Honest HR

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings, perspectives, or experiences of another person, and for workplace leaders, empathy is a communication skill that helps transform debates into conversations premised on understanding of shared experiences. In this episode of Honest HR, host Monique Akanbi is joined by workplace consultant and Ellequate founder/CEO Nicole Armstrong to discuss topics including the relationship between empathy and vulnerability, leveraging empathy to create safe spaces to communicate at work, and how to lead with empathy while also instilling accountability among employees.

Civility is a cornerstone of workplace culture that allows people and businesses to thrive by fostering respect and empathy among everyone. However, according to SHRM research, U.S. workers report that incivility is increasingly prevalent in their workplaces. In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong speaks with TrainXtra Chief Civility Officer Sejal Thakkar about her framework for helping organizations make workplace civility happen, the elements of effective civility trainings, and the business imperative for creating civil workplaces.

AI represents the next wave of technological advancement for society, and is expected to transform how work gets done across every industry. In this episode of Honest HR, SHRM CHRO Jim Link, SHRM-SCP, joins host Monique Akanbi to discuss everything HR professionals and business leaders should know about AI and integrating it into their organizations.

Workplace romance: It’s complicated. But it happens, and employers need to know how to deal with it. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton is joined by SHRM researcher Casey Sword to present the findings from her work on SHRM’s latest research in the area of workplace romance, share real stories related to romance in the workplace, and discuss how HR professionals should handle them.

We live in the age of data, and everything important to an organization’s people management function gets measured. In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong speaks with Dr. Milton J. Perkins, Senior Vice President at ActOne Government Solutions, about the transformative potential of people analytics, their role in helping HR professionals create workplaces where employees genuinely want to be, and steps for leveraging them at your organization.

In this episode of Honest HR, hosts Amber Clayton, Wendy Fong and Monique Akanbi come together to look back on the biggest HR and workplace trends of 2023, and look ahead with their expectations for 2024.

In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton and SHRM Knowledge Center Advisors Robyn Hopper and Rue Dooley continue with Part 2 of their two-part mini-series of listener-submitted stories of bad bosses, give more advice on handling problematic people managers, and close out the session with a set of redeeming stories of outstanding bosses who were there for their employees in amazing ways.

If you’ve ever had a bad boss, not only did they make work miserable, but also probably gave you a good story to tell later on. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton is joined by SHRM Knowledge Center Advisors Robyn Hopper and Rue Dooley to read listener-submitted stories of bad bosses, identify their problematic behaviors, and give advice on solving for them in your workplace.

As both laws and attitudes toward marijuana continue to change, the question for employers is likewise, “Then how does my organization’s HR and approaches to people management need to change?”. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton is joined by Holland & Knight attorneys Dana Feinstein and Travis Nelson, who provide insights and guidance for employers navigating the complex issues surrounding marijuana in the workplace, with a focus on legal compliance, accommodation, and policy development.

Generative AI programs (like ChatGPT) have tremendous potential to deliver new efficiencies and capabilities to the workplace, but what do these new tools mean for HR, both in using them, and the myriad of concerns they raise? In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong speaks with Karl Ahlrichs, Senior Consultant at Gregory & Appel, on how HR professionals can use AI ethically and responsibly, and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to do so.

In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong speaks with Kelly Hermann, Vice President of Accessibility, Equity & Inclusion at the University of Phoenix, to discuss findings from the university’s report on Workplace Accessibility - HR Professionals Accommodations for Employees’ Disability’s Research Report (2023), action steps for HR professionals and people managers focused on creating more accessible and inclusive workplaces for employees, and the future of disability and accessibility inclusion.

In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton speaks with Rich Safeer, M.D., Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Wellbeing for Johns Hopkins Medicine and author of A Cure for the Common Company: A Wellbeing Prescription for a Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient Organization about why the workplace is the perfect venue for achieving real improvements in people’s health, how mental health and wellness is a team sport, and steps to begin transforming your organization

A good mentor/mentee relationship creates a safe, nonjudgmental space to provide guidance and advice, and that’s just as true for mentorships dedicated to the HR profession. In this episode of Honest HR, host Monique Akanbi is joined by Sheila Thomas and Firdosh Bhathena, a real-life HR mentor/mentee pair, to share their HR mentorship story, discuss why mentorship is important in an HR career, and shatter the popular myths of mentorship.

In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton speaks with SHRM CHRO Jim Link about the importance of pay equity and ensuring fair and equal pay practices for all employees regardless of gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics, but also the business case on why pay equity is in an organization’s best interest, and above all, the steps you can take toward achieving pay equity at your organization.

Managing employee attendance is challenging: Employers and people managers need to know not only if employees are showing up to work, but also what to do if they don’t. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton speaks with SHRM Knowledge Advisors Barbara Holland and Julie Schweber about handling scenarios such as fishy doctors’ notes, no call/no shows, and above all, the importance of getting all the information before moving toward adverse action.

In this episode of Honest HR, host Monique Akanbi speaks with Mary Wright, Manager of the SHRM Foundation’s Apprenticeship Program, about apprenticeships’ helping to sidestep the war for talent, and how the SHRM Foundation’s HR Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is helping HR departments develop their own superstar HR professionals.

Amid talent scarcity, the benefits that employers offer their employees have emerged as a key differentiator in attracting and retaining talent. In this episode of Honest HR, the hosts discuss the importance of expanding the benefits organizations typically offer and consider more imaginative employee benefits you may not have previously considered.

In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong continues her discussion with HR consulting/talent management specialists Karen DeLise, Adrianna Gabriel and Allison Levine from CCI Consulting to discuss everything to learn from the past, present and future of a multigenerational workplace experience.

In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong and special guests Karen, Adrianna and Allison from CCI Consulting discuss everything to learn from the past, present and future of a multigenerational workplace experience.

One of the most contentious events of 2022 was the U.S. Supreme Court's decision (Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization) overturning Roe v. Wade. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton is joined by SHRM Chief of Staff Emily M. Dickens and Janell Stanton, senior associate/head of the employment law group at Wagner, Falconer, & Judd, Ltd. to discuss implications for work, workers and the workplace.

In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong is joined by Buck Gee (Cisco Systems, Committee of 100) to discuss why AAPI employees go under-promoted, stories on breaking the stereotype of the model minority and how to challenge leadership when climbing the corporate ladder.

In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton is joined by Paula Harvey, SHRM-SCP, vice president of human resources and safety at Schulte Building Systems, to make sense of the Great Resignation's new talent acquisition landscape and discuss how to make your organization turnover-proof.

In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton, Director of SHRM’s Knowledge Center, continues the conversation on sound hiring with SHRM Knowledge Advisors Rosa Hardesty and Patty Graves on topics that include how to avoid filling a job too quickly, what to do when a new hire emerges as a bad employee and what they each love most about hiring.

In an era of acute talent shortages and employee departures, it’s important to be sure you’re hiring the right “somebody”, not just “some body”. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton, Director of SHRM’s Knowledge Center, speaks with SHRM Knowledge Advisors Rosa Hardesty and Patty Graves on how bad hires can happen and what to do to avoid them.

Each day, more than 10,000 people turn 65, which prompts conversation on a topic that comes up much less frequently in the workplace: Elder care and caring for aging parents. In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong speaks with Liz O’Donnell on navigating work and while also providing important end of life care to parents, and approaches employers can take to support their employees with caregiving responsibilities.Liz O'Donnell is the author of Working Daughter: A Guide to Caring for Your Aging Parents.Honest HR is supported by Hireguide.

Maya Angelou famously said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”, and this rings especially true in the workplace. In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong speaks with Liz Fosslien about emotions as your workplace super power to create rewarding workplace experiences for both you and your employees.Honest HR is supported by Namely.

A recently terminated employee threatens you. One of your team members hasn’t reported for work in days. The underage intern is displaying signs of physical abuse. In each of these instances, should you call should you call the police? In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton is joined by employment law specialists Janell Stanton and Brittany Nicholls to discuss when to get in touch with law enforcement when something out of the ordinary happens at your workplace, as well as the essentials of a well thought out emergency plan for your organization.Earn SHRM PDCs for Listening to This EpisodeEpisodes of Honest HR help you build your competencies while also earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification.  All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the episode.This episode of Honest HR is sponsored by Namely.

A tragic byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an increase in the frequency of domestic violence. Likewise, domestic violence carries over to the workplace, which has real impacts on employees’ safety and attendance. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton speaks with Tom Manion, Director of Montgomery County Maryland’s Family Justice Center, who shares advice for employees on coming forward about domestic violence, the resources for employers to protect and empower employees and what employers should have in place to support employees who may be experiencing domestic violence.Earn SHRM PDCs for Listening to This EpisodeEpisodes of Honest HR help you build your competencies while also earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification.  All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the episode.This episode of Honest HR is sponsored by Namely.

The heart of workplace equity lies in providing fair opportunities to all of your organization’s employees by identifying and supporting the specific needs of employees from different demographics, but how do you that? In this episode of Honest HR, host Gloria Sinclair Miller speaks with Nicole Armstrong, the Founder and CEO of Queen City Certified, a leading data-informed employer certification and leadership program for workplace equity. Hear Nicole discuss what goes into a data-driven assessment of your organization’s equity, how to get started making diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) assessments at your organization, and also advice for emerging professionals interested in pursuing a career in DEI.Earn 0.50 SHRM PDCs for Listening to This EpisodeEpisodes of Honest HR help you build your competencies while also earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification.  All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the episode.Honest HR is a podcast from SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management.

Despite their strong technical backgrounds and experience working in specialized teams, veterans still have a hard time securing employment when they enter the civilian workforce.In this episode of Honest HR, host Gloria Sinclair Miller speaks with Ronda Wakefield, a human resources consultant and talent acquisition specialist, on how HR and talent acquisition professionals can become more inclusive in their hiring, engaging and retaining veterans. Earn 0.50 SHRM PDCs for Listening to This EpisodeEpisodes of Honest HR help you build your competencies while also earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification.  All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the episode.

In this episode of Honest HR¸ co-hosts Wendy Fong, Amber Clayton and Gloria Sinclair Miller continue their discussion of workplace-related issues the Biden administration has acted on in the first half of 2021, alongside discussion of other pertinent workplace topics, such as the PRO Act and approaches for finding untapped talent.Earn 0.75 SHRM PDCs for Listening to This EpisodeEpisodes of Honest HR help you build your competencies while also earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification.   All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the episode.

In this premiere to Season 4 of Honest HR, hosts Gloria Sinclair Miller, Amber Clayton and Wendy Fong share stories on unexpected impacts of COVID-19, and Amber leads a discussion on the first 100 days of the new presidential administration and what it all means for businesses and employees. Earn 0.50 SHRM PDCs for Listening to This EpisodeEpisodes of Honest HR help you build your competencies while also earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification.  All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the episode.

This episode is Part 2 of a 2 part Mini-Series on Communication and Consultation.Reported symptoms of depression and anxiety tripled and quadrupled since the start of the pandemic, and nearly 75 percent of workers say they’re experiencing burnout as they try to successfully manage the blurry divide between remote work and personal life. In this episode of Honest HR, host Gloria Sinclair Miller is joined by Marjorie Morrison, the CEO and co-founder of Pysch Hub, the largest online platform for mental health that provides impactful and engaging videos and courses on mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention. Gloria and Marjorie discuss key indicators for HR professionals and people managers to know for recognizing employees’ mental health struggles, as well as Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace, the joint initiative from Psych Hub and The SHRM Foundation to engage HR professionals in education and training opportunities to lead mental health and wellness change in the workplace.Listen to Psych Hub's podcast: The Future of Mental HealthEARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGEpisodes of Honest HR help you build your competencies while also earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during podcast episodes.

This episode is Part 1 of a two (2) part Mini-Series on Communication and Consultation.Whether it’s a big announcement from your CEO or a quick email you send to a coworker, all communication at work plays a role in shaping both your organization’s effectiveness, and its future. In this episode of Honest HR, host Gloria Sinclair Miller speaks with Dr. Heather Myers, chief psychology officer at Traitify, a personality data company that uses assessments to help organizations optimize their talent experience. They discuss communication strategies and channels organizations can adopt to help them effectively navigate periods of turbulence and business uncertainly.EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGEpisodes of Honest HR help you build your competencies while also earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification. All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during podcast episodes.Music courtesy of bensound.This episode of Honest HR is sponsored by PNC.

In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong leads a wide-ranging conversation with HR consultant and SHRM instructor Trisha Zulic, SHRM-SCP, on how to develop into a more effective and empathetic HR professional. Trisha provides her insights on topics including how to identify professional mentors, the value of volunteering and professional development and how HR professionals are poised to change workplaces into more diverse, equitable and inclusive spaces.EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGEpisodes of Honest HR help you build your competencies while also earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification. All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during podcast episodes.This episode of Honest HR is sponsored by PNC.

Employees identifying as POC and LGBTQIA+ have disproportionately experienced negative outcomes resulting from the pandemic, including higher rates of infection, greater loss of employment and AAPI discrimination. In this episode of SHRM’s Honest HR podcast, host Wendy Fong speaks with Michelle Kim, entrepreneur, writer, DE&I thought leader and CEO of Awaken, to provide insights and action steps on how to proactively and effectively support the POC and LGBTQIA+ employees at your organization.EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast episode.Additional topic resources:How U.S. Companies Can Support Employees of Color Through the Pandemic - Harvard Business ReviewLearn more about SHRM's Together Forward @Work initiative

Leadership is never just about “staying the course”. Rather, effective leadership involves actively monitoring the efficacy and impact of your decisions for the organization. Todd Holzman is an organizational leadership consultant who works with CEOs, business leaders and HR executives to simultaneously upgrade their organization's leadership capabilities and solve their toughest business challenges. In this episode of SHRM’s Honest HR podcast, host Gloria Sinclair Miller speaks with Todd on a new approach to leadership development emphasizing real-world problem solving and personal behavioral change.This episode is Part 3 of a three (3) part Mini-Series on Leadership and Navigation.EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full Mini-Series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.

Exceptional leaders don’t focus exclusively on the here and now, they commit to the long game of helping others grow and emerge as the next generation of leaders. Dr. Denise Montoya serves as associate vice president for finance administration and government relations, as well as adjunct faculty at New Mexico Highlands University. In this episode of SHRM’s Honest HR podcast, host Gloria Sinclair Miller speaks with Dr. Denise Montoya on her 32 year career as an HR leader and her advice for those doing the work to help develop the leaders of tomorrow.This episode is Part 2 of a three (3) part Mini-Series on Leadership and Navigation.EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full Mini-Series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.

You don’t need to be a C-suite executive to make an impact at your organization: In this episode of SHRM’s Honest HR podcast, host Amber Clayton and talent acquisition maven Susan Gygax consider what it means to have influence as an HR professional. They also identify approaches and effective habits to help you expand your influence and consistently make meaningful contributions at your workplace. Susan is the founder of Spectacle Talent Partners, a talent acquisition firm that specializes in helping startups and high growth companies face their recruiting challenges head-on. Learn more at spectacletalentpartners.com.This episode is Part 1 of a three (3) part Mini-Series on Leadership and Navigation.EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full Mini-Series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.

Gary Ware is a corporate facilitator, professional speaker and creative catalyst. In this episode, Honest HR host Wendy Fong and Gary discuss the power of adopting a mindset of creative play and how it can help you achieve greater performance, resilience and collaboration at work. On Thursday February 11th at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET, he’ll be speaking at SHRM Northern California’s virtual event Play for Innovation, Creativity and Joy in the Workplace. Learn more and register online.Learn more about Gary at breakthroughplay.com.Watch Gary’s TED Talk How Play Saved My LifeEARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation with human dynamics expert, Cherrie Davis, in part two of the Global and Cultural Effectiveness mini-series. Host Gloria Sinclair Miller leads an openly honest and forthcoming conversation, and you’ll learn about the blurred lines between diversity and inclusion and the notion of race as an economic value. Also, Cherrie's book on inclusion, ShiftForward Now!, is available now. ---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.

What does inclusion and leadership look like today? Stephen Frost, a globally recognized diversity, inclusion and leadership expert shares his answers in a candid discussion with host Gloria Sinclair Miller on systemic discrimination and how he’s arrived at a truer understanding of DE & I. This episode is Part 1 of a Global and Cultural Effectiveness mini-series.---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.

Hear from Chatrane Birbal and Lisa Horn discuss the impact of this year’s election results, policy not politics and how HR professionals can ensure that public policy doesn’t have unintended consequences.  Host Amber Clayton guides this discussion with SHRM’s Government Affairs team and how today’s issues intersect what’s going on in the workplace. --EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.

Just in time – did you know it’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month!  On the 30th anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), host Amber Clayton dives into a discussion with Jennifer Sheehy and Louis Orslene from the DOL. Don’t miss this episode and find out if you know what is considered a "reasonable accommodation" under the ADA in 2020. Key episode takeaway: "We protect individuals by requiring employers to make “reasonable accommodations"---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.

Listen to this episode because Honest HR is back! This season of Honest HR brings three new hosts to explore the complicated and sometimes wonderful sides of the workplace. In each episode, you'll hear different combinations of Amber, Gloria, and Wendy taking on topics, sometimes together, sometimes not. In this first episode get to know them as they dive into the tidal wave that's been 2020, discussing remote work challenges, social unrest, and the juggling act of managing personal and professional issues.Key episode takeaway: This year has been unexpected, to say the least.---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while earning professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.---This episode is not eligible for PDCs, but future episodes will be.

On September 12, 2019, the host of Honest HR and our beloved friend and colleague, Callie Zipple passed away, she was 32. shrm.org/honesthr

This week we are continuing our rebroadcast of our popular three-part mini-series on business acumen. This is part three of that mini-series, Strategic Planning for HR Teams.Katie Powers, Director of Human Resources at Path Forward, an organization that empowers US healthcare providers with technology solutions, discusses the BIG topic of strategic planning. How it's a necessity for your plans to be fluid and flexible, what that looks like, and keeping your team on track with top-level business goals. /////EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs./////This episode is part 3 of a three-part series on business acumen.  The other two parts of this series are "Becoming the Sought-After HR Pro and Understanding the Business of Your Org feat. Parker McKenna, SHRM-SCP" and "Transformation Over Transaction: Using Lean and Six Sigma in HR feat. Robin Chapekis, SHRM-SCP"/////When you listen to all parts of the series, you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation. All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.

This week we are continuing our rebroadcast of our popular three-part mini-series on business acumen. This is part two of that mini-series and is called Transformation Over Transaction: Using Lean and Six Sigma in HR.During this episode the founder of Svelte HR, Robin Chapeskis, talks process mapping, and process improvement methodologies. The future of HR is going to involve more metrics and more analytics - if it isn't already for you. Our goal with this episode is to help you expand your vision./////EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs./////This episode is part 2 of a three-part series on business acumen. The other two parts of this series are "Becoming the Sought-After HR Pro and Understanding the Business of Your Org feat. Parker McKenna, SHRM-SCP" and "Strategic Planning For HR Teams feat. Katie Powers, SHRM-SCP"/////When you listen to all parts of the series, you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation. All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.

This week we are rebroadcasting our very popular three-part mini-series on business acumen. This is part one of that mini-series and is called Becoming the Sought-After HR Pro and Understanding the Business of Your Organization.A conversation on HR influence with Parker McKenna, an expert with 18-years of experience under his belt. Parker has always taken the approach, regardless of his HR title, from the perspective of being an organizational leader first. And second as a professional who is in HR. It's easy to get hung up on titles, but this can actually slow down career growth. Its what's on the inside, and in the workplace how you relay that, that matters. /////EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs./////This episode is part 1 of a three-part series on business acumen. The other two parts of this series are "Transformation Over Transaction: Using Lean and Six Sigma in HR " and "Strategic Planning For HR Teams."/////When you listen to all parts of the series, you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation. All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.

This week we are continuing our rebroadcast of our first two-part mini-series on leadership and navigation and communication. This is part two of that mini-series.This episode featured guest Brittany Hanson, a Talent Acquisition Consultant for UW Credit Union in Madison, Wisconsin. You'll hear about the time Brittany, brought humor to a strategic workplace meeting - let's just say it involved purple post its. The reality is not everyone's most authentic self meshes with their entire office. How do you keep from losing yourself when friction presents itself and to build resilience instead./////EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs./////This episode is part 2 of a two-part series on leadership and navigation, and communication. The first part of this series is "Entry Level to Next Level: Bouncing Back from Feedback and Failure and Knowing Your Worth feat. Sam Arpino, M.S."/////When you listen to both parts of the series, you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation. All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.

This week we are replaying for you our Honest HR season 2 opener. On this episode, Callie and guest Sam Arpino, previously the Talent & Culture Manager of DoSomething.org and currently the Director of People Operations at the Trevor Project, discuss what it means to "develop an authentic professional version of yourself".  One that you're proud of while understanding there are parts of your personality that may not set you up for success right when you're starting out. /////EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs./////This episode is part 1 of a two-part series on leadership and navigation, and communication. The second part of this series is "Authenticity: Exclamation Marks in Email & Egocentrism feat. Brittany Hanson, MBA"/////When you listen to both parts of the series, you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation. All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.

This week on Honest HR, Callie we have a bonus conversation with HR pros Jon Thurmond and Wendy Dailey, from The HR Social Hour Podcast, on networking and communication. If you enjoyed their recent episode, Finding Your Comic Book: Defining Yourself as a Professional, you'll definitely want to hear more!  ---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.---This episode NOT apart of a series and is NOT eligible for SHRM recertification PDCs.

On this episode of Honest HR, Erich Kurschat is back! He and Callie continue their conversation on communication and the all too relatable struggle of networking. Networking is hard, and not everyone likes it. But it can be both enjoyable and fruitful. For Erich, that meant reframing what success looked like in a way that was genuine and authentic to his personality style.  Listen in as two self-described introverts discuss shifting your perspective on the uncomfortable world of networking, to focusing on the value of connecting with people in a way that's natural (and maybe even a little fun!).Key episode takeaway: "Anytime you're going to make a connection with someone, whether it's face to face or in some virtual capacity, it's more meaningful if you provide some sort of context."---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.---This episode is Part 2 of a two-part series. When you listen to all parts of the series, you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation.

On this episode of Honest HR, Callie's guests are HR pros Jon Thurmond and Wendy Dailey, from The HR Social Hour Podcast to discuss networking and communication. People react differently to who you are as a person vs. who you are as a professional. They may be intertwined, but sometimes you resonate more as a person than a professional. Some people connect with puppies and others with comic books. How important—and what does it mean—to define your voice as a professional and as a whole person?Your brand is your reputation, you can blend your personal and professional interests. You're a person and a person who does HR. Key episode takeaway: "You need to be OK with your voice evolving. Who you start out as sharing can be difficult, but when you know where you want to be, and you find what you're comfortable talking about that's when you start to become successful." ----Head over to The HR Social Hour Half Hour Podcast with Jon and Wendy and listen to Callie's crossover episode, also recorded live from the SHRM Annual Conference, the Largest HR Conference for HR Professionals!---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.---This episode is Part 1 of a two-part series. When you listen to all parts of the series, you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation.

The talent market has shifted, and people aren't going to get any less diverse. There's no place for the 'if you don't look like me, sound like me, act like me, I'm not going to hire you,' attitudes of yesterday. How can HR pros shift their own thinking as well as help their business leaders and people managers leave assumptions and stereotypes at the door, allowing them to get in the headspace to have those conversations? It starts with asking yourself and others, "What is your intent?" Grab your beverage of choice and stay a while. We're over here having a conversation on the kinds of conversations that put the human back into human resources. Key episode takeaway: "D & I is a journey. Once you step foot in that journey, you're always going to be on it because you're always going to be learning more about people." ---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.---This episode is Part 3 of a three-part series. When you listen to all parts of the series, you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation.

Listen to this episode because there is an art and science side to addressing age diversity in the workplace. On the one hand, it can hinder your organizational culture if you're too focused on varying generations. The balance is in figuring out what are those differences and how the team/(organization) can benefit from each other and create a positive multi-generational culture. What does it look like to allow people to tell their stories and bring their WHOLE SELVES to work; their experiences, past jobs, and way of thinking? How careers shape up is just different now. Bust out the pen ladies and gentlemen, it's time to take notes.Key episode takeaway: "As our workforce continue to change, and as our communities grow, we need to be more open to the way people think, not just how they look and how old they are. Your vibe attracts your tribe. Focus on what it means to work for your company." ---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.---This episode is Part 2 of a three-part series. When you listen to all parts of the series, you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation.

Listen to this episode because there's a business case for diversity besides it being the right thing to do. Most of the diversity and inclusion conversations have been solely focused on race and gender. But many aspects of diversity are not as visible. Diversity of thought has to be brought to the forefront. To allow for people to have different perspectives and kinds of experiences that can be shared at work. While an organization can value diversity, it doesn't necessarily make it an inclusive one. Inclusion is about creating workplaces where people can feel comfortable bringing their WHOLE selves to work. Leaders and managers are only as strong as the people backing and supporting them. Inclusion is what makes diversity work.Key episode takeaway: "We've never seen such a diverse amount of people in the labor pool as we see today. Whether it's through a generation standpoint, race, sexual orientation, social-economic status–everyone is different. When organizations can learn to capitalize on diversity, it can help them to get ahead faster."---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.---This episode is Part 1 of a three-part series. When you listen to all parts of the series, you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation.

Listen to this episode for out of the box thinking about financial wellness. According to data from the Federal Reserves, nearly 40% of Americans would struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense. If this is affecting 40% of Americans—it’s affecting your employees and your bottom line! When employees are losing sleep over unexpected expenses, their work is affected. Customizing any program to meet every individual need can be difficult. What is your organization doing to help employees navigate financial wellness? Think outside the box. Explore unique short-term options alongside longer-term programs. Ensure your employees know about the programs you do provide, and how to access them if they need to. Just because you have a program doesn’t mean your employees know about them! And what they don’t know won’t help.Key episode takeaway: Push past the administrative hurdles and burdens that may come with providing alternative financial wellness programs—it’s benefits like these that can make the difference between a happy engaged employee and one that is looking to leave. ---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.---This episode is Part 2 of a two-part series. When you listen to both parts of the series, you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation.

Listen to this episode because Comp and Ben has its place in HR. You can't have a one-size fits all approach to benefits in multi-generational workplaces. Research supports that a large percentage of Americans would look favorably at an organization that provides a student loan repayment program. But what does that look like? And how does it align overall with what organizations are offering in terms of outside and professional development? This is an episode you're going to want to share!Key episode takeaway: "Benefits are a culture-building tool that affects turnover. They have to be viewed holistically." For more information on the SHRM-Backed loan assistance bill mentioned in this podcast, read more here.---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.---This episode is Part 1 of a two-part series. When you listen to both parts of the series, you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation.

Listen to this episode to get your strategic mindset on. Strategic planning should be on your radar as an HR professional; if your organization is known for strategic planning, so should your HR department.  You’ll also learn if  there is a secret sauce to setting realistic timelines for HR initiatives. Key episode takeaway: “It all goes back to the culture of the organization we work in. If we don't have support from the top down, it's hard for HR to see how strategic planning and HR  are connected.” Interdepartmental relationship management is crucial—keeping up-to-date on other departments and their timelines is essential. No matter how large or small your department is, you can accomplish this without running out of time.---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.---This episode is Part 3 of a three-part series. When you listen to both parts of the series, you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation.

This is the episode to listen to if you want to get the attention of leadership. Using these methodologies HR professionals can show up with numbers and facts and avoid the "I feel like" trap to describe what's happening in the workplace.Robin describes Lean as reducing known "waste," Six Sigma addresses the unknown causes to reduce variation in processes, etc.Key episode takeaway: "HR is relying on the excuse that we understand human behavior. We give ourselves the free pass to ignore the data." Can we really say anyone truly understands human behavior?---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.---This episode is Part 2 of a three-part series. When you listen to all parts of the series you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation.

On this episode Callie and Parker talk about how HR is at the center of everything because people and money are the center of everything business does (talk about influence!).Parker talks about being an organization leader first and an HR professional second. He and Callie about about how when HR is "cool" you're doing it right and there's a trickle down effect that creates positive outcomes. You'll want to be sure to catch this episode!---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.---This episode is Part 1 of a three-part series. When you listen to all parts of the series you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation.

Callie and Brittany discuss being your authentic self at work and how it leads to success. You'll want to hear Brittany's examples of using humor and enthusiasm in the workplace. Tune in and hear about what authenticity means for Callie and Brittany and how being authentic in the workplace allows your sincerity to shine through.---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.---This episode is Part 2 of a two-part series. When you listen to both parts of the series you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation.

Callie talks to Sam about NOT bringing your whole self to work (gasp!), creating environments for people to raise their hands and be curious and taking full-on ownership of your own growth opportunities. Tune in and stick around to hear Sam's four important tips for taking the next step in your career. This episode is built to inspire and empower you to make that jump you've been considering. Come ready to listen leave ready to make moves in your career.---EARN SHRM RECERTIFICATION PDCs FOR LISTENINGHonest HR podcast episodes will help you build your competencies while you earn professional development credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP recertification! All you have to do is listen to a full mini-series to earn PDCs! All relevant details, including the Activity IDs, are provided during the podcast recording itself.The Honest HR podcast is only one of SHRM's podcast offerings. And currently, it is the only one approved for recertification PDCs.---This episode is Part 1 of a two-part series. When you listen to both parts of the series, you are eligible to receive PDCs for your participation.

Callie gives an update on what's next for Honest HR, new and returning guests, topics and more on tap for season two. Plus, updated audio (!!!) and requests for all your best episode ideas and guests!

Callie and Brittany dive into a discussion on disciplinary actions, how there are no "cookie cutter" rules, that you have to learn to be comfortable in the silence and how this is the no-fun part of HR practice.

Callie and Ann talk about how in HR you are paid to keep secrets, how the most important hires are often those that can come in and create, lead and execute with little supervision, and more on this jam-packed episode of Honest HR.

Callie and Mando talk getting a master's with the help of your employer. Callie's advice: find a path that works for you, own it and live it.

Callie and Logan talk talent calibration in an unlikely industry--difficult conversations, improved performance and clearer expectations.Listen in as they discuss how HR being there makes it all happen and how it gets easier as you go. Plus, pilot programs work.

Forty four million Americans are impacted by mental health conditions in any given year. Depression is the #1 cause of disability in the U.S. Eve Sweeting is taking mental health in workplace head on and has tips for HR professionals and people managers alike in this episode. Straight from Eve: "Silence undermines workplace productivity, its harming our business cultures and its costing us billions of dollars each year."Listen in as Callie and Eve talk about what orgs, leadership, managers and employees can do to take on this important issue.

Callie and Lyndsey talk getting management experience where you can, how some of the smartest people in your org may not be the best managers and how some leaders lead with strong ideas.Lyndsey's advice: use your voice and drive your career.Head's up Honest HR producer Bailey Yeager jumps on to give her insight into the "natural progression" conversation.

Callie and Rebecca talk about how volunteering is a gateway to meeting people, connecting outside of forced networking events and even lifting others up. Rebecca talks about her quick path to SHRM chapter leadership and using that opportunity to develop programming for realizing the potential of untapped talent pools.

Callie and Lori talk employee recognition: ROI, analytics as the future and fatal flaws. They dig in on the four ways to succeed at employee recognition, starting with having the right stakeholders at the table in the beginning and ending with campaigns to keep the momentum going.

Callie and Brooke talk all things social from consistency to the vast importance of head shots to lurkers to meshing your personal and private lives online and more. You don't want to miss this conversation. And beware, Brooke will judge your social presence ;)

Join Callie as she and Cristian discuss dabbling in the HR profession in a rotational program. They talk about how you're able to figure out what you like, how Cristian used a spreadsheet to track and target rotational programs when he was getting an MBA and how the program can feel like a really long interview.

Callie and Erich talk about how to network authentically by actively listening, asking meaningful questions and getting comfortable. They talk about the "tell" for a scripted answer and how conversations with introverts can be the best. This conversation is important for all professionals not just HR pros!

Callie and Mark talk veteran hiring including the GSD (Get Stuff Done) mentality, how it's best to start small with a veteran initiative and how it takes work on both sides (employee AND employer) to get it right.

Callie and Claire talk live from SHRM's Leadership Development Forum (LDF) about employer branding, the importance of communication, looking for the "purple squirrel" and really investing in the candidate experience.Employer or potential employee--you don't want to miss this episode.

Callie sits down with Claire Petrie at SHRM's 2018 Leadership Development Forum (LDF) to discuss building credibility as a young professional. Along the way, they dig in on failing royally, acting like "a deer in the headlights" and mutually beneficial partnerships like mentoring.  Listen in for tips on how to build your own credibility and put failure in perspective.

Callie and Drew talk The Office, being a DOO (Department of One) and HR as a calling not a career.

Callie talks to Katie about professional development and the importance of failure, Katie tells Callie how her boss asked her to be "an empathetic, discerning human being" in her role.

Callie gives an update on the podcast and explains why we've been MIA in recent weeks. Tune in for this update and teaser on what's to come...

Callie talks to Lorena about asking for the type of experience you want to gain. Being upfront about your professional goals, knowing when an organization is a good fit or not and negotiating.

Callie and Deanna talk to Johnny about leadership change, how it impacts organizations, the importance of getting managers on-board and HR's role. Together they "pull back the curtain" on the org change happening at SHRM and the need for initiatives like the culture club.

Callie and Deanna talk about the good, bad and the ugly of bosses with guest Beth Lambrecht. Beth talk about faking it until you make it on stretch projects and the importance of feedback, being accountable and humble.

Callie talks to Dan Van De Voorde about his experience working in an agile organization, failing fast and moving on and staying on top of your game. Dan, "The Rare Millennial," gives the audience a look at his career thus far and describes how working outside of HR helped him cultivate his unique perspective as an HR pro.

Callie and Deanna discuss their HR career journeys and pass along what they've learned thus far about following your gut and upping your networking game.

Callie and Deanna talk with Stephanie Mardell, VP of People at Button, about building teams and the importance of developing a thoughtful, intentional recruitment process in a start-up environment. They also get into managers--the people who make or break employee engagement and how it's important to be a generalist AND a specialist. Oh, and one more thing, grit.

Callie and Deanna talk finding your passion and your "why" with Sam Sanders, SHRM-CP, Director of People and Culture at Metronome LLC.