develop a compensation philosophy Why leaders are seen as out-of-touch by their employees – and how leaders can prevent thisUsing data to see whether pay has been mapped right and coaching leaders in trends Key links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Compensation Trends for 2025 Report: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/data-at-work/data-stories/2025-compensation-trends#:~:text=Average%20Salary%20Increase%20YoY&text=6.2%25-,For%20the%20second%20year%20in%20a%20row%2C%202%20in%205,42%25%20decrease%20over%20two%20years.

Done right, 360 feedback is a great way of promoting growth in an organization, providing a more well-rounded view of individual and team performance, and strengthening collaboration. Done wrong, it can contribute to a culture of fear, lead to resentment, and be too focused on weakness rather than strength.In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Burton, Co-Founder of Talgo.io, to explore the ins and outs of 360 feedback. We discuss the challenges, the risks, and how to put in place a review system that leaves all parties satisfied. Jordan also offers some examples from his own professional life, suggests the times when a business is ready to implement a 360, and talks about why this process shouldn't be remedial – that is to say, with the aim of ‘fixing' somebody. Key moments: The ‘three levels' of 360 feedback The importance of trust in the process Why 360 feedback risks being overly evaluative How to prepare employees The value of including a third-party Why the ‘no attribution' aspect of 360 feedback is so essential How employees can provide feedback on the feedback they have received Key links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanwburton/

Dopamine is one of the most important chemicals in the body, playing a role in controlling memory, mood, sleep, learning, concentration, and movement. However, the modern world is challenging for dopamine levels because of the way our environment and habits overstimulate the brain's 'reward center' while also reducing opportunities for deep, sustained satisfaction.We sit down with Scott Byrd, Co-Founder of Pathways Global, for a discussion about how brain chemistry affects workplace performance, exploring the role of dopamine in motivation, the importance of understanding your brain's patterns to calm your nervous system, and how to improve workplace interactions, especially when giving feedback.We also discuss ways to increase dopamine, and explore the impact of ADHD on performance. Key moments: The effect of blue light on dopamine levels Why being ‘up, light, and direct' is key for workplace interactionsThe importance of orienting yourself around the ways your brain worksStrategies for helping employees stay engaged in this dopamine-addicted environment and societyADHD and modern work challengesWhy how-tos and checklists are less useful than a simple commitment to conversation and learningKey links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-byrd-4a2081a/

From lack of budget to overbearing CEOs, there are a host of problems that HR professionals deal with every day. So, what are the red flags to look out for, and how can issues be resolved before they develop?In this episode, we sit down with Julie Turney, Founder and Chief Impact Architect at HR@Heart Consulting, for a conversation about memorable HR experiences (both good and bad!), and how to create a great company culture. We also cover how to set boundaries at work, how HR differs from place to place, and why companies and organizations should never be described as “a family.” Key moments: Whether an employee's happiness depends on their personal life or professional lifeHow to avoid “compassion fatigue”How a difficult CEO experience spurred Julie to start HR@Heart Consulting Why happiness at work is a journey, not a destinationWhy HR professionals need to be given access to the strategy of the organizationThe importance of picking battles and not “dying on every hill”Key links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjulieturney/

No employee is the same. The evolving needs of employees demand a shift toward holistic support that spans all of life's challenges, from caregiving, to illness, to childcare. This is key to building a healthier, more resilient workforce.In this episode, we sit down with Derek Lundsten, President and Chief Culture Officer at LifeGuides, for a conversation about the different ways organizations can support their workforce, and what's missing in their efforts. We cover the importance of work-life balance, and how important it is for employees to get genuine downtime. Derek also shares how LifeGuides helps people who are going through challenges in their lives, and explains how more and more organizations are proactively addressing the needs of their teams.Finally, we discuss how to strike the balance between what is good for the business and what is good for the employee, and personal versus employer responsibility when it comes to ensuring wellbeing.Key moments: How LifeGuides matches people who are going through life challenges with someone who has faced a similar problem What methods employers can use to support their employees outside the workforce as well as inside Why jobs need to be matched with job descriptions Why employees need to be able to say ‘yes' and ‘no' The importance of having a learning budget The issues with employers providing benefits that their consultants are selling rather than asking their employees what they want Strategies to improve peer-to-peer support, from better listening to enshrining values and missionKey links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Derek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dereklundsten/

What's your worst bad boss story? It seems like everyone's got one. We expect leaders to provide guidance and make sound decisions, but that's not always the case, and it can put employees and HR in a tricky position.In this episode (our first live show!), we sit down with Amy Butler, VP of People Operations at Awardco, and Jared Olsen, VP of People Experience at JobNimbus for a candid discussion about the challenges of poor leadership.We kick the conversation off by swapping our worst bad boss stories, including a shocking tale of fraud and an unexpected firing during maternity leave. But more importantly, Amy and Jared share the best lessons learned from bad past experiences and how they feed into their approach to people management today.We cover the importance of good coaching, transparent communication, setting expectations, and much more in this episode. It's a must-listen for anyone looking to improve leadership at their organization!Key moments: Our worst bad boss stories and lessons learnedHow a poor onboarding experience inspired Jared's thorough approach to onboarding todayStrategies to help employees dealing with poor managementWhy you should build a coaching cultureWhy Amy uses AMAs alongside engagement surveysHow poor people leaders can repair relationships with employeesWhy transparency and difficult conversations are importantHow responsible is HR for dealing with poor management?Key links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Amy on LinkedInConnect with Jared on LinkedIn

Do you feel safe to express ideas and opinions at work without the fear of judgment or even punishment?In today's workplaces, we have a greater understanding of just how important mental wellbeing is to our teams, to us individually, and to our performance. And part of that is driven by our ability to feel safe and supported in the workplace. In this episode, we explore the important topic of psychological safety with Dr. Vaneeta Sandhu, Head of Operations and Emotional Fitness at Coa. Vaneeta breaks down what psychological safety looks like on an individual, team, and company-wide level, and what organizations can do to improve it. We explore the business case for prioritizing psychological safety and how demonstrating the positive impact on retention, job satisfaction, innovation, and productivity can help you get leadership buy-in to make it a priority.Key moments: What is psychological safety?Tips for effective feedback delivery and the importance of the 5:1 positive to negative feedback ratioWhat organizations can do to boost psychological safetyThe business case for psychological safety and how to get buy-in from leadership What leaders get wrong about psychological safetyKey links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw/Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Vaneeta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaneetasandhu/

Imagine stepping into a new job and feeling instantly connected to your company's culture, values, and mission. That's the power of a well-designed onboarding program!In this episode of HR Unplugged, we dive back into BambooHR's journey to revolutionize our onboarding experience, with insights from Megan Galloway of Everleader, who's back on the show for a catch-up. As Megan has been helping us revamp the onboarding process at BambooHR, we look at the results in this episode and answer common questions about the challenges of remote onboarding, how to integrate company values, and how to help new hires feel welcome.We talk about building on company values and how empowered leaders can help new hires hit the ground running and foster stronger connections in the company from day one. There's plenty of great advice in this episode for improving your own process, so don't miss it!Key moments: A recap from our previous conversation in episode 51 Why BambooHR decided to upgrade its onboarding experience How to integrate company values into onboarding A framework for a comprehensive onboarding process The results from our onboarding changes What to do after the formal onboarding processAdvice for upgrading your own process to make new hires feel welcome and get up to speed quicklyKey links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw/Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Tune in to part one of our onboarding discussion with Megan in episode 51: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/ Read the blog, The Definitive Guide to Onboarding: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/guides/the-definitive-guide-to-onboardingDownload the ebook, The Definitive Guide to Onboarding: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/ebooks/guide-to-onboarding

What does effective leadership look like when it feels like there's never enough time to do all the things that HR leaders need to do?In this episode of HR Unplugged, host Anita Grantham sits down with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, to explore the critical elements of leadership. We investigate some of the overlooked traits that make good leaders great, like empathy and courage, and how the expectations of modern leaders have changed. We tackle key topics like how leaders can balance celebrating the diversity of opinion in the workplace with managing conflict. Johnny brings some great insights to the table on the importance of civility in the face of disagreements and how leaders can take an active approach to make sure people are culturally aligned on what matters most. We hear some of Johnny's methods for dealing with conflicting opinions, how he screens candidates during talent acquisition, and what he believes are the top three Cs of successful HR leadership. Key moments: Why empathy is an overlooked but core skill for leaders How to create a culture of civility How to ensure cultural alignment during the hiring processThe importance of establishing boundaries and company cultureJohnny's framework for dealing with conflicting opinionsKey links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw/Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

With job interviews, we're always on the lookout for that gold star candidate. But how do you spot them in a sea of applications? Nailing your interviewing process and asking the right questions are key, but there's an art (and some science) to getting it right. In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Welch, Head of Recruiting at BambooHR, to get his take on what makes a great interview and how to plan discussions with candidates that help you get to know who you're potentially hiring. Brandon, Anita, and Vanessa share their favorite questions to ask at an interview and how to get candidates to paint a picture of their experience, skills, and on-the-spot thinking. We look at how interviewing processes differ for different types of roles, how long interviews should take, and why giving candid feedback is a must (especially for internal hires!). Brandon also shares his thoughts on personality tests and how to use scorecard data to assess candidate suitability. Key moments: How to balance consistency in interviews with leaving space for hiring managers to add their own style The top things people get wrong in the interview processWhy job titles alone don't tell us enough about a person's experience The best interview questions to pinpoint top talent How to use personality tests the right way How hiring managers can prep candidates for interviews Why giving feedback and being intentional about the candidate's experience is so importantHow to determine the right amount of time for an interview Key links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw/Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

How effective is a personal improvement plan (PIP) really? PIPs have a bad rap, with some people seeing them as a formality before the inevitable firing. But they can be an invaluable tool in helping to raise and nurture performance across an organization if you get them right. 58% of people on average see an improvement after getting a PIP. But with such a huge percentage of people seeing poor results, how do you make sure your PIP approach is successful? Anita Grantham and Vanessa Brulotte dive into the tricky world of PIPs and performance management in this episode. They explore how we can reframe the purpose and perception of PIPs in an organization, how to manage performance effectively, and the common pitfalls to avoid. We hear why context and communication are key and why PIPs should be a two-way street, with clear expectations of leaders and a more collaborative approach to working toward goals. Key moments: Why PIPs sometimes failDifferent approaches to performance improvementHow to set the right expectations for both teammates and leaders Ways to maintain momentum in personal development What leaders can do to make sure improvement plans are a successAlternatives and things you should do before using a PIPHow to deal with leaders who don't want to improve performanceKey links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw/Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

Did you know that 45% of employees say they're more likely to stay in a role if they get training opportunities? And yet, training and development for employees isn't always a priority for managers. Sometimes it's seen as unnecessary, low-priority, or simply too costly. So what can HR leaders do to help managers prioritize a culture of learning?In this episode of HR Unplugged, we explore the vital role of training in not only enhancing skills and job satisfaction, but also improving retention and hiring across the organization. Throughout the episode, Anita and Vanessa explore ways HR can collaborate with leaders to create impactful training programs and how to identify the most worthwhile opportunities for training. We also cover how to foster a culture of continuous learning, training opportunities for HR leaders, and how to implement training with a low budget.Key moments: Why learning and development is so important for businesses and employees How HR can help managers identify training opportunities Balancing individual career goals with business goals How to encourage a culture of continuous learning Ideas for training with a low budgetTraining opportunities for HR leaders How to build a talent development programKey links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw/Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

How can HR deal with workplace conflict without turning the office into a mini battleground? Conflict is a natural part of the human experience, naturally spilling into our working lives. In this episode of HR Unplugged, we hear why the solution isn't to avoid conflict but to deal with it in a healthy, professional way.Joining the episode is John Barrand, Chief HR Officer of the Utah Division of Human Resource Management, who introduces us to Utah's innovative “Disagree Better” campaign from Governor Spencer Cox, which offers a great framework for handling conflict in the workplace. This episode explores the delicate balance between too little and too much conflict, with John noting that a little tension can illuminate important issues within an organization. Throughout the conversation, John, Anita, and Vanessa discuss practical strategies for addressing different types of disagreements. Whether you're managing a team of 22,000 like John or leading a smaller group, this episode offers actionable advice on creating a culture of healthy disagreement and open communication. Key moments: What the “Disagree Better” initiative involvesHow to tie company mission and values into conflict resolutionWhy organizations should give back to employees and help them growWhy cynicism leads to burnout and how to solve itWhy service and gratitude are important to encourageKey links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw/Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpeterbarrand/

Have you ever wondered how a single bad hire can ripple through an organization, costing it not just money but also time and morale? The true cost of a bad hire has implications that stretch beyond that job role. So what can recruiters and HR leaders do to counteract that?In this episode, we welcome BambooHR's Head of Recruiting, Brandon Welch, who helps us get to the bottom of the top mistakes that recruiters make during the hiring process. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a well-structured hiring process, highlighting that hiring mistakes can also cause tensions between different departments and erode trust in those responsible for hiring. Brandon shares how inefficiencies in recruitment can lead to lost opportunities and explains that a smooth process not only attracts top talent but also reflects the company's operational efficiency to candidates. Brandon, Anita, and Vanessa also discuss practical strategies to enhance the hiring process, including clear communication, pre-work before even posting a job, and aligning everyone on job descriptions. Key moments: The true costs of a bad hire Unseen issues that crop up as a result of poor hiring strategiesThe biggest mistakes recruiters make How teams can get aligned on the hiring missionThe debatable value of reference checks How to do the “pre-work” before you even post a job ad Strategies for hiring and interviewing candidates Key links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw/Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbwelch/

As the conversation around different work modes continues, the trend toward returning to the office has been met with very different reactions. We recently published a report that looks at what employers and employees think about returning to the office, productivity, and remote work. In this episode, Anita and Vanessa dive into the surprising insights and what HR leaders can learn from work mode preferences. Anita explains why we need to elevate the conversation beyond simply deciding whether people should be in the office. She encourages a focus on the bigger picture to determine the best way forward to achieve our goals. The report also signified a worrying trend – that both remote and in-office workers feel the need to demonstrate their productivity through actions like keeping the green ‘active' status on at all times. But while people may look productive, it doesn't mean they are. Vanessa and Anita explain that businesses need clear metrics and goals aligned with their mission no matter which side your organization takes in the RTO vs. remote debate.Key moments: Introducing BambooHR's new report Why we need to look at the bigger picture when it comes to returning to the office The green status effect and the need to prove productivity How to avoid focusing on the wrong things Why employers need to make the work mode align with goals How companies get intentional about in-office vs remote days How hybrid working arrangements during COVID have affected flexibility and the work-life balance Why the secret to perfecting this is in good leadership Advice for businesses doing something newKey links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw/Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Visibility Beats Productivity for RTO & Remote Report: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/guides/return-to-office

Did you know: 91% of mentored employees report higher job satisfaction? And 40% of those without mentor support at their workplace have even considered quitting!Having the right mentor can be invaluable for your career, but it's also very beneficial for mentors themselves and the wider organization. That's why in this episode of HR Unplugged, we dive into the importance of and benefits of building a great mentorship program.Our special guest is Cara Baldwin, Chief Legal Officer at Torus, who brings her expertise on how to create a successful program. We hear why investing in mentorship is time well-spent, how it can help to develop new leaders, and ways it can benefit the wider business. Along with hosts Anita and Vanessa, they explore the worries that organization have about developing people who may leave soon after and why HR isn't the only department that can work on a mentorship program.Key moments: The benefits of investing in a mentorship program The positive impact on leaders who implement a mentor program Why mentors need training to be mentors Addressing the concern that people will leave after being trainedTips on building a program from scratch Advice for refreshing an existing program Key links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw/Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-baldwin-43388620/

Does your organization have a plan for succession? When high performers are looking for their next challenge, they have a choice. They find it elsewhere in another company and role or they move to the next stage of their career journey in your organization. But without a solid plan for succession from your leaders, it's often the former option that people take.In this episode, recorded live at a recent event, Anita and Vanessa sit down with Jessica Zwaan, the Chief Operating Officer at Talentful and author of the brilliant book, ‘Built for People: Transform Your Employee Experience Using Product Management Principles.'Jessica shares her unique perspective on transforming employee experiences using product management principles. We dive deep into the differences between succession planning and growth planning, and Jessica offers valuable advice for HR leaders, especially those in small teams. She highlights the importance of understanding the business' economic outlook and how HR can directly contribute to making or saving money. Jessica explains that when leaders help to develop their own successors, this is a far better investment than bringing new people in to replace those who leave. She explains how this ties into the Employee Customer Acquisition Cost (ECAC) and how factors like tenure and performance can be powerful levers in improving this metric.Key moments: Jessica explains the topics in her bookAdvice on succession planning for teams of one The differences between succession and growth planning Why business leaders and HR need to know the business fundamentals How we can incentivize leaders to grow their successors Why succession planning is a better investment than acquiring new talent Succession when tied to tenure and performance Building a strategy around succession planning How employees can learn and develop Focusing on the bigger picture when asking for a tech solution Why succession planning needs to happen from day one if you're a growing companyKey links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamayzwaan/Learn more about Jessica and her book: https://www.jessicamayzwaan.com/

The big question in this episode of HR Unplugged is how do you define your business values? Anita and Vanessa dive into the importance of not only defining, but also implementing business values, covering topics such as the pivotal role of company values in shaping organizational culture, using mission and vision statements as the foundation for defining these values, and the process of helping team members live those values daily. They also discuss practical steps for startups and established organizations alike to identify and refine their values through team feedback and leadership guidance. The episode is packed with real-life examples from Bamboo's own journey, highlighting values such as 'Assume the Best,' 'Be Open,' and 'Do the Right Thing,' and offers insightful tips on how to incorporate these principles into the employee experience and recruitment process.Key moments: The importance of defining business valuesIdentifying and defining company valuesReal-life examples and practical applicationsConnecting values to your mission and visionImpact of company values on businessImplementing and living company valuesKey links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

How do you align new hires with company values? On this episode of HR Unplugged, host Anita Grantham welcomes Megan Galloway, founder of Everleader, as a special guest to discuss this in detail and provide practical tips.Megan shares insights from her collaboration with BambooHR in evolving their onboarding process. One of the key challenges discussed is the lack of time managers have to properly onboard new employees while under pressure to meet productivity goals. The conversation delves into the importance of leadership buy-in and the critical role managers play in the onboarding process – which should not solely be an HR responsibility!They discuss the ways onboarding presents a valuable opportunity to instil company values and create a common language within an organization. Through practical examples, Megan illustrates how experiential learning can significantly enhance retention and integration of company values. They also cover the need for onboarding programs to go beyond orientation by making the learning process interactive and relevant to new employees' day-to-day roles. Plus, Megan gives her suggestions for metrics to gauge onboarding effectiveness, such as time to productivity and employee satisfaction. Key moments: Challenges in onboarding programsThe importance of company values in onboardingMarking onboarding experiential Remote onboarding strategiesMeasuring successCommon mistakes in onboardingImmersive onboarding processesImmediate tools for new hiresDefining and living company valuesBalancing work and personal lifeKey links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

Delivering feedback can be a daunting process (on both sides) but coming to it with a commitment to improvement will help you take the best steps forward. In this episode of HR Unplugged, Head of HR Anita Grantham sits down with Rebecca Port, the Chief People Officer at 10x Genomics. Together, they swap tips on the best approaches for delivering feedback – both positive and negative. They explore the benefits of continuous feedback, how role-playing can help you tackle difficult discussions, and why all feedback should be delivered with kindness, care, and compassion. Rebecca also breaks down the SCARF framework (status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, fairness) to help you structure feedback sessions effectively and the research-backed benefits of positive feedback and recognition. Key moments: How to help managers deliver constructive feedback The benefits of continuous feedback How the SCARF method can help you deliver feedback How to make managers comfortable with giving constructive criticism Why managers need to be committed to an employee's success Why the intention of the feedback needs to be clear How positive feedback impacts performance Key links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaport/

A clear compensation philosophy steers HR and recruitment teams onto the right path when it comes to setting pay according to job responsibilities, pay transparency, and tackling any pay equity issues that might be hiding under the surface. In this episode of HR Unplugged, Vanessa and Anita chat with John Baldino, President of Humareso, live from Transform 2024 in Vegas. With over 30 years of HR experience, John delves into the importance of having a compensation philosophy, sharing insights on using data, addressing pay equity, and setting crystal clear job expectations. He shares top-tier advice for HR teams, including smaller teams and solo HR professionals, on common pitfalls to avoid within your compensation policies. We hear why clear, up-to-date job descriptions (not job titles) should be the key focus of your compensation philosophy, plus how to find and solve equal pay issues in the workplace. Key moments:Why a clear compensation philosophy is crucialHow to navigate compensation dataWhy job descriptions are vital to get right Descriptions and CompensationAddressing pay equity issues Understanding the value of work when setting compensation Should you be transparent about pay? Why you should avoid over-extending Key links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbaldinohr/

HR may not always swim in the same waters as finance, but there are plenty of benefits to building a good working relationship between the two teams. In this episode of HR Unplugged, we welcomed BambooHR's Chief Financial Officer, Justin Judd, to share the perspective of a finance team leader working closely with HR. Justin is a big believer that HR and finance teaming up pays dividends to the wider business and individual team members. Hear him explain the benefits, how a team partnership can help to minimize conflict and solve problems faster, and what to do if your teams aren't aligned on the same goals. Key moments:Tips for building a relationship between finance and HRHow to prioritize it and what to do if some team leaders don't want toThe benefits of HR and finance working together Why communication between teams should be constantHow to deal with conflict between teamsHow operations can get in alignment with HR and financeKey links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community:https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-judd-48b0a08/

Modern tech tools can make managing HR more efficient and solve common pain points for HR teams. But how do you decide what tech you really need? Each HR team has different needs and priorities, but building an efficient tech stack is a game-changer for modern HR teams. With the right tools, you can save time and energy, leaving your team free to focus on the things you're best at – building and maintaining relationships for the good of the wider business.If you're new to building a tech stack, you might be wondering where to start. Or, if you already have one in place but it's not working as well as you'd hope, how to streamline things.In this episode, BambooHR's Head of HR, Anita Grantham sits down with Lauren Nathanson, VP of People Operations at Axios, to talk about what really needs to be in your tech stack. We discuss how you can get started, which tool types to prioritize, how to make decisions based on company goals and pain points, and how to refine an existing tech stack.Key moments:The biggest challenges to building a tech stackThe first step for building a tech stackHow to prioritize what problems to solve firstAligning your tech stack to business strategiesConsolidating your existing tech stackWhat every HR team needsMetrics to measure with tech toolsHow to get the timing rightHow to manage your tech stack as a large vs. small HR teamKey links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw/Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

Is it time to scale your HR team? Deciding when and how to scale the HR department can be a delicate task. Who do you hire? What role should your second HR person play? How do you scale in a small or large company? If these questions are on your mind, then this episode is for you. BambooHR's Head of HR, Anita Grantham, and HR Business Partner, Vanessa Brulotte, sit down to explore the best practices for making your next HR hire.They explain why you should always start with a solid strategy that reflects the company's mission and values, how to decide what type of role to hire for next, and the best ways to scale your team effectively.Key moments:Why you need a solid strategy to scale your HR teamHow to decide what type of role to hire for nextWhy you should consider retention and employee experience in your strategyWhy scaling your HR team is good for the overall companyHow teams should scale Advice for small companies looking to grow their HR teams Key links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw/Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

When CEOs team up with their HR leaders, it can only mean good things for the wider business. It means a more strategic recruitment drive, better performance management, and more alignment on company goals.In this episode of HR Unplugged, Vanessa Brulotte and Anita Grantham sat down with Sam Devyver, the CEO of EasyLlama, live from Vegas at the Transform 2024 event to talk about how to make that all-important relationship happen.Sam shares his take as a CEO who works closely with HR professionals on how to build that relationship, mistakes to avoid, and the benefits of integrating HR into other business functions.Key moments:Why a close working relationship between HR and CEOs is importantThe benefits of HR being aligned on business initiativesSam explains his experience as a CEO working closely with HRAdvice for CEOs and HR leaders to build that relationshipWhy trust is keySam's advice on bringing HR into different areas of the businessKey links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw/Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samueldevyver/

Firings and layoffs are never an enjoyable part of HR or leadership. But it's important that there's a robust process in place to manage the transition and it's handled with compassion. In this episode of HR Unplugged, our Head of HR, Anita Grantham and HR Business Partner, Vanessa Brulotte, discuss how to manage firings and layoffs in the right way. We discuss the best practices, do's and don'ts, and how to build a process that protects the company and provides the best chance of the employee parting on good terms. We dive into some of the common questions on how to handle a contract termination, who should be in that meeting, when to hold these meetings, and whether you should offer to be a reference for the person in question. Key moments:Dos and don'ts of layoffs and firingsWhy you should have a detailed process in place How to break the news of firing or layoffs to employeesHow to tie your process to your company mission What to do in the event of a crisis How to reassure remaining employees Key links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

How do you compensate team members fairly so that they're happy and don't start looking elsewhere? In this episode of HR Unplugged, we welcomed back Alex Bertin, BambooHR's Head of Total Rewards, to talk more about compensation and benefits strategies. Alex sits down with our Head of HR, Anita Grantham, to discuss when leaders should talk to employees about compensation, how to build efficient pay processes, pay transparency, and more.Alex and Anita also tackle the debate on whether on-site workers should be paid more than remote workers and how to assess compensation based on business impact.Key moments:What the data on compensation levels saysHow often should leaders bring up compensation with their teamWhy leaders need to build and understand the compensation processThe debate on pay transparencyShould on-site workers be paid more than remote employees?How to assess the impact of a role/employee on the business Key links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community:https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

Recruitment is always a tricky part of HR, but there are ways to be more strategic in your approach to ensure a high quality of hire. In this episode, we welcomed Casey Bailey, Head of People at Deel, to talk about recruitment and interviewing strategies. Casey and Anita Grantham break down their favorite interview questions to ask, how to decide which questions to prioritize, and how to approach different types of interviews. Casey explains how you don't always need a formal applicant tracking system, but you probably need a scorecard to measure the suitability of candidates for a role. We also look at how interviews for internal and external candidates may differ.Key moments:How to decide what interview questions to askHow many interviews should we conduct while recruiting?Managing your applicant tracking systemHow to hire internal vs. external candidatesMistakes that hiring managers often makeKey links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heroes Slack Community:https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/Connect with Casey on LinkedIn

A growing mental health crisis, particularly since 2020, has put HR professionals on the front line in many organizations. This, coupled with the difficulties of the job, such as dealing with redundancies, legal issues, employee emotional wellbeing, and even employee death, means that HR needs support more than ever. Joining the podcast is Julie Turney, Founder and CEO of HR@Heart Consulting, who shares lots of brilliant ideas for people in HR to get the support they need to do their jobs effectively. We hear about the importance of having coaches and mentors for your career, resources for support, how to set healthy boundaries, and much more. Key moments: The importance of HR for HR Why there's a greater need for trauma and response training for HR today Why HR professionals need mentors How to be intentional about networking Why people in HR need to set healthy boundaries Resources to get support Key links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/ Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

Without a good performance review process, managers risk leaving employees unhappy, unproductive, and unaligned on goals that affect personal progress and the business. So how do you fix a broken performance review process? In this episode of HR Unplugged, we welcomed special guest Adam Weber, Chief Evangelist at 15Five, to share his perspective and advice for leaders. Adam is the host of the HR Superstars podcast and leads the HR Superstars community alongside his main role. His book ‘Lead Like a Human' also details how to lead and build high-performance teams but in a way that honors your authentic self. Our conversation explores what the data says about performance reviews from the perspective of managers and employees, why there's often a disconnect in the review process, and how leaders can build a culture of feedback. Tune in to hear the systems and questions he likes to use in his own performance reviews to improve relationships and outcomes. Key moments: What recent data says about performance reviews Why there's a disconnect in performance reviews How to build a culture of feedback Different ways to deliver feedback The importance of goal alignment Self-evaluation questions for employees to answer Advice for managers to improve employee relationships The importance of giving feedback directly How to make performance management and reviews more effective How to get employees on board with business goals Key links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series/https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/ Join HR Heros Slack Community https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/ 40+ questions you can add to your performance review 15Five's Guide to Designing a Fair, Valuable, and Efficient Review Process Connect with Adam on LinkedIn

Are you ready to put data front and center of your HR strategy? Data is a crucial tool to help you make decisions that will improve employee engagement, relations, retention, and more. Without it, HR teams are left guessing, without a clear direction to follow. But how do you begin to use data effectively? In this episode of HR Unplugged, Anita and Vanessa sit down with Will Clive, Chief People Officer at Pluralsight, to swap ideas, advice, and insights on using data within HR. They explore the use of storytelling to paint a picture with data to get that all-important leadership buy-in and to boost employee survey engagement. You'll also hear some advice for getting started with data, the best practices for presenting data, and how to become a better data storyteller. Key moments: How to start using data How to tell a story with your data What to do when you don't have buy-in from leadership Tips for increasing survey engagement How to get help with data from different departments Best practices for using data How to become a better data storyteller Key links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/ Join HR Heros Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw HR Reporting Slides Template: Tools to analyze data https://www.bamboohr.com/pl/hr-reporting-template?utm_campaign=BAMB-DG-DAR+hrunplugged+episode39+resource-202401&utm_medium=offline&utm_source=webinar&utm_content=blank&utm_term=Webinar Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willclive/

Did you know 70% of new hires decide if their role is a good fit within just one month? This means leaders don't have long to make a good impression on new employees. So how can businesses ensure a good experience for new hires and prevent repeated staff turnover? On this episode of HR Unplugged, our Head of HR, Anita Grantham, and HR Business Partner, Vanessa Brulotte explore why onboarding isn't a one-size-fits-all experience – it should be tailored for the needs of the business and the employee. Plus, they explain the importance of listening to feedback from new hires and break down the biggest mistakes businesses make in the early stages of employment. Key moments: The most common mistakes HR leaders make during onboarding How leaders can deal with employees' onboarding grievances Why onboarding begins at the recruitment phase Key links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/ Join HR Heros Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw Our Definitive Guide to Onboarding in 2024: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/guides/the-definitive-guide-to-onboarding

A clear, thought-out paid time off (PTO) system brings a plethora of benefits to your organization, including improved job satisfaction, staff retention and recruitment help.Plus, it can encourage employees to be more loyal, motivated and productive.So how can business leaders build a PTO strategy that truly benefits their team?On this episode of HR Unplugged, our Head of HR and HR Business Partner, Anita Grantham and Vanessa Brulotte, explore how leaders can instill a culture that empowers employees to take self-care seriously and make use of PTO, for the benefit of themselves, their bosses and the business.Key moments:Why employees not taking PTO can cause poor job satisfactionHow PTO benefits productivity and happinessWhy employees feel guilty taking PTOAdvice for taking PTO in a small businessHow HR managers can align PTO policies with their teamsHow PTO improves your recruitmentKey links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heros Slack Community:https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwBamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

If you don't have a compensation philosophy tied to your mission, vision and values, it's time to start building one. Carefully considering compensation allows you to gauge how transparent you will be with your employees as well as attract and retain top talent. But what are the first steps towards building a philosophy that works for you? Alex Bertin, Head of Total Rewards, is back on HR Unplugged to walk us through brand-new BambooHR data on compensation. He shares what lessons businesses can take to build stronger bonds with their employees, increase job satisfaction and improve retention rates. Key moments: How to create a better bond between employees and employers Why it's crucial employees understand your pay strategies The equitable best practices to add to your hiring strategy Advice for those who can't see progression in their company How to decide what pay transparency means in your workplace Why HR should not be directly responsible for monitoring performance Key links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/ Join HR Heros Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/ Total Compensation Calculator: https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/total-compensation-calculator-measure-improve-your-comp[…]ffline&utm_source=webinar&utm_content=blank&utm_term=Webinar Find Alex's previous appearance on HR Unplugged: https://www.bamboohr.com/webinars/hr-unplugged-episode-31

Many companies want to improve their efforts when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). But progress doesn't happen overnight. So what first steps can leaders take to ensure it becomes and remains a top priority? Hiring isn't easy, period…and adding DEI into the mix can often make it harder, especially when recruiting in industries that typically aren't diverse. That's why your DEI strategy needs to be long-term, so you can identify and nurture the people you want to hire. Lauren Leader, co-founder and CEO of All In Together, joins this episode of HR Unplugged to discuss how to build a more diverse and welcoming team. We hear her takes on the biggest DEI challenges, what makes diverse teams thrive and how to improve hiring and promotion practices. Key moments: The biggest challenges companies face around diversity, equity and inclusion What makes diverse talent thrive in the workplace Why organizations need policies on personal social media How to assess and track your DEI strategy Why middle management need more support to prioritize DEI The best ways to improve hiring and promotion practices Key links: Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/ Join HR Heros Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenleaderchivee/

Every company wants the best talent out there, so it can be challenging to stay ahead of the competition. What worked for your recruitment process in the past may no longer be the best option, as recruitment and onboarding expectations change. A great way to stay ahead of the recruitment game is to embrace network hiring. Network hiring means tapping into your network and connections to find talent. Part of that is building a great referral process to encourage current employees to refer people they know and trust. Joining this episode of the podcast is Scott Sinatra, CEO and Co-Founder of Bountiful. With vast experience in companies such as Glint and Glassdoor, we wanted his take on what it takes to find and keep top talent in the workplace. He shares his thoughts on network hiring and tips on how to manage an employee referral program.Key moments:The top challenges in recruiting todayWhy the recruitment process is brokenHow to engage in network hiringAdvice for those who want to hire within their networkHow to manage a referral programTips for finding the best talentKey links:Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/Join HR Heros Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQwConnect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-sinatra-b399312/

Company culture sits at the heart of every organization, whether it's been carefully defined or otherwise. But how can managers ensure they're building a culture of collaboration, compassion and strong communication? To foster a positive company culture, you must connect it to your mission, vision and values, establish clear goals and respond positively to employee feedback. Get the culture right and passionate employees, satisfied customers and improved business performance will follow. On this episode, our Head of HR, Anita Grantham, and HR Business Partner, Vanessa Brulotte, explore how you can take your company culture from good to great. They discuss how to identify if your culture is working, develop culture in a fully remote team and promote teamwork and collaboration. Key moments: How to establish clear goals in your culture strategy Making space for compassionate conversations The best ways to improve your communication How to connect your culture to your mission, vision and values Identifying how to foster collaboration and teamwork The best ways to measure employee feedback and adjust your culture strategy How to communicate how you want your teams to focus on collaboration and culture Key links: Culture Checklist: 12 Ways to Improve Your Company Culture: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/whitepapers/culture-checklist?formSubmit=success The Definitive Guide to Company Culture [eBook]: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/ebooks/definitive-guide-company-culture?formSubmit=success Your Guide to Creating Company Values [eBook]: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/ebooks/guide-company-values?formSubmit=success Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/ Join HR Heros Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw

As HR leaders, we're in the business of people – and if your people aren't happy, it can cause major roadblocks for a business, drive top talent away, and affect company culture. We invited Jennifer Decker, Director of HR and Senior Client Services Manager at Donaldson Capital Management, to join HR Unplugged and share her insights into what HR can do to boost employee happiness, wellbeing, and engagement. Jennifer and BambooHR's Anita Grantham and Vanessa Brulotte explore the actions HR leaders can take, why employee happiness is decreasing across industries and the best practices for improving morale. For more, don't forget to subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/ Join the conversation with our HR Heros Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw Key Moments: Why employee happiness is decreasing How the economy is affecting employee satisfaction Why HR leaders should focus on increasing employee engagement Best practices for improving employee morale Pro tips for boosting engagement Actions HR leaders can take to enhance employee wellness Key Links: Connect with Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmdecker/

With employee retention remaining one of the biggest challenges for companies, it's more important than ever that you build a great benefits package that keeps top talent on board. Building a comprehensive benefits package for employees can go a long way in helping them feel supported and valued – and it can do wonders for employee retention. To build a total rewards package, you need to think beyond base pay. In fact, in a competitive talent market, competing on compensation alone is no longer enough. To help attract and retain top talent, companies need to go further and offer benefits that employees truly want and need. In this episode, we welcomed Alex Bertin, Head of Total Rewards at BambooHR, to share his thoughts and advice on building a total rewards package that makes employees feel valued and happy in their roles. Key Moments: What is the employee value proposition? Why you should connect rewards to your company mission Defining total rewards strategy Why you may need to “re-recruit” employees How to decide which benefits to offer How to make data-driven decisions about benefits How we approach benefits at BambooHR For more insights into becoming a great HR leader, subscribe to the HR Unplugged series or join our HR Heroes Slack community.