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

Tuesday Mar 12, 2024

Summary
This episode’s conversation explores the topic of internal versus external hiring in small businesses. Experts from Jumpstart HR and the Fit Small Business team discuss the key differences between the two methods, including the impact on cost, time efficiency, employee morale, retention rates, and diversity of skill sets. They also provide a five-step framework to determine whether to fill a role with an internal hire or an external hire, which includes assessing current skills and gaps, identifying growth and development opportunities, conducting a cost benefit analysis, considering cultural fit and adaptability, and evaluating long-term impact and strategic alignment.
Takeaways
Internal and external recruitment methods have different impacts on cost, time efficiency, employee morale, retention rates, and diversity of skill sets.
A five-step framework can help small businesses determine whether to fill a role with an internal hire or an external hire: assess current skills and gaps, identify growth and development opportunities, conduct a cost benefit analysis, consider cultural fit and adaptability, and evaluate long-term impact and strategic alignment.
Communication, performance reviews, and feedback are important in assessing current skills, identifying growth opportunities, and promoting internal candidates.
Cost considerations include compensation, benefits, and potential expenses for external hiring, while internal hiring may involve salary adjustments and filling previous positions.
Cultural fit and adaptability should be considered when deciding between internal and external candidates, as well as the long-term impact and alignment with business goals.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:23 Key differences between internal and external recruitment methods
06:00 Cost implications of internal versus external hiring
08:46 Time efficiency of internal and external recruitment methods
14:16 Effect of internal and external recruitment on employee morale and retention
16:31 Impact of internal and external candidate recruiting strategies on diversity of skill sets
21:57 Step 1: Assessment
24:30 Step 2: Identifying
28:04 Step 3: Costs
31:24 Step 4: Culture
31:54 Step 5: Long-term impact and strategic alignment
 
To learn more about Internal vs External Hiring, visit @FitSmallBusiness’s Helpful Guide: https://fitsmallbusiness.com/internal-vs-external-recruiting
 
To subscribe to Fit Small Business, visit: https://link.fitsmallbusiness.com/join/65m/hr-social-signup
 
To work with Jumpstart HR’s team of HR professionals, visit our website: www.jumpstart-hr.com

Friday Mar 08, 2024

SummaryIn this episode, Joey Price and Sommer Ketron discuss New York City’s AI bias law and the challenges it faces in terms of enforcement and compliance. They also evaluate the use of numerical ratings in performance reviews, highlighting the pros and cons of this approach. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clear communication in performance management and offers assistance in developing effective performance rating systems.
TakeawaysNew York City’s AI bias law, which requires employers to audit automated employment decision tools for potential bias, has faced challenges in terms of compliance and enforcement.The law’s narrow scope and lack of awareness among employers contribute to low compliance rates.Numerical ratings in performance reviews provide clarity and a means of quantifying performance, but they can also be subjective and demotivating.Alternative approaches to performance reviews that focus on feedback and improvement without assigning numerical scores may be more effective.Clear communication and evaluation of performance rating systems are crucial for successful performance management.
Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Overview01:54 - Discussion of New York City’s AI Bias Law03:55 - Challenges and Non-Compliance with the Law08:30 - Enforcement and Compliance Issues15:10 - Numerical Ratings in Performance Reviews and Pros and Cons of Numerical Ratings20:00 - Clarity and Subjectivity of Numerical Ratings26:01 - Alternative Approaches to Performance Reviews28:00 - Importance of Communication in Performance Management28:27 - Assistance with Performance Rating Systems30:07 - Conclusion

Tuesday Mar 05, 2024

Summary
In this episode, Joey Price and Sommer Ketron discuss the traits of a great leader and how to compare oneself against those traits. Also exploring what to do when an employee’s job changes and they are no longer happy about it. The conversation emphasizes the importance of hiring for fit, prioritizing attitude over aptitude, and motivating employees to be engaged. Also discussing the Gallup poll that suggests only 10% of people in management positions have the talent to lead, highlighting the need for coaching and support. In the Consultant’s Corner segment, they provide insights on how to handle job changes and address employee dissatisfaction.
 
Takeaways
Hiring for fit is crucial to ensure employees align with the position and the company’s culture.
Great leaders prioritize attitude over aptitude, focusing on employees’ willingness to learn and grow.
Motivation and employee engagement are key to inspiring employees to perform at their best.
Coaching and support are essential for developing management skills and bridging skill or will gaps.
Handling job changes requires open communication, understanding employee concerns, and managing expectations.
 
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:16 - Article: Are You a Great Leader or an Average Leader?
04:48 - Hiring for Fit
07:20 - Attitude vs. Aptitude
10:37 - Motivation and Employee Engagement
13:14 - Management Ability and Coaching
16:13 - Consultant’s Corner: Handling Job Changes

Friday Mar 01, 2024

Summary
In this episode, Joey Price and Sommer Ketron discuss the challenges that HR professionals face and how candidates are using AI to cheat the recruiting process. Exploring top concerns keeping HR executives up at night, including navigating HR budgets and managing hybrid remote workplaces. And discussing the shift in focus from recruitment and retention to building company culture and learning development. The importance of employee engagement and people analytics is highlighted, along with practical tips for job seekers and hiring managers to adapt to the use of AI in the hiring process.
 
Takeaways
HR executives are concerned about navigating HR budgets, managing hybrid remote workplaces, recruitment and retention, employee engagement, and people analytics.
Candidates are using AI tools to craft resumes and cover letters, making it difficult for hiring managers to identify qualified candidates on paper.
Hiring managers should familiarize themselves with AI tools and look for indicators of AI-generated content, such as language and sentence structure.
To adapt to the use of AI in the hiring process, hiring managers can prioritize in-depth references, work samples, skill demonstrations, and assessments.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
02:23 - What’s Keeping HR Up at Night
03:49 - Navigating HR Budgets and Managing Hybrid Remote Workplaces
04:55 - Shift in Focus: Recruitment and Retention
06:42 - Importance of Employee Engagement
09:23 - The Significance of People Analytics
12:57 - Consultants Corner
13:19 - Candidates Using AI to Cheat the Recruiting Process
16:04 - Advice for Job Seekers and Hiring Managers
23:22 - Using One-Way Video Interviews
26:16 - Conclusion

Wednesday Feb 28, 2024

Summary
In this episode, Joey Price and Sommer Ketron discuss two topics: PTO trends and what to do when an employee is in jail. Exploring the trends and challenges of unlimited PTO, including the low percentage of employers offering it and the barriers to its implementation. While also providing insights and advice on how to handle the situation when an employee is in jail, emphasizing the importance of understanding legal requirements and considering options such as leave of absence or termination.
 
Takeaways
Unlimited PTO is still not widely adopted by employers, with only around 9% offering it.
Barriers to unlimited PTO include heavy workloads, inadequate staffing, and lack of leadership support.
The adoption of unlimited PTO is relatively new, and it may become more common as companies compete for talent.
When an employee is in jail, employers should understand their legal requirements and consider options such as leave of absence or termination.
 
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
02:00 - PTO Trends\
11:09 - Adoption of Unlimited PTO
12:05 - Unlimited PTO hurdles
15:08 - Consultant’s Corner: Employee in Jail
23:16 - Legal Requirements and Options
25:36 - Follow-up Questions
28:09 - Conclusion

Thursday Feb 15, 2024

Summary
In this episode, Joey, with guests Bill Banham and Christopher Bjorling from the People and Performance Podcast, is here to provide insights while covering various topics related to current trends in the world of work. They discuss impactful changes, such as the shift to remote work and the rapid advancement of technology. Exploring the long-term viability and impact of remote work on organizational culture, while also highlighting the use of podcasts as a strategic learning tool for HR professionals, offering insights and perspectives from industry experts. They also share success stories and impactful conversations from their very own People and Performance Podcast, which viewers interested in learning and continuing their personal and professional development can explore.
 
Takeaways
The world of work has undergone significant transformations, including the shift to remote work and the rapid advancement of technology.
Remote work has become a new norm for many organizations, and its long-term viability and impact on organizational culture depend on leadership and individual preferences.
Podcasts can be a valuable tool for HR professionals to stay up to date on industry trends and continuously learn. They provide bite-sized insights and perspectives from industry experts.
Success stories and impactful conversations on podcasts can inspire and provide valuable insights for HR professionals.
Continuous learning and staying adaptable are crucial in the ever-evolving world of work.
 
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Guest Bios
03:06 - Impactful Changes in the World of Work
08:05 - Rapid Advancement of Technology and its Impact on the Workplace
12:31 - Long-Term Viability and Impact of Remote Work
18:07 - Addressing Work-Life Balance in Remote Settings
23:09 - Podcasts as a Strategic Learning Tool for HR Professionals
29:11 - Success Stories and Impactful Conversations on the Podcast
35:45 - Conclusion

Tuesday Feb 06, 2024

Summary
In this episode, Joey and Sommer discuss two topics that are often considered taboo in business: religious inclusion at work and addressing negative employee sentiment. They explore the complexities of religious inclusion, the importance of cultural sensitivity, and the legal protections for religious accommodations. They also provide insights on how to handle employee grievances and foster a positive work environment.
Takeaways
Religious inclusion at work is becoming more important as employees seek to bring their whole selves to the workplace. Companies should create policies and practices that accommodate religious observances and foster a culture of inclusivity.
Legal protections exist for employees’ religious freedoms, and employers must make reasonable accommodations unless it causes undue hardship to the business.
Addressing negative employee sentiment requires open and honest communication. Employers should conduct one-on-one interviews to understand the root causes of dissatisfaction and work towards resolving them.
Consulting with HR professionals can provide guidance and support in navigating complex issues related to religious inclusion and employee grievances.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:20 Religious Inclusion at Work
03:43 Shifting Culture and Expression of Self
05:23 Cultural Sensitivity and Religious Observances
10:00 Legal Protection and Religious Accommodations
19:18 Investigating Employee Grievances
24:26 Consultant’s Corner: Addressing Negative Employee Sentiment
 

Friday Feb 02, 2024

Summary
In this episode of While We Were Working, Joey and Sommer discuss the new independent contractor rule and the factors of the economic realities test. Emphasizing the importance of understanding the new law and its implications for businesses. They also discuss when businesses should start thinking about HR and the benefits of having HR support from the beginning. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for people leaders and small business owners.
 
Takeaways
The new independent contractor rule is an important HR issue that businesses need to pay attention to.
The economic realities test consists of six factors that determine whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee.
Businesses should start thinking about HR from the beginning and seek HR support to avoid making costly mistakes.
Understanding the new law and its implications is crucial for businesses to ensure compliance and protect workers’ rights.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:12 Setting up the While We Were Working segment
03:11 New Independent Contractor Rule
08:12 Discussion on the Factors of the Economic Realities Test
27:29 When to Start Thinking about HR in Your Business
30:42 Closing Thoughts
 
 
 

Wednesday Jan 17, 2024

Summary
In this episode, Joey and Sommer explore stay interviews' HR significance, vital for understanding employee motivations and retention. They emphasize the importance of stay interviews as a retention and recruiting strategy, highlighting the disconnect between understanding the value of retaining customers and employees. The episode covers the implementation of stay interviews and the benefits of creating a space for employees to be heard. Additionally, the conversation touches on working with international colleagues and highlights the significance of open communication and promoting cultural awareness. It concludes with the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in reaching different customers and employees in various regions.
Takeaways
Stay interviews are an effective retention and recruiting strategy.
Creating a space for employees to be heard can improve employee satisfaction and engagement.
Treating employees as valued assets is crucial for retention.
Conduct state interviews to proactively address reasons for turnover.
Consistency in messaging is important, even if it may seem repetitive.
Open communication and cultural awareness are crucial when working with international colleagues.
Collaborate cross-culturally to understand different customer and employee needs.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
02:20 - Definition of Stay Interviews
03:32 - Importance of Stay Interviews
05:17 - Implementing Stay Interviews
06:15 - Identifying At-Risk Employees
07:25 - Disconnect Between Customer and Employee Retention
10:03 - Treating Employees as Valued Assets
11:32 - Proactive Approach to Reduce Turnover
12:24 - Importance of Consistent Message
16:37 - Addressing Cultural Differences
17:57 - Promoting Cultural Awareness
18:57 - Encourage Open Communication
22:24 - Promoting Cross-Cultural Collaboration
23:55 - Conclusion
 
 

Tuesday Jan 16, 2024

Summary
This episode of ‘While We Were Working,’ Joey and Sommer delve into the world of remote jobs that prove unpopular and challenging to fill. They explore the reasons behind the unpopularity of specific work-from-home roles, shedding light on the difficulties in hiring for customer support positions. The duo also examines the concept of pet policies within organizations and the significant role pets play in employees’ lives. Practical considerations for implementing pet policies and the benefits of partnering with Jumpstart HR are also tackled in this insightful episode.
Takeaways
Some remote jobs are unpopular and difficult to fill, even in the current work-from-home trend.
The unpopularity of certain jobs may be due to factors such as limited access to personal devices and lack of clear career progression.
Employers should consider addressing challenges in hiring by reevaluating their employer brand and commitment to growth.
Implementing pet policies in organizations can improve employee experience and show support for employees’ personal lives.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Overview 01:21Discussion on Remote Jobs02:51Unpopular Jobs and Difficulty in Filling Positions04:08Reasons for Unpopularity of Work from Home Jobs07:19Challenges in Customer Support Roles08:47Addressing Challenges in Hiring09:46Adapting to Changing Needs of Workers10:58Introduction to Consultants Corner11:42Discussion on Pet Policies in Organizations12:57Importance of Pets in Employees’ Lives15:52Implementing Pet Policies in Organizations20:46Practical Considerations for Pet Policies24:11Benefits of Working with Jumpstart HR25:43Conclusion

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