While We Were Working: Your Weekly Small Business HR and People Leadership Podcast

This weekly podcast for HR Pros and People Leaders focuses on topics like employee engagement, workplace culture, and HR law for the agile, modern workplace. Learn more at: http://whilewewereworking.com. Hosts Joey Price and Sommer Ketron bring their own personal perspective and years of experience to cover trending topics you might’ve missed while you were working. Visit jumpstart-hr.com for more episodes and to learn more about our HR Outsourcing support services.

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Episodes

Wednesday Mar 08, 2023

A report by the Workforce Institute at UKG reveals that managers significantly impact their employees' mental health. In fact, the report found that managers have a greater influence on employee mental health than therapists or doctors and an equal influence to spouses and partners.
The report revealed that the quality of the relationship between managers and employees is critical to employee mental health. Managers who demonstrate empathy, respect, and support for their employees can positively impact their mental health. 
The major takeaway from this report is the importance of managers having the necessary training and resources to support their teams. Managers who are equipped with the tools and knowledge to support their employees' mental health are better positioned to foster a positive work environment and improve employee well-being.
In the ‘While We Were Working’ Segment, Sommer and Joey go through the eye-opening findings from this report and what it means for employers.
In the ‘Consultant's Corner’ segment, we tackle the tangled web of developing leave policies.
Workplace leave policies are essential to ensure that employees can take time off when they need it without risking their jobs or pay. 
In this section, we'll explore the best practices for developing workplace leave policies for employees scattered around different jurisdictions. 
We'll provide tips and strategies for ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations while also creating fair and equitable policies for all employees.
Let's dive in!
Key Takeaways
- How managers impact mental health on their teams (03:58)
- Training managers to take care of the well-being of their teams (05:29)
- Toxic workplaces are a national hazard (07:37)
- Employees would prioritize mental health over higher pay (09:33)
- Tips for managers (10:47)
- The tangled web of developing leave policies (16:58)
- How to write fair and equitable leave policies (22:49)
 
Additional Resources 
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
 Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
 -- 
📰 Article in question: https://workforceinstitute.org/research/
-- 
monday.com | A new way of working: https://try.monday.com/wwww
--------
 Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
 
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com
 

When Remote Work Goes Too Far

Wednesday Mar 01, 2023

Wednesday Mar 01, 2023

California's at it again!
The 9th court of Appeal has struck down California's law that outlawed mandatory arbitration agreements that was changed just recently.
An arbitration agreement is a clause in an employment contract where an employee and an employer agree to settle their grievances out of court instead of going on trial.
Arbitration in the workplace is an area that is still not understood by many employers and employees.
In the 'While We Were Working' section, we look at the best practices to implement arbitration agreements in employment contracts and some things you shouldn't take to arbitration.
In the ‘Consultants Corner,’ we discuss a situation from a letter we received recently. An employee goes to another country for a medical procedure. The employer wants them to return, but the employee wants to work remotely from where they are.
We have even seen some destinations try to lure remote workers into relocating. This is definitely a problem that will only become bigger with remote working. Some employers offered remote working as a benefit without realizing the full consequences of such a policy.
Tune in to hear our perspective on this issue and how to strengthen your sick and remote working policies.
Tune in to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- What are arbitration agreements (04:55)
- Are arbitration agreements good or bad for companies? (06:06)
- The big myths about arbitration (07:27)
- Things that can't go to arbitration according to federal law (10:19)
- Can you compel an employee not to work remotely from another country (17:59)
- Take a look at your time off and sick policies (22:25)
- Clarity on remote working policies (23:02)
Additional Resources 
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
 Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
 
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
-- 
📰 Article in question: https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/ninth-circuit-strikes-down-california-s-7773675/
-- 
monday.com | A new way of working: https://try.monday.com/wwww
------
Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
 
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Wednesday Feb 22, 2023

Did you know that 26% of Fortune 100 companies don't have Human Resources in their C-Suite?
That's right, over a quarter of the most successful companies in the world don't have an HR person in their top leadership team. These are the statistics released by a new BambooHR study on the state of HR leadership.
But why is that?
It's not because HR isn't important. After all, human resources are the lifeblood of any organization. And we know that having amazing people leadership should be at the core of a business strategy.
But maybe it's because HR has traditionally been seen as a support function rather than a strategic one.
But times have changed. HR is no longer just about payroll and benefits. It's about driving culture, talent management, and employee engagement. And in today's business landscape, those are key strategic imperatives.
The key takeaway from this study is that even though a quarter of Fortune 100 companies can cope without HR in the C-suite, this is not something that small and mid-sized businesses should try to do. 
Tune in to hear us talk more about the stats from this study and what it means for your business.
In this episode's 'Consultant's Corner' we are exploring some of the things you need to do to have a more diverse workforce.
Often a time, companies will fill job positions through referrals. If your referral population only represents a specific demographic, it can create the unintended consequence of a less diverse workplace.
Joey and Sommer look at ways you can improve your retention and attraction of a diverse workforce through your recruitment efforts.
Tune in to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- 26 Fortune 100 companies don't have HR in the C-Suite (02:51)
- The diverse education backgrounds in HR leadership (05:09)
- Why your HR strategy needs to be at the center of your business strategy (10:08)
- Improving diversity in your workforce (11:37)
- Identifying gaps in your hiring (15:18)
- How to improve your diversity recruiting efforts (19:15)
Additional Resources
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
 
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
--
📰 Article in question:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/26-of-fortune-100-dont-have-human-resources-in-the-c-suite-new-bamboohr-study-on-the-state-of-hr-leadership-finds-301729347.html
--
Bamboo HR Link: https://rewards.bamboohr.com/mzseYaP
--------
Navigating Difficult Decisions: A Guide To Small Business Layoffs: https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/navigating-difficult-decisions
 
Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
 
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com
 

Wednesday Feb 15, 2023

Just how well do employees in America love their jobs?
In this Valentine's edition episode, we are all about love in this episode.
Unfortunately, according to a Gallup poll, there is a downward trend in employees loving their jobs and an upward trend for employees who report hating their jobs.
The findings in this poll are surprising, and some staggering figures we should all take note of.
But what are those micro things that might result in people not having that love affair they once had with their employer?
Tune in as we dig deep into the 5 main things that will affect your employee engagement!
In this episode's 'Consultant's Corner, 'and it being Valentine's Day week, what better time than now to brush up on some workplace romance policies that will keep your company safe? 
Joey and Sommer go through the intrigues of office romance and how to keep everybody safe and sane with a 'love contract.' Tune in to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- Employee engagement in the United States (02:28)
- Why people do not love their jobs (03:51)
- The 3 demographics falling out of love with their employers (06:13)
- What employees need to give their best (09:59)
- Nothing says ''I love you like a love contract (12:37)
- How Love Contracts protect employers and employees (13:01)
- How quickly workplace romance can turn messy (16:39)
Additional Resources
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
 
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
--
📰 Article in question:
https://www.gallup.com/workplace/468233/employee-engagement-needs-rebound-2023.aspx
--
Quickbooks: https://refer.quickbooks.ca/s/jprice
 
--------
Navigating Difficult Decisions: A Guide To Small Business Layoffs: https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/navigating-difficult-decisions
 
Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com
 

Wednesday Feb 08, 2023

On January 1st, California's new pay transparency law came into effect. The law requires employers with at least 15 workers to include pay ranges in job postings. 
Employees can now also ask what the pay range for their position is, and larger companies must provide more detailed pay data for California's civil rights department than previously required. So, how will this law impact small businesses in California and other states?
This week, Sommer and Joey discuss everything small businesses should know about the new pay transparency laws in California:
How they could affect the rest of the nation.
How it would affect your team and workplace dynamic.
Why small businesses should consider implementing pay transparency.
Tune in to find out more!
In this episode's 'Consultant's Corner ', Joey and Sommer also share 4 tips on successfully getting your team out of 'work from home mode' back into the office. 
You'll learn the importance of getting feedback from your team, improving productivity, and a few strategies to make the transition as smooth and balanced as possible.
 
Key Takeaways
What small businesses need to know about California's new pay transparency law (00:00)
The implications of California's new pay transparency and reporting obligations (05:47)
What is the goal of this new law? (08:36)
The main reason California employers need to build these pay bands (10:50)
Why you should consider adopting pay transparency (12:24)
How to get your team's opinion on working in the office (19:13)
Working from home vs. working at the office (22:30)
How to make the process a win-win situation (23:53)
 
Additional Resources
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
 
--
📰 Article in question:
https://calmatters.org/economy/2022/12/california-pay-transparency-law/
--
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Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Wednesday Feb 01, 2023

During The Great Resignation, countless tech workers left their jobs searching for higher pay. But as the wave of tech layoffs keeps accelerating, tech employees are rethinking whether to leave their job and face a highly competitive search. So, what does this mean for small businesses, especially regarding talent acquisition?
This week, Joey and Sommer discuss the implications of Big Tech's layoffs on small businesses:
Why the job market changed so quickly.
Why it's a unique opportunity for employers to hire top talent.
How to upgrade your talent acquisition strategies. 
In this episode's 'Consultant's Corner,' Sommer and Joey share their views on employees' mental health and productivity. Discussing mental health and medication management challenges can be an uncomfortable and tricky topic, especially when there are performance issues. So, as a manager, what is the best way to balance productivity and an employee's mental health?
Tune in to find out!
 
Key Takeaways
The best talent acquisition opportunity in 2023 (00:00)
What is 'The Great Recommitment?' (06:09)
Best talent acquisition strategy for hiring managers (07:43)
What to look for in candidates (11:25)
How to manage employees' mental health and productivity (14:33)
The dos and don'ts of discussing mental health and performance (18:48)
What employers must know about reasonable accommodations (22:39)
 
Additional Resources
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
 
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
--
📰 Article in question:
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/it-is-an-employers-market-tech-layoffs-may-have-turned-the-great-resignation-into-the-great-recommitment-11674511211
--
Verified First provides quality pre-employment screening, criminal background checks, verifications, and drug testing for businesses. Get better hires and ensure the safety and security of your workplace!Learn more at: https://partners.verifiedfirst.com/aspx/referralpage?refer=OgzlxC3x02ogiSx7hU1pu4hlfn5z3HBbqZZMN2o7Bcc1
 
Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Wednesday Jan 25, 2023

If you've been watching the news lately or traveled for the holidays, you've probably heard about Southwest Airlines' catastrophic holiday meltdown, especially what happened with the controversial memo they sent to their employees on December 21, 2022.
Southwest is known as the love airline, and they have a strong reputation for caring deeply about their passengers and employees. So, what the heck happened?
Today, Joey and Sommer share their thoughts on Southwest's infamous employee memo:
Why it could be detrimental to company culture.
What their biggest mistake was.
What small businesses can learn from this story.
Tune in to learn more!
Sommer and Joey also discuss the rise of HR scams and what small businesses can do to avoid them. As scammers multiply and develop more creative techniques to steal your sensitive data, it's crucial to know what common HR scams look like and be familiar with cybersecurity best practices. Fortunately for you, we've got you covered!
 
Key Takeaways
The truth about Southwest Airlines' holiday meltdown (00:00)
Southwest's internal turmoil (03:06)
Best practices on how to deal with illness (07:05)
The main problem with Southwest's approach (08:48)
What's next for the airline? (12:14)
HR scams small businesses should know about (15:24)
What scammers are doing to trick you (18:00)
Additional Resources
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
--
📰 Article in question:
https://twitter.com/ruthschmidt/status/1607460985861988352
--
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Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Wednesday Jan 18, 2023

It was only a few weeks ago that ChatGPT was released, and it has already been seen as a tool that could potentially replace thousands of jobs and even make search engines obsolete. 
This technology can write complex essays and even code, which has implications for the future of jobs in fields such as development, sales, and marketing. Also, It is currently free to use, which makes it something worth paying attention to from both an employment and commercialization standpoint.
So, will this technology make knowledge workers who currently do tasks such as writing copy and researching/compiling reports redundant? Or are human beings still irreplaceable in these positions?
Tune in for this week’s podcast to find out! 
Joey and Sommer are also diving into the juicy topic of what to do when you suspect office romance.
Brand new mind-blowing AI technology + love is in the ai… office = you definitely don’t want to miss this episode!
 
Key Takeaways
Jumpstart’s proud to be recognized by Fit Small Business (00:00)
What is ChatGPT, and how could it render search engines obsolete? (04:39)
How ChatGPT works (09:05)
What to do when you suspect office romance (13:26)
The worst-case scenario of an office romance (17:10)
Written policy on the risk of love relationships between coworkers and actual or perceived favoritism (19:56)
 
Additional Resources
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/ 
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com 
--
📰 Fit Small Business’s article: https://fitsmallbusiness.com/best-hr-outsourcing/ 
--
See why over 7,000+ companies trust Verified First with their screening needs: https://partners.verifiedfirst.com/aspx/referralpage?refer=OgzlxC3x02ogiSx7hU1pu4hlfn5z3HBbqZZMN2o7Bcc1
 
Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
 
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com 

Friday Jan 13, 2023

In response to employees prioritizing flexibility and a better work/life balance, some companies have started offering their teams a four-day workweek. While this idea may seem counterintuitive, some results look promising. So, should small businesses start implementing the four-day workweek?
Today, Joey shares his views on the four-day workweek:
Some of its potential benefits.
Its effects on talent attraction and retention.
A few things small businesses should consider before implementing it.
Tune in to find out more!
In this episode's 'Consultant Corner', Joey discusses the top 3 HR tech tools that all small businesses should know about in 2023. You'll learn how to use HR technology to improve employee experience, streamline your processes, boost efficiency, and more!
 
Key Takeaways
Should your small business implement the four-day workweek? (00:00)
Why some organizations are implementing a four-day workweek (02:31)
The main reason you should consider this strategy (06:30)
How to incorporate a four-day workweek into your business (08:03)
Consultants Corner: top 3 HR tools for small businesses in 2023 (12:37)
The one thing all employees are looking for (16:02)
What to expect from HR tech in 2023 (17:33)
 
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://gulfnews.com/business/retail/dubai-restaurant-implements-4-day-work-week-for-employees-1.1672814211012
--
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/ 
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
 
JazzHR - Everything you need to hire, all in one place: https://info.jazzhr.com/view-demo.html?utm_source=partner-jumpstarthr 
 
Host: Joey Price 
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Thursday Jan 05, 2023

From remote work arrangements to quiet quitting, we saw a significant shift in HR trends in 2022. 2023 will undoubtedly bring new challenges that HR teams need to tackle effectively to survive in an evolving environment. So, what trends will 2023 bring to the HR world?
This week, Joey shares the 5 HR trends that will shape the workplace in 2023. Tune in to learn more!
Joey also reflects on the most significant HR trends we saw in 2022, the HR word of the year, and his predictions on how the workplace will evolve in 2023.
 
Key Takeaways
5 trends that will shape the workplace in 2023 (00:00)
Word of the Year: Boundaries (04:38)
The evolution of mental health tools at work (09:32)
What happened with the hiring process in 2022 (13:54)
The HR word of 2023 (18:12)
What employers can do to be healthy in 2023 (20:23)
 
Additional Resources
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
 
Try Monday.com today! Learn more at: https://try.monday.com/mtl11zyjsrvw
Small Business Executive HR Roundtable (Monthly Small Business CEO Mastermind) - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/mwka2AyB/checkout
👉 Join our Empowered People Leaders Community [FREE Access] - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/MwchLoyL/checkout
👉 Join our Next Gen Student Membership + Community - 
https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/pWTbD2Ue/checkout
 
Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

© 2023 (c) Jumpstart HR

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