Honest HR

How can HR pros ensure dress code policies are equitable and culturally sensitive? What’s the best way to address violations? Is it okay for different departments to create their own guidelines? Honest HR’s newest host Nicole Belyna, SHRM’s director of talent, and Deron Lehman, CHRO of Barber National Institute, discuss strategies and best practices for how organizations can balance the need for professionalism in business attire with employee comfort and individuality. Episode Transcript This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires April 1, 2026 Subscribe to HR Daily to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Mental health challenges often creep into the workplace, affecting productivity and the bottom line. Host Wendy Fong and Marjorie Morrison, SHRM’s new executive in residence for mental health, discuss how HR can support employees going through mental health challenges while maintaining healthy boundaries for themselves. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires April 1, 2026 Honest HR is the go-to podcast for aspiring and informed HR professionals intent on transforming workplace challenges into golden opportunities. Hosted by Monique Akanbi and Wendy Fong, this podcast brings you insights, trends, and actionable advice through relatable stories from the REAL world of HR. Along with Honest HR, the HR Daily newsletter delivers daily insights, trends, and expert advice, empowering HR professionals to build a productive, engaged workforce and drive organizational success. Subscribe to HR Daily to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Self-care is especially important for HR professionals, who take on the challenges of an entire organization. Host Monique Akanbi sits down with Joelle Moray, founder and CEO of Integrate Wellness, to discuss attainable practices to improve self-care and boundary setting. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires April 1, 2026 Honest HR is the go-to podcast for aspiring and informed HR professionals intent on transforming workplace challenges into golden opportunities. Hosted by Amber Clayton, Monique Akanbi, and Wendy Fong, this podcast brings you insights, trends, and actionable advice through relatable stories from the REAL world of HR. Along with Honest HR, the HR Daily newsletter delivers daily insights, trends, and expert advice, empowering HR professionals to build a productive, engaged workforce and drive organizational success. Subscribe to HR Daily to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Episode Transcript Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Discover best practices for recruiting, developing, and retaining employees through thoughtfully curated learning and development (L&D) programs. Jay Jones, lead of talent & employee experience at SHRM, discusses how an investment in L&D can help organizations bridge key skills gaps, grow high-performing employees, and keep their workforce on the leading edge. Jones also shares how HR pros can ensure these programs are implemented inclusively and cost-effectively, even with limited resources. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires April 1, 2026 Honest HR is the go-to podcast for aspiring and informed HR professionals intent on transforming workplace challenges into golden opportunities. Hosted by Amber Clayton, Monique Akanbi, and Wendy Fong, this podcast brings you insights, trends, and actionable advice through relatable stories from the REAL world of HR. Along with Honest HR, the HR Daily newsletter delivers daily insights, trends, and expert advice, empowering HR professionals to build a productive, engaged workforce and drive organizational success. Subscribe to HR Daily to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Episode Transcript Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Saying goodbye to an employee is never easy. Host Monique Akanbi and Tina Schust Robinson, founder & CEO of Workjoy, discuss helpful tips for HR professionals who need to conduct either tricky terminations or smooth sendoffs once employees give notice. Tune in for insights on how to balance HR’s role of organizational steward with showing empathy for co-workers during these transitional moments. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires March 1, 2026 Honest HR is the go-to podcast for aspiring and informed HR professionals intent on transforming workplace challenges into golden opportunities. Hosted by Amber Clayton, Monique Akanbi, and Wendy Fong, this podcast brings you insights, trends, and actionable advice through relatable stories from the REAL world of HR. Along with Honest HR, the HR Daily newsletter delivers daily insights, trends, and expert advice, empowering HR professionals to build a productive, engaged workforce and drive organizational success. Subscribe to HR Daily to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Episode Transcript Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

The 2025 LA wildfires prompted a national response from affected organizations. Host Monique Akanbi and Christine Rodman, founder and CEO of Lynx Employer Resources LLC and state director for SHRM CA, discuss how HR professionals can prepare and support their fellow employees in the event of a natural disaster. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires March 1, 2026 Honest HR is the go-to podcast for aspiring and informed HR professionals intent on transforming workplace challenges into golden opportunities. Hosted by Amber Clayton, Monique Akanbi, and Wendy Fong, this podcast brings you insights, trends, and actionable advice through relatable stories from the REAL world of HR. Along with Honest HR, the HR Daily newsletter delivers daily insights, trends, and expert advice, empowering HR professionals to build a productive, engaged workforce and drive organizational success. Subscribe to HR Daily to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Episode Transcript Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Parent out loud. Host Monique Akanbi is joined by Chelsey Gonzalez, VP Human Resources, Acklen Avenue, SHRM-CP, to discuss how working parents can harmonize their competing priorities and how HR professionals can best support them. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires March 1, 2026 Honest HR is the go-to podcast for aspiring and informed HR professionals intent on transforming workplace challenges into golden opportunities. Hosted by Amber Clayton, Monique Akanbi, and Wendy Fong, this podcast brings you insights, trends, and actionable advice through relatable stories from the REAL world of HR. Along with Honest HR, the HR Daily newsletter delivers daily insights, trends, and expert advice, empowering HR professionals to build a productive, engaged workforce and drive organizational success. Subscribe to HR Daily to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Episode Transcript Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

How many interviews is too many? Is a work assignment appropriate for the role you’re filling? Host Amber Clayton sits down with Nicole Belyna, Director of Talent Acquisition & Inclusion at SHRM, to answer these and other HR questions about the recruiting process. Learn ways to make job descriptions and your organization’s digital presence stand out to quality applicants. Plus, get tips for ensuring a positive experience for prospective employees while gathering the insights you need to make the right hiring decision. Episode Transcript Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Incorporate humor in the workplace. Host Monique Akanbi sits down with Jamie Jackson, HR leader by day, “Chief Meme Officer” by night, to discuss the value of humor and lightheartedness at work, as well as how to make sure it stays appropriate. Episode Transcript This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires February 1, 2026 Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Be proactive in supporting transgender employees. Host Amber Clayton is joined by Ben Greene, transgender educator and speaker, to discuss the ways HR professionals can advocate for their transgender colleagues. Learn the difference between cultural and structural acceptance and how both are essential in creating an inclusive workplace. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires February 1, 2026. Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Understand biases with the “if, then, therefore” framework. Host Amber Clayton sits down with Sarah Bettman, founder & principal, Bettman Consulting Group, to discuss the cognition behind our biases and how to counteract them, as well as when it’s appropriate to solicit leadership buy-in and address them within your organization. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires February 1, 2026 Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Allyship is a verb. And when done correctly, it can be a great tool to further your I&D goals. Host Monique Akanbi sits down with Victoria Mattingly, founder and CEO of Mattingly Solutions, and Sertrice Shipley, founder & CEO of Plan to Action LLC, to dig into common misconceptions about allyship, what the ally/partner relationship looks like, and what HR professionals can do to be a good ally. Episode Transcript This podcast is approved to provide 0.5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires February 1, 2026. Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts

How can you tell if you or a colleague is suffering from burnout? How do you then recover from and prevent it? Host Monique Akanbi dives into these questions with Deidre Gestrin, Founder at Abundant Wellness Essentials, Wellness Consultant, Author, and Trainer. From the individual to organizational level, Deidre shares actionable insights on how to manage burnout. Episode Transcript This podcast is approved to provide 0.5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires February 1, 2026. Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts

Be a champion of change. Host Amber Clayton and Heather Hansen, CEO, Advocate to Win, discuss the three Cs of advocacy and how to wield the tools of a trial attorney to win over your leaders and colleagues to enact change. Episode Transcript This podcast is approved to provide 0.5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires January 1, 2026. Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts

Equip yourself with the tools to handle microaggressions in the workplace whether you were the recipient, witness, or perpetrator. Hosts Monique Akanbi and Amber Clayton sat down with Eden-Reneé Hayes, CEO and Owner, Pluralism Solutions, at SHRM INCLUSION 2024 to dive into what microaggressions are, why it’s so important to combat them, and what HR professionals can do to minimize them. Episode Transcript This podcast is approved to provide 0.5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires January 1, 2026. Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Gen Z, the latest generation to enter the workforce, stands out from other generations. Hosts Wendy Fong and Monique Akanbi sit down with Keri Mesropov, Founder, Spring Talent Development, at SHRM INCLUSION 2024 to discuss considerations for Gen Z at work, the value they bring, and how HR professionals and leaders can best integrate them into the workforce. Episode transcript This podcast is approved for 0.5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires January 1, 2026. Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

All three Honest HR hosts Amber Clayton, Monique Akanbi, and Wendy Fong sit down at SHRM’s 2024 INCLUSION conference in Denver, Colorado to discuss their experiences, as well as their key takeaways and insights. Register for SHRM INCLUSION 2025 here. Episode transcript This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires December 1, 2025.

The discussion around FMLA continues as host Amber Clayton and Helen Applewhaite, Director, Division of FMLA and Other Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, dive into specific scenarios and whether they qualify for FMLA. They also cover how the U.S. Department of Labor can help you stay in compliance with FMLA. Watch part one here. Episode transcript This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires December 1, 2025. Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Get answers to your most common FMLA questions from an expert. Host Amber Clayton and Helen Applewhaite, Director, Division of FMLA and Other Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, discuss what scenarios qualify for FMLA, certification requirements, how to stay in compliance with FMLA, and pitfalls to avoid. Episode transcript This podcast is approved for 0.5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires December 1, 2025. Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

For Domestic Violence Awareness month, host Wendy Fong sits down with Carmen Aliber, Director of HR at Dexter Southfield, to discuss how domestic violence and abuse can affect both employees and employers. Carmen defines abuse, dispels misconceptions, and offers insights and strategies as to how HR professionals can prevent, identify, and address domestic violence and abuse in the workplace. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires November 1, 2025. Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

On this special episode of Honest HR, Hosts Amber Clayton and Wendy Fong discuss “HR Horror Stories” directly from SHRM’s Knowledge Center. From natural disasters to harassment to cybersecurity and more, learn how to navigate some of these spooky situations. Episode transcript This podcast is approved for 0.5 professional development credits toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires November 1, 2025. Rate/review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, so in this episode of Honest HR, host Monique Akanbi sits down with Jhillika Kumar, CEO and Founder of Mentra—a neurodiversity employment network—to discuss how HR professionals can support neurodiversity in their workplaces. Jhillika offers insight into the value of hiring neurodiverse employees, as well as common misconceptions around neurodiversity in the workplace. Episode transcript This podcast is approved for 0.5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires Oct. 15, 2025. Rate and review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Host Monique Akanbi sits down with culture architect Tony Moore to discuss what makes a good boss. Tony offers insights into the best mindset for leading a team and what leaders at every level can do to set their employees and business up for success. This podcast is approved for 0.5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires Oct. 17, 2025. Episode transcript Rate and review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Host Wendy Fong is joined by Sonia Aranza, Global Diversity & Inclusion Strategist and International Speaker, to discuss the loneliness epidemic and belonging in the workplace. They uncover the biggest contributing factors to the loneliness epidemic, the importance of a human-centered mindset, and how a sense of belonging is key to business success. Episode transcript Earn 0.5 SHRM PDC for listening to this podcast; all details in-episode. Rate and review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

During a contentious election year in the United States, political activity in the workplace has become a gray area for many working professionals. Host Amber Clayton and SHRM Knowledge Advisors Jennifer Chang and Rue Dooley discuss how to navigate these potentially tumultuous waters both as an employer and employee. Episode transcript Earn 0.5 SHRM PDC for listening to this podcast; all details provided in-episode. Rate and review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Host Wendy Fong discusses open enrollment season and benefits trends with Lois Glasgow, compensation manager at TerrAscend, who has over 25 years of experience in global employee benefits and compensation. Lois offers insights into which benefits are in-demand and provides expert advice on how to prepare for open enrollment season as an HR professional. Episode transcript Earn 0.5 SHRM PDC for listening to this podcast; all details provided in-episode. Rate and review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In the midst of an election year, political tensions are running high everywhere, and the workplace is no exception. Employees are likewise coming to work with their political views top of mind, which they don’t always share or express with civility and respect. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton is joined by SHRM Chief of Staff, Emily M. Dickens, and SHRM Senior Researcher Derrick Scheetz for a discussion of SHRM’s latest research on the topic of workplace civility as it pertains to political conversations at work, SHRM’s initiative to start 1 million civil conversations, and steps organizations can take to cultivate more civil workplaces. Episode transcript This episode is sponsored by Fidelity Workplace. Earn 1.00 SHRM PDC for listening; details provided in episode. Rate and review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

If your organization is open for business, acquiring and retaining talent is a perpetual concern, and the benefits, resources and experiences available to your employees all play a part determining whether they stay or go. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton speaks with Rose Ann Garza, CHRO of Texas restaurant chain Kerbey Lane, about the practical approaches the restaurant group utilizes to attract and retain its employees. Also, hear from Kerri Nelson, SHRM Director of Mission Research, on SHRM’s 2024 Talent Trends research for data-driven insights in the world of recruiting and talent acquisition. This episode is sponsored by Fidelity Workplace. Earn 0.75 SHRM PDC by listening to this podcast; details provided in-episode. Rate and review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Body odor. Bad breath. Toenail clippings. While these examples are all part of being human, they sometimes find their way into the world of work, and bringing with them uncomfortable, disruptive scenarios that encroach on the workplace as a professional environment. While there are no laws or regulations for addressing these kinds of issues, in this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton is joined by SHRM HR Knowledge Advisors Elissa Jessup and Jim Emanuel to provide practical advice for HR professionals and people managers on handling these “icky, sticky and gross” matters with empathy, respect, and effective communication. Episode transcript Earn 0.75 SHRM PDC by listening to this podcast; details provided in-episode. Rate and review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you haven’t already heard, Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis is joining the Main Stage at SHRM’s Annual Conference and Expo in Chicago, June 23rd through 26th. In anticipation of the event, motivational speaker and Ted Lasso super fan Jeff Harry joins host Monique Akanbi for a discussion of the show and accompanying takeaways for creating positive workplace cultures on topics including leadership style, relationship building, and psychological safety at work. Register for SHRM24 today. Episode transcript Rate and review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Employee mental health is a subject that has been top of mind since the pandemic, but both employers and employees frequently have questions about how to best accommodate mental health conditions in the workplace. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton is joined by Melanie Whetzel, principal consultant with the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), to provide answers to some of the most frequent questions from employees and employers about mental health accommodations and effectively supporting employees’ mental health needs; also, hear from SHRM senior researcher Daroon Jalil about SHRM's latest findings on mental health in the workplace. Earn 1.00 SHRM PDC by listening to this podcast; details provided in-episode. Episode transcript Rate and review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings, perspectives, or experiences of another person, and for workplace leaders, empathy is a communication skill that helps transform debates into conversations premised on understanding of shared experiences. In this episode of Honest HR, host Monique Akanbi is joined by workplace consultant and Ellequate founder/CEO Nicole Armstrong to discuss topics including the relationship between empathy and vulnerability, leveraging empathy to create safe spaces to communicate at work, and how to lead with empathy while also instilling accountability among employees. Episode transcript Earn 0.75 SHRM PDC by listening to this podcast; details provided in-episode. Rate and review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. This episode is sponsored by Workleap.

Civility is a cornerstone of workplace culture that allows people and businesses to thrive by fostering respect and empathy among everyone. However, according to SHRM research, U.S. workers report that incivility is increasingly prevalent in their workplaces. In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong speaks with TrainXtra Chief Civility Officer Sejal Thakkar about her framework for helping organizations make workplace civility happen, the elements of effective civility trainings, and the business imperative for creating civil workplaces. Episode transcript Visit SHRM's Civility Hub to learn more about how you can foster respectful dialogue and SHRM’s 1M Civil Conversations initiative. #civilityatwork Earn 0.75 SHRM PDC by listening to this podcast; details provided in-episode. Rate and review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

AI represents the next wave of technological advancement for society, and is expected to transform how work gets done across every industry. In this episode of Honest HR, SHRM CHRO Jim Link, SHRM-SCP, joins host Monique Akanbi to discuss everything HR professionals and business leaders should know about AI and integrating it into their organizations. Earn 0.75 SHRM PDC for listening to this podcast; all details provided in-episode. Episode transcript Rate and review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Workplace romance: It’s complicated. But it happens, and employers need to know how to deal with it. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton is joined by SHRM researcher Casey Sword to present the findings from her work on SHRM’s latest research in the area of workplace romance, share real stories related to romance in the workplace, and discuss how HR professionals should handle them. Earn 1 SHRM PDC for listening to this podcast; all details provided in-episode. Episode transcript

We live in the age of data, and everything important to an organization’s people management function gets measured. In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong speaks with Dr. Milton J. Perkins, Senior Vice President at ActOne Government Solutions, about the transformative potential of people analytics, their role in helping HR professionals create workplaces where employees genuinely want to be, and steps for leveraging them at your organization. Earn 1.00 SHRM PDC for listening; details on claiming your credit are provided in-episode. Episode transcript

In this episode of Honest HR, hosts Amber Clayton, Wendy Fong and Monique Akanbi come together to look back on the biggest HR and workplace trends of 2023, and look ahead with their expectations for 2024. Earn 0.5 SHRM PDC for listening; details on claiming your credit are provided in-episode. Episode transcript

In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton and SHRM Knowledge Center Advisors Robyn Hopper and Rue Dooley continue with Part 2 of their two-part mini-series of listener-submitted stories of bad bosses, give more advice on handling problematic people managers, and close out the session with a set of redeeming stories of outstanding bosses who were there for their employees in amazing ways. Earn 1.25 SHRM PDCs for listening to both parts of this two (2) part mini-series on Stories About Bad Bosses; details on claiming your credit are provided in-episode. Episode transcript

If you’ve ever had a bad boss, not only did they make work miserable, but also probably gave you a good story to tell later on. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton is joined by SHRM Knowledge Center Advisors Robyn Hopper and Rue Dooley to read listener-submitted stories of bad bosses, identify their problematic behaviors, and give advice on solving for them in your workplace. Earn 1.25 SHRM PDCs for listening to both parts of this two (2) part mini-series on Stories About Bad Bosses; stay tuned for Part 2, which will contain info on claiming your credit. Rate and review Honest HR on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Episode transcript

As both laws and attitudes toward marijuana continue to change, the question for employers is likewise, “Then how does my organization’s HR and approaches to people management need to change?”. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton is joined by Holland & Knight attorneys Dana Feinstein and Travis Nelson, who provide insights and guidance for employers navigating the complex issues surrounding marijuana in the workplace, with a focus on legal compliance, accommodation, and policy development. Earn 1.00 SHRM PDC for listening to this podcast; all info provided in-episode. Episode transcript

Generative AI programs (like ChatGPT) have tremendous potential to deliver new efficiencies and capabilities to the workplace, but what do these new tools mean for HR, both in using them, and the myriad of concerns they raise? In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong speaks with Karl Ahlrichs, Senior Consultant at Gregory & Appel, on how HR professionals can use AI ethically and responsibly, and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to do so. Earn 0.75 SHRM PDC for listening to this podcast; all details provided in-episode. Episode transcript

Known for their focus on providing quality educational experiences to adult learners, the University of Phoenix wanted to learn more and provide resources to another core group of enrolled students: Individuals with disabilities. In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong speaks with Kelly Hermann, Vice President of Accessibility, Equity & Inclusion at the University of Phoenix, to discuss: Findings from the university’s report on Workplace Accessibility - HR Professionals Accommodations for Employees’ Disability’s Research Report (2023) Action steps for HR professionals and people managers focused on creating more accessible and inclusive workplaces for employees The future of disability and accessibility inclusion Complete the SHRM Employing Abilities At Work Certificate Earn 0.5 SHRM PDC for listening to this podcast; all details provided in-episode. Episode transcript

Previously brought to the spotlight by the pandemic, organizations’ prioritizing employee mental health and wellness reflects its ongoing importance to employers and employees alike. But what does the work of creating workplace cultures of mental health and wellness actually entail? In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton speaks with Rich Safeer, M.D., Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Wellbeing for Johns Hopkins Medicine and author of A Cure for the Common Company: A Wellbeing Prescription for a Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient Organization about: Why the workplace is the perfect venue for achieving real improvements in people’s health How mental health and wellness is a team sport Steps to begin transforming your organization Earn 0.5 SHRM PDC for listening to this episode; all details in episode. This episode of Honest HR is sponsored Calm Business. Episode transcript

A good mentor/mentee relationship creates a safe, nonjudgmental space to provide guidance and advice, and that’s just as true for mentorships dedicated to the HR profession. In this episode of Honest HR, host Monique Akanbi is joined by Sheila Thomas and Firdosh Bhathena, a real-life HR mentor/mentee pair, to share their HR mentorship story, discuss why mentorship is important in an HR career, and shatter the popular myths of mentorship. This episode of Honest HR is sponsored by ADP. Episode transcript

Occurrences of unequal pay between employees with the same qualifications, experience and job responsibilities continue to have a problematic presence in the workplace, and likewise reflect longstanding wage gaps between men, women and people of color. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton speaks with SHRM CHRO Jim Link about the importance of pay equity and ensuring fair and equal pay practices for all employees regardless of gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics, but also the business case on why pay equity is in an organization’s best interest, and above all, the steps you can take toward achieving pay equity at your organization. SHRM's Managing Pay Equity Toolkit This episode of Honest HR is sponsored by UKG. Episode transcript

Managing employee attendance is challenging: Employers and people managers need to know not only if employees are showing up to work, but also what to do if they don’t. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton speaks with SHRM Knowledge Advisors Barbara Holland and Julie Schweber about handling scenarios such as fishy doctors’ notes, no call/no shows, and above all, the importance of getting all the information before moving toward adverse action. Learn about SHRM's People Manager Qualification (PMQ) Earn 0.5 SHRM PDC for listening; all details provided in-episode. This episode of Honest HR is sponsored by ADP. Episode transcript

Hiring and talent acquisition is so often premised on a “hurry up and wait” passivity: You announce a position, cross your fingers, and hope qualified applicants come to you. But what if they just don't? If so, apprenticeships are another route that allow you develop your own talent, rather than waiting for it to arrive. In this episode of Honest HR, host Monique Akanbi speaks with Mary Wright, Manager of the SHRM Foundation’s Apprenticeship Program on how apprenticeships can help to sidestep the war for talent, and how the SHRM Foundation’s HR Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) has created a path for HR departments to develop their own superstar HR professionals. Learn about SHRM's People Manager Qualification (PMQ) Earn 0.75 SHRM PDC for listening; all details provided in-episode. Episode transcript

The hosts of Honest HR begin 2023 by welcoming Monique Akanbi as a new voice to the podcast, and give a fond farewell to one of their own, Gloria Sinclair Miller. Amid talent scarcity, the benefits that employers offer their employees have emerged as a key differentiator in attracting and retaining talent. In this episode of Honest HR, Amber, Monique and Wendy discuss the importance of expanding the benefits organizations typically offer and consider more imaginative employee benefits you may not have previously considered. Earn 0.75 SHRM PDC for listening; relevant details provided in-episode. Episode transcript

In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong continues her discussion with HR consulting/talent management specialists Karen DeLise, Adrianna Gabriel and Allison Levine from CCI Consulting to discuss everything to learn from the past, present and future of a multigenerational workplace experience. Earn 1.00 SHRM PDC for listening to both parts 1 and 2 of this two (2) part miniseries; relevant details provided in-episode. This episode of Honest HR is sponsored by Mystery. Episode transcript

In this episode of Honest HR, host Wendy Fong is joined by HR consulting/talent management specialists Karen DeLise, Adrianna Gabriel and Allison Levine from CCI Consulting to discuss everything to learn from the past, present and future of a multigenerational workplace experience. Earn 1.00 SHRM PDC for listening to both parts 1 and 2 of this two (2) part miniseries; relevant details provided in-episode. This episode of Honest HR is sponsored by Mystery. Episode transcript