Category: HR Stories Podcast

Welcome to the HR Stories Podcast! Our Storytellers – John Thalheimer and Chuck Simikian founded HR Stories Podcast to help Human Resource Professionals and Business Owners learn the best practices of human resources management. Both are successful entrepreneurs who help businesses through human resources consulting, training, and coaching leaders. In the last year, they have coached and trained thousands of HR Professionals as, Business Owners, and Leaders to prepare them for the future.

When the Coronavirus stopped America, John and Chuck wanted to share their knowledge. They realized that the stories they shared in their seminars were the perfect vehicle to teach the principles of human resources management. In short, there is a lesson in every story. John is the Founding Director of True Star Leadership™, which focuses on helping managers and leaders learn the principles of performance management. Chuck is the Founding Partner of Alliance HR Partners, which provides human resources consulting and training to businesses across the country. Together they have over 40 years navigating the challenges of human resources.

Testing the limits: when Honest Belief meets Workplace Reality.

An employee gets drug tested and the test comes back positive. Seems like an easy call to make… or so you think. This was the predicament that an Airgas employee found himself in after using hemp products during his cancer treatments. After trying to plead his case, that he had not been doing drugs, Airgas terminated him, claiming it was their honest belief that it was the right decision based on their information. The story may have ended there if it weren’t for a plot twist that drives home the importance of documentation and proper investigation. Stay tuned to the end to hear how a company doing what they think is right can sometimes not be enough and how to avoid putting yourself and your company through the same difficulty. In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:Non-profit HR Challenges: upcoming webinarSabbaticals – the new/old perkTechnology fail – when computers make empty promisesUnionized NCAA teamsResume name discriminationSupport the showThe Ultimate Book of HR Checklists – Getting HR Right: Your Step-by-Step Reference for Avoiding Costly Mistakes. Go to HRChecklists.com (On sale – take $100 off …only $79 ) Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don’t forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

Listener Q&A – We Answer Your Questions: Got a policy for your policies?

Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today’s episode goes into these questions:Is there a type of policy an organization should have that shows the process of suggesting new ideas or policies?Our company is being bought out and there is a new perfect attendance policy. This feels like it will disproportionately impact working parents. Is this legal? How should I address concerns on this?What’s the next step in a sexual harassment claim where there are no evidentiary findings?BONUS QUESTION: Does anyone have a template for an agreement during an interview process stating that the work is used for recruiting purposes only and the company will not use it for other purposes?Support the showThe Ultimate Book of HR Checklists – Getting HR Right: Your Step-by-Step Reference for Avoiding Costly Mistakes. Go to HRChecklists.com (On sale – take $100 off …only $79 ) Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don’t forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

A Pig’s Head : I am going to make him an offer he can’t refuse

This week, the team is uncovering the dark side of retaliation in the workplace, straight from a nightmarish case at Tosh Farms, Tennessee. A shocking number of EEOC claims involve retaliation. Listen in to hear the spine-chilling tactics used against employees and the impact on company reputation and legal standing. In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:How payroll weeks impact overtime considerationsThe salary transparency laws changing the hiring landscapeAge restrictions on employee-provided housingRetaliation evidence in company text messagesSupport the showThe Ultimate Book of HR Checklists – Getting HR Right: Your Step-by-Step Reference for Avoiding Costly Mistakes. Go to HRChecklists.com (On sale – take $100 off …only $79 ) Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don’t forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

Listener Q&A – We Answer Your Questions: Vulgar Vehicles, Restricted Workloads, PTO Negotiations, and Poor Performers

Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today’s episode goes into these questions:Our handbook policy says we cannot wear anything vulgar, but we don’t have anything about vulgar bumper stickers on our personal vehicles. Can managers order individuals to cover vulgar bumper stickers on their personal vehicles?I have an HR friend who was asking me about a problem supervisor who likes to limit an employee’s workflow so that there is no work to do on a daily basis, so the employee quits. Is this a hostile work environment? And can the employer be held liable?With my last employer, I had unlimited PTO, and with another previous employer, I got 5 weeks off a year. I was laid off and looking for work, and this company I got an offer from offers 2 weeks of PTO and 1 week of sick leave we can use for whatever, so technically, 3 weeks of PTO. Can/should I ask for an additional week of PTO or not bother? It’s accrued PTO based on years of service.When should a New Leader terminate poor performers – the ones who won’t fit with the desired culture, don’t deliver the desired results, or can’t adjust to the required changes in the business? My concern is someone else should move on those people before the new leader starts in his/her new role, so it doesn’t look like you moved on people before giving them a chance.Support the showThe Ultimate Book of HR Checklists – Getting HR Right: Your Step-by-Step Reference for Avoiding Costly Mistakes. Go to HRChecklists.com (On sale – take $100 off …only $79 ) Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don’t forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

What You Missed – Policy and Law Updates You Can’t Afford to Miss

Join Chuck and John in this special episode where they replay their webinar they hold quarterly, updating HR professionals in all of the major industry law and regulation updates YOU CAN’T MISS! Stick around to the end for a special announcementFrom reviewing the big game changer policies of 2023 such as the I-9 changes, the PUMP Act, and religious accommodations, to talking about the most recent updates to minimum wage, Joint Employer Rule from NLRB, and DOL’s final rule on Independent Contractors, this episode is jam packed with the details your business can’t afford to lose sight of. The team will also take a look ahead and think on what may be coming down the road.Support the showThe Ultimate Book of HR Checklists – Getting HR Right: Your Step-by-Step Reference for Avoiding Costly Mistakes. Go to HRChecklists.com (On sale – take $100 off …only $79 ) Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don’t forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

Exposed and Ignored: The Battle for Mother’s Rights Under the Golden Arches

In this week’s episode, we delve into the critical yet often overlooked aspects of the PUMP Act, through the lens of two compelling stories from nursing mothers at McDonald’s. Discover what happens when workplace policies fail to support nursing employees, and the crucial lessons HR can learn from these real-life experiences. We’ll explore the importance of the PUMP Act for HR professionals, offering key insights into how to effectively implement and adhere to its guidelines. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for all employees.Hear the challenges these women faced, the response from their employer, and the broader implications for businesses everywhere. This episode is a wake-up call for HR professionals to prioritize and enhance accommodations for nursing mothers.Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to champion positive change in your organization. Let’s make the workplace a better place for nursing mothers together. Support the showThe Ultimate Book of HR Checklists – Getting HR Right: Your Step-by-Step Reference for Avoiding Costly Mistakes. Go to HRChecklists.com (On sale – take $100 off …only $79 ) Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don’t forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

Listener Q&A – We Answer Your Questions! A Verbal Assault and a Disability Defense

Welcome to another Listener Q&A with The Team at HR Stories! Today’s episode goes into these questions:We’re having trouble with a background check on a 15 year old intern. Is this even required?An employee verbally assaulted a new employee and she claims her autoimmune disease causes her to not think clearly and not act herself. What do you do in this situation?Are we legally required to provide medical benefits to our paid interns whose assignment is shorter than 3 months?Support the showThe Ultimate Book of HR Checklists – Getting HR Right: Your Step-by-Step Reference for Avoiding Costly Mistakes. Go to HRChecklists.com (On sale – take $100 off …only $79 ) Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don’t forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

We Don’t Know What We Don’t Know

Dive deep as we peel back the corporate curtain, revealing the shocking disconnect between leaders’ expectations and the harsh realities faced by employees. From unpaid overtime at Garnett News Company to deadly safety oversights, discover how policies fail in the face of middle management decisions and workplace culture.Are extensive policies enough when employees suffer and laws are ignored? Join us as we explore the crucial steps needed to bridge the gap, transform organizational culture, and truly protect our workforce. This episode is a wake-up call to all leaders and HR professionals: it’s time to step into the shoes of your employees. Will you rise to the challenge?In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:A shift in technical college and apprenticeship focusHiring W2 employees as contract employeesSupport the showThe Ultimate Book of HR Checklists – Getting HR Right: Your Step-by-Step Reference for Avoiding Costly Mistakes. Go to HRChecklists.com (On sale – take $100 off …only $79 ) Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don’t forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.