The Human Resource

When management teams need a speaker to motivate, inspire and creatively train, Jon Colby is the man to call. Recognized by MSN.com as one of the top ten leading speakers to follow in 2025, Colby shares his unique approach to presenting crucial topics on leadership and building strong teams. Join Jon and Pandy as they discuss the importance of engaging your teams and the power of training while having fun.

Documentation is one of the most crucial parts of Human Resources and yet it's the one area that can be improved upon in any organization. Learn what is considered to be documentation and what can be subpoenaed if you ever get pulled into court. The list is longer then you may think. Use this show as a training topic for your team.

No one is perfect but if we can prevent a mistake, why aren't we doing that? Learn what some consider to be the most common HR mistakes to avoid and then compare those to what Pandy has on her list. You may be surprised...

Update your records and audit your payroll; the Wage and Hour Division has published new information concerning the meaning of "employment relationship" and the significance of that determination in applying provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In this episode, Pandy shares the details of the most recent announcement that Wage and Hour is returning to the regulations of 2008 published in Fact Sheet #13 dated May 1, 2025 as they evaluate the 2024 guidance.

What does your handbook say about insubordination? Do you have it clearly defined? Have you taught your management team when an act of emotion is protected by the NLRA and may not be disciplined? Join Pandy as she reviews the differences in these two scenarios and provides you with policy language to protect your company.

"What were they thinking?" In this episode, Pandy reviews recent lawsuits filed by the EEOC on preventable and yet costly mistakes involving discrimination of age, disabilities and pregnancy. Join her as she reviews where the mistakes occurred and discusses what should have happened to prevent them.

The most difficult conversation in HR is the one that involves hygiene or odors but in this episode Pandy has tips on how to have those crucial conversations with confidence. Join Pandy as she shares a blog by Marisa Eckberg with Grey Owl HR in Texas on how to delicately and professionally facilitate a conversation regarding hygiene and odors.

We all have an idea what an exit interview is, but what about all the employment details that must be considered when an employee separates from the company? Employment verification? Do they owe us any monies or PTO? Do we owe them any reimbursements? In this episode, Pandy shares a different kind of exit form that guides those "final" conversations through details that shouldn't be overlooked or forgotten.

In the realm of HR, the words 'furlough' and 'laid off' are desperately avoided, but when the time comes, do you know which to use and how to implement these processes? In this episode, Pandy discusses the differences of each and what companies need to consider before making such hard announcements.

The EEOC has announced its intention to switch gears and focus on anti-discrimination protections to include portions of the PWFA final rules and employment laws against illegal preference of non-American workers over American workers under Title VI. In this episode Pandy talks about these directives as well as the guidance on Anti-Arab, Anti-Muslim and Antisemitic discrimination involving social media and workplace behaviors.

What do you know? As an HR representative, what are your strengths and opportunities? How can you be confident of your expertise if you haven't assessed your knowledge? It takes more then a certification or degree to be an HR expert in today's world. Pandy talks about the importance of assessing your skills or the skills of your HR representative to protect and eliminate risks to the company. Since change is an everyday affair, Pandy offers an HR assessment to identify the skills and competencies needed to be an HR leader of the organization.

Scott Warrick returns to discuss the importance of a culture based on safety and tolerance. Employers can't tell employees to accept each other but you can require that everyone be tolerant, assuring that all employees have a safe and secure workplace. Listen as Scott and Pandy discuss what companies need to consider to create this positive work environment for all.

Change in Human Resources has never been so apparent as the major shift away from diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the workplace. What can companies do to maintain a balanced workforce? Scott Warrick is in the studio talking about the dangers of using DEI in employment decisions and what your alternatives should be.

Do you understand the real difference between an independent contractor and a W2 employee? The legal aspects of that difference? Faith Whitaker, Employment Practice Group Chair and Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl joins Pandy to review the key points that distinguish a W2 employee from an independent contractor. Misclassifying an employee as a contractor will place your organization as great risk. Learn the 6 points to consider and keep your company compliant.

Do you trust your Manager? Do your employees trust you? Tracy LaLonde, author of Trust Me joins Pandy in this episode to discuss her newest book. Described as the "insider's guide to being the go-to person at work" her book talks about how trust is cultivated, shared and restored in the workplace. If you have remote workers this can be a challenge. Learn the elements of trust and secrets to building a strong relationship with your team and clients.

Robert Glazer, author of "Rethinking the Two Week Notice" joins Pandy in this episode to talk about his newest book. Learn how to communicate with your employees to properly identify performance issues and poor retention. Robert challenges business leaders and HR representatives to start conversations early and partner with employees to understand why someone may leave the company or if there are alternatives to be explored.

Does your company have a policy for AI use by employees? Dave Hatter returns to discuss with Pandy elements of an AI policy for employees, how much AI can affect employee performance, and how to control the new found "time" employees are discovering with the efficiencies of AI use. Learn how to protect the company while using this new technology.

How much AI is your workforce using to do their work? Are you even aware of what types of AI they are using on a daily basis? How reliable it is? How accurate? Did you know that AI can hallucinate? Dave Hatter with InTrust IT joins Pandy to talk about the dangers of AI and the security issues to be thinking about as your employees incorporate AI into their work.

What is your body language telling your employees? Are you even aware of how you're acting or posturing around your team? In this episode Pandy shares 5 things you should be watching in regards to body language from you and your employees. You may be amazed at what you learn without saying a word.

From the Department of Labor to the National Labor Relations Board look for change as the new administration takes their place in Washington. We all know change is the only constant in the universe but will you be able to keep up with the many projected changes in employment and labor regulations? Pandy shares a list of what she expects to be the major topics of conversation over the next few years.

The US Department of Labor announced that OSHA finalized the rule on proper fit requirements for personal protective equipment in construction on December 11, 2024. In this episode Pandy reminds any organization utilizing PPE of the importance of a proper fit for all employees.

Tis the season for festivities and company parties but are you thinking about the risks you may be taking if these events are not well thought out? Open bars and mandatory attendance are disasters waiting to happen. In this episode Pandy gives you ideas to consider when planning your company celebrations while eliminating unnecessary risks.

Did you realize that Supervisors can be sued as well as the employer? Scott Warrick, attorney and HR Consultant in Columbus joins Pandy in this episode about bystander laws and the risks of not speaking up as a Supervisor.

Contracts or agreements with "stay or pay" provisions are under attack by the NLRB. If you're using a payback agreement for any reason; recruiting fees, education repayments, sign-on bonuses, you need to listen to this show. Pandy shares the concerns and details the General Counsel is presently identifying as unlawful. This show encourages you to work with your labor law attorney to assure your agreements are compliant with these new guidelines.

How much are you babysitting when employees request time off or sick time? Does it really matter why they need time off from work? Pandy references the New York City initiative to add sick time for employees to use for their pets. Based on a paper by Fiona Ong at Shawe and Rosenthal, Pandy challenges you to think about the mental health of your employees and those life events when time away is important.

Who are you enabling? What are you enabling? In this episode Pandy walks through a checklist of questions to help you identify who and what you are enabling in the workplace. Learn to identify and address those that enable and those that are being enabled to eliminate the toxic and risky environment they create.

In this episode Pandy reminds us of the importance of eliminating harassment of any kind. How much is the harassing or discriminating behavior costing your company? Stop ignoring, stop enabling and deal with the harassment in your workplace using the EEOC guidelines to eliminate and prevent these behaviors.

Would it surprise you to know that falls are the #1 cited safety violation in the workplace this year? Start your new workplace safety program by listening to this episode where Pandy shares the top ten cited violations by OSHA. Though the numbers have decreased from 2023 by 10% we can all be reminded how important it is to train for and maintain a safe work environment.

Does your state require that employees be paid to vote on election day? Have you educated yourself on the state voting laws of your remote workers? Don't wait until it's too late and your workforce is leaving the building to vote ... while still on the clock. In this episode Pandy shares the states that provide paid voting leave and the possible requirements other states may impose on employers to assure their employees make it to the polls.

With the popularity of recreational and medical marijuana how is a company to enforce a drug policy? Just finding employees that don't use marijuana is a struggle but ignoring the possible risks and harm drug use can have in the workplace is not the answer any of us can afford to practice. Doug Oldham from Barnes and Thornburg in Columbus, Ohio joins Pandy to discuss how to craft an effective drug policy when considering marijuana in the workplace.

Did you know that Montana is the only state in the US that does not recognize at-will employment? Companies rely on at-will employment as a safety net for employment decisions but at the same time courts across the country are challenging the open ended use of at-will employment. In this episode Pandy reminds you of the key elements to an at-will decision and how to assure you are exercising this employment law correctly.

Have you noticed more of your remote workers missing meetings. Missing deadlines or calls with the team? If you suspect they're at a soccer game or swim lessons you're not alone. What can you do if you suspect your remote employees are also watching their children during working hours? Leah Stiegler and Emily Kendall Chowhan from Woods & Rogers Law Firm in Virginia join Pandy in this episode to clarify the legal approach to requiring employees to provide childcare for their families during working hours. It's a sensitive topic but you'll appreciate their advice.

With the new updates to the Fair Labor Standards Act's new salary threshold, what changes can employers make and still remain compliant? Karl Ulrich with Sebaly, Shillito and Dyer joins Pandy to discuss changing terms of employment and the option of restructuring to address the upcoming increases to the salary threshold.

Karl Ulrich from Sebaly Shillito and Dyer joins Pandy to update us on the latest court decisions regarding the Federal Trade Commission's opposition of non-competes. Where do we go from here? Are non-competes dead in the water or can they be revived?

How many of you have a policy regarding firearms in the workplace? A number of states are updating their laws regarding concealed carry and the possession of firearms but are you updating your company policies? What is the impact or risk of possessing a firearm in the workplace. In this episode Pandy recommends 10 things to consider as you review your policy on firearms in the workplace.

When your state legalizes either medical or recreational marijuana how does that change your drug policies? Do you even know the marijuana laws in the states your employees reside? In this episode Pandy talks about the laws in Ohio and provides you with points to consider when reviewing your employment decisions involving marijuana use.

Have you heard? I-9 fines have increased to as much as $2,789 per violation. Are you prepared to pay fines even higher? And if you're knowingly employing unauthorized aliens you need to listen to this episode. Auditing your I-9's now should be top priority. Pandy shares the cost of I-9 mistakes and some common errors to avoid.

There's a consequence to not having consequences so why are so many companies not using them to manage their business and workforce. Pandy's passion is revealed in this episode as she challenges you to consider how you and your company are using consequences to accomplish your goals and the damage that can occur by not using them.

It's only July and yet so much has changed in HR compliance just since January. In this episode Pandy reviews updates from Wage and Hour, EEOC, Federal Trade Commission, OSHA, and more. Don't let anything slip between the cracks. There's still time to make the changes you may have missed.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) one of the formal indicators of a hostile workplace is how severe and/or pervasive an act is. Pandy references the actual guidance published in April, 2024 to teach us how to identify if an act is either severe or pervasive.

How do you properly approach the retirement conversation? What can you say and what should you avoid? In this episode Pandy walks you through the key items to think about and how to establish a positive and constructive line of communication so everyone feels empowered and informed.

Attorney Shannon Kelly from Ford Harrison in Orlando Florida joins Pandy to explain the finer details of the updated EEOC guidance. Shannon explains the new terms and expanded protections in defining a hostile workplace according to the EEOC. Take notes on what she recommends to be a compliant harassment policy.

How many of you are using camera's or listening in on your employee phone calls? What should a business be considering if you want to implement this technology? Pandy has Karl Ulrich in from Sebaly, Shillito and Dyer to review the legal restrictions around the use of surveilance equipment and the legal protections employees can expect.

Who is the Federal Trade Commission and why are they changing the way we use non-competes? Karl Ulrich with Sebaly, Shillito and Dyer, and Pandy discuss the surprising and much talked about removal of non-compete agreements from the employment process. What options do businesses have and what should you be doing before the effective date in September.

How much of what your employees are discussing can you control? When it comes to politics, more then you may realize. Karl Ulrich joins Pandy to review how to control and monitor politics and controversial topics during business hours. They talk about what's permitted and what should employers be doing now to prepare for the upcoming election.

Has everyone forgotten that recruitment using diversity quotas and discriminative employment is illegal? How are we to recruit for a diverse and inclusive workplace? Scott Warrick returns to share the pitfalls and damage diversity quotas and hiring employees for reasons of diversity rather then qualifications and competencies can create. It's a contraversial topic but one that needs to be discussed.

Is the NLRA changing the rules on political conversations or statements in the workplace? Show regular, Scott Warrick shares his insight on what the NLRA is permitting in the workplace and how this may effect your companies morale and culture.

What are you communicating to your candidates? Are you ghosting applicants as much as they're ghosting you? Walt Tracy, owner of At Work Personnel joins Pandy in this episode to review how important recruiting etiquette is from both the candidate and the employer.

Sometimes we can see what others can't and in this episode Pandy reviews a recent discrimination case that had all the signs of what not to do. See if you can pick them out as she walks you through the multiple mistakes and why a court of appeals found evidence of adverse employment actions in the company's decisions.

The Fair Labor Standards Act is clear about travel time and yet it remains one of the most important misunderstood laws within Wage and Hour. Learn how to view travel time and pay it correctly in this episode. This may be a show you'll want to listen to several times and take notes.

How's your documentation when communicating with employee regarding their performance? Are you specific enough that the employee understands what you mean to say? Or are able to properly convey your expectations so they understand what to change or improve? This episode comes directly from the Training the Team series with recommendations on how to document for positive results.