Ep136: Hot Topics - Perks, Racial Discrimination, & Job Hugging
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Welcome to a new format from the team where they explore hot topics in the news! In today's episode Chuck and John discuss the following topics:
- The unusual perks that can keep employee retention up at little cost to the company.
- Cracker Barrel's latest controversy involving racial discrimination in the workplace.
- The extremes of job hugging and quiet quitting amongst the workforce during these uncertain economic times.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep133: Listener Q&A - Changes to HR and State Laws
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:
- HR is constantly changing because of cultural shifts or technology. What else is influencing the HR role within the organization?
- Do you have to follow other state regulations when you have employees working in other states from your business location?
- Do State or Federal laws dictate how long it takes to get your last check?
- How do you handle an acquired business having different pay policies?
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep132: Off The Clock Behavior & What You Can Do About It
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
We've seen it in the news and around social media - someone did something controversial and they went viral for it. Next thing we hear, they've either tastefully resigned from their job or the company has issued a statement saying they do not stand by the actions and the person has been removed from the company.
If you have an employee that goes viral for all of the wrong reasons, what response is within your legal rights? And more importantly, can you set yourself up to be more protected as a company from ill-perceived behavior that employees may take part in outside of work hours? Yes, you can!
Join Chuck and John as they go through important steps to take to avoid being in a legal battle and how to make sure employees are aware of expectations.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Summer School: Are you wearing shorter skirts yet?
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Join Chuck and John as they go back to an episode that originally aired in May of 2021 to review the Ellerth v Burlington case.
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Kimberly Ellerth was 23, fresh out of college and recently married, when she landed a prized marketing job with Burlington Industries in its Chicago office. But eventually her dream job became unbearable, she said, after a boss began making sexual advances toward her.
As we continue our HR Stories of Court Cases and Laws that made HR today we look at the second case in 1998 that the US Supreme Court saw in regard to sexual harassment. The case of Ellerth vs Burlington Industries continued the question in the Faragher case….whether a worker has a legitimate sexual harassment case if he or she neither submitted to the boss nor suffered any tangible detriment because they said no.
Kimberly was a real person....but she became infamous when her last name was tagged in one of the most famous employment law cases of all time. Listen to this episode of HR Stories Podcast and find out why!
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Summer School: I want to go to bed with you - Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Join Chuck and John this week as they go back to an episode from May 27, 2021 about the case that redefined what sexual harassment can look like in the workplace.
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In this episode, our hosts John and Chuck tell the behind the scenes story of Mechelle Vinson....a 19 year old Bank Teller and how she was coerced into having a sexual relationship with her boss in order to save her job.
In May of 1975, Mr. Sidney Taylor, Branch Manager at a local bank takes his employee, Bank Teller Mechelle Vinson, out to dinner at a Chinese Restaurant after work. Years later, Michelle recollected the story of the Chinese restaurant dinner with the Washington Post…in her own words…she said… ‘I don’t want to go to bed with you,’ And he says, ‘Just like I hired you, I’ll fire you. Just like I made you, I’ll break you, and if you don’t do what I say then I’ll have you killed.’ … And that’s how it started.”
As we continue our HR Stories of Court Cases and Laws that made HR today we look at the very first case that eventually reaching the U.S. Supreme Court on June 19, 1986, Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson. It was the first of its kind to redefine sexual harassment in the workplace. It established the standards for analyzing whether conduct was unlawful and when an employer would be liable.
The court, ruled unanimously (9–0) that sexual harassment that results in a hostile work environment is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans sex discrimination by employers. The Court also established criteria for judging such claims.
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep131: Chuck Goes to SHRM!
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
John talks to Chuck to glean what he learned at the recent National SHRM Conference. While there was the expected hot topic of AI in human resources, there were some interesting and unexpected topics covered - particularly in the mental health space. Join the team as they recap the topics that are viewed as "Can't Miss" from SHRM.
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Summer School: The PUMP Act
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
In today's summer school episode, Chuck and John revisit the cases that help us understand the importance of the PUMP act.
In this week's episode, we delve into the critical yet often overlooked aspects of the PUMP Act, through the lens of two compelling stories from nursing mothers at McDonald's. Discover what happens when workplace policies fail to support nursing employees, and the crucial lessons HR can learn from these real-life experiences.
We'll explore the importance of the PUMP Act for HR professionals, offering key insights into how to effectively implement and adhere to its guidelines. This isn't just about compliance; it's about fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for all employees.
Hear the challenges these women faced, the response from their employer, and the broader implications for businesses everywhere. This episode is a wake-up call for HR professionals to prioritize and enhance accommodations for nursing mothers.
Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to champion positive change in your organization. Let's make the workplace a better place for nursing mothers together.
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Summer School: Pregnancy in the Workplace Makes its Mark on the Supreme Court
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Join Chuck and John as they take a trip back to June of 2023 to revisit the case of Geduldig v. Aiello - the ORIGINAL pregnancy Supreme Court case.
Sylvia Aiello, was a pregnant woman who sought disability benefits under the California State Disability Insurance program. However, the program excluded coverage for pregnancy-related disabilities. Aiello argued that this exclusion violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The state, represented by Michael N. Geduldig, defended the exclusion, stating that pregnancy was not a "disability" covered under the program and that the program treated men and women equally.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Summer School: The Supreme Court Case That Defined Sexual Harassment – Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
This week in our Summer School series, we’re revisiting a landmark case that forever reshaped HR law and workplace culture: Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson. Originally aired in May 2021, this powerful episode unpacks the story of Mechelle Vinson, whose harrowing experiences led the U.S. Supreme Court to recognize hostile work environment sexual harassment as a form of discrimination under Title VII.
Join us as we walk through how a young bank teller’s lawsuit not only challenged her employer but set a precedent that still guides HR investigations, policies, and training today. Whether you’re an HR professional, a business owner, or just passionate about employment law, this is a must-listen episode that shows why understanding the past is essential to shaping a safer workplace for all.
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Summer School: Revisiting Supreme Court Cases That Changed HR - Griggs v Duke Power
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Welcome to Summer School! Chuck and John are going to take you back through some of the biggest Supreme Court cases that changed the face of Human Resources. This week, we revisit the case of Griggs v Duke Power, where an intelligence test was discriminating against Black employees. Listen in to be reminded how Willie Griggs and 13 fellow employees took a stand against this Power House Giant.
Additional Resources:
The Museum and Archives of Rockingham County (MARC)
EEOC Employment Testing Fact Sheet
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep130: Listener Q&A - Bad Attitudes, Walking Off The Job, & Quid Pro Quo
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:
- Can you terminate an employee just for a bad attitude?
- What should you do when an employee walks off the job mid-shift?
- Can quid pro quo harassment happen between coworkers?
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep129: Listener Q&A - What's the law anymore?
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Racial harassment, DEI confusion, and legal landmines—this episode dives into the HR challenges small businesses can’t afford to mishandle. From a $200K court ruling against an HR team that brushed off serious complaints to how one company legally retooled its DEI program after Trump’s executive order, we break down what to do (and what not to do). Join Chuck and John as they dive into these questions and more:
- What should HR do when an employee reports racial harassment by coworkers?
- "We’ve invested in a lot of DEI efforts over the last few years. With all this political pushback—especially the new executive order from President Trump—should we scale things back, or is it safe to continue?"
- Can you offer flexible remote work without sacrificing productivity or culture?
- Harassment, Discrimination, and Franchise Risk: What’s a Small Business to Do?
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep128: Recent and Upcoming Policy Changes You Need to Know
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
There has been no shortage of policy updates this year and it's enough to make any HR pro's head spin. Join the team as they go through the key ones to be aware of and discuss the proposed changes that you may hear about through the remainder of the year.
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep127: QA - Military Leave, Annoying Managers, and Skipped Lunches
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:
- We have someone out on military leave who is supposed to return soon. We want to keep the person we brought in to cover for them
- How do you handle managers who don’t want to do what needs to be done to enforce policies?
- What do you do when someone refuses to take their lunch break then demands to be compensated for that time?
- What can we do to push our HR departments forward?
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep126: Part 2 What Keeps You Up At Night in HR
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Chuck and John are back this week with part 2 of what is keeping HR professionals awake at night. Catch up on the ins and outs of the issues of today so you can walk into your job with the confidence and knowledge needed to tackle them like a pro.
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep125: Part 1 What Keeps You Up At Night - Tackling the HR Issues of Today
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Part 1 of 2 - Do you have sleepless nights, stressing about all of the things you need to take care of in your workplace? Working in HR, there are endless lists of important details that human resource professionals are responsible for. From employee burnout to difficulty in recruiting, to handling ever changing political landscapes, in Part 1 of this two-part series, the team will talk about how to navigate these issues and show up like a pro in your workspace.
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
From the Vault - Preventable Death in the Workplace
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Join the team as the jump back to an episode from last summer where they talk about how to keep you and your employees safe during the summer heat and avoid costly mistakes that can lead to serious harm.
We'll see you back next week for a brand new episode.
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep124: Heels, Health, and HR Headaches - The Dress Code Lawsuit Every Employer Should Know
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
What happens when a company's dress code walks straight into a lawsuit? In this eye-opening episode, Chuck and John unpack the real-life legal battle between a cocktail server and MGM National Harbor over mandatory high heels, disability discrimination, and a rigid appearance policy.
This isn’t just about shoes. It’s a cautionary tale for HR professionals and small business owners alike. We break down the legal pitfalls of gendered dress codes, the requirements of the ADA, and the importance of honoring medical accommodations. With real court rulings, evolving workplace fashion trends, and clear HR compliance tips, this episode will help you audit your dress code policies, avoid discrimination claims, and stay ahead of costly employment law violations.
The team also touches on the following topics and more:
- Poorly formatted resumes can be the death of your job application
- There’s an apparent lack of will to work - how to make sure you’re creating an environment that people want to work in and, more importantly, stay in!
- The difficulty of pushing unpopular HR policies and the rise of HR being forced to push policies they don’t agree with.
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep123: Q&A - Smelly Lunch and Consistent Callouts
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:
1. Can you require a doctors note for someone who continually calls in the day after a holiday weekend? Our PTO policy doesn’t require it but it happens every time.
2. Is it an HR issue if someone brings particularly fragrant food into the break room?
3. Can we lower someone’s pay if they move to a cheaper remote work location?
4. Can I take leave to take care of my sister who I am legally responsible for?
5. If a person is off work for the day and they answer emails or do work without being asked to, do we have to pay them?
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep122: Burnout, Stress & Leadership – What HR Needs to Hear Right Now
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
John Thalheimer and Chuck Simikian unpack the growing crisis of burnout and chronic stress among HR professionals and business leaders. With recent federal actions, such as workforce reductions and the rollback of affirmative action policies, HR leaders are navigating more pressure than ever.
You’ll learn:
- What burnout really looks like in the workplace
- The link between DEI policy changes and HR stress
- How to build resilience while supporting your team
- Practical tools like boundary-setting, mindfulness, and peer connection
- Why burnout is a leadership and culture issue, not just a personal one
Whether you're a CHRO, HR manager, or team leader, this episode offers actionable insights to help you protect your well-being and lead through change.
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep121: Q&A - Retaliation against HR, demotion compensation, and mixed employment
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:
- What should an HR employee do if they’re experiencing retaliation in the workplace but feel like they can’t go to management?
- How do you handle compensation for someone getting demoted while pay bands changed?
- Can someone be an independent contractor for the same company they work for full time if the work is out of scope of their normal job?
- Are there any rules regarding the way time is tracked for hourly employees?
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep120: Updates from the EEOC - Lawful DEI in the Trump Era
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
The Trump Administration has signed a flurry of executive orders - some of which have direct impacts on the workplace. It’s critical, now more than ever, to pay attention to changes and updates that are coming your way. In today’s episode, Chuck and John review some new documents released by the EEOC that are providing clearer guidance around how to legally approach DEI in the workplace. Andrea Lucas, the EEOC Acting Chair, released 11 Tips for Lawful DEI, listed below:
- Audit Job Descriptions – Cut unnecessary degree or experience requirements.
- Audit Ads and Interviews – Keep questions and language neutral.
- Standardize Interviews – Use consistent scoring and avoid vague “fit” questions.
- Formalize Promotions – Structure the process so everyone understands how to advance.
- Inclusive Mentorship – Don’t limit opportunities by race or gender.
- Universal Leadership Training – Offer to all eligible employees.
- Support First-Gen Pros – Help those new to professional fields (a neutral group).
- Individualized Training – Base it on job role, not race or gender.
- Privileged Audits – Use private internal audits to spot issues.
- Broaden Recruitment – Widen your outreach—no quotas.
- Rethink Culture – Address policies that unintentionally exclude (e.g., overtime, inflexibility).
In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:
- Bumblebee (you may know them from the can of tuna in your pantry) is getting sued for practices on fishing boats provided by the company under the American Trafficking Act. How will this impact other US-based companies with international employees?
- A welder with a reasonable accommodation related to diabetes had his request declined. Now it’s in the courts. Remember to approach your accommodation requests with a reasonable mindset and train your managers to not fall into easy traps that can cost the company a serious fine.
- A recent Gallop poll looks into why Americans are working less. Burnout could be
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep119: Q&A - The Nitty Gritty of Overtime
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:
- What’s the smallest increment of time that you have to count towards overtime?
- How do you handle PTO fairly in terms of seniority? Is there a policy that you have for senior employees over new hires?
- Can part time employees be given comp time instead of getting paid overtime?
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep118: Pay Discrimination & Retaliation - How to Avoid Costly Mistakes
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
This is a case you can’t afford to ignore. When AccentCare, Inc. paid a less-experienced male nurse more than a seasoned female nurse—and then fired her when she complained—the EEOC took action. In this episode, we break down the lawsuit, the five critical lessons for employers, and why Equal Pay Day (March 25) is a wake-up call. From pay transparency to retaliation risks, we’ve got everything you need to protect your organization—and your people.
In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:
- Discrimination based on gender is still illegal despite Executive Orders issued over the past several weeks.
- Pressure to return to work when on FMLA - a case currently in the courts that we should all pay attention to.
- Gallop poll reveals US employees to new opportunities. Are you providing these key factors in your workplace to attract top talent?
- Recommended Reading - Talk by Allison Wood Brooks
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep117: Q&A - Medical Disclosures & Unauthorized Charges
HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!
Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:
- We have an employee who has been out numerous times for a medical issue but he will not provide any supporting documentation or take FMLA. How can we proceed if we need to take action to have someone fill the role?
- We have someone who quit due to undisclosed PTSD being triggered by behaviors in the workplace. How do I address this with those who caused this, especially if they’re really great workers?
- We’ve had an employee make unauthorized charges on the company card. How do we handle trying to get the funds back?
Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.
Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast
Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
Ep136: Hot Topics - Perks, Racial Discrimination, & Job Hugging
19:51
Ep133: Listener Q&A - Changes to HR and State Laws
20:22
Ep132: Off The Clock Behavior & What You Can Do About It
18:36
Summer School: Are you wearing shorter skirts yet?
35:22
Summer School: I want to go to bed with you - Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson
30:36
Ep131: Chuck Goes to SHRM!
26:49
Summer School: The PUMP Act
30:14
Summer School: Pregnancy in the Workplace Makes its Mark on the Supreme Court
23:03
Summer School: The Supreme Court Case That Defined Sexual Harassment – Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson
29:21
Summer School: Revisiting Supreme Court Cases That Changed HR - Griggs v Duke Power
34:37
Ep130: Listener Q&A - Bad Attitudes, Walking Off The Job, & Quid Pro Quo
40:55
Ep129: Listener Q&A - What's the law anymore?
38:54
Ep128: Recent and Upcoming Policy Changes You Need to Know
29:07
Ep127: QA - Military Leave, Annoying Managers, and Skipped Lunches
23:16
Ep126: Part 2 What Keeps You Up At Night in HR
28:25
Ep125: Part 1 What Keeps You Up At Night - Tackling the HR Issues of Today
36:56
From the Vault - Preventable Death in the Workplace
25:33
Ep124: Heels, Health, and HR Headaches - The Dress Code Lawsuit Every Employer Should Know
39:17
Ep123: Q&A - Smelly Lunch and Consistent Callouts
20:26
Ep122: Burnout, Stress & Leadership – What HR Needs to Hear Right Now
43:12
Ep121: Q&A - Retaliation against HR, demotion compensation, and mixed employment
16:55
Ep120: Updates from the EEOC - Lawful DEI in the Trump Era
46:50
Ep119: Q&A - The Nitty Gritty of Overtime
17:45
Ep118: Pay Discrimination & Retaliation - How to Avoid Costly Mistakes
32:06
Ep117: Q&A - Medical Disclosures & Unauthorized Charges
23:38