Quirky HR

Embark on a journey to the heart of nonprofit innovation with Stacy Lowry, CFO of Waterford Country School, who masterfully bridges the gap between finance and human resources.  Learn how progressive HR strategies, such as employee referral programs and bonus vacation systems, aren't just buzzwords but are critical components in the retention of a passionate workforce. Stacy's candid sharing of the recent revamp of their employee handbook to address employee burnout is a testament to the power of empathetic policy-making in sustaining a non-profit's mission.

As we peel back the layers of HR challenges specific to the non-profit sector, Stacy sheds light on the ingenuity required when faced with staff reductions and the administrative intricacies introduced by legislative changes like Connecticut's paid leave program. Her insights highlight the skills necessary to navigate the unique landscape of HR in this field—organization, compassion, and a knack for process improvement. Stacy also covers the challenges of caring for a workforce whose mission  is to care for others. For those in the trenches of non-profit management or simply intrigued by the sector's HR dynamics, this episode promises a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiring tales from an organization making a tangible difference in the lives of youth and animals alike.

Find Stacy Lowry Here:
LinkedIn
Facebook
www.waterfordcountryschool.org

Connect with us:
Email the podcast.
Join us on Instagram - we appreciate your support!
Dana Dowdell - Boss Consulting - @bossconsultinghr - @hrfanatic

Dr. Khalilah Olokunola, Sr. Advisor, Talentnova, known to many as KO, joins us to share her pivotal role in reimagining human resources for justice-impacted individuals. Her transformative journey from event and set design to spearheading HR innovation demonstrates a steadfast commitment to championing marginalized talent. Through her collaboration with True Colors and establishment of the Disrupt You onboarding program, KO illustrates how HR can serve as a catalyst for genuinely inclusive, purpose-driven, and prosperous workplaces.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the nuances of fair chance hiring, revealing that it's about more than just filling positions—it's about tapping into the often-overlooked potential of those who've faced legal challenges. We explore how companies can perform self-assessments, spot allies within their ranks, and embrace interviewing practices that foster inclusivity. By sharing success stories from corporations like JP Morgan Chase and initiatives such as the Second Chance Business Coalition, we underscore how fair chance hiring not only leads to lower attrition rates but also bolsters a company's culture and morale, all while contributing to the larger social fabric.

Navigating the intricacies of fair chance hiring isn't without its challenges, yet it offers a horizon of hope for many. We delve into strategies for employers to overcome biases and create environments that are truly inclusive, emphasizing the full person framework in recruitment, considering cognitive abilities, motivation, skills, and resilience. Our engagement with KO brings forth compelling anecdotes and practical insights, culminating in a discussion on the power of resilience, skills-based hiring, and the ripple effect such practices have on communities. For those seeking a fresh start, it's not just about a job—it's about the transformative potential of a second chance.

Find, Dr. Khalilah "KO"  Olokunola here:
khalilaholokunola.com
LinkedIn
Do/ Recruit/ How to Find and Keep Great People
Instagram @ Khailahequips
Talentnova.com

Connect with us:
Email the podcast.
Join us on Instagram - we appreciate your support!
Dana Dowdell - Boss Consulting - @bossconsultinghr - @hrfanatic

 HR virtuoso Sally Loftis from Loftis Partners shares the "Secret Sauce" of fair compensation and the evolving landscape of pay equity. Our enriching conversation transitions from understanding the nuances of pay equity, pay parity, and pay transparency to the societal shifts in discussing compensation. We dissect what fair compensation really means in today's workforce, emphasizing the importance of living wages and the implications of thriving wages in a post-pandemic era. 

As we navigate the tricky terrains of pay transparency and legislation, you'll uncover how state laws affect employers with multi-state workforces. Sally and I reveal why establishing objective pay structures can build trust and foster a transparent workplace culture. Our insights will guide you through leveraging employee feedback and demographic understanding to craft equitable pay strategies that bolster engagement and minimize turnover. This discussion is a treasure trove for any business looking to adapt and thrive amid the complexities of modern compensation laws.

Wrapping up, we tackle the hot-button issues of compensation negotiation and the necessity for HR professionals to stay vigilant against bias and cultural influences. With a sneak peek into Sally's upcoming book on pay equity for nonprofits. Tune in for a groundbreaking episode that's as informative as it is transformative, while we look beyond the dollars and cents of compensation.

Find Sally Loftis Here:
LinkedIn
Loftis Partners
Instagram

Connect with us:
Email the podcast.
Join us on Instagram - we appreciate your support!
Dana Dowdell - Boss Consulting - @bossconsultinghr - @hrfanatic

Have you ever found yourself stifling a yawn during yet another monotonous meeting, wondering if there's more to the workday than just deadlines and dreary tasks? Our latest guest, Jeff Harry of Rediscover Your Play, brings a whirlwind of energy as he champions injecting play into the workplace, transforming it into a hub of creativity and fulfillment. This episode is not your typical business talk; it's an exploration of how integrating play can nurture mental health and skyrocket employee engagement.

We're tossing the conventional playbook out the window and challenging you to rethink the very foundation of your work ethos. This isn't about adding a ping pong table to the break room; it's about tapping into the 'zone of genius' where employees can leverage their passion and talent. Imagine meetings where your favorite snack is as welcome as your ideas, and where creativity isn't stifled by the four walls of a conference room. It's a fresh take on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, infused with insights from the Blackfoot Nation.

But it's not all fun and games; we also confront the stark realities of corporate culture, from impersonal layoffs to prioritizing profits over people. Through discussing real-life corporate missteps, we highlight the urgent need for a more humane approach to employee treatment and HR practices.  Jeff Harry's magnetic mission and approach to work will leave you eager to shake things up at your office, one playful step at a time.

Connect with Jeff Harry at:
Rediscover Your Play
The Bow Tie Story
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
TicTok

Connect with us:
Email the podcast.
Join us on Instagram - we appreciate your support!
Dana Dowdell - Boss Consulting - @bossconsultinghr - @hrfanatic

In this episode guest Rebecca Hawkins joins Dana to discuss the culture of the Regenerative Workplace. What is a Regenerative workplace you may ask? It is an organizational culture that recognizes and meets the core needs of their employees as human beings.

People have been studying human needs and how they translate to the workplace for a while now. You've probably heard of Maslow's needs hierarchy of needs or McGregor's theory X and theory Y. Maybe you are familiar with more recent takes from the likes of Dan Pink and others. The consensus is when employee's core needs are met, they will be better, more productive employees.

Rebecca has made it her mission to help organizations recognize in order to succeed in the future, they need to recognize we are in the 4th stage of industrial revolution, one based on knowledge, technology, and sustainability. Rebecca has plenty of science to back an organizational strategy based on the earlier revolutionary stages is increasingly both unhealthy and unsustainable.

Dana and Rebecca get deep as to why so many industries and organizations are so reluctant to adopt a new method that the innovators like Zappos have already proven works. Enjoy our 80'th episode as we dive into the Regenerative Revolution.

Find Rebecca Hawkins here:
LinkedIn
Regenerative Workplaces

Connect with us:
Email the podcast.
Join us on Instagram - we appreciate your support!
Dana Dowdell - Boss Consulting - @bossconsultinghr - @hrfanatic

Join your host Dana Dowdell and guest Fletcher Wimbush as they dive into the mission vision and values of talent acquisition. If you think talent acquisition is a painful process, you are not alone. Fletcher share's through his experience, a secret to becoming good at talent acquisition is learning from those painful moments.

Imagine a recruitment strategy so compelling, it not only attracts the best candidates but also aligns with their deepest aspirations. We delve into the powerful draw of an Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and how it can turbocharge your recruitment marketing. Fletcher also discusses the value of assessments in separating the great from the good once you are attracting the desired talent.

Even if you have found that perfect hire, the job still isn't done.  The  conversation to the importance of onboarding and accountability. Even the best candidate will struggle to succeed in an organization without access to the right tools or leadership that recognizes their weaknesses. Enjoy this episode with Dana and Fletcher as they share some Quirky insight on recruiting.

Find Fletcher Wimbush at:
LinkedIn
https://fletcherwimbush.com/
https://www.discoveredats.com/

Connect with us:
Email the podcast.
Join us on Instagram - we appreciate your support!
Dana Dowdell - Boss Consulting - @bossconsultinghr - @hrfanatic

Discover how the very foundation of your work life is shifting in an enlightening discussion with Stela Lupushor and Dr. Solange Charas, leaders in reshaping the workforce. Our conversation peels back the layers of the employee experience, revealing its critical impact not just on personal well-being but on a company's financial performance as well. Delve into how the management of human capital can no longer be seen as a mere good practice, but rather as a driver of significant value. Stela and Solange argue that every interaction, from the moment a potential hire encounters a company to the lingering thoughts of a former employee, shapes the evolving landscape of worker agency and organizational success.

As the workforce's demographics transform and diminish, so too must our understanding of what employees crave in their careers. Our experts dissect the importance of programs that transcend generational stereotypes by offering flexibility and inclusivity, addressing the varying life stages of workers. The pioneering potential of GenAI and robotics isn't just science fiction; it's a practical pathway to challenging the archaic nine-to-five in favor of more satisfying, productivity-boosting work practices.

Prepare to be intrigued by the promise of generative AI's role in crafting new job roles and anticipating turnover. Stela and Dr. Solange welcome you to join their mission to humanize the workplace, inviting listeners to connect and explore their series on job redesign with AI—a testament to the undeniable value of nurturing the human element in our corporate worlds.

Find them at:
Dr. Solange Charas : linkedin
Stela Lupushor : linkedin
Book and Blog, Humanizing Human Capital:   https://www.humanizinghumancapital.com/
Article Referenced published by Business Insider;  Return to Work Policies Don't Improve Company Performance 

Connect with us:
Email the podcast.
Join us on Instagram - we appreciate your support!
Dana Dowdell - Boss Consulting - @bossconsultinghr - @hrfanatic

Facing the loss of a loved one is a harrowing journey that doesn't pause at the office door, a truth Kate Mollison knows all too well. After her world was shaken by personal tragedy, she encountered the chill of an unsympathetic workplace. Our conversation with Kate uncovers the deep need for workplaces to weave compassion into their fabric, something she passionately advocates for through her initiative "On Tuesdays, We Wear Black." As she shares her story, we explore the stark reality of grief's toll on both employees and employers, revealing the staggering economic losses that result from inadequate support systems.

We shed light on the recent legislative changes in Connecticut that recognize the impact of grief and PTSD in workers' compensation, reinforcing the message that the time for change is now. Kate also notes how even in the absence of policy, there are a number of changes we as employers, employees, and members of society can make, such as the language we use, that take little effort but have a large impact.

As Kate shares a tender tribute to her late husband, we are gently reminded that talking about grief and death need not be shrouded in discomfort. From a simple pink tie to the broader gestures we make to honor our loved ones, this conversation invites us to embrace these topics with openness and sincerity. We show you how discussing the undiscussable can create spaces for healing and remembrance in every aspect of our lives.

Find Kate Mollison at:
On Tuesday's We Wear Black : https://www.otwwb.com/
LinkedIn : linkedin.com/in/kate-mollison-332259273
Don't forget to save the date, february 13th, to check out the premier of Kate's upcoming podcast on your favorite platforms - Happily Never After Turning the Page, after Spousal Loss

Connect with us:
Email the podcast.
Join us on Instagram - we appreciate your support!
Dana Dowdell - Boss Consulting - @bossconsultinghr - @hrfanatic

Unlock the potential within your business by embracing the untapped talent of individuals with disabilities and some resources that may help along the way. Listen in as Alicia Kucharczyk from the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services and Dana  discuss the transformative power of Vocational Rehabilitation (VocRehab) on this episode of Quirky HR. Alicia brings a wealth of knowledge, sharing how VocRehab’s counseling, job training, and tailored programs not only empower those with disabilities but also equip employers with the tools to foster truly inclusive workplaces. This episode is a must-listen for those looking to be at the forefront of inclusion in the workplace, and for corporate leaders committed to creating a workspace that thrives on the diversity of its people.

Alicia delves into the importance of disability awareness training and how simple adjustments can often meet the needs of employees without going through a formal ADA process. Dana and Alicia also discuss the delicate topic of mental health in the workplace, strategies for destigmatization, and how to strike a balance between providing support and meeting operational demands. Whether you’re an employer, HR professional, or someone passionate about creating a workplace where everyone has an opportunity to excel, this conversation with Alicia Kacharzyk is an enlightening exploration of the human side of business.

You can find the resources Alicia mentioned at the following:
http://disabilityworksct.org
https://portal.ct.gov/rehabilitationservices?language=en_US
Or you can reach out to Alicia directly on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-kucharczyk-523808122/

Connect with us:
Email the podcast.
Join us on Instagram - we appreciate your support!
Dana Dowdell - Boss Consulting - @bossconsultinghr - @hrfanatic

This week we are joined by Major Kevin Kane of the Connecticut Army National Guard and Director of Enterprise Systems at Wesleyan University. We discuss  bridging the gap between military service and  civilian employment, sometimes simultaneously.  In this episode Major Kane shares how to look beyond a service members battle hardened resume, to the soft skills underneath, and the potential benefits to employers.  
 
Transitioning from the battlefield to the business field comes with its unique set of challenges. Kevin explains the  difficulties of balancing "Three Buckets", military, civilian work, and family. Beyond that we touch on some potential impacts of others in the workplace.

The episode is layered with practical advice and resources that support veterans in making their transition a celebrated chapter of their career as well as recognising By the end of this episode, you'll understand why creating a workplace that celebrates the service of its veteran employees is not just a noble act but a strategic advantage. 

You can find Major Kane on Linkedin here : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinlkanect/

Connect with us:
Email the podcast.
Join us on Instagram - we appreciate your support!
Dana Dowdell - Boss Consulting - @bossconsultinghr - @hrfanatic