Human Solutions: Simplifying HR for People who Love HR (TruStory FM)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Human Solutions: Simplifying HR for People who Love HR
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 May 2022 | HR & Recruiting Through the Great Resignation | 00:16:03 | |
Recruiting competition is peaking as we navigate the hiring environment now that the pandemic restrictions are lifting around us. The world is going back to work. But things are not the same as they were; job seekers are more selective than ever and getting them in the door is forcing hiring managers to rethink, regroup, and retool their processes. Today, Terry Cook, our Senior Vice President of Employer Services, and Tom Jones, our attorney specializing in labor and employment matters, join Pete Wright to talk about what employers and managers are doing to recruit, retain, and appeal to job seekers in the era of the Great Resignation. -- | |||
| 18 Jul 2023 | Rebroadcast • The Delicate Matter of Termination | 00:20:13 | |
It is one of the hardest parts of the HR job: terminations. Having a disruptive employee working can have a negative impact on the productivity and efficiency of others. The manner in which a termination is handled can impact the morale of the entire workplace and must be handled carefully while being respectful of the outgoing employee’s experience. In this week’s rebroadcast, Terry Cook, our Senior Vice President of Employer Services, and Tom Jones, our very own attorney specializing in labor and employment matters, join Pete Wright to share what you need to know about handling terminations well. -- | |||
| 03 Oct 2023 | The Loud Quitter | 00:33:15 | |
This week, Tom Jones and Terry Cook join Pete Wright to talk about a topic that's making waves in the corporate world and setting Human Resources departments on their toes: an audacious, unapologetic, and strikingly public phenomenon known as "Loud Quitting." The trend sees employees actively cause issues and voice their dissatisfaction before leaving a job. This podcast explores the loud quitting phenomenon and its implications for organizations.
Behind loud quitting can lie deeper issues related to company culture, inclusivity, and adapting to change. Managers play a crucial role in mitigating loud quitting. Techniques like stay interviews, soliciting honest feedback, and having more conversations to avoid assumptions can provide insight into problems. However, sometimes an employee truly wants to quit, and recognizing when to let them go avoids being held hostage to one person. Proper manager training is critical.
Ultimately, loud quitting signals areas where organizations need improvement. Addressing perceptions of unfairness, lack of inclusivity, unhappiness with leadership, and difficulties adapting to change can strengthen company culture and retention. With careful listening and measured responses, managers can handle loud quitting in a way that benefits both employees and organizations. -- | |||
| 28 Nov 2023 | Financial Wellness in Focus: Helping Employees Find Peace of Mind with Fidelity’s Kirsten Hunter Peterson | 00:32:52 | |
In this week's episode of Human Solutions, host Pete Wright explores the pressing issue of financial wellness in the workplace with Kirsten Hunter Peterson from AIM partner Fidelity Investments. "Finances can be really stressful," she says, "We want you to feel good about your money." With inflation on the rise and record levels of household debt, financial challenges weigh heavily on employees' minds. This stress can take a toll on productivity, focus, happiness, and retention at work. As Kirsten explains, an employee's financial health impacts not just their personal well-being but also the health of the business. Across the episode, Pete and Kirsten dive into several facets of the financial wellness puzzle. They discuss the scope of financial stress facing workers today, from everyday costs to long-term goals. We learn why employees look to their employer for help, and how HR teams can partner with experts to provide useful resources without becoming financial gurus themselves. Kirsten shares encouraging signs that more companies are prioritizing holistic wellness programs for their people. But she cautions that one size does not fit all. The best solutions meet employees where they are, with personalized education delivered how and when they need it. Listen for Kirsten's top tips for HR professionals looking to improve financial wellness for their employees; take stock of key challenges facing your particular employee population, partner with reputable providers offering a variety of resources, and drive engagement through content that resonates with your people. At a time of growing uncertainty, this episode explores tangible ways employers can help their workforce feel empowered, supported, and financially secure. Links & Notes
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| 30 Apr 2024 | Pay Equity & Pay Transparency | 00:19:45 | |
How much money do you make? If just hearing that question makes all the little hairs stand up on the back of your neck, you might be a Gen X HR manager. This week on the show we’re talking all about Pay Equity and and the proposed legislation on Pay Transparency that might just have an impact on the way we talk about pay at work. Joining us are our own industry experts Kyle Pardo and Sarah Piscatelli to help you plan for the coming changes — and challenges — in recruitment and beyond.
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| 21 Nov 2023 | Redefining Performance Reviews for a New Era of Work | 00:28:05 | |
We’re talking all about reinventing employee evaluations in the aftershocks of a global shift to remote work thanks to COVID-19. Forget what you thought you knew about performance reviews; we're tearing down the old blueprints and questioning everything from the role of corporate culture to the nitty-gritty of rating scales. Tune in to reshape and invigorate your approach to measuring performance in a workplace that's constantly in flux and the importance of keeping your employees in the know. Our own review experts, Kyle Pardo and Terry Cook, join Pete Wright to shake out the review anxiety and re-invigorate feedback to level up the organization! -- | |||
| 19 Mar 2024 | Peering into HR's Crystal Ball: 2024 and Beyond | 00:19:45 | |
What should HR professionals be thinking about from a compliance/best practice standpoint for 2024? In the fast-paced world of HR, juggling today's challenges while anticipating tomorrow's trends is crucial. This week, we cut through the noise, offering a blend of expert predictions and actionable insights. Kyle Pardo and Tom Jones join Pete Wright to tackle everything from the intricacies of current compliance issues, such as FLSA and leave laws, to the emerging trends of AI, skills-based hiring, and the transformative power of mindful leadership. What should HR pros be thinking about for 2024? It's all about getting equipped with the foresight to navigate the complexities of the HR landscape. Stay informed, stay prepared, and shape the future of your HR practice with us.
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| 08 Nov 2022 | FMLA, PFMLA, Earned Sick Time — Where to Begin with Leaves of Absence? (Rebroadcast) | 00:21:07 | |
We’re used to employees taking time off for vacation or having a baby. But in addition to the many other things we’ve learned from our experience with the pandemic, we now know there are many, many new reasons for taking time away from work. Caring for family members, childcare closures, or maybe members of your team needing a mental health break due to burnout are all calls for time away. Even more complicated, our Massachusetts employers are also still adjusting to Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). If all of it is confusing to you, you’re not alone.
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| 30 May 2023 | Benefits Reimagined: A Fresh Strategy | 00:33:39 | |
As HR professionals strive to create competitive benefits packages that attract and retain top talent, it's essential to think beyond traditional offerings. AIM HR’s Mary McNally and Stacey Wenczel join Pete Wright on this episode of Human Solutions as we discover how to design a benefits program that aligns with your company's culture, values, and the needs of your employees. Just as a chef creates a menu that reflects their restaurant's identity while catering to their customers' tastes, you need to align your benefits program with your company's values and culture while providing benefits that resonate with your people! From generational differences to financial, cultural, and family needs, Mary and Stacey explore how to personalize benefits for your company. This episode also covers communication strategies, compliance issues, and low-cost team-building activities to ensure your benefits program stays fresh and engaging. Tune in to discover how to take an ongoing approach to your benefits program and evaluate what your employees want while aligning your benefits program with your company's culture and mission. Links & Notes -- | |||
| 01 Nov 2022 | Tools for Motivating, Celebrating, and Honoring Your Teams | 00:23:43 | |
If you’re a regular listener of the show, you might remember just a few weeks back that we talked about Quiet Quitting... losing employees not by watching them walk out the door but by showing up disengaged, disconnected from the work that they have been hired to do. It’s a tricky problem. This week, we’re taking on the other side of that particular coin. Cultivating a motivated workforce is the organization’s ultimate goal, especially in the face of extraordinary turnover across the employment market. So, what does it take to motivate an employee? What does HR need to take into consideration with employee recognition programs? This week Kyle Pardo and Terry Cook join Pete Wright for a conversation dedicated to helping you engage your teams today.
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| 02 Apr 2024 | The Big 3: The Top Categories of Calls to the HR Helpline | 00:37:24 | |
Ever wonder what the most common questions HR professionals grapple with are? In this episode Pete sits down with AIM HR Solutions team members, Tom Jones and Terry Cook, who bring their expertise to the forefront on pressing HR issues. The discussion is centered around the popular topics we often hear about on our helpline. We navigate topics like understanding Massachusetts's PFMLA and its implications for employers, including how to handle leave requests and navigate adverse actions. Discover effective strategies for managing layoffs while exploring alternatives like the Work Share program. Plus, unravel the complexities of drug testing in the workplace, especially in the era of legalized marijuana. -- | |||
| 03 May 2022 | Putting Sexual Harassment and Discrimination in the HR Spotlight | 00:21:43 | |
This week we’re talking all about Matt Lauer. And Harvey Weinstein. And Clarence Thomas. And Andrew Cuomo. And the list goes on, and on, and on. Truth be told, while we’re not going to be talking about any of those individuals specifically, we’re talking about all of them. Sexual harassment and discrimination have been long-standing issues in the workplace. But media attention and the bold voices of victims has changed the tide of the discussion. Today, Terry Cook, our Senior Vice President of Employer Services, and Tom Jones, our attorney specializing in labor and employment matters, join Pete Wright to talk about what employers and managers need to know about sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. -- | |||
| 02 May 2023 | AIM's DEI Council: Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Starting Your Own | 00:35:19 | |
Join us for a personal and engaging conversation about the realities of launching and leading a diversity, equity, and inclusion council in your workplace. Are you thinking about launching and leading a diversity, equity, and inclusion council in your workplace? This week, we’re going to help you do just that. Reid Tomihara, Vasundhra Sangar, Gaetan Kashala, and Terry Cook join Pete Wright to share their personal stories, successes, and challenges in bringing diversity councils to today’s organizations, and the power these councils have to drive meaningful change. Tune in to discover the story behind the formation of AIM's Diversity Council, how top-down approaches and grassroots initiatives can help build a dynamic council and the crucial role of HR in supporting diversity and inclusion. You'll also hear about their challenges and their plans for the council. This episode is packed with actionable takeaways and recommendations to empower you to create a more inclusive workplace. Links & Notes
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| 10 Oct 2023 | Human Resources: The Party Planner | 00:32:13 | |
Office parties have always been a double-edged sword for employers. On one hand, they can boost morale, foster camaraderie, and reward workers for jobs well done. On the other, they come with their fair share of liabilities, especially when alcohol enters the mix. This week on the show, Sarah Piscatelli and Stacey Wenczel join Pete Wright as they navigate the intricate world of corporate celebrations. From the role of HR in shaping these events to the unseen challenges that can arise, our hosts will offer a high-level overview that promises deeper dives in the episode. Whether you're an employer, an HR professional, or just a curious listener, this episode is set to shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of those memorable office gatherings and how HR is involved. Links & Notes -- | |||
| 21 Jun 2022 | Managing, Mentoring, and Motivating Across Generations | 00:25:07 | |
Gen Z is in the workplace! Who are they? How are they different from millennials? And why has everyone forgotten Gen X? Dudes, will no one gag me with a spoon? This week, we have our own Gen Z’er is in the spotlight, along with her Millennial counterparts. Jen Moff, our VP of training, Jillian Derby, our senior marketing director, and Kallee McGraw our events support specialist spill the tea on what makes this generation tick and what your company should be thinking about when it comes to attracting, retaining, and fostering relationships across generations at work. -- | |||
| 23 May 2023 | Connecting HR, Learning & Development, and the Dynamics of Employee Engagement | 00:24:36 | |
This week, we unveil the power of collaboration between HR professionals and learning and development experts to craft bespoke solutions that elevate both employees and the organization. Jen Moff and Kathleen Worthington join Pete Wright to offer an insider's perspective on the nuanced differences between training and coaching, and unlock the secret to building a thriving learning culture that magnetizes top talent, including millennials and Gen Z. We'll explore the transformative impact of investing in training and development to effortlessly bridge generational gaps, forging unified teams and fostering a shared vision of the organization's goals and values. Join us to acquire cutting-edge insights and strategies from expert HR that will supercharge your organization's adaptability and success.
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| 11 Apr 2023 | What is HR's Role in Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation, and Non-Disclosure Agreements? | 00:19:27 | |
Non-Compete Agreements are a hot topic in HR right now, thanks in no small part to the FTC and NLRB proposals in the news. As an HR pro, what do you need to know? AIM HR Solutions' employment lawyers Sarah Piscatelli and Tom Jones join Pete Wright to share what you need to know to ensure your organization is developing an intelligent non-compete policy. They'll also share their experiences in dealing with everyday challenges, such as determining the scope of the agreement and dealing with potential legal challenges from employees. We will guide you through the maze of non-compete contracts, offering practical tips and insights to help you become a more knowledgeable and influential HR professional. So, don't miss this opportunity to unravel the mysteries of non-competes and join the conversation. -- | |||
| 29 Nov 2022 | Managing Caregivers in the Workplace | 00:26:19 | |
The number of caregivers in the workplace has increased significantly since the onset of the pandemic. Employees have increased responsibilities for children, elderly parents, and other loved ones. Many employers provide benefits and follow business practices recommended to support employee caregivers, but creating a culture responsive to employees' needs and well-being is as challenging as it is critical. This week, AIM EVP of Government Affairs, Brooke Thomson, joins Pete Wright to discuss employees balancing care-giving duties, and how employers are helping their employees navigate the challenge of care-giving. Selected Recommendations from the AIM Pink Slip Initiative
Other benefits that were shared during the roundtable in early November:
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| 14 Nov 2023 | The Structured Learning & Development Strategy with Jen Moff | 00:33:42 | |
“What a poorly done L&D strategy is, is reactionary. It is short term. It's not thinking about the big picture,” says Jen Moff, Vice President of Learning and Development at AIM HR Solutions, in this week’s episode of Human Solutions. Pete Wright sits down with Moff to discuss how HR professionals can design learning and development programs that strategically align with and achieve organizational goals. Developing a True Learning Culture An ideal learning and development strategy takes the long view, considering what an organization wants its brand and culture to represent years down the road. It requires dedicating real budget and resources to L&D across all levels of staff, not just selected trainings as needs arise. As Moff explains, “Having a line item in your budget for L&D initiatives, for professional development initiatives, and not just these reactionary, ‘Oh, someone is doing such and such. We need this now’” is the difference between a program that transforms and one that merely checks the box.
Measuring True Behavior Change A well-structured program is ultimately measured by lasting employee behavior change that aligns with corporate values and furthers strategic goals. As Moff explains, “training is a seed that gets planted” but real growth only happens through “integration of what was learned into regular ways of being.” This requires ongoing reinforcement after the training itself ends. Key Takeaways
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| 16 May 2023 | HR Mindfulness Matters: Mental Health in the Workplace | 00:26:48 | |
In this episode we will explore the importance of mental health and well-being in our fast-paced professional lives. Jen Moff andJillian Derby join Pete Wright to share personal stories, experiences, and valuable insights on creating a supportive and compassionate work environment. Discover the secrets to promoting a culture of open communication, flexibility, and psychological safety. Learn about the evolution of work-life balance, autonomy, and asynchronous workstyles, as well as practical steps for employees and managers to prioritize mental health, and take the first step towards cultivating a more mindful and productive workplace today.
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| 18 Oct 2022 | Quiet Quitting and Building the Unbreakable Employer-Employee Relationship | 00:26:38 | |
When you think of quiet quitting, do you think of the film Office Space? Where Ron Livingston's character Peter Gibbons abandons the concept of work entirely and does the bare minimum required of him? It’s one of the classics of the office comedy genre and if you haven’t seen it and work in an office, what are you waiting for? The movie is a testament to our topic today: Quiet Quitting. While individual contributors might think in terms of otherwise engaged workers setting reasonable boundaries, employers might see them instead as slackers who are willfully underperforming.
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| 19 Apr 2022 | Welcome to Human Solutions | 00:02:25 | |
Welcome to Human Solutions, a show that simplifies HR for people who love HR. Each week, we’ll showcase a bite-sized conversation dedicated to helping you get your arms around an HR challenge. Who are we? From talent management, training, and compliance to compensation analysis and onsite services, AIM HR Solutions is committed to meeting you and your organizations where you are. The people on this show have decades of experience developing solutions for the issues you’re facing right now. This show is their chance to share. Welcome to Human Solutions: Simplifying HR for People who Love HR from AIM HR Solutions on TruStory FM. We’ve got a great team gearing up to share their experience with your great team and we can’t wait to introduce them to you, beginning in April 2022. | |||
| 01 Aug 2023 | Rebroadcast • The “F” Word: Employer Flexibility | 00:22:37 | |
We did some digging into some of the advertised benefits through the early 2000s into the early 2010s, and it’s a bizarre trip down memory lane. Here are a few of our favorite benefits: “free mechanical bull rides any time,” “onsite live workout classes and massage,” or “a personal assistant for every employee, free beer Fridays, housecleaning services every month, and the best homemade guacamole served in culver city and you can have as much as you want.” This was an early expression of workplace flexibility when it was a lever we could pull for recruiting great talent. But the mood has changed over the last few years, and in this week’s rebroadcast, Terry Cook, Jillian Derby, and Kelly McInnis join Pete Wright to describe the current environment around employer flexibility and answer the question: what does it mean to be a flexible employer today? -- | |||
| 05 Jul 2022 | The "F" Word: Employer Flexibility | 00:21:39 | |
We did some digging into some of the advertised benefits through the early 2000s into the early 2010s and it’s a bizarre trip down memory lane. Here are a few of our favorite benefits: “free mechanical bull rides any time,” and “onsite live workout classes and massage,” or, “a personal assistant for every employee, free beer Fridays, housecleaning services every month, and the best homemade guacamole served in culver city and you can have as much as you want.” This was an early expression of workplace flexibility when it was a lever we could pull for recruiting great talent. But the mood has changed over the last few years and this week Terry Cook, Jillian Derby, and Kelly McInnis, join Pete Wright to describe the current environment around employer flexibility and answer the question: what does it mean to be a flexible employer today? -- | |||
| 07 Nov 2023 | Authentic Recruiting: Attracting the Candidates Your Company Needs | 00:30:51 | |
Why is recruiting the right candidates becoming an uphill battle for many companies today? This week, Pete Wright sits down with Jen Moff and Terry Cook to unpack the intricacies of modern recruitment. Together, we delve into the power of a purpose-driven mission and the importance of authentic branding. With their combined expertise and insights from AIM HR, this episode is a must-listen for HR professionals seeking to navigate the challenges of today's talent landscape and align candidates with their company's vision. Links & Notes -- | |||
| 06 Jun 2023 | Decoding Wage Theft for HR Professionals | 00:26:08 | |
This week we unravel the complex web of wage theft and its implications for HR professionals! Sam Larson and Tom Jones join Pete Wright and together, they explore a variety of legal cases related to wage theft, shedding light on the importance of understanding the underlying issues and the legislation that aims to protect employees and ensure accurate payment of wages. They uncover the various faces of wage theft, from unpaid overtime to overlooked health care contributions, and grasp the significance of mastering wage law basics to safeguard both your organization and employees. They also touch on the proposal to increase the minimum wage and discuss the many of resources available to keep you informed about compliance rules. So, gear up, HR professionals, and get ready to become the wage theft champions your company needs to foster a fair and compliant work environment. Links & Notes
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| 09 May 2023 | HR Mindfulness Matters: Creating a Supportive & Engaged Workplace | 00:34:24 | |
Are you ready to revolutionize your organization's approach to workplace stress? Do you want to supercharge productivity, employee retention, and legal compliance? Then this is going to be a game-changing episode for you. Jen Moff and Tom Jones Join Pete Wright to guide us through the HR labyrinth of stress management. We will reveal the top stressors affecting your employees and unveil the art of balancing employee privacy with mental health support. Discover the power of providing reasonable accommodations and learn the strategies needed to cultivate a thriving, supportive work environment. You’ll discover how So get ready to to transform your workplace using your HR expertise and create a happier, healthier workplace for everyone. Links & Notes
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| 14 Jun 2022 | The Delicate Matter of Termination | 00:19:05 | |
It is one of the hardest parts of the HR job: terminations. Having a disruptive employee working can have a negative impact of the productivity and efficiency of others. The manner in which a termination is handled can impact the morale of the entire workplace and must be handled carefully, while being respectful of the out-going employee’s experience. Today, Terry Cook, our Senior Vice President of Employer Services, and Tom Jones, our very own attorney specializing in labor and employment matters, join Pete Wright to share what you need to know about handling terminations well. -- | |||
| 04 Jul 2023 | Rebroadcast • Managing, Mentoring and Motivating Across Generations | 00:26:09 | |
Gen Z is in the workplace! Who are they? How are they different from millennials? And why has everyone forgotten Gen X? Dudes, will no one gag me with a spoon? In this week’s rebroadcast, we have our own Gen Z’er is in the spotlight, along with her Millennial counterparts. Jen Moff, our VP of training, Jillian Derby, our senior marketing director, and Kallee McGraw our events support specialist spill the tea on what makes this generation tick and what your company should be thinking about when it comes to attracting, retaining, and fostering relationships across generations at work. -- | |||
| 28 Mar 2023 | Human Solutions Season 3 • Returns April 4, 2023 | 00:01:46 | |
We've been lucky the last two seasons of Human Solutions to have been discovered by an audience beyond -- in some cases *far* beyond -- our Massachusetts backyard. We're grateful you're here, HR Pro, and we've cooked up a season of conversations that we hope will apply to you no matter where you are. Of course, we can shake our roots, and we have just as much to share with our locals, too. We're digging into Non-Competes and Non-Solicitation early this season, a subject close to our hearts and the headlines. Also on deck are the PUMP Act and maternal rights, handling exempt versus non-exempt employees, benefits strategies, and DEI. We're looking hard at stress and mindfulness at work and how we make decisions in challenging environments. And, of course, the team has come together to hash out some of our most bitterly debated subjects: The Dress Code. That should get us started, so be on the lookout next week for our return to form and get ready! Tom and Terry and Jen and Kyle are all back in the saddle, along with some incredible and experienced HR voices new to the show, too. | |||
| 24 Oct 2023 | The Challenges of Substance Abuse in the Workplace | 00:38:07 | |
For HR professionals, navigating the intricacies of substance abuse in the workplace is both urgent and complex. With a significant number of workers believing in employer support for substance use management and widespread misconceptions about addiction treatments, HR faces the challenge of balancing employee well-being with organizational needs. This week, AIM’s own Lori Bourgoin and Tom Jones join Pete Wright to delve deep into this complex issue, highlighting the real-world scenarios HR must grapple with, the legal implications, and the critical role they play in addressing and managing substance use challenges in the modern workplace. Links & Notes
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| 10 May 2022 | The Slap Heard Round The World: Violence in the Workplace | 00:26:52 | |
According to Nielsen, the 2022 Academy Awards celebration was seen by 16.6 million viewers around the world. That’s 16.6 million people watching as Will Smith slapped Chris Rock across the face on stage. It was emotional and horrifying and, to us, it was a dramatic example of violence in the workplace. According to the National Safety Council, workplace assaults resulted in 20,050 injuries and illnesses involving days away from work and 392 fatalities in 2020 alone. That’s more than 20,000 incidents of fear, and rage, and trauma that impact not only the people directly involved, but those around them — friends, co-workers, table-mates. Whether your workplace is a small office or the massive Oscar stage, it’s critical that you know what to do if an incident occurs in your workplace. Today, Tom Jones, AIM HR Solutions attorney specializing in labor and employment matters, and Jen Moff, our VP of training, join Pete Wright to talk about workplace violence and how you can help your teams prepare, respond, and recover from incidents at work. -- | |||
| 12 Dec 2023 | AI and the Law with Bryn Goodman | 00:21:22 | |
This week, we aim to explore the legal implications of AI in human resources. Our guest is employment lawyer Bryn Goodman, partner at Fox Rothschild, and she brings our focus to recent regulations and what HR teams need to know as our industries enter the AI era. Pete and Bryn dive into the key laws and guidance around AI that HR teams need to follow. The EEOC, FTC, and other federal agencies released a joint statement putting companies on notice about their AI use. States like New York, California, and Illinois have also passed laws regulating the use of automated decision-making tools in hiring and employment. Questions we answer in this episode:
Key Takeaways:
This episode provides a look at the emerging legal landscape for AI in HR. Pete and Bryn outline the compliance steps HR teams should take today to integrate AI ethically and minimize risks. Their discussion makes it clear that while AI tools offer opportunities, they require diligent governance within HR. -- | |||
| 04 Oct 2022 | The Competitive Advantage of Your Learning & Development Program | 00:21:35 | |
The economy is unpredictable, which can trickle down to your workplace budgets. One of the first line items to face scrutiny is the learning and development program. The truth is that a robust L&D program could be a competitive advantage for your organization. It could be the key to helping you retain and attract talent. Jen Moff joins Pete Wright to explore the topic of L&D programs and the ROI and benefits they can provide your organization. Learning and development can transform how your employees feel about their role and company. When we think of the benefits of training or education and development, it is often not just a dollar amount. Instead, it is seen in the organization's culture, recruitment and retention efforts, and many other hard-to-measure facets. What we do know is that more dynamic and strong-performing companies often have a positive learning culture. Jen Moff, our VP of Learning & Development, joins me to remind us what we’re missing if we don’t focus on our L&D. -- | |||
| 25 Apr 2023 | Pay Rates to Job Duties: How to Determine Exempt vs. Non-Exempt | 00:28:57 | |
Are you confident that your employees are classified correctly as exempt or non-exempt? The answer may not be as straightforward as you think. In this episode of Human Solutions, HR experts Dan Baker and Kyle Pardo from AIM HR Solutions join Pete Wright to explore the ins and outs of exempt vs non-exempt classification. From the different types of exemptions to common mistakes in classification, Dan and Kyle break down the factors that determine an employee's exempt or non-exempt status. They also dive into the specifics of calculating overtime pay for non-exempt employees and share tips for maintaining compliance, including the risks involved and the importance of record-keeping. This episode is a must-listen for any business owner or HR professional who wants to avoid costly misclassification lawsuits and stay compliant with FLSA regulations. Tune in now and get the answers you need to ensure your employees are classified correctly! Links & Notes -- | |||
| 31 May 2022 | HR Prep for a Great Summer Work Season | 00:19:00 | |
We’re gearing up for the summer months and with the change in seasons comes a change in staffing for many of our organizations. Seasonal workers bring changing processes and may invite a younger demographic into your world. What do you need to know about hiring young people? Will you impacted by child labor or Massachusetts Blue Laws? How will you navigate conversations around productivity and dress codes? Finally, are you ready to meet OHSA’s new heat standards? Today, Terry Cook, Senior Vice President of Employer Services, and Tom Jones, our very own attorney specializing in labor and employment matters, join Pete Wright to talk about what workplaces face in the summer months and the compliance concerns you need to keep in mind before you hit the beach. -- | |||
| 15 Aug 2023 | Bonus: Grants Made Simple: Unlocking Free Money for Massachusetts Employers | 00:39:05 | |
Attention Massachusetts employers! Get ready to uncover a world of grant opportunities that can revolutionize your business, and here’s the best part: it’s free money waiting for you! Grants don’t have to be complicated, and we’re here to simplify the process for you. Join our engaging and informative podcast episode where we delve deep into the realm of grants.
🔍 Navigating the grant landscape with expert insights. You’ll hear from our grant guru Kathleen Worthington, our learning and development expert Jen Moff and host Pete Wright. Don’t miss out on this conversation crafted specifically for Massachusetts employers like you! -- | |||
| 24 May 2022 | FMLA, PFMLA, Earned Sick Time — Where to Begin with Leaves of Absences? | 00:20:23 | |
We’re used to employees taking time off for vacation or having a baby. But in addition to the many other things we’ve learned from our experience with the pandemic, we now know there are many, many new reasons for taking time away from work. Caring for family members, childcare closures, or maybe members of your team needing a mental health break due to burnout are all calls for time away. Even more complicated, our Massachusetts employers are also still adjusting to Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). If all of it is confusing to you, you’re not alone. This week, Tom Jones and Mary McNally join Pete Wright to break down LOAs and answer some of the most common questions we get from employers. -- | |||
| 28 Jun 2022 | The Dos and Don’ts in Record-keeping for HR | 00:26:42 | |
It’s tedious, boring, and a lot of work, but it is one of the essential components of an HR person’s job. Record-keeping. Having organized documents can make it easier to do your job as an HR professional, such as evaluating claims and verifying information. But have we mentioned it’s a lot of work? Legally, there are requirements that employers must keep accurate, up-to-date, and secure records. But who’s keeping these records? Who’s responsible? And can you find all the records and reports that you need when you need them? Our HR and legal experts are here to guide you through this daunting task. The dynamic duo of digital records, Tom Jones and Kyle Pardo, are back and they’re going to do what many have thought impossible: Make paperwork pop. -- | |||
| 12 Mar 2024 | Season 5 is coming... We have a lot to talk about | 00:01:46 | |
Turn on those podcast notifications beacuse Human Solutions is about ready to launch Season 5! | |||
| 15 Apr 2025 | Tough HR Questions • When HR Gets Personal | 00:29:40 | |
There’s a particular moment—somewhere between noticing a scent that shouldn’t be there and sitting someone down to talk about it—that HR becomes more than just policy. It becomes anthropology. This month on Human Solutions, Pete Wright sits down with Terry Cook and Tom Jones for a course in navigating the most uncomfortable corners of professional HR—body odor, domestic violence, and workplace impairment. But this isn’t just an etiquette tutorial for the brave and the nose-sensitive. This is about the human—and legal—implications of what happens when our personal lives collide with professional expectations. How do you handle body odor without turning empathy into accusation? What does it mean when you suspect domestic violence, and the person across the desk trusts you enough to say, “Yes”? And where exactly is the line between suspicion and assumption when you think an employee might be impaired? This is an episode about silence—what it costs to break it, and what it costs when we don’t. It’s about the limits of policy and the power of institutional empathy. And it’s about the people on the other end of the phone—the Terrys and Toms—who make it their job to sit with discomfort long enough to make something useful out of it. Because sometimes, the most powerful tool in your HR arsenal after a good policy is the courage to say, “Let’s talk.” Links & Notes
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| 15 Nov 2022 | Handling Layoffs | 00:21:40 | |
Meta, Salesforce, Twitter, Zillow, and Peleton are just a few of the significant companies recently making headlines for massive layoffs. Layoffs are unpleasant for everyone but can sometimes be a necessity.
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| 25 Oct 2022 | The Courage of Inclusion with John Regan and Juliette Mayers | 00:34:26 | |
What does it mean to be inclusive? A 2018 Pew Research Center report says that nearly half of post-Millennials or Gen-Zers are non-white. We know a diverse organization leads to diversity of thought and insight, but for HR pros? If you’re not thinking about diversity and inclusion in your recruiting and retention efforts, you’re missing critical talent across younger generations. Success starts with leaders at all levels and this week we’re starting at the top as we highlight what it takes to be an inclusive leader and HR’s role in the process.
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| 07 Jun 2022 | Demystifying Mindfulness | 00:23:06 | |
Mindfulness has become a workplace buzzword, but what is it? Can you learn it? How do you practice it? Jen Moff and Kathleen Worthington join Pete Wright to delve into what HR and workplaces need to know about mindfulness, its benefits, and why you should care. What is mindfulness? Jen and Kathleen each explore what it means to be in your body versus living in your head. Mindfulness is an experience of being, versus doing, living and working curiously. If you’re having trouble wrapping your head around the concept, listen on because the data is in: the benefits of mindfulness in the organization is compelling to be sure. Whether you’re looking for a personal mindfulness practice or a way to further establish a culture of mindfulness across your organization, Jen and Kathleen have just the right guidance for you and your HR office! -- | |||
| 11 Oct 2022 | Is Your Company Ready for Pay Transparency? | 00:21:20 | |
Pay transparency is growing in popularity amongst employers and employees. For some states, it has become a legal requirement. But what exactly is pay transparency? What do you need to know? Kyle Pardo of AIM HR Solutions and Sam Larson of Associated Industries of Massachusetts join Pete Wright to look into the crystal ball at the future of pay transparency to share what is happening — and what could happen at the state and federal levels. We’ll also share some ways companies are already practicing pay transparency, how your company can get started, and the HR benefits it could bring your organization. -- | |||
| 09 Apr 2024 | Exploring Workplace Coaching with Scott Loomer and Jen Moff | 00:28:34 | |
What do you know about coaching? If you’ve never taken part in a coaching relationship, you just might be carrying around some assumptions based more on myth than reality, and today, we’re going to help you see the light. It’s an often-misunderstood practice that can help high-potential employees mature in your organization and seasoned pros through big career transitions. To help us better understand the real power of coaching, Pete Wright is sitting down with Jen Moff VP, Learning and Development at AIM HR Solutions, and Scott Loomer, Director of HR Services at AIM. So lace up — and let’s get in the game.
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| 07 May 2024 | HR's Juggling Act in Manufacturing: Recruitment, Training, and Retention | 00:32:39 | |
In this episode of Human Solutions, Pete Wright sits down with two seasoned HR professionals—Lucille Ward from Package Steel Systems and Terry Cook from AIM HR Solutions—to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in human resources for the manufacturing industry. As manufacturing faces a shortage of skilled workers, companies are struggling to find the right talent to fill positions like machinists, welders, electricians, and maintenance personnel. Lucille and Terry dive into the reasons behind this skills gap, including shifts in vocational education and societal pressures pushing students towards four-year degrees. However, as college costs soar and the value of certain degrees comes into question, there may be a pendulum swing back towards vocational training. Lucille shares her company's innovative strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining employees, such as partnering with local organizations, offering on-the-job training, and investing in employee education. The conversation also delves into the importance of workplace culture, particularly the differences between office and factory floor environments. Lucille candidly discusses the daily challenges of managing diverse teams, implementing HR systems, and keeping employees engaged and motivated. Throughout the episode, Pete, Terry, and Lucille explore the evolving landscape of HR in manufacturing, offering insights, anecdotes, and practical advice for companies looking to attract and retain top talent in a competitive industry. Tune in to learn more about the creative solutions and strategies being employed by these HR leaders on the front lines of the manufacturing sector. -- | |||
| 05 Dec 2023 | AI & the Future of HR | 00:39:17 | |
One year ago, as we recorded this conversation, a chatbot named ChatGPT debuted and shook our technological assumptions. Developed by OpenAI, the artificial intelligence tool ignited debate on the future of work, creativity, and what it means to be human. But the story of AI stretches far beyond any single innovation. As companies race to harness AI, what legal realities must they confront? How do these powerful tools reshape the employer-employee relationship? And in automating tasks once reserved for humans, what deeper human values are at stake? Today, we explore this unfolding narrative, guided by employment lawyer Bryn Goodman, partner at Fox Rothschild, and our own Terry Cook. Together, they’re going to help us separate AI fact from fiction with insights gleaned from businesses on the frontlines of adoption. Make no mistake: there are human impacts—both promising and perilous—of entrusting technology with more of our working lives. However uncertain the path ahead, one thing is clear: the tools changing work are here. How leaders engage them now will shape the future. So let's rethink some assumptions assumptions, weigh risks, and see if we can move thoughtfully into the AI era. Links & Notes -- | |||
| 04 Apr 2023 | An HR Professional's Guide to Dress Code Policies that Work | 00:22:33 | |
Are you tired of feeling like the fashion police when it comes to enforcing a dress code in your workplace? As an HR professional, you know that dress code policies are essential to maintain a professional and safe workplace. But it's not always easy to balance compliance with laws and regulations, individual expression, and organizational image. Terry Cook and Sarah Piscatelli join Pete Wright to share the tools of a smart, safe, and inclusive dress code policy for your organization. From understanding the legal implications of dress codes to navigating tricky situations like religious exemptions and race discrimination, our experts, Terry Cook and Sarah Piscatelli, will share their knowledge and experience. So, get ready to put your best foot forward and tune in to this episode for a dose of fun, informative, and creative insights that will make dress code policies a breeze in your workplace. -- | |||
| 18 Apr 2023 | From Bottles to Boardrooms: Navigating the Pump Act for Pregnant Workers | 00:17:31 | |
Are you a working parent expecting a baby? Or are you an HR professional looking to support pregnant and nursing employees? Regardless, you'll want to tune in to this episode of Human Solutions. Pete Wright hosts experts Kyle Pardo and Tom Jones from AIM HR Solutions as they discuss everything from legal requirements for employers to mental health support for pregnant workers. We'll explore the PUMP Act, a new law expanding the 2010 break time law for nursing mothers in the workplace. We'll navigate the ins and outs of the legislation and learn how HR professionals can ensure they stay up to date on relevant laws and regulations related to pregnancy and the workplace. But we won't stop there. We'll also explore pregnancy discrimination and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Whether you're a working parent, an HR professional, or just curious about this important topic, you won’t want to miss this episode. Links & Notes
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| 17 Oct 2023 | Crafting a Modern Employee Handbook: Tips to Stay Current and Effective | 00:28:41 | |
Today, we're turning the pages on employee handbooks, those essential guides that can make or break workplace understanding. And who better to navigate this realm with us than experts from the forefront of HR Solutions? Kyle Pardo and Sarah Piscatelli join Pete Wright to analyze standout examples of practical handbooks and those that missed their mark. Together, they explore the trend of handbooks moving away from dense legal terminology towards clear, accessible language, aiming for clarity and simplicity akin to a well-crafted document. They’ll navigate through the complexities of today's workplace dynamics, learning to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your handbook remains timely and relevant. Plus, they offer insights into the latest policy updates from AIM HR Solutions. Join us for a thoughtful and insightful journey into the nuances of employee handbooks. Links & Notes
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| 16 Apr 2024 | The Complicated Reality of Workplace Wellness Programs | 00:28:29 | |
This week, Pete Wright digs into the complex and sometimes contradictory world of workplace wellness programs with guest Jen Moff, VP of Learning Development at AIM HR Solutions. Pete and Jen examine a controversial study from an Oxford researcher who found that, with the exception of volunteer work, most workplace wellness initiatives provide little to no benefit for employees' wellbeing. The study suggests companies should instead focus on core practices like schedules, pay, and performance reviews. Who are these programs really serving? How can companies authentically embody the values behind their wellness offerings? And is it possible to build an impactful program that employees will actually engage with? The study, and this episode, challenges assumptions about the role and efficacy of workplace wellness programs. It also offers more questions than answers, but a frank discussion is key for any HR professional grappling with these complex issues themselves. Links & Notes
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| 20 Sep 2022 | Savvy Social Media and the HR Professional | 00:20:16 | |
Social Media. You might not personally be an Insta-influencer or TikTok star, but there’s an increasingly good chance that your employees are. How does their activity in their private lives impact what they do at work, and how does your organization’s social media policy guide your most public participants? This week, Terry Cook, our Senior Vice President of Employer Services, and Tom Jones, our very own attorney specializing in labor and employment matters, join Pete Wright to share what you can do to support and guide your team’s best influencers.
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| 13 Sep 2022 | The Dos & Don'ts of ADA Accommodations | 00:22:14 | |
The Americans with Disabilities Act is one of the more complex and challenging laws employers are navigating. What is the scope of the ADA? What do qualified accommodations look like at work? What might make for an accommodation that is declined? But most important, as an HR professional, what is your responsibility to guide the team in looking for ADA violations, all toward creating a safe place for all employees? Terry Cook, our Senior Vice President of Employer Services, and Tom Jones, our very own attorney specializing in labor and employment matters, join Pete Wright this week to share what you need to know about ADA. -- | |||
| 26 Sep 2023 | Season 4 is Around the Corner! | 00:01:31 | |
The whole crew is back for a new of Human Solutions coming Next Week! | |||
| 06 Dec 2022 | The Evolving Workplace Post-Pandemic: Workplace Ergonomics | 00:22:31 | |
The push toward remote work has accellerated considerably since the pandemic's start. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people primarily working from tripled between 2019 and 2021. In this episode, Mark Millett, Director of HR from AIM Mutual Insurance Companies, and Kyle Pardo, EVP of AIM HR Solutions, join Pete Wright to uncover how the workplace has transformed post-COVID, and why the ergonomics of your remote workers should be top of mind. Check out LinkedIn's Hybrid Office Space. -- | |||
| 06 Sep 2022 | Season Two: Coming Soon | 00:01:24 | |
New topics and new voices are coming to season two of Human Solutions: your HR podcast for people who love HR. Warm up your ear buds starting September 13, 2022! We've been busy recording our new season and we’re thrilled to announce we'll be coming back next week — September 13, 2022. And we have a lot for you to chew on this coming season. How is your organization navigating the Americans with Disabilities Act? What's your position on pay transparency? Have you documented your policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion? And, who's on TikTok in your company... and should you care about what they're saying? Our roster of experts is growing to weigh in on these questions and more as we wade into our fall season of the show. Thank you to everyone who has subscribed — we couldn't do this without you. And, while I'm at it, today would be a great day to share the show with an HR friend or colleague. It is the very best way you can support what we're doing on this show. And with that, we'll be back next week right here on Human Solutions: Simplifying HR for People who Love HR. | |||
| 23 Apr 2024 | Workforce Training Grants to Level Up Your Training & Development | 00:22:05 | |
Are you making use of all the development resources available to your organization? Based on the questions we get from our members, the answer is probably “no.” Today, we’re going to give you a new direction for workforce training just for our local Massachusetts member companies. Rob Duncan is the Director of the Workforce Training Fund Programs at Commonwealth Corporation, and Jen Moff is Vice President of Learning and Development at AIM HR Solutions. They join Pete Wright this week to help us all understand how to take advantage of Massachusetts grants and how you can level up your corporate training initiatives as a result.
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| 26 Mar 2024 | Fueling DEI in Your Organization with Karen Wallace | 00:29:49 | |
In the rich tapestry of today's workforce, the threads of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are not just woven in; they're becoming the very fabric of organizational culture. It's a bold experiment that promises to reshape the corporate landscape, but what does it really take to dye these threads into the cloth of our companies? Imagine a workplace where the mosaic of its people's backgrounds isn't just celebrated on special occasions but is the cornerstone of every policy, every team, every decision. We're venturing beyond the buzzwords and diving into the marrow of what DEI truly means for the heartbeat of a company. In the wake of seismic shifts such as the latest Supreme Court decisions, we'll probe into the tectonic impacts on recruitment, internships, and mentorships—confront the myths and misconceptions that cloud the DEI landscape—as we bring the truth into sharp relief. And who better to guide us on this exploration than Karen Wallace, Executive Vice President of Economic Inclusion at AIM? Karen stands at the vanguard of championing inclusive growth and understanding the economic imperatives of DEI and she sits down to share her perspectives with Pete Wright this week.
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| 20 Jun 2023 | Rebroadcast • The Dos and Don’ts in Record-keeping for HR | 00:27:24 | |
It’s tedious, boring, and a lot of work, but it is one of the essential components of an HR person’s job. Record-keeping. Having organized documents can make it easier to do your job as an HR professional, such as evaluating claims and verifying information. But have we mentioned it’s a lot of work? Legally, there are requirements that employers must keep accurate, up-to-date, and secure records. But who’s keeping these records? Who’s responsible? And can you find all the records and reports that you need when you need them? Our HR and legal experts are here to guide you through this daunting task. In this week’s rebroadcast, the dynamic duo of digital records, Tom Jones and Kyle Pardo, are back and they’re going to do what many have thought impossible: Make paperwork pop. -- | |||
| 18 Mar 2025 | Tough HR Questions • Bereavement Leave, Fake Doctor’s Notes, and Workplace Recordings | 00:30:40 | |
Think about trust. Trust is the invisible currency of the workplace. It’s the unspoken agreement between employer and employee that we’ll act in good faith, that we’re all playing by the same rules. But what happens when that trust is tested? Imagine this: An employee requests bereavement leave, but the employer isn’t sure if the request is genuine. Can they ask for an obituary as proof? Or picture this—an employee hands in a doctor’s note that just doesn’t seem right. Can an employer challenge it? And then there’s the secret recording: a conversation captured without consent, used as evidence in court. In Massachusetts, a two-party consent state, how does that even happen? These are not hypothetical situations. These are real, messy, and sometimes uncomfortable questions that employers face every day. And today, we’re unpacking them. Joining Pete Wright this week are Tom Jones and Terry Cook from AIM HR Solutions. They spend their days in the trenches of workplace policy, helping employers navigate the gray areas of HR with clarity and confidence. In this episode, we’ll explore how businesses can balance compliance, fairness, and trust in the workplace. From bereavement policies to questionable doctor’s notes to the new realities of workplace surveillance, we’re diving into the tough questions—and the answers you need to know. AIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277 or helpline@aimnet.org for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours. Links & Notes
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| 27 Sep 2022 | Managing Stress and Heading Off Burnout with Jen Moff | 00:26:42 | |
Jen Moff, AIM HR VP of Learning & Development, joins Pete Wright to talk about the evolution of mental health in the workplace, the changing expectations of employers and employees about stress at work, and why strengthening the mind muscle might just be next on your exercise plan. If you’re an HR manager, learning how burnout manifests across your organization is a key skill. But what happens if you spot it? What is your responsibility to help the organization heal, and to help team members see burnout in themselves? Learn the tools and techniques to spot burnout and help your teams manage stress for a healthy, thriving organization! -- | |||
| 31 Oct 2023 | Workers' Comp Unpacked: Navigating Injuries, Communication, and Compliance | 00:28:36 | |
We’re jumping into the world of workers' compensation. We start with an introduction to the topic, emphasizing the role of businesses and HR professionals. As we navigate workers’ compensation, Pete Wright will be joined by Dan Ilnicky of A.I.M. Mutual, an expert in workers' comp, and our in-house HR specialist, Lori Bourgoin. Together, they will provide insights into the initial steps post-injury, the nuances of communicating with employees on workers' comp—including those with legal representation, and the pivotal laws that shape these processes. We'll also discuss the challenges and considerations of reintegrating employees post-injury. Wrapping up, we underscore the importance of proactive management and the value of clear communication and compliance.
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