Break The Wheel: An HR Podcast

If we're waiting to engage our team members with a survey, we've failed. -Thad Price

In this episode David Murray ,our host, sits down with Thad Price, the CEO of Talroo and Ready, Set, Hire. Thad brings over 20 years of experience in the recruiting and talent acquisition space, including his previous role as VP at job.com. He is a nationally recognized thought leader in HR and recruitment.

The conversation dives deep into the world of gig work, essential workers, and the evolving landscape of talent acquisition. Thad shares his insights on the importance of marketing in recruitment, the challenges of bias in AI-driven hiring processes, and the unique needs of small businesses in the hiring market.

Key Topics in this episode:

-The high cost of bias in the workplace.

-The differences between hiring essential workers and knowledge workers.

-Thad emphasizing the need for continuous engagement rather than relying solely on surveys.

-The new federal regulation to protect employees from extreme heat and its implications for workplace safety.

-A discussion on the implications of a lawsuit alleging bias in Workday's AI screening tools.

-Thad shares insights on the growth in healthcare and government positions and the complexities of the current labor market.

-The increase in organizations offering on-site lactation rooms following the PUMP Act.

Connect with Thad Price:

Talroo Website

Ready Set Hire Website

Thad's LinkedIn

Connect with Confirm:

Website: https://www.confirm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confirm.hr/

Connect with David Murray, host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimurray/

Be updated and know the latest in the world of HR ?

Join our Weekly Newsletter: https://www.confirm.com/newsletter

Welcome to another insightful episode. Join our host, David Murray, and guest Chris Cigarran, a former CHRO and Chief Commercial Officer at Imagine360 in their conversation that delves into various topics related to HR, benefits, and the changing landscape of employee wellness programs.

Imagine360 is revolutionizing health insurance by providing businesses and their employees with clear, effective solutions that yield significant cost savings while safeguarding everyone's well-being and budgets. For over 12 years, Imagine360 has supported hundreds of self-funded clients with its proven approach to reference-based pricing, delivering real results and ready-to-implement solutions.

The episode covered a range of subjects, including a new UK government scheme called WorkWell, the importance of mental health in the workforce, challenges in the benefits space, and the concept of tethered nomading for remote workers.

Chris shared insights on the need for HR professionals to be actively involved in benefits decisions, the impact of healthcare costs on employees, and the potential for positive change in the healthcare industry. Throughout the episode, Chris emphasized the importance of transparency, employee care, and taking a proactive approach to addressing challenges in the workplace.

-UK government's WorkWell initiative

-Integration of ketamine therapy in standardized benefits

-Importance of HR involvement in healthcare decisions

-Challenges and solutions in the benefits space

-Impact of tethered nomading for remote workers

-Navigating HR conflicts

-Future of healthcare benefits

You can also watch Break the Wheel on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConfirmHR

Connect with Chris Cigarran:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscigarran

Imagine360: https://www.imagine360.com

Connect with Confirm:

Website: https://www.confirm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confirm.hr/

Connect with David Murray, host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimurray/

Be updated and know the latest in the world of HR ?

Join our Weekly Newsletter: https://www.confirm.com/newsletter

In this engaging episode, host David Murray sits down with Linnea ByWall,

the Head of People at Alva Labs, to discuss the evolving landscape of HR with

the integration of AI. They dive deep into the implications of new legislation

in Colorado aimed at preventing AI-driven job discrimination, the importance of

transparency in AI tools, and the broader impacts on the HR industry.

Key Topics:

-Linnea shares her unique background as a licensed psychologist and her role at Alva Labs.

-Discussion on Colorado's new bill requiring companies to implement AI risk management policies and complete impact assessments to prevent algorithmic discrimination

-The fairness of job applicants with AI expertise receiving higher wages and more job offers.

- Linnea's insights on the need for transparency in AI tools and the comparison with non-AI processes.

-Linnea explains the ABC model of behavior and its application in driving organizational success.

-Strategies for leveraging positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors and improve performance.

You can also watch Break the Wheel on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConfirmHR

Connect with Linnea Bywall:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linneabywall/

Alva Labs: https://www.alvalabs.io/

Connect with Confirm:

Website: https://www.confirm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confirm.hr/

Connect with David Murray, host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimurray/

Be updated and know the latest in the world of HR ?

Join our Weekly Newsletter: https://www.confirm.com/newsletter

Tune in to another insightful episode of Break the Wheel, host David Murray engage in a conversation with Bontle Senne, the dynamic CEO of DEJI Digital, to delve into the current landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and its challenges across different regions. They discuss the evolving nature of workplace dynamics, the importance of data in driving strategic HR decisions, and the UK's efforts in advancing DEI for trans individuals.

Bontle Senne is an innovator in the fields of digital transformation and human resources. With extensive experience in managing diverse teams across various industries, Bontle brings a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, HR, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).

Key topics in this episode:

-Bontle Senne’s perspective on the UK's efforts to improve DEI for trans individuals

-Comparison of DEI trends in the UK and South Africa

-The impact of regional DEI issues on workplace dynamics

-The “Quit Talk” trend on TikTok and its implications for employers

-Strategies for mitigating negative brand images due to social media posts

-Importance of data-driven HR strategies

-How data can support strategic decisions and demonstrate HR value

-Challenges and misconceptions about intersectionality in DEI

-Real-life examples of effective intersectionality in the workplace

-Bontle’s career journey and the intersection of digital transformation, HR, and DEI

-Managing diverse teams with empathy and understanding

-Insights on leveraging AI, including DEJI Digital's AI coach, DEJI bot

You can also watch Break the Wheel on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConfirmHR

Connect with Bontle Senne:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bontlesenne

LinkedIn Deji Digital: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deji-digital/

Connect with Confirm:

Website: https://www.confirm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confirm.hr/

Connect with David Murray, host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimurray/

Be updated and know the latest in the world of HR ?

Join our Weekly Newsletter: https://www.confirm.com/newsletter

In this episode of "Break the Wheel," host David Murray engages with Tricia Shields, Chief HR Officer of Naviant, in a comprehensive discussion on HR challenges and innovations. Tricia has been in the field for more than two decades and being in the technology side of HR she is dedicated to empowering HR professionals to embrace technology, aiming to shift their focus from merely keeping up with demands to actively supporting people and nurturing growth and engagement within their company culture.

Tricia also addresses misconceptions about HR roles, the balance of advocating for both employees and the company, and the technical expertise required in modern HR. The conversation extends to broader topics, including workplace dynamics, the importance of technology in HR, fair compensation, and a lawsuit against Disney.

Tricia shares insights on HR professionals' pandemic-induced burnout and their reinvigoration through technology and change.

Topics Covered:

·         New York becoming the first state to mandate paid prenatal leave

·         Chat-based interviews gaining popularity over video interviews

·         Managing multiple HR technologies and the complexity of maintaining 11 systems of record

·         Misconceptions about HR professionals and the increasing technical expertise within the HR space

·         Impact of job families on compensation and a lawsuit against Disney for workplace discrimination and unequal pay

·         Challenges and transformations within the HR space during the pandemic, including exhaustion and burnout experienced by HR professionals

·         Positive impact of remote work and the transformational opportunities it has provided

You can also watch Break the Wheel on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConfirmHR

Connect with Tricia Shields:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-shields-3b112a21/

Website: https://naviant.com/

Connect with Confirm:

Website: https://www.confirm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confirm.hr/

Connect with David Murray, host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimurray/

Be updated and know the latest in the world of HR ?

Join our Weekly Newsletter: https://www.confirm.com/newsletter

Join our host, David Murray, on another episode of Break the Wheel, where we tackle a seldom-discussed topic in the public sphere. In this episode, David is joined by Stephanie Lemek, a former HR Executive and Founder of The Wounded Workforce. Together, they explore various aspects of the workplace, HR practices, and employee well-being.

With over 16 years of HR experience, Stephanie shares valuable insights from her passion project, The Wounded Workforce, shedding light on the prevalence of workplace trauma and the critical importance of fostering safe and supportive environments. The conversation touches upon key issues such as the significance of pay transparency, the influence of Gen Z on work culture, and the necessity for trauma-informed workplaces.

David and Stephanie delve into broader themes, addressing mental health, the establishment of healthy boundaries, and the evolving dynamics of the modern workplace. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these crucial topics and learn how we can create more compassionate and inclusive workspaces.

Cheers to creating positive change in the workplace and fostering a culture of well-being and inclusivity!

Key Takeaways:

-Trauma-Informed Workplaces: Stephanie Lemek emphasizes the importance of creating safe, empowering, and inclusive work environments that support employees' mental health and well-being.

-Generational Dynamics: The discussion highlights the shifting expectations of different generations in the workplace, emphasizing the need for boundaries, empowerment, and meaningful work.

-Transparency and Trust: The episode underscores the significance of transparency in pay raises, AI monitoring, and workplace communication to build trust and foster a positive work culture.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Unique Workplace Perspectives

01:54 - Impact of Pay Raises and Ethical Compensation

03:11 - Changing Work Relationships and Pay Transparency

04:16 - Gen Z's are about to join our workforces, are we ready?

06:29 - AI Monitoring Employee Messages in the Workplace

08:21 - Trust and Transparency in Technology Use

10:02 - Leveraging Technology with Trust and Intent

10:48 - Building Trauma-Informed Workplaces

14:33 - Principles of Trauma-Informed Cultures

15:14 - Implementing Trauma-Informed Practices

17:49 - Why having a Trauma-Informed Workplaces Important in Businesses

19:35 - Talent Shortage and Future Workforce Challenges

23:29 - People Misunderstand: About Mental Health, Mental Health at Work and Trauma

28:06 - Break the Wheel or Break a Heel: All about Employee Mental Health

32:02 - Wheel Breaker of the Week: Starbucks Prioritizes Accessibility and Inclusivity

41:57 - Workplace Horror Story: Dealing with Sensitive Information

44:23 - Wobbly Wheel of the Week: Layoffs at Broadcom

45:06 - HR Speak Funny: Golden Handcuffs

46:39 - Decline to Comment: Navigating Workplace Challenges

48:20 - Cheers to Change: Setting Boundaries for Work-Life Balance

You can also watch Break the Wheel on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConfirmHR

Connect with Stephanie Lemek:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanielemek/

Website: https://www.thewoundedworkforce.com/

Connect with Confirm:

Website: https://www.confirm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confirm.hr/

Connect with David Murray, host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimurray/

Be updated and know the latest in the world of HR ?

Join our Weekly Newsletter: https://www.confirm.com/newsletter

In this thought-provoking episode of Break the Wheel, host David Murray is joined by Craig Foreman, the founder of CultureC Consulting and former lead people scientist at CultureAmp. The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into the ethical use of artificial intelligence in hiring processes, spurred by New York City's upcoming law that regulates AI tools in this domain.

Craig shares his nuanced perspective on the balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations, highlighting the complexities businesses face in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

They also discussed about the impact of AI on productivity and the workforce. Craig brings up the phenomenon of individuals holding multiple jobs without their employers' knowledge, thanks to AI's efficiency boosts. This leads to a broader conversation about the future of work and the importance of understanding where to focus energy in a changing job market.

Additionally, the episode touches on the trend of 'quiet cutting,' where companies reassign employees to less desirable roles instead of laying them off, and the implications this has on workplace culture and employee engagement.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, culture, and the future of work.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Company Culture and Leadership Impact

00:16 - Introducing Craig Foreman and CultureC Consulting

01:19 - New York City's AI Hiring Law

02:57 - The Ethical Use of AI in the Workplace

03:51 - AI's Impact on Productivity and Employment

07:30 - Quiet Cutting Trend in the Workplace

11:32 - The Importance of Listening and Data in HR

15:08 - The Reality of Data and Story in Organizational Change

19:21 - People Manager Interactions

25:08 - Workplace Relationships and Boundaries

29:29 - Inclusivity of Alternative Lifestyles in the Workplace

32:50 - UPS's New Warehouse with Robots

36:33 - Workplace Incident: What Should I Have Done?

42:23 - Layoff Horror Stories and Company Responsibility

You can also watch Break the Wheel on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConfirmHR

Connect with Craig Forman:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/culturecraig/

Website: https://www.culturecraig.com/

Connect with Confirm:

Website: https://www.confirm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confirm.hr/

Connect with David Murray, host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimurray/

Be updated and know the latest in the world of HR ?

Join our Weekly Newsletter: https://www.confirm.com/newsletter

In this episode of the Break the Wheel, host David Murray and guest Lauren Koester, a People Leader Expert, discuss various topics related to the workplace and HR. They start by discussing the desire for a four-day workweek and the importance of finding a job that aligns with one's values and brings happiness.

They also delve into the issue of gender disparities in healthcare expenses, with women paying significantly more than men. Lauren emphasizes the need for fair healthcare packages and the inclusion of additional benefits to ease the financial burden.

The conversation then shifts to Lauren's experiences as an HR professional and the importance of empathy, transparency, and authentic communication in the workplace. She highlights the misconception that HR is solely focused on the company's interests and emphasizes the need for HR to advocate for employees while considering the bigger picture.

They also discuss some juicy topics in the segment "Break the Wheel or Break a Heel," where they discuss what topics are appropriate for workplace conversations, and "Horror Story of the Week," where Lauren shares a story about offer letters being sent without being countersigned.

Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the world of HR, emphasizing the importance of employee happiness, effective communication, and fair treatment in the workplace.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:25 - The Big Quit in France

02:02 - Job Satisfaction and Career Paths

03:39 - Four-Day Work Week Discussion

04:07 - Long work hours lead to less productivity.

04:48 - HR News Flash: Gender Disparity in Healthcare Costs

08:14 - Reality Check: Authentic, honest communication is essential in HR.

11:19 - Effective leaders embrace receptivity, openness, and uncertainty.

14:01 - Misconceptions about HR

14:49 - Internal communication importance and impact on employees.

17:13 - The Potential of HR Leaders as CEOs

19:07 - Workplace Conversations: What's Okay to Discuss

28:22 - Ikea's Workforce Reskilling Initiative

31:08 - HR Wisdom: The Importance of Communication

34:01 - What Should I Have Done: Hostile Work Environment

37:32 -HR Horror Story: Offer Letters Not Countersigned

40:01 - Wobbly Wheel of the Week: TikTok's Performance Reviews

41:43 - Water Cooler Whispers: Return to Office Rumors

43:03 - HR Speak Funny: Golden Parachute

46:24 - Cheers to Change: Labor Department proposes raising overtime pay threshold.

You can also watch Break the Wheel on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConfirmHR

Connect with Lauren Koester:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-piazza-koester-8b28695/

Connect with Confirm:

Website: https://www.confirm.com/

Connect with David Murray, host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimurray/

Be updated and know the latest in the world of HR ?

Join our Weekly Newsletter: https://www.confirm.com/newsletter

In this episode, host David Murray speaks with Julia Psitos from Alfred, a technology platform for residential managed housing. Julia discusses various HR topics, such as the importance of removing barriers in job roles, the challenges of remote work, and the benefits of a four-day work week. 

They also touch on the need for clarity around job roles and expectations, employee development, company culture, and the significance of learning and development. 

Julia highlights the concept of people ops, focusing on compensation, trust-building, community connection, skill mastery, and job fulfillment. And she calls the Employee Hierarchy of Needs.

Make sure to subscribe and follow "Break The Wheel" wherever you get your podcasts, for a dose of workplace reality and innovation.

Timestamps:

00:00 Gen Z workers optimistic, all face workplace challenges.

06:26 Remote work, hybrid, and four-day work week.

08:00 Workers embrace the four day work week.

10:25 Avoiding office policy by creative scheduling.

14:01 Choosing the unseen option in negotiations.

17:43 HR leaders cautious but eager to adopt AI.

23:03 Gen Zers cannot afford, kudos to you.

24:14 Julia highlights "Employee hierarchy of needs vs. People Ops Approach"

29:39 David's embarrassing work story from early days at Google.

34:12 Company performance issues lead to layoffs surprise.

40:31 Potential increase in learning and development budgets.

41:12 Embrace and invest in your talent wisely.

46:21 Recognizing and celebrating the quiet contributors.

You can also watch Break the Wheel on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConfirmHR 

Connect with Julia Psitos:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-psitos/

Connect with David Murray, host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimurray/

Connect with Confirm:

Website: https://www.confirm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confirm.hr/

Be updated and know the latest in the world of HR ?

Join our Weekly Newsletter: https://www.confirm.com/newsletter

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Break The Wheel HR Podcast! In this episode, David Murray, our host, will be joined by Josh Merrill, Cofounder and CEO of Confirm.

Together, they delve into the fascinating world of HR, exploring topics such as the performance reviews today how and when it started and the importance of recognizing talent beyond managerial perspectives.

Josh shares thought-provoking stories and insights, ranging from personal experiences to industry trends. Tune in as they discuss the impact of storytelling for founders and CEOs, the potential pitfalls of AI in recruiting, and the ever-changing landscape of work measurement.

Get ready to expand your HR knowledge and challenge traditional practices as we break down the wheel in this captivating episode. 

Topics Covered:

-They introduce the concept of organizational network analysis (ONA) as a way to measure work based on how it is actually done.

-The podcast explores the optimism of Generation Z workers compared to Millennials and Gen X.

-They highlight the struggles and challenges faced by workers across all generations, including excessive work and lack of clarity in job roles

-The conversation touches on the bias in manager ratings and the need for more objective evaluation methods.

-They discuss the potential benefits and limitations of continuous feedback in performance management..

-The episode ends with a segment on personal experiences and insights, including the importance of being mindful of one's actions and the challenges of being fired.

Timestamps:

(00:23) - Introduction

(01:16) - Uncork and Unwind: Discussing Severance Pay and Social Safety Nets

(02:42) - The Cost of Health Insurance and Hiring Abroad

(03:27) - The Challenge of Contractor vs. Employee Definitions

(04:48) - HR News Flash: Generation Z's Optimism in the Workplace

(07:26) - Reality Check: Reinventing Performance Reviews with ONA

(09:49) - The Impact of Manager Advocacy on Career Progression

(12:06) - Avoiding Popularity Contests in Performance Feedback

(14:08) - People Misunderstand: Misconceptions About Being a Founder or CEO

(20:00) - Break the Wheel or Break a Heel: Continuous Feedback

(22:12) - Manager Ratings and Their Effectiveness

(23:33) - Peer 360s vs. Organizational Network Analysis

(28:02) - The Effectiveness of OKRs

(29:23) - The Future of Performance Reviews with ONA

(30:02) - Wheel Breaker of the Week: LinkedIn's AI-Assisted Recruiting Tools

(37:39) - What Should I Have Done: Working with Pneumonia

(37:57) - HR Horror Story: Mismanaged Performance Reviews

(45:09) - Water Cooler Whispers: AI Bubble in Venture Capital

(46:24) - HR Speaks Funny: The Peter Principle

(48:16) - Decline to Comment: Josh's hardest work moment

(49:43) - Least Enjoyable Co-worker Traits

(50:39) - Eye-Rolling LinkedIn Posts Template

(53:21) - Cheers to Change: Celebrating Thoropass Use of ONA

You can also watch Break the Wheel on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConfirmHR 

Connect with Josh Merrill:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshio/

Connect with Confirm:

Website: https://www.confirm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confirm.hr/

Connect with David Murray, host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimurray/

Be updated and know the latest in the world of HR ?

Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: https://www.confirm.com/newsletter