The HR Lady, Podcast (Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady)

Join Wendy Sellers, "The HR Lady," and fabulous co-host JC as they dive into a controversial topic: employees getting fired for using mouse jigglers to simulate activity. In this episode, they discuss the recent firings at Wells Fargo and explore the broader implications for remote work management.

Discover the challenges and responsibilities managers face in ensuring productivity, the distinction between leaders and managers, and the importance of effective communication and collaboration. Wendy and JC also share amusing anecdotes and practical advice for small businesses navigating the complexities of modern work environments.

Don't miss out on this insightful and entertaining discussion, packed with real-life examples and valuable tips for both employees and employers.

This episode features Wendy Sellers and Kevin Wilkins who is the Founder & CEO at Trepwise to discuss Aligning People and Vision. First, they dive into explaining what a purpose-driven strategy looks like in practice and how it differs from traditional business strategies? Why? Because "hope" is not a strategy.

Then they chat about how purpose-driven strategies can and should influence the structuring and optimization of business processes? 

And finally, they discuss how a clear vision shapes the long-term success of purpose-driven strategies, and what role leadership play in sustaining this vision over time.

Connect with Kevin Wilkins, Founder & CEO at Trepwise, on LinkedIn.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/knwilkins/

Culture eats strategy for breakfast: Focusing on building a high-performance, self-accountable culture will transform your business and life.

In this enlightening podcast episode, co-hosts Wendy Sellers and JC are joined by guest Wayne Mullins, a marketing expert, the founder of Ugly Mug Marketing, and the author of Full Circle Marketing. Mullins brings to the forefront the pivotal role of workplace culture in determining an organization's success. Quoting famously that "culture eats strategy for breakfast", Mullins shares his regrets from the past where he once deemed culture as subsidiary, stating that this failing mindset can lead to the formation of a mediocre workplace environment.

Mullins highlights the silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing at its role in underscoring the necessity of fostering a healthy culture within teams despite the challenges. He also credits the younger generation as being instrumental in pushing for businesses that emphasize their employees' wellness as much as their client services.

For new team leaders aiming to nourish a beneficial team environment, Mullins shares helpful advice in the form of four decisive questions every leader must address: 'Where are we going?', 'Why does this matter?', 'What is expected of them?', and 'How and when will you measure my performance?'.

This episode serves as an insightful guide for those in managerial roles or for anyone aspiring to be an effective leader. It emphasizes the role of culture, clear vision, and employee satisfaction in carving the path to organizational success.

Connect with Wayne at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fireyourself/ 

Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn

✷ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendythehrlady/

✷ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimconnors 

This week, I present two impactful workshops at the Montana Healthcare Association's Annual Convention and Exposition, dedicated to enhancing Montana's long-term care facilities. As an HR professional with an educational and work background in healthcare administration, I am excited to share my insights and experiences - and to make a difference.

In the first workshop, "How to Attract and Retain Amazing Employees," we'll explore effective strategies for finding and keeping top talent in today's competitive market. Learn about the importance of employee training, career growth opportunities, and empathetic leadership in reducing turnover and fostering a thriving work environment.

The second workshop, "5 Ways Our Employees Drive Us Crazy and What to Do About It," addresses common workplace frustrations and provides practical solutions. Discover how to adapt your communication style, provide constructive feedback, and set boundaries to guide your team towards growth and productivity.

By the end of these sessions, attendees will be much more equipped with actionable steps to create a more engaged, productive, and positive work environment.

Let me know how I can help your association – whether it’s a large in-person conference or an online training or workshop....just maybe, we can save your sanity while learning strategies on how to attract and retain amazing employees who do not drive you crazy!

In this episode, Wendy & JC dive into the complexities of accommodating service animals in the workplace under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They discuss the legal definitions, rights, and responsibilities associated with service animals, including service dogs and miniature horses (yes seriously, but rules do apply).

Wendy and JC cover various scenarios and challenges employers might face, from handling multiple state laws to addressing the presence of emotional support animals. They emphasize the importance of confidentiality, consistency, and empathy in the accommodation process. Tune in for practical advice, legal insights, and real-world examples to ensure your workplace is compliant and inclusive.

For more information, visit the AskJan Network for free advice and resources.

• Employers' Practical Guide to Reasonable Accommodation Under the ADA
• Employers' Practical Guide to Reasonable Accommodation During the Hiring Process
• Requests for Medical Documentation and the ADA

Join Wendy Sellers, "The HR Lady" and JC as they welcome back Leslie Mizerak, executive and confidence coach, to discuss the importance of breaking down organizational silos. Leslie shares insights from her recent keynote on collaboration and how her business, Get Courageous, helps teams think differently through interactive coaching and workshops.

Discover the detrimental effects of silos on workplace communication and productivity, and learn practical strategies to foster better collaboration and leverage team strengths. Leslie emphasizes the value of understanding personality styles, conducting effective surveys, and acting on feedback to enhance team dynamics and reduce employee turnover.

https://getcourageous.com/

Welcome to this episode with Wendy Sellers, the HR Lady, and co-host JC on "How to help your team achieve peak productivity without succumbing to burnout". Special guest John Verrico, a seasoned speaker, trainer, and motivational leader, shares his insights on preventing burnout and fostering a healthy work environment.

John emphasizes the importance of trust, empowerment, accountability, and making team members feel valued. He also discusses the detrimental effects of micromanagement and the benefits of allowing employees to take risks and grow. Tune in to learn practical strategies to keep your team motivated and productive while avoiding the pitfalls of burnout.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation that could transform your leadership approach and improve your team's well-being and productivity.

Join Wendy and JC as they dive into the crucial topic of prevention in the workplace. In this episode, they are joined by David Miklas, an employment attorney from Florida, to discuss common mistakes that lead to costly lawsuits.

David shares insights on misclassifying employees as salaried, the implications of new Department of Labor salary changes, and the complexities of tip credits in the hospitality industry. He also covers the significance of accommodating requests related to disabilities, pregnancy, and religious beliefs. David explains the interactive process required by law and the potential consequences of rejecting accommodation requests without proper evaluation.

He emphasizes the importance of viewing prevention as an investment rather than a cost. Additionally, this episode addresses the vital role of training managers to prevent costly mistakes. Untrained managers can inadvertently create legal liabilities, making it essential for businesses to invest in management training and consistent HR practices.

Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with practical advice to help businesses navigate the complexities of employment law and avoid expensive lawsuits. Follow David Miklas on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-miklas-301861121/ for more valuable updates, and stay tuned for The HR Lady's upcoming 'Insider Access' membership program for affordable, direct HR guidance.

Get ready for a riveting conversation with Lane Kawaoka, an expert on personal finances and wealth creation. In this episode, he shares his personal journey from working an unsatisfying job to building a real estate empire. Lane emphasizes the importance of financial education for employees in the corporate world and why companies need to consider this when aiming for higher staff retention rates.

He also explains the difference between cashflow investing and appreciation investing, stressing that the ultimate goal is to create multiple streams of income. Lane advocates for investing in real assets, like rental properties, and maximizing passive income streams while reducing taxes.

Lane's Wealth Elevator book might just be the right resource for you. Check out his free e-course at thewealthelevator.com/turnkey, and learn how to create a successful rental property portfolio and other wealth-building strategies.

This is a must-listen episode for HR professionals, businesses and employees interested in elevating their financial status. 

Wendy and JC delve into the significance of management training. They discuss the common misconception that promoted managers inherently possess all necessary skills to be a great manager. They also explore statistics and the direct impact of management training on employee retention, productivity, and morale.

Plus, effective manager training not only reduces employee lawsuits but also ensures that managers are equipped to handle various workplace situations, from hiring to conflict resolution. 

This discussion includes practical advice for small and large businesses on implementing effective training programs and the potential pitfalls of neglecting this

Visit https://thehrlady.com/services/video-training/  and explore Wendy's extensive range of on-demand training courses designed to meet the needs of any organization.

Join the insightful conversation with Wendy Sellers and Marc Scheff, a newly certified Professional Certified Coach known for his unique transition from an artist to an award-winning creativity coach. This episode dives deep into Marc's philosophy on coaching, his heartwarming tribute to his mentors, and his innovative concept of peer coaching.

Learn about his inspiring journey, how he navigated major obstacles, including mental health challenges, and reached the pinnacle of success as a coach. Explore the intersection of failure and success, creativity, coaching, and even parenting skills too! Listen to his enlightening perspective on fostering an environment where mistakes are learning opportunities, challenging societal norms that often stifle growth.

Connect with Marc Scheff at https://www.marcscheffcoaching.com/ and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcscheff/

In this eye-opening episode of the HR Lady Podcast, host Wendy Sellers interviews Katheryne Womack, a former military intelligence officer and current digital marketing powerhouse. Having moved from military service into business, mainly digital marketing, Katheryne illuminates her unique journey while emphasizing authentic human connections even in the digital space.

The discussion revolves around key issues faced in the digital age, specifically, how to maintain our humanity and sincerity in a world dominated by keyboards and screens. Drawing on her own experiences, Katheryne unveils her uncommon approach to remote work, ensuring client and team engagement through clear language and personal interaction.

Katheryne shares how harnessing her emotional intelligence has led to significant improvements in leadership skills and personal relationships. As an expert in the field, she underscores the need for businesses transitioning to remote work to prioritize emotional intelligence, promoting personal growth and the nurturing power of human connections.

Surprisingly, the conversation moves towards more personal perspectives — exploring the importance of listening, letting go of prejudices, understanding our communication patterns, and inspiring empathy. Listeners are challenged to improve their emotional intelligence, not just for their personal growth, but to foster better relationships, particularly in a professional setting.

As the discussion progresses, Katheryne shares handy strategies on maintaining personable connections with distant coworkers while underscoring the role of emotional intelligence in these interactions. This episode also introduces listeners to the delicate art of coaching, the importance of a mutual buy-in, and how nurturing empathy and respect can contribute to a healthier work culture.

Closing with prudent advice for employers: to build strong ties not only with employees but also their families. She suggests initiating events that promote understanding and collegiality among workgroups. Regular virtual coffee breaks or happy hours could be instrumental in fostering meaningful connections. Get ready for an enlightening episode that teaches you how to enhance your emotional intelligence, fortifying your personal and professional relationships in an increasingly digital world.

Katheryne Womack 

https://www.wsiworld.com/katheryne-womack 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katheryne-w-7683b3257/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsiworld_dmv

Schedule a Call! : https://wsiworld.com/katheryne-womack

Join Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady, as she dives into the world of recruiting and talent acquisition with Thad Price, CEO of ReadySetHire by Talroo. Discover how AI and innovative platforms are transforming the hiring process for small businesses, making it more efficient and effective.

Thad shares insights on the importance of treating recruiting as a sales and marketing process, the benefits of using AI-driven tools, and practical tips for crafting compelling job postings. Learn how to balance automation with human interaction and ensure compliance in your hiring practices.

Don't miss this episode filled with expert advice on enhancing your recruitment strategy and staying competitive in today's fast-paced job market.

Wendy and JC dive deep into the critical topic of mental health care in the workplace. After sharing personal anecdotes about the struggles of dealing with stress and unexpected home issues, they shift focus to the importance of recognizing mental health as a vital component of overall health care.

Wendy discusses her recent article in HRM Outlook magazine, emphasizing the role of managers in educating employees about available benefits, such as EAPs and healthcare services. They explore the global impact of mental health issues on productivity, referencing alarming statistics and advocating for a more supportive and informed workplace culture.

The episode highlights the need for mental health training for managers, the importance of reducing stigma, and the potential benefits of open discussions about mental health resources. They also touch upon the negative effects of social media on mental well-being and the crucial role of leadership in promoting a healthy work environment.

Join Wendy and JC as they offer practical advice for small business owners, HR professionals, and managers to better support their teams and create a more empathetic and productive workplace.

Article here

https://hrmoutlook.com/empowering-managers-to-help-employees-via-benefits-education/

Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady®, is here with a big announcement alongside her co-host, JC. Wendy has just launched an exciting new membership program called Insider Access aimed at revolutionizing HR and people management for businesses of all sizes.

In this episode, Wendy explains the motivation behind Insider Access, emphasizing the need for a one-stop shop for HR training, policies, and expert advice. The program is designed to be affordable and convenient, providing short, impactful courses packed with valuable resources.

Members will benefit from live Zoom sessions twice a month, covering hot topics like non-compete issues and salary exemptions. The program also includes vetted HR policies, such as AI use in the workplace, and practical advice on performance feedback, trust building, and much more.

Wendy assures that new content and courses will be added monthly. During the seven-day free trial, participants will have full access to all resources and direct support from Wendy.

For small businesses juggling multiple roles, this program offers a practical solution to streamline HR processes and stay compliant with current laws.

Interested in learning more? Visit thehrlady.net for a seven-day free trial or to subscribe. Questions? Contact Wendy directly at wendy@thehrlady.com.

Thanks for tuning in, and don't forget to share your feedback on topics you'd like covered in the new Insider Access Membership Program!

Employee engagement remains a critical issue, with surprisingly low levels unchanged since Gallup's 2013 "State of the American Workplace" study showed only 30% of U.S. workers were fully engaged in their jobs. Today? Those numbers are eerily similar—still around 30% in the U.S. and even lower globally at 21%.

This episode delves into the root causes of disengagement, such as lack of meaningful work, inadequate communication, insufficient recognition, and poor management practices.

Join HR expert, Wendy Sellers, who specializes in management training and employee engagement, as she shares proven strategies that have significantly improved engagement levels in various organizations.

Discover how a technology firm and a healthcare provider transformed their employee engagement and retention through targeted interventions.

With a wealth of experience and numerous certifications, our expert offers comprehensive training programs focusing on effective communication, empathy, ongoing feedback, and legal compliance.

Learn how to create a vibrant, engaging, and productive workplace by visiting www.thehrlady.com.

In this episode, Wendy Sellers & JC are joined by Ania Halama to discuss the importance of employee development in retaining top talent. Ania shares her journey from corporate burnout to founding Xpansion Alchemy which focuses on holistic personal development. The discussion covers the significance of mental, physical, and spiritual wellness in the workplace and how these elements can reduce employee turnover and enhance satisfaction.

Listeners will learn about practical tools for addressing imposter syndrome, the benefits of collaboration over competition, and strategies for implementing effective wellness programs. Whether you're an employer looking to retain Gen Y/ Millennials and Gen Z employees, or someone interested in personal growth, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice.

Connect with Ania at https://xpansionalchemy.com/

Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady, and JC discuss "Signs Your Culture Rocks." These include Respect, Lack of Confusion and Stagnation, Allowing New Ideas and always finding ways for your staff to Learn More, Sticking to Your Company Values, and so much more.

Tune in to hear the 12 Signs Your Culture Rocks. Why? In 2022, a record 50.6 million US workers quit their jobs. This was the highest number recorded since 2001, and the trend continued on a smaller scale in 2023. We want to help you avoid that fate in 2024 and beyond.

PS: The day that we released this podcast, a federal judge in Texas on Tuesday barred a US Federal Trade Commission rule from taking effect that would ban employers from requiring their workers to sign non-compete agreements. So f you were preparing to comply with the FTC’s ban by the September 4th deadline, you can now put those plans on hold. It’s likely that the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals or even the Supreme Court will have the final say, but given their current makeup, the outcome probably won’t change.

Wendy and JC as they dive into the hot topic of non-compete agreements. In this episode, they discuss the latest updates from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which issued a regulation banning most non-compete agreements effective September 4, 2024.

Wendy and JC explore the implications of this rule, the ongoing litigation challenging the FTC's authority, and the potential impact on employers and employees. They also provide insights into alternatives like non-solicitation agreements and the importance of consulting legal counsel to navigate these changes.

Whether you're an employer worried about retaining talent or an employee wondering about your non-compete clause, this episode offers valuable information and practical advice. Don't miss out on this crucial discussion!

In this episode, our guest Joel Silverstone shares his journey from aspiring actor to becoming a communication expert. He emphasizes the critical importance of effective communication skills, not just in the workplace but globally. Joel explains how emotions drive our decisions and how missing emotional cues can hinder communication.

Wendy and JC share their experiences of collaborating remotely, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, flexibility, and trust.

To connect with Joel and learn more about his work, visit thisfeelsright.ca or find him on LinkedIn.

Transform the way you think about HR, management, and leadership.

In this episode, we have Joe Fournier, President and COO of Evolve Telemedicine, a national telemedicine company specializing in hormone and peptide treatments. Joe shares insights on how menopause (women) and andropause (men) impact work and leadership, and the importance of addressing these issues openly in the workplace.

Joe emphasizes the need for employers to offer flexible time off and specialized benefits to support employees going through these changes. He also highlights the importance of open discussions about aging and hormone changes among both men and women.

Don't miss this informative conversation on how to create a supportive work environment for everyone.

Welcome to The HR Lady podcast with Wendy Sellers! In this long episode (sorry), we delve into "Five Ways Our Employees Drive Us Crazy and What to Do About It." Before diving into the main topic, Wendy presents eye-opening statistics on the cost of poor leadership, highlighting productivity losses, turnover, and customer satisfaction declines.

So what are the Five Ways Our Employees Drive Us Crazy?

1 – Employees don't listen.

2 – Employees make so many mistakes. 

3 – Employees have no common sense. 

4 – Employees have an entitlement mentality. 

5 – Employees just don't care. .

Tune in for practical and realistic insights and strategies to improve your leadership and create a more harmonious workplace!

Join The HR Lady & JC as we traverse the complex world of HR law in this vital episode. Stay informed about critical recent updates in HR legal trends, regulatory changes, and how they could potentially impact your business. We shed light on various legal updates from summer 2024, from salary rules adjustments to 1099 independent contractor rules, non-competes, and updates on harassment and discrimination rules.

Discover valuable insights on how to navigate the dramatic shift in salary rules, particularly the changes in exempt salaried amount and the highly compensated executive amount modification. Learn vital tips on maintaining consistency and precaution during these transitions to evade accusations of discrimination. Understand the legal intricacies of transitioning from a salaried workforce to an hourly one.

Grasp the nuances of the FLSA's multi-factor economic reality test, important for the reclassification of people as contractors, as we navigate the updated 1099 rules. In a landscape where employers may face criminal penalties for rule violations, being well-informed can make all the difference. Join us to empower yourself and thrive in this dynamic HR environment.

Understand the six key factors in the economic reality test for independent contractors, the potential ban on non-compete clauses, and more. Get a clear view of current dilemmas around the joint employer rule, higher salary threshold for exempt employees in Texas, and revised paid sick leave laws.

Packed with crucial information, this episode serves as an effective guide for understanding and navigating through these potentially disconcerting changes, whether for your employment or business operations.

The HR Lady podcast dives into the world of human-centered leadership coaching with expert Adam Weber, who has just launched his own leadership coaching business. Discover practical guidance on navigating the challenges of leadership, from handling loneliness to transforming chaos into clarity.

Adam shares his journey from being a two-time founder to a full-time coach, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and dealing with stress in the venture world. Learn about the impact of loneliness on leaders, supported by intriguing statistics from Harvard Business Review and CEO Insights.

Explore the concept of structured approaches to chaos and how leaders can maintain focus and clarity amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the balance between agility and strategic clarity, and how coaching can serve as a crucial release valve for leaders under pressure.

Whether you're a CEO, an aspiring leader, or simply interested in leadership dynamics, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. 

https://www.adamweber.co/

To help us navigate "HR Technology Myths and Facts" we've brought in Tricia Shields, CHRO at Naviant, to share her expertise. We discuss common misconceptions such as whether HR technology replaces human roles and if it's only for large companies.

Tricia explains how technology can free up time for HR professionals and the importance of adaptability and learning in staying relevant. We also explore the cost concerns associated with HR automation and the ROI it can bring. We touch on how digital tools can enhance recruitment processes, streamline operations, and maintain the human touch in HR.

Connect with Tricia Shields, CHRO at Naviant.

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