In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane make the case that HR is most effective as a proactive partner rather than an emergency responder – and unpack how delays in looping HR in compound operational, emotional, retention, and compliance risks. They explore how leaders tend to hold off on bringing HR into the conversation until issues have already escalated – unresolved patterns, burnout, communication breakdowns, performance concerns, or payroll and compliance errors that harden into documented problems once employees take notice. They dig into why "little things are big things," why avoidance is still a decision, and how HR expertise surfaces early warning signs and builds sustainable processes that stop fires before they start. They also tackle why people hesitate to involve HR – naming low trust as a real barrier – and argue that trust gets built through consistent, proactive relationship-building, regular check-ins, clear communication, and stepping in to facilitate hard conversations before problems become irreversible.

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To find episode transcripts, participate in future episodes or learn more about us and how we help companies do better, visit hrpeepshow.com. You can also follow the show on Instagram.

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In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane dive into their unique origin stories in the field of human resources. Discover how unexpected backgrounds can lead to a career in HR and gain insights into the often undervalued yet crucial aspects of the job. We discuss our favorite parts of working in HR, the emotional challenges we face, and why HR certifications are probably not worth your time. Tune in for an in-depth look at the intricacies of HR and the emotional labor behind managing workplace dynamics.

00:00 HR Origin stories
01:07 Childhood ambitions
05:01 Our paths to HR
14:20 Most interesting parts of HR
19:39 What we (occasionally) hate about HR
25:39 What keeps us up at night
29:58 Lightning round questions
33:22 HR Certifications

Thanks for listening! 

To find episode transcripts, participate in future episodes or learn more about us and how we help companies do better, visit hrpeepshow.com. You can also follow the show on Instagram.

If you liked this episode, please be an amplifier and help us reach your colleagues or friends (or enemies, if they need to hear what we have to say!).

If you really liked this episode, you can buy us a coffee.

In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane delve into the often uncomfortable reality of workplace dynamics in human resources. We discuss the frustrations of dealing with asshole bosses, the limitations of expecting justice through HR, and the practicalities of when and how to report workplace issues. We also talk about the nuances of performance improvement plans (PIPs), emotional regulation, and finding the balance between standing up for oneself and protecting one's peace. Tune in for practical advice and hot takes to help build sustainable, people-driven companies.

Thanks for listening! 

To find episode transcripts, participate in future episodes or learn more about us and how we help companies do better, visit hrpeepshow.com. You can also follow the show on Instagram.

If you liked this episode, please be an amplifier and help us reach your colleagues or friends (or enemies, if they need to hear what we have to say!).

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In this episode, HR professionals delve into the often-overlooked employee handbook. They discuss its significance, common misconceptions, and the essential role it plays in setting clear and consistent expectations at work. The conversation covers the legal implications, the balance between comprehensiveness and accessibility, and the importance of regular updates. Tune in for practical advice and hot takes to help build sustainable, people-driven companies.

Thanks for listening!

To find episode transcripts, participate in future episodes or learn more about us and how we help companies do better, visit hrpeepshow.com. You can also follow the show on Instagram.

If you liked this episode, please be an amplifier and help us reach your colleagues or friends (or enemies, if they need to hear what we have to say!).

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In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane explore the complex topic of getting fired. They discuss the societal stigma surrounding firing, share personal and industry experiences, and provide practical advice on how to handle such situations from both employer and employee perspectives. Drawing from decades of HR consulting experience, the hosts aim to normalize the conversation around being fired, stressing that it's a common aspect of work life and not necessarily a mark of failure. Tune in for insights into the firing process, negotiating exits, and the importance of maintaining empathy and dignity during such moments.

Thanks for listening! 

To find episode transcripts, participate in future episodes or learn more about us and how we help companies do better, visit hrpeepshow.com. You can also follow the show on Instagram.

If you liked this episode, please be an amplifier and help us reach your colleagues or friends (or enemies, if they need to hear what we have to say!).

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In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer and Claire Baker, along with guest host Tali Ramo, discuss the pervasive issue of burnout in the workplace. They share personal stories, including Claire's harrowing experience as an executive assistant and Tali's challenges in nonprofit management, to illustrate the signs and impacts of burnout. The discussion introduces the PAC Framework—Purpose, Agency, Connection—as a tool for preventing burnout and creating sustainable work environments. The hosts discuss the importance of addressing both individual and systemic factors and provide practical tips for recognizing and mitigating burnout. The episode concludes with advice for individuals and organizations on how to foster healthier, more supportive workplaces.

Thanks for listening! 

To find episode transcripts, participate in future episodes or learn more about us and how we help companies do better, visit hrpeepshow.com. You can also follow the show on Instagram.

If you liked this episode, please be an amplifier and help us reach your colleagues or friends (or enemies, if they need to hear what we have to say!).

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Welcome to HR Peep Show! In this episode, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane delve into the world of employee engagement surveys. They discuss the historical context, purpose, and challenges of these surveys, and share their expert perspectives on how leaders can effectively utilize them. The hosts explore the common pitfalls of poorly executed surveys, the importance of a clear strategy, confidentiality, and actionable insights. They also provide vital tips for both employers and employees to ensure surveys are valuable and lead to meaningful change within organizations.

Thanks for listening!

To find episode transcripts, participate in future episodes or learn more about us and how we help companies do better, visit hrpeepshow.com. You can also follow the show on Instagram.

If you liked this episode, please be an amplifier and help us reach your colleagues or friends (or enemies, if they need to hear what we have to say!).

If you really liked this episode, you can buy us a coffee.

In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane dive into the intricacies of modern hiring practices. Drawing on their extensive experience, they discuss why and how hiring managers often get it wrong by skipping transferable skills. The conversation explores historical hiring practices, the pitfalls of over-indexing on past roles, and the tangible benefits of hiring based on skillsets. They highlight how this approach can lead to more well-rounded teams, better retention rates, and improved organizational innovation. They also provide actionable advice on updating hiring processes, engaging in meaningful conversations with hiring managers, and the importance of rigorous documentation. Tune in to learn how to make your hiring process more effective and aligned with your company's long-term goals.

Thanks for listening!

To find episode transcripts, participate in future episodes or learn more about us and how we help companies do better, visit hrpeepshow.com. You can also follow the show on Instagram.

If you liked this episode, please be an amplifier and help us reach your colleagues or friends (or enemies, if they need to hear what we have to say!).

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HR Peep Show podcast hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane delve into the complexities of authenticity in the workplace. They discuss the unrealistic expectation of bringing one's whole self to work, the impact of masking and code-switching on psychological safety, and the consequences of rigid professional norms. Highlighting the controversial stance of Coinbase on social issues, the hosts examine how personal identities and political issues intersect with professional environments. They also share insights on how empathetic leadership and authentic management can create a more inclusive and productive workplace. Through real-world examples like Airbnb’s empathetic layoff approach and challenges faced by individuals trying to fit into prescribed professional molds, the episode emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing authenticity for better organizational culture and employee well-being.

Thanks for listening! 

To find episode transcripts, participate in future episodes or learn more about us and how we help companies do better, visit hrpeepshow.com. You can also follow the show on Instagram.

If you liked this episode, please be an amplifier and help us reach your colleagues or friends (or enemies, if they need to hear what we have to say!).

If you really liked this episode, you can buy us a coffee.