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Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:

1. Can you terminate an employee just for a bad attitude?
2. What should you do when an employee walks off the job mid-shift?
3. 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. 

Support the show

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.

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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:

1. What should HR do when an employee reports racial harassment by coworkers?
2. "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?"
3. Can you offer flexible remote work without sacrificing productivity or culture?
4. 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. 

Support the show

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.

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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. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:

1. 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
2. How do you handle managers who don’t want to do what needs to be done to enforce policies?
3. What do you do when someone refuses to take their lunch break then demands to be compensated for that time?
4. 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. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

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. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

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. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

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. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

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. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

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. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

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. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:

1. What should an HR employee do if they’re experiencing retaliation in the workplace but feel like they can’t go to management?
2. How do you handle compensation for someone getting demoted while pay bands changed?
3. 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?
4. 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. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

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:

1. Audit Job Descriptions – Cut unnecessary degree or experience requirements.
2. Audit Ads and Interviews – Keep questions and language neutral.
3. Standardize Interviews – Use consistent scoring and avoid vague “fit” questions.
4. Formalize Promotions – Structure the process so everyone understands how to advance.
5. Inclusive Mentorship – Don’t limit opportunities by race or gender.
6. Universal Leadership Training – Offer to all eligible employees.
7. Support First-Gen Pros – Help those new to professional fields (a neutral group).
8. Individualized Training – Base it on job role, not race or gender.
9. Privileged Audits – Use private internal audits to spot issues.
10. Broaden Recruitment – Widen your outreach—no quotas.
11. 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. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:

1. What’s the smallest increment of time that you have to count towards overtime?
2. How do you handle PTO fairly in terms of seniority? Is there a policy that you have for senior employees over new hires?
3. 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. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

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. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. 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. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

In this episode, we dive into the shocking case of Reena Mathew, an HR Business Partner at Santander Consumer USA, who was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan and fired after announcing her pregnancy. Was it a case of performance management—or pregnancy discrimination disguised as poor performance?

Chuck and John break down the timeline of events, the questionable "exculpatory paper trail," and the lessons HR professionals need to learn about documentation, timing, and ethical management practices.

In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:

• Expected increase in I-9 audits and ICE raids in the workplace - as an HR rep, what is your role in this?
• A new analysis of AI user prompts shows 57% of prompts entered are for augmenting work rather than automating. Are we any closer to AI replacing jobs?
• Hiring on skills versus hiring on past work experience.

Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:

1. I’m newly taking over HR duties and it’s a mess. Where do I start?
2. We have an employee that wants to take 8 weeks of unpaid leave for personal medical needs. They want to use PTO to cover benefit deductions but they won’t have enough for the leave. What do I do?
3. Employees have been stealing time and getting away with it. We have a new manager and need help figuring out where to start with addressing this issue.

Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

In today’s episode, you’ll follow along with a CHRO who was tasked with tackling hybrid work challenges, boosting employee well-being, and building a future-ready workforce. Listen as Chuck and John talk through these ways to come out on top of these challenges:

✅ “Collaboration Week” – Fixing hybrid work disconnect

✅ Mental health & burnout solutions that work

✅ Upskilling & leadership development strategies

✅ Winning the war for top talent with DE&I

See more from John about DEI in the workplace here. 

In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:

• Executive orders being overturned - in particular #11246. The implications of Trump’s anti-DEI policies on your HR operations.
• Have DEI initiatives implemented by companies been mostly for PR? Apparently a lot of employees think so.
• DEI funds being shifted to AI investments by multiple companies.
• How you find a job in HR by making local connections.
• Many workers are looking for their next role… and quickly! Is the motivation higher pay or work-life balance?

🔔 Subscribe, review, and share!

Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:

1. How do you deal with the death of an employee?
2. How do you convince executives to support HR?
3. How do you recognize birthdays and anniversaries?

Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

In this episode, Chuck and John break down the Cunningham v. Department of Defense case, where a qualified employee’s promotion was denied due to subjective interview evaluations. Gwendolyn Cunningham, despite her expertise, was passed over for a new leadership role, leading to claims of bias and a legal battle.

Listen in as Chuck and John discuss the lessons for HR professionals on documentation, transparency, and balancing technical skills with leadership qualities in hiring decisions.

In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:

• New interpretations from opinion letters - Can supervisors accept tips?
• What do you do if an employee goes viral for bad behavior?
• Usage of FMLA and paid leave clarifications
• Supreme Court sides with businesses in an overtime case

Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

HR is hard - BambooHR is easy!  See for yourself with a free demo at BambooHR: https://shorturl.at/E7kkF

Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:

1. How do we handle an individual who attended multiple days of training without completing paperwork or signed their contract yet?
2. We have to terminate a great employee due to financial reasons. Any tips?
3. Can you lower a contractor’s compensation if a customer complained and want a refund?
4. How do you handle a passive aggressive manager who has caused people to quit?

Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

In a landmark remote work case, when Inna worked remotely in New Jersey for a Pennsylvania-based company, she assumed New Jersey's employee-friendly laws would protect her. However, the courts made a surprising ruling: the company's location, not the employee's, determines which state laws apply. This key decision highlights the complex "It Depends" nature of remote work employment law.

HR is hard - BambooHR is easy!  See for yourself with a free demo at BambooHR: https://shorturl.at/E7kkF

In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:

• Right to Disconnect Bill - the needs for boundaries versus the needs of the business.
• Employee satisfaction is at an all time low. Over half of employees are seeking a new job.
• Civility in the workplace on the decline over the last month. Is leading with empathy the right next step?
• Early impacts of the new Trump administration and a great resource to help you navigate it: https://www.littler.com/

Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions. 

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today's episode goes into these questions:

1. Can you start an employee as a contractor then transition them to full time?
2. When an employee changes from part time to full time, do you need to fill out new paperwork or can you just update their status in the HRIS?
3. How do I prepare myself for the next HR role?

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

We are just days away from a new administration stepping in to The White House. Every time we have a change of office, there are impacts to the employment sector that are felt down to the small business levels, often coming from how laws are enforced and interpreted. While we have a preview of what may be expected from Trump’s administration from his first term, it’s important for us to refresh ourselves on what changes may be coming and how to ensure we are following the laws through these changes.

Listen along as John takes you through how the new administration may impact the following areas:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives
• Immigration Policies and Workforce Impact
• Independent Contractors and Labor Relations
• Wage and Hour Updates
• OSHA and Regulatory Changes

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

WELCOME TO THE LIVE EPISODE! Join Chuck and John for this playback of their first live recording, done on January 7th, 2025. There's no shortage of ways that people set out to make their new year a better - working out, eating better, journaling. The Team at HR Stories wanted to provide a tool that you use use to improve your work life any time of the year. Listen in as the team gives a rundown of the importance of checklists and how they can make your work life easier. 

In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:

• New administration means new regulations - preparing for a Trump administration in HR
• Publix in legal troubles with pregnancy-related lawsuits
• Dress code modifications to increase employee retention
• Blake Lively’s legal complaint regarding sexual harassment

Support the show

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.