Good Morning, HR
HR entrepreneur Mike Coffey, SPHR, SHRM-SCP hosts a podcast that engages business thought leaders on the strategic, psychological, legal, and practical aspects of bringing people together to create value. As an HR consultant and owner of Imperative—Bulletproof Background Screening, Mike shares insights on improving recruitment, selection, and people management. Episodes are eligible for HRCI and SHRM recertification credits.
Episodes
The Myths, Facts, and Business Impact of Menopause
In episode 273, Coffey talks with Karissa Pfeffer about how perimenopause and menopause quietly drive attrition among experienced women and what employers can do to recognize, support, and retain them. – HRSOUTHWEST October 11-13, 2026 –Good Morning, HR listeners can use the promo code 2026-CoffeyGMHR-100 to save $100 on an HRSouthwest full conference registration at https://hrsouthwest.c
Inclusive Recruiting Means Finding the Best Talent Available with Amie Fox
In episode 272, Coffey talks with Amie Fox about inclusive recruitment as a skills-first strategy — and why getting disability inclusion right across the hiring lifecycle unlocks better outcomes for all types of diverse talent. – HRSOUTHWEST October 11-13, 2026 – Good Morning, HR listeners can use the promo code 2026-CoffeyGMHR-100 to save $100 on an HRSouthwest full conference registrati
HR News: The Court Calls Fireflies.ai to the Stand with Mallory Herrin
In episode 271, Coffey talks with Mallory Herrin about recent workplace news stories involving AI note-takers, executive accountability, sex discrimination, and performance feedback.–HRSOUTHWEST October 11-13, 2026 –Good Morning, HR listeners can use the promo code 2026-CoffeyGMHR-100 to save $100 on an HRSouthwest full conference registration at https://hrsouthwest.com! _________________
Employer Responses to Domestic Abuse with Mollie Campbell
In episode 270, Coffey talks with Mollie Campbell about how domestic abuse silently impacts the workplace and employers’ moral and business case for addressing it. – HRSOUTHWEST October 11-13, 2026 – Good Morning, HR listeners can use the promo code 2026-CoffeyGMHR-100 to save $100 on an HRSouthwest full conference registration at https://hrsouthwest.com! _________________________________
What 11,000 Undercover Interviews Reveal About Retention with Clint Pulver
In episode 269, Coffey talks with Clint Pulver about what 11,000 undercover employee interviews revealed about why people stay, why they leave, and what separates managers who are merely tolerated from the ones employees call mentors. – HRSOUTHWEST October 11-13, 2026 – Good Morning, HR listeners can use the promo code 2026-CoffeyGMHR-100 to save $100 on an HRSouthwest full conference
Building a Conflict-Capable Organization with Jeff Lay
In episode 268, Coffey talks with Jeff Lay about what it means to build a conflict-capable organization, why artificial harmony is more dangerous than open disagreement, and how leaders can develop the skills and culture needed to handle difficult conversations before they become expensive problems. – HRSOUTHWEST October 11-13, 2026 – Good Morning, HR listeners can use the promo code 2
HR News: AI Complaints, DEI Lawsuits, and Workplace Gossip with Catherine Clifton
In episode 267, Coffey talks with Catherine Clifton about AI-generated employee grievances, another lawsuit arising from a DEI training program, a Walgreens race and age discrimination case, and a Reddit scenario involving FMLA leave and workplace gossip. They discuss the rise of AI-generated employee grievances citing nonexistent laws and containing factual errors, and how employers shou
How HR is Leading AI Transformation at a Major Tech Firm with Brandon Sammut
In episode 266, Coffey talks with Brandon Sammut about how Zapier built its AI transformation from the inside out — and what HR leaders can learn from a fully remote, AI-native company that decided people and AI strategy belong in the same hands. They discuss the evolution of the Chief People Officer role into a Chief People and AI Transformation Officer and why HR is uniquely positioned
HR’s Evolving Identity with John Singleton
In episode 265, Coffey talks with John Singleton about HR's long-standing identity crisis, the strategic skills the profession must develop to stay relevant, and how AI is reshaping both the work of HR and the way work itself gets done. They discuss HR's decades-long reputation as a bureaucratic gatekeeper — from the 1996 Fortune critique through the 2025 revisit of "Why We Hate HR" — an
Employee Wellbeing in the AI Workplace with Timothy State
In episode 264, Coffey talks with Timothy State about the science of workforce wellbeing, why middle managers are the most at-risk population right now, and how AI-powered life quality companions are transforming the way organizations understand and support thriving at scale. They discuss the five core dimensions of human wellbeing — physical and mental health, relationships, security, a
HR News: As the Labor Market Heats Up, So Does RTO and AI Slop with July HR News: Jimmy Taylor
In episode 263, Coffey talks with Jimmy Taylor about the state of return-to-office, AI's real impact on workforce participation and HR practice, and why proactive networking and skills-based hiring matter more than ever. They discuss CBRE data showing peak office utilization reaching 80% and the factors driving successful return-to-office adoption; the hidden financial costs employees b
Human Performance in an AI-Driven Workplace with Randy Anderson
In episode 262, Coffey talks with Randy Anderson about the critical differentiators for human performers in an AI-driven workplace. They discuss AI's inevitability and its impact on task elimination versus full job replacement; the enduring human advantage in relational and interpersonal transactions that AI cannot replicate; emotional intelligence as a two-sided competency — reading oth
Turning People Problems Into Process Solutions with Bernadette Jones
For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP261 In episode 261, Coffey talks with Bernadette Jones about how leaders can identify, triage, and resolve workplace issues before they escalate into legal and cultural crises. They discuss leader avoidance of
HR Fundamentals That Keep Employers Out of Court with Gerald Maatman
In episode 260 Coffey talks with Gerald Maatman Jr. about reducing employment litigation risk in an increasingly complex legal environment. They discuss the realities and limitations of at-will employment in modern workplaces; litigation avoidance strategies for business owners and HR leaders; how employers should evaluate settlement versus defense decisions; reverse discrimination and e
Meg Delp with Supporting Employee Mental Health Without Becoming a Therapist
In episode 259, Coffey talks with Meg Delp about workplace mental health, burnout prevention, and how employers can create psychologically safe cultures that support employee wellbeing and performance. They discuss the growing awareness of workplace mental health and its impact on business outcomes; generational differences in expectations around employee wellbeing and psychological safe
HR News: The Great Flattening and the AI Future of Middle Management with Blair Doran
In episode 258, Coffey talks with Blair Doran about the “Great Flattening” of middle management, AI adoption in HR, and the thawing job market's impact on employee retention. They discuss the Great Flattening and the causes of middle management cuts; the risk of losing institutional culture and coaching capacity when middle managers are eliminated; poor selection criteria for promoting i
Protecting Talent and Culture During Ownership Transitions with Elizabeth Ledoux
In episode 257, Coffey talks with Elizabeth Ledoux about talent considerations in business succession planning. They discuss why most succession plans fail because leaders ignore employee emotions and organizational culture; how owners and successors can align around a shared vision for the future of the company; the importance of involving employees early in transition conversations to
Seven Leadership Habits That Improve Employee Retention with Leslie Speas
For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP252 In episode 256, Coffey talks with Leslie Speas about developing high-retention managers who improve employee engagement, accountability, trust, and workplace culture through intentional leadership habits. T
Is Your Workplace Toxic? Here’s How to Fix It. with Teri Chilcoat
In episode 255, Coffey talks with Teri Chilcoat about navigating and recovering from toxic workplace environments while building healthier organizational cultures. They discuss defining toxic workplace dynamics beyond legal thresholds and into lived employee experience; recognizing psychological and physical symptoms of chronic workplace stress and burnout; understanding the toxic triang
HR News: “Reverse Discrimination” Claims and AI Litigation Risks with David Miklas
In episode 254, Coffey talks with David Miklas about rapidly changing employment law trends surrounding DEI programs, EEOC enforcement priorities, workplace discrimination claims, AI risks in HR investigations, and the evolving legal landscape employers face in 2026. They discuss the EEOC’s proposal to eliminate EEO-1 reporting requirements and how demographic data impacts systemic discr
Rethinking Onboarding to Increase Engagement and Reduce Turnover with Anthony Sork
In episode 253, Coffey talks with Anthony Sork about how emotional attachment during onboarding shapes employee engagement, retention, and organizational performance. They discuss the difference between employee attachment and employee engagement; how onboarding experiences create long-term emotional bonds with organizations; the role frontline managers play in employee retention and dis
Recruiting in 2026 Requires More Than “Post and Spray” with Beverly Parker
In episode 252, Coffey talks with Beverly Parker about how recruiting and talent acquisition are evolving and why relationship-based recruiting still matters. They discuss the shift from newspaper job ads, to Monster, to today’s AI-powered recruiting platforms; why “post and pray” or “post and spray” recruiting fails to attract high-quality passive candidates; how recruiters use professi
Why Most Interviews Fail And How To Fix Hiring Decisions with Jennifer Yugo
In episode 251, Coffey talks with Jennifer Yugo about why traditional interviews fail to identify top candidates and how competency-based, structured hiring improves outcomes. They discuss the ineffectiveness of unstructured interviews and reliance on intuition in hiring decisions; confirmation bias and overconfidence in manager-led candidate selection processes; building competency-base
HR News: Politics, Mental Health, and the Future of HR with Justin Dorsey
In episode 250, Coffey talks with Justin Dorsey about recent HR-related new items including navigating politics, mental health, employees’ sometimes inflated compensation expectations, and the most in-demand HR skills. They discuss managing political conversations and ideological conflict in the workplace; balancing employee expression with productivity and respectful communication; how
How To Build HR Capability Before Problems Arise with Jenay Huey
In episode 249, Coffey talks with Jenay Huey about how growing businesses should approach HR strategy, outsourcing, and internal capability building. They discuss why small businesses delay investing in HR until problems arise; misconceptions about HR as a cost center versus strategic function; differences between transactional HR tasks and long-term workforce strategy; when to hire in-h
Helping Employees Lower Student Debt Burdens with Damon Thompson
In episode 248, Coffey talks with Damon Thompson about how student loan debt impacts employees and how employers can help reduce that burden through benefits programs and federal subsidies. They discuss the history and evolution of federal student loan programs before and after the Affordable Care Act; rising college costs and lack of borrowing caps driving massive student debt growth; f
Skills-First Hiring Strategies For The AI-Enhanced Workforce with Michelle Sims
In episode 247, Coffey talks with Michelle Sims about building skills-first hiring pipelines and expanding apprenticeship models to address the early-career experience gap in the age of AI. They discuss redefining entry-level work as automation reshapes junior roles; bridging the experience gap through apprenticeships and workforce development programs; expanding access for non-degree an
People Strategy in Small and Medium Businesses with Kelly Price
In episode 246, Coffey talks with Kelly Price about building effective people strategy in small and medium-sized businesses. They discuss why small businesses often treat HR as administrative rather than strategic; hidden financial costs of poor hiring and turnover; aligning people strategy with business goals and growth plans; improving recruiting processes beyond staffing agencies; des
HR News: Can My Company Fine Me for Breaking Rules? with Patrick Richter
In episode 245, Coffey talks with Patrick Richter about news and media items from the past month, including emerging HR risks involving AI, workplace compliance, and employer liability. They discuss legal risks of AI-driven hiring tools and potential age discrimination claims; nuances of disparate impact versus disparate treatment under employment law; employer responsibilities when usin
The Kind of Leaders the AI Era Will Demand with Jason Jones
In episode 244, Coffey talks with Dr. Jason Jones about how leaders must adapt their thinking and behavior to navigate the rapid disruption caused by artificial intelligence. They discuss why AI represents a step-change disruption compared to past technology waves; growing workforce resistance and fear surrounding AI adoption in organizations; how enterprise AI systems will soon integrat
The Right Way to Use Personality Profiles with Dan Dalton
In episode 243, Coffey talks with Dan Dalton about using personality profiles to improve hiring, onboarding, team dynamics, and organizational effectiveness. They discuss the evolution of personality assessments from paper-based tools to data-driven platforms; appropriate and inappropriate uses of DISC and Predictive Index in hiring decisions; leveraging behavioral data to ask better int
Rebuilding Human Connection at Work with Lee Colan
In episode 242, Coffey talks with Lee Colan about rebuilding human connection in a technology-driven, hybrid workplace. They discuss the loneliness epidemic and its impact on employee wellbeing; differences between social isolation and emotional loneliness; remote work and the rise of frictionless digital experiences; Gallup and BetterUp data on workplace friendships and retention; the d
HR News: HR v. Employees? with Neil Katz
In episode 241, Coffey talks with Neil Katz news and media items from the past month, including who HR is “for”, managing AI agents, and mental-health-related gaps in employment. They discuss HR’s responsibility to conduct impartial workplace investigations based on evidence; the misconception that HR exists primarily as employee advocates; aligning HR strategy with revenue, margin, and
Driving Employee Engagement Through Trust and Autonomy with Yoram Solomon
In episode 240, Coffey talks with Yoram Solomon about motivating disengaged employees by building trust, increasing autonomy, and aligning intrinsic motivation with meaningful work. They discuss quiet quitting and job hugging trends in uncertain economic times; intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation using the car engine analogy; why pay and bonuses fail as long-term engagement strategies;
Solving Problems With Solutions That Actually Stick with Carrie Fabris
In episode 239, Coffey talks with Carrie Fabris about why organizations seem to revisit the same issues repeatedly and how leaders can solve them for good through better communication, alignment, and accountability. They discuss ineffective workplace communication and recurring problems; intuitive leadership versus inclusive decision-making; defining root causes instead of treating sympt
Redefining “Qualified” in the Future of Work with Joseph Fuller
In episode 238, Coffey talks with Joseph Fuller about how skills-based hiring is reshaping recruiting, workforce development, and talent strategy in the age of AI. They discuss defining skills-based hiring beyond degree proxies; redesigning recruiting and applicant tracking systems; training hiring managers to reduce bias and risk aversion; using AI, simulations, and assessments to evalu
HR News: What’s Ahead in 2026? with DeDe Church
Something New! For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP237 In episode 237, Coffey and DeDe Church discuss recent news items about how shifting economic conditions, technology, and leadership gaps are reshaping the employment landscape. They discuss
Building a Future-Ready Organization, Part 2 with Jacob Morgan
Something New! For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP236 In episode 236, the second part of a two-part conversation, Coffey continues his discussion with Jacob Morgan about building future-ready organizations by balancing empathy, performance, and
Building a Future-Ready Organization, Part 1 with Jacob Morgan
Something New! For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP235 In episode 235, the first part of a two-part conversation, Coffey talks with Jacob Morgan about building a future-ready organization by redesigning employee experience as a leadership system r
Building a Data-Driven, Strategic HR Function with Lana Eyzips
Something New! For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP234 In episode 234, Coffey talks with Lana Eyzips about building data-informed, strategic HR functions. They discuss why HR is often excluded from strategic planning; shifting HR from reactive fi
Challenges in Workplace Investigations with Amy Jacobs
Something New! For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP#233 In episode 233, Coffey talks with Amy Jacobs about evaluating and investigating unique complaints. They discuss evaluating the credibility of anonymous complaints; deciding when to investigat
HR News: Learning from the SHRM Verdict with Margarita Ramos
Something New! For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP232 In episode 232, Coffey talks with Margarita Ramos about the importance and future of the employee relations function following the $11.5 million SHRM discrimination verdict. They discuss the S
The Economic Argument for Employee Engagement with Diondra Filicetti
Something New! For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here http://goodmorninghr.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Good-Morning-HR-Episode-231-Discussion-Starter.pdf In episode 231, Coffey talks with Diondra Filicetti about the real economics of employee engagement and how leaders can
Everything is a Negotiation with Linda Swindling
Something New! For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP230 In episode 230, Coffey talks with Linda Swindling about how HR professionals can build negotiation skills, increase approachability, and advocate more effectively inside their organizations.
What to Do When OSHA Shows Up with Frank Davis and John Surma
Something New! For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP229 In episode 229, Coffey talks with Frank Davis and John Surma about navigating OSHA inspections and preventing costly workplace safety violations. They discuss how employers misunderstand OSH
From Burned Out to Healthy, High-Capacity Teams with Kelly Bubolz
Something New! For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP228In episode 228, Coffey talks with Kelly Bubolz about the evolving drivers of workplace burnout and practical ways employers can build healthy, high-capacity teams.They discuss how rapid technolo
Neurodivergence or Not: Helping Employees Be Successful with Christy Close
Something New! For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it hereIn episode 227, Coffey talks with Christy Close about how organizations can expand their talent pool by hiring and supporting neurodiverse employees.They discuss the growing number of neurodivergent individuals entering the jo
Building a Drama-Free Workplace with Pam Boyd and Bernie Beck
Something New! For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP226 In episode 226, Coffey talks with Pam Boyd and Bernie Beck about creating drama-free workplaces and eliminating wasted emotional energy from organizations. They discuss how workplace drama d
Leading People in Times of Change with Monica Lloyd
Something New!For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we’ve created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here https://goodmorninghr.com/EP225 In episode 225, Coffey talks with Monica Lloyd about navigating organizational change with transparency, stability, and human-centered strategies. They discuss how AI, workforce demographics, a
How AI is Driving the Need for Skills-Based Hiring with Leslie Thomas
In episode 224, Coffey talks with Dr. Leslie Thomas about how artificial intelligence and the speed of change are reshaping hiring and workforce development.They discuss the evolving role of AI in HR and how it is redefining job design and required skill sets; the transition from traditional degree-based hiring to skills-based approaches that emphasize measurable competencies; how psychom
Should We Hire for Character and Fit? with Mike Lyons
In episode 223, Coffey talks with Mike Lyons about why hiring for character and behavior often predicts success better than relying on experience or technical skills.They discuss how HR leaders can define and hire for the right character traits by first understanding business strategy (for example, Walmart vs. Nordstrom models); aligning hiring with authentic, observable core values; iden
Designing Leadership Programs that Work with LeAnne Lagasse
In episode 222, Coffey talks with consultant and author LeAnne Lagasse about effective leadership development initiatives and what she calls “congruent leadership.” They discuss why most leadership training programs fail to deliver ROI; the importance of reverse engineering programs from specific organizational outcomes; the significant impact of frontline managers on employee engagement
The $100K H-1B: What We Know Today with Jason Finkelman
In episode 221, Coffey talks with Jason Finkelman about the September 2025 presidential proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions and its potential impact on employers and foreign workers.They discuss the vague proclamation language creating confusion about fee applicability; the H-1B lottery process; how prevailing wage requirements are designed to prevent exploitatio
IS WFH DOA? with Ranya Nehmeh
In episode 220, Coffey talks with Ranya Nehmeh about the challenges and limitations of hybrid and remote work arrangements based on research from their new book "In Praise of the Office."They discuss how initial COVID remote work success masked long-term problems; loss of informal interactions and mentoring for newcomers; reduced collaboration and innovation; proximity bias affecting prom
Personalizing Employee Engagement with Rose Ann Garza
In episode 219, Coffey talks with Rose Ann Garza about strategies to personalize employee engagement.They discuss defining engagement as safety and appreciation rather than superficial perks; using the Great Game of Business approach to financial transparency and employee involvement; reducing turnover through cultural changes; prioritizing practical benefits over traditional perks; creat
Recruiting and Retaining Blue-Collar Skilled Workers with Ryan Englin
In episode 218, Coffey talks with Ryan Englin about recruiting and retaining skilled workers in the blue-collar trades, addressing labor shortages, and changing perceptions of trade careers.They discuss the retirement wave with 40% of tradespeople leaving in 7-10 years; barriers to entry including complex licensing requirements and limited apprenticeship slots; shifting cultural attitudes
Rethinking Work and Talent in The Age of AI with Steve Cadigan
In episode 217, Coffey talks with HRSouthwest Conference keynote speaker Steve Cadigan about the evolving nature of work.They discuss ongoing remote work debates; the evolution from hiring for skills to hiring for learning ability; the need for experimentation in remote team management; AI's role in skills analysis and internal talent mapping; building learning ecosystems between companie
Delivering Effective Feedback with Carolyn Troyan
In episode 216, Coffey talks with Carolyn Troyan about overcoming challenges in delivering effective feedback.They discuss why managers struggle with feedback and difficult conversations; building trust before challenging feedback becomes necessary; cultural differences in feedback acceptance across organizations and countries; avoiding the ineffective "feedback sandwich" approach; when t
HR News: Employee Engagement is Still Near an All-Time Low--How to Fix It with Gabriela Norton
In episode 215, Coffey talks with Gabriela Norton about employee engagement challenges, performance management approaches, and hiring process improvements based on current workplace trends and research.They discuss Gallup's mid-year survey showing low engagement and high turnover intent; psychological safety and mental health support strategies; individualized management approaches vs one
The C-Suite State of Mind with Joe Frodsham
In episode 214, Coffey talks with Joe Frodsham about CMP's fourth annual national pulse check on C-Suite mental health, wellbeing, and leadership challenges. They discuss executive mental health normalization since COVID; executive well being; clinical support and performance psychology for executives; individual vs one-size-fits-all wellness approaches; ROI metrics including career hea
What Board Members Need from HR Leaders (Business Credit) with Vianei Braun
In episode 213, Coffey talks with Vianei Braun about how HR leaders can effectively work with boards of directors. They discuss the strategic vs operational divide between board oversight and executive execution; skills needed for senior HR roles including broad industry perspective and data-driven insights; the importance of moving beyond compliance mindset to strategic partnership; exe
Are Dress Codes Really Still a Thing? with Elisa Ellis
In episode 212, Coffey talks with Elisa Ellis about dress codes, personal authenticity at work, and how employee appearance impacts business performance and career advancement.They discuss research showing dressed professionals outperform casual counterparts in negotiations; Starbucks dress code changes and employee pushback; balancing authenticity with professional standards; remote work
HR News: The Kiss Cam Takes Employee Engagement to a Whole New Level with Michelle Haugh
In episode 211, Coffey talks with Michelle Haugh about recent HR-related news stories related to workplace romances, family members intervening in the workplace, and declining employee engagement.They discuss the Astronomer.io CEO and CPO resignation after being caught on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert; workplace relationship policies and conflict of interest considerations; family memb
An Economist’s View of the Labor Market with Richard Froeschle
In episode 210, Coffey talks with economist Richard Froeschle about the US economy and how generational demographics are affecting the labor force.They discuss the impact of tariff-related economic uncertainty on the labor market; challenges in the quality of federal statistical data; AI’s impact on entry-level positions and experienced workers; generational workforce composition; rising
Crafting Your Employer Brand from Job Posting to Exit Interview with Mallory Herrin
In episode 209, Coffey talks with Mallory Herrin about how experiences throughout the employment lifecycle affect employers’ brands.They discuss how recruiting has changed with shifting employee expectations across generations and labor market scarcity; the definition of employer brand; common recruiting mistakes that impact brand perception; the importance of organized onboarding; strate
Keeping Up With Independent Contractor Definitions Under Trump 2.0 with David Miklas
In episode 208, Coffey talks with David Miklas about the Department of Labor's evolving definitions and interpretations of independent contractor classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act. They discuss why DOL interpretations matter for FLSA compliance and overtime requirements; the shift from Biden administration's six-factor economic reality test back to Trump administration's
Helping Employees Navigate the Medicare Maze with Nicole Morgan
In episode 207, Coffey talks with Nicole Morgan about what HR professionals need to know about Medicare to help employees navigate the transition from employer-provided health insurance to Medicare coverage. They discuss the four main parts of Medicare (A, B, C, and D) and how they work together; the differences between Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and traditional Medicare with suppl
HR News: DEI Litigation, PTO Flexibility, and AI opportunities with Jill Koob
In episode 206, Coffey talks with Jill Koob about the Supreme Court decision on “reverse discrimination,” PTO policy trends, and AI adoption in the workplace. They discuss the Supreme Court's unanimous decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services eliminating different standards for "reverse discrimination" cases; how Title VII protects all individuals equally regardless of majori
Tapping Into the Global Talent Pool with Susan Snipes
In episode 205, Coffey talks with Susan Snipes about challenges and strategies for hiring international talent, particularly through employer of record arrangements. They discuss the primary drivers for seeking international talent including cost savings and talent shortages; compliance hurdles around employee classification and local employment laws; the role of employers of record vers
Using Sponsorship to Create Inclusive Meritocracy with Rosalind Chow
In episode 204, Coffey talks with Rosalind Chow about the distinct roles of mentorship and sponsorship in advancing careers and building more inclusive workplaces. They discuss the distinction between mentorship (which helps grow the mentee) and sponsorship (which seeks to change how others see the protege); how sponsorship functions like marketing or PR campaigns for high-potential emplo
From Awkward to Awesome: A Guide for Emerging HR Professionals with Kristi Spaethe
In episode 203, Coffey talks with Kristi Spaethe about advice for emerging HR professionals navigating their early careers. They discuss how people often stumble into HR careers; the misconception that “loving people” qualifies someone for HR work; the importance of gaining foundational knowledge before jumping into employee relations; showing up authentically while maintaining profession
HR New: Under New Court Ruling, is LGBT Harassment Now Legal? with Shannon Norris
In episode 202, Coffey talks with Shannon Norris about a federal court ruling that invalidated portions of the EEOC's 2024 harassment guidance related to sexual orientation and gender identity. They discuss Norther District of Texas Federal Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s decision in State of Texas v. EEOC; the narrow scope of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County; the EEOC’s
A People-Centered Approach to Implementing AI with Jodi Brandstetter
In episode 201, Coffey talks with Jodi Brandstetter about using “design thinking” to effectively integrate AI into HR processes. They discuss how design thinking focuses on understanding problems from both business and human perspectives; the importance of starting with one specific HR challenge when implementing AI; how AI can assist throughout each stage of the design thinking process;
Resolving Workplace Legal Disputes Through Mediation with Gary Fowler
In episode 200, Coffey talks with Gary Fowler live from the North Texas SHRM Conference about alternative dispute resolution especially mediation when a lawsuit may be involved. They discuss the distinctions between mediation and arbitration; the confidentiality protections in mediation; the difference between mediation and arbitration; preparation for effective mediation sessions; why d
"Et tu, Brute?" Embracing Modern Leadership with David McLaughlin
In episode 199, Coffey talks with David McLaughlin about evolving leadership styles and their impact on the workforce. They discuss the evolution of leadership styles from historical figures like Julius Caesar to modern executives; the contrast between transformational and transactional leadership approaches; the connection between leadership, culture, behavior, and results; the importanc
Transparency and Cost Control in Employee Healthcare Benefits with Kelley Barringer
In episode 198, Coffey talks with Kelly Baringer about 2025 trends in employee health benefits and strategies for reducing healthcare costs. They discuss value-based care and directed networks that steer patients to providers with better outcomes; consumer-driven healthcare plans with transparent pricing and no balance billing; the rising costs of pharmacy benefits and hidden broker compe
HR News: My Lawyer Says I've Got a Case! with Adam Dougherty
In episode 197, Coffey talks with Adam Dougherty about angry ex-employees and new ways to get sued. They discuss managing post-termination communications from angry ex-employees; responding to threats of litigation; the importance of good people practices when faced with litigation threats; new causes of discrimination claims following last year’s Supreme Court Muldrow v. City of St. Loui
Moving Beyond a Work-Life Balance Culture with Sam Kabert
In episode 196, Coffey talks with Sam Kabert about achieving "soul-life balance" as an alternative approach to traditional work-life balance. They discuss the concept of soul-life balance focusing on inner well-being rather than compartmentalizing work and personal life; the 90-second rule for processing emotions based on neuroscience research; the importance that people leaders model sou
From Distraction to Flow: Transforming Work Performance with Diane Allen
In episode 195, Coffey talks with Diane Allen about achieving flow state at work to maximize productivity, creativity, and fulfillment. They discuss the definition of flow as an optimal state of mind where people perform and feel their best; the neurological and physiological aspects of flow including the release of performance-enhancing hormones; how the intersection of skill, challenge,
Does HR Need an Overhaul? with Lucy Adams
In episode 194, Coffey talks with Lucy Adams about transforming people practices to meet modern business needs.They discuss how traditional HR processes focus on conformity rather than flexibility; the tendency to design policies around the lowest common denominator rather than individual needs; regulation burdens in the UK versus the US; opportunities to reframe DEI initiatives to be mor
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