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 majority or minority status within protected classes; the challenges and failures of unlimited PTO policies leading...
Jun 26, 2025•44 min•Ep. 206
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 versus PEOs in managing international hires; compensation and benefits strategies that account for local customs a...
Jun 19, 2025•31 min•Ep. 205
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 employees; the four types of sponsorship - creating, confirming, preventing, and protecting; why sponsors risk the...
Jun 12, 2025•43 min•Ep. 204
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 professional boundaries; building a personal board of directors rather than relying on a single mentor; the balance bet...
Jun 05, 2025•46 min•Ep. 203
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 broad interpretation of the Bostock ruling in its 2024 Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace ...
May 29, 2025•39 min•Ep. 202
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; ethical considerations when selecting AI vendors; concerns about job displacement versus job evolution; the v...
May 22, 2025•42 min•Ep. 201
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 decision-makers need to be present during mediation; economic and non-economic factors that can be addressed th...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 200
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 importance of developing people rather than just focusing on short-term metrics; and the impact of collaboration on te...
May 08, 2025•35 min•Ep. 199
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 compensation; and fiduciary responsibilities of HR professionals when managing employee healthcare plans. Good Mor...
May 01, 2025•34 min•Ep. 198
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. Louis decision; and the wisdom of always assuming a decision that doesn’t go an employees way may constitute an "...
Apr 24, 2025•34 min•Ep. 197
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 soul-life balance; the BREATH framework (Breathe, Relax, Energy to reveal, Accept, Transform, Habits) for emotio...
Apr 17, 2025•36 min•Ep. 196
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, and purpose creates entry points into flow; the impact of workplace interruptions on productivity; how indiv...
Apr 10, 2025•36 min•Ep. 195
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 more effective and inclusive; the challenges of the hybrid workplace model; the importance of carefully selecti...
Apr 03, 2025•35 min•Ep. 194
In episode 193, Coffey talks with Terri Swain about recent HR news items including return-to-office mandates, “illegal DEI”, and whether it is Alt+Ctrl+Delete or Ctrl+Alt+Delete. They discuss SHRM's report showing significantly higher workplace incivility in companies with return-to-office mandates; challenges with remote work including leadership development and communication skills; the "over-employment" phenomenon where remote workers secretly hold multiple full-time jobs; the Trump administr...
Mar 27, 2025•42 min•Ep. 193
In episode 192, Coffey talks with Shawn Johnson about creating multigenerational inclusive and productive workplaces. They discuss the age ranges and characteristics of different generations in today's workforce; how parenting styles and historical events shape generational perspectives; the evolution of generational values over time; ways different generations view leadership and meaningful work; strategies for creating environments where multiple generations can collaborate effectively; the im...
Mar 20, 2025•37 min•Ep. 192
In episode 191, Coffey talks with Dr. Matt Zakreski about leveraging neurodivergent employees’ unique strengths. They discuss the prevalence of neurodivergence in the workplace; the various types of neurodivergence beyond autism; the concept of masking and its impact on employees; how to avoid tokenism through universal design; strategies for clear communication with neurodivergent employees; the importance of creating appropriate incentives and accommodations; preparing neurotypical employees t...
Mar 13, 2025•39 min•Ep. 191
In episode 190, Coffey talks with Audrey Mickahail about using skills-based hiring to access untapped talent pools. They discuss the "paper ceiling" that excludes qualified candidates without degrees; how degree requirements became default screening tools; the value of skills and experience gained through alternative routes; strategies for employers to identify and assess core competencies; the importance of gateway jobs in career development; tools and resources available through Opportunity at...
Mar 06, 2025•40 min•Ep. 190
In episode 189, Coffey talks with Charles Krugel about a Day Without Immigrants-related firing, unions, the future of DEI, and the ongoing changes coming from the Trump administration. They discuss a "Day Without Immigrants" protest that led to employee terminations at a Texas burger company; Amazon's North Carolina facility voting against unionization; President Trump's firing of NLRB and EEOC officials and the resulting impact on employment regulations; the rescinding of various NLRB labor-fri...
Feb 27, 2025•35 min•Ep. 189
In episode 188, Coffey talks with Amy Rosellini about the importance of emphasizing behavior change in workplace training. They discuss the high cost and low effectiveness of current workplace training approaches; the importance of measuring behavior change rather than just knowledge transfer; the role of peer feedback in learning; how to engage resistant learners; strategies for packaging training to increase voluntary participation; and using the Knowledge Transfer Measurement Model (KTMM) for...
Feb 20, 2025•33 min•Ep. 188
In episode 187, Coffey talks with Leah Stiegler about best practices for the intake process for workplace investigations. They discuss when employers must investigate complaints versus when they can decline; examples of investigations that revealed unexpected findings; handling confidentiality requests from complainants; documentation requirements for complaints and investigations; managing employees who don't want formal investigations; proper record retention practices. Good Morning, H...
Feb 13, 2025•32 min•Ep. 187
In episode 186, Coffey talks with Mark Mohammadpour about creating workplace cultures that prioritize employee well-being. They discuss the evolution of workplace relationships post-pandemic and the importance of well-being beyond salary; the cost implications of employee turnover; the four essential workspaces needed for modern employees (office, home, social spaces, and nature); the importance of having clear purposes for in-office work requirements; how to measure and improve employee well-be...
Feb 06, 2025•36 min•Ep. 186
In episode 185, Coffey talks with Kara Kelley about the impact of President Trump’s affirmative action order, how not to respond to employee criticism, and nervous candidates. They discuss the implications for federal contractors following the President’s rescission of Executive Order 11246, eliminating most affirmative action program and DEI requirements; the ongoing relevance of Title VII and other anti-discrimination laws; JP Morgan's return-to-office mandate and their decision to shut down e...
Jan 30, 2025•36 min•Ep. 185
In episode 184, Coffey talks with Lori Saitz about creating workplace environments where meaningful connections improve focus and productivity. They discuss the importance of authentic connections in leadership; techniques for managing mental distractions at work; the power of mindful breathing and presence; the impact of gratitude on workplace productivity; the role of corporate culture in supporting employee well-being; strategies for leaders to model and encourage healthy workplace practices....
Jan 23, 2025•37 min•Ep. 184
In episode 183, Coffey talks with Ron Fish about increasing workplace accessibility and inclusion for employees with disabilities, particularly focusing on hidden disabilities. They discuss the low rate of disability inclusion in corporate DEI initiatives; the reluctance of employees to disclose disabilities due to stigma; the importance of universal design in both physical and digital workplaces; the role of employee resource groups in creating safe spaces for disclosure; the minimal costs asso...
Jan 16, 2025•32 min•Ep. 183
In episode 182, Coffey talks with Nikki Drader-Mazza and Dr. Ginny Lopez-Kidwell about their research on recruiting and integrating autistic employees into roles requiring social interaction, particularly focusing on Goldman Sachs' successful initiative to expand the practice beyond traditional technical positions. They discuss the concept of "double empathy problem" where both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals struggle to understand each other's perspectives and communication styles; ...
Jan 09, 2025•44 min•Ep. 182
In episode 181, Coffey talks with Dr. Jamil Northcutt about the business of sports and the competitive advantages former athletes bring to business teams. They discuss the similarities and differences between sports organizations and traditional businesses; the importance of balancing analytics with human judgment in talent decisions; the challenges of managing high-performing individuals who may not work well with teams; the value of consistent feedback and communication in performance manageme...
Jan 02, 2025•42 min•Ep. 181
In episode 180, Coffey and Patrick Richter discuss recent HR news items about remote worker fraud and employee monitoring. They discuss North Korean operatives using stolen identities to infiltrate U.S. companies through remote work positions; the growing trend of "over-employed" individuals secretly working multiple full-time remote jobs; the rise of technology tools like mouse jigglers to deceive employer monitoring systems; the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's recent position that emplo...
Dec 26, 2024•35 min•Ep. 180
In episode 179, Coffey talks with Kacey Riccomini about managing political and social speech in the workplace in a time of heightened political division and social tension. (HRCI business credit) They discuss legal protections for political speech under federal and California state laws; when political speech becomes discriminatory or creates a hostile work environment; the limitations of First Amendment protections in private workplaces; employer rights and responsibilities regarding employee s...
Dec 19, 2024•33 min•Ep. 179
In episode 178, Coffey talks with Jason Barrett about the evolving landscape of data privacy laws and their impact on employers' handling of personal information. They discuss the cultural shift driving increased data privacy concerns; differences between personally identifiable information (PII) and sensitive personal information; roles of data controllers, processors, and consumers; GDPR's seven foundational principles; state-level privacy laws including Texas and California regulations; biome...
Dec 12, 2024•38 min•Ep. 178
In episode 177, Coffey talks with Anna Redmond about comprehensive workplace security strategies and violence prevention programs. They discuss physical security challenges beyond workplace violence; the importance of security assessments; domestic violence impacts on workplace safety; California's new workplace violence prevention law (SB 553); warning signs and pathways to violence; access control and reception area security concerns; managing external threats and restraining orders; and crisi...
Dec 05, 2024•37 min•Ep. 177
