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Toot or Boot: HR Edition (Stacey Nordwall)

Explore every episode of Toot or Boot: HR Edition

Dive into the complete episode list for Toot or Boot: HR Edition. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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Pub. DateTitleDuration
08 Oct 2024The HR Leadership exodus, flat hierarchies and the 25-year high of EEOC disability discrimination charges00:22:55

Are we on the verge of losing key HR leaders due to burnout and lack of strategic support? Tara Turk-Haynes, founder of Equity Activations, joins us to discuss the possible HR leadership exodus along with the EEOC’s 25-year high in disability discrimination charges and how flat hierarchies may be keeping women from applying. Plus, we explore what it all means for DEI programs as middle management roles vanish. Don’t miss it!

And -> If you'd like to participate in Tara's survey about the experience of middle managers, please do so here: https://lnkd.in/gGjT8Zwm

You can also connect with Tara on LinkedIn

The articles we discuss can be found here:
A leadership exodus looms as HR leaders consider leaving their jobs
EEOC Sues Three Employers for Disability Discrimination
Research: Flat Hierarchies Can Discourage Women Applicants

01 Oct 2024Amazon's RTO, more tech layoffs, and the myth of in-office culture00:30:41

This week on Toot or Boot, Tara Turk-Haynes, founder of Equity Activations, joins us to break down Amazon's RTO mandate and the myth of in-office culture-building. Then we dive into the latest tech layoffs—is it the economy, real estate, or the upcoming election driving them? And we ask: Does simply being in the same office foster real collaboration and culture? Get ready for a wild ride!

Connect with Tara on LinkedIn

Here are the articles we discussed:

24 Sep 2024Gen Z's sick days, the meeting industrial complex, and centering employees00:20:17

We dive into the "meeting industrial complex" and whether our work culture has really adapted to remote and hybrid models. Join Noah Warder, VP of People and Culture at Accent Inns, and me as we discuss how to reclaim focus time, explore Gen Z’s impact on sick days and discuss whether HR has swung too far in favor of employees.

Connect with Noah on LinkedIn.

Articles

17 Sep 2024Founder mode, right-to-disconnect, and social activism in orgs00:24:01

Noah Warder, VP of People and Culture at Accent Inns, joins to talk about founder mode and what it gets wrong. We also dive into the debate around right-to-disconnect laws. Are they necessary protections, or do they create unnecessary urgency? Plus, we explore how organizations can weave social activism into their governance. Don’t miss it!

Connect with Noah on LinkedIn

Articles:

10 Sep 2024Messy in Texas - overtime laws, noncompetes and The Great Detachment00:18:22

Morgan Williams, CEO and co-founder of PeakHR, joins me to break down messy Texas court rulings on noncompetes and overtime laws, and unpack this new HR trend called "The Great Detachment." Buckle up—this one's a wild ride!

Connect with Morgan on LinkedIn
Follow PeakHR on LinkedIn

Articles:

03 Sep 2024DEI rollbacks and the politics of Silicon Valley VCs00:13:29

Morgan Williams, CEO and co-founder of PeakHR, joins me to explore the latest round of companies announcing they're dropping or scaling back their DEI initiatives. And we connect those dots to the closing of Women Who Code, Girls in Tech, and the VCs of Silicon Valley who are putting their support behind Republican politicians. 

Connect with Morgan on LinkedIn
Follow PeakHR on LinkedIn

Articles:

27 Aug 2024The gig economy, RTOs, and feedback - do they adversely impact women?00:16:24

Welcome to another Tootsday! This week Sheila Krueger of The Benefits Bungalow, joins me to dive into the latest HR news: Are women struggling to join the gig economy because they worry about sacrificing benefits? And are return-to-office mandates driving away female talent? We also chat about the latest Textio report that found high performers are getting the worst feedback. Plus, we explore why quality feedback matters for everyone.

Follow Sheila on LinkedIn

Articles:

20 Aug 2024Revenge of the HR Trends00:26:24

This week Cassandra Babilya and I break down some of the latest HR buzzwords. Is "Hushed Hybrid" just another overhyped term and is it a case of disempowered managers? And do leaders really care about employee engagement? Then we've got the Great Resignation 2.0—Cassandra calls BS on this one—and the bizarre rise of Employee Nesting. Are employees doomed whether they job-hop or stay put? Tune in for the trend-busting breakdown!

Follow Cassandra Babilya

Articles

13 Aug 2024Is HR Miserable? And the death of summer Fridays00:17:43

Are Summer Fridays dead because of remote work? Sheila Krueger of the Benefits Bungalo joins me to break down this and more. We start off by talking about The New York Times piece, “So, Human Resources Is Making You Miserable?”—and the heated discussions it’s sparked. Plus, we dive into the Honeywell controversy: firing an employee for refusing mandatory DEI training. Tune in for all the drama!

Follow Sheila on LinkedIn

Articles

06 Aug 2024A 6 day work week, the broken rung, and Citi's paid parental leave00:16:57

On this week's Toot or Boot, Cassandra Babilya and I dive into Greece's befuddling decision to introduce a 6-day workweek. Plus, what is the "broken rung" and is it really what’s holding women back in their careers? And Citi steps up by boosting paid parental leave to match the competition. Join us as we break it all down!

Follow Cassandra Babilya

Articles

30 Jul 2024Is Gen Z hard to work with? And what are Gen Z and Gen X's retirements looking like?00:19:08

On this week’s *Toot or Boot*, we’re diving into generational workplace dynamics! Kim Rohrer joins the show to talk about if Gen Z really is the hardest to work with, or is it just a myth? We also explore how Gen X is faring in the 401k experiment and the surprising trend of Gen Z maxing out their retirement savings. Join us for the generational deep dive you didn’t know you needed!

Follow Kim Rohrer

Articles

23 Jul 2024Do careers need a higher purpose? And what letting people get away with transforms your culture00:10:05

Steven Huang joins me to break down Rippling’s controversial move to ban ex-employees at competitors from tender offer stock sales. Plus, does your career *really* need a higher purpose? We also chat about how focusing on what employees get away with can actually transform workplace culture. Buckle up for a lively discussion!

Follow Steven on LinkedIn

Articles:

16 Jul 2024The rise of AI "workers" and MEI00:07:20

Steven Huang joins and we cover Lattice’s bold (and quickly reversed) move to create employment records for AI workers, and the rise of MEI as SHRM drops “Equity” from DEI. Don’t miss this action-packed episode!

Follow Steven on LinkedIn

Articles:
Elon Musk and other DEI critics are latching on to MEI

09 Jul 2024Mandatory vacation, mental health, and carewashing00:15:35

Get ready for an action-packed Tootsday! In *Toot or Boot* episode 9, "Toots Across the Board," Alex Seiler and I dive into hot HR topics: Should taking vacation be mandatory in the US? How can we better support young workers’ mental health? And what’s “carewashing”?

Follow Alex on LinkedIn

Articles:

02 Jul 2024The SHRM keynote that wasn't, the happy hour job interview, and PIPs00:15:34

The tea is *piping* hot this Tootsday on *Toot or Boot* episode 8, "Return of the Boot"! Alex Seiler joins me as we dive into Jason Sudeikis ditching his SHRM keynote, the bizarre job interview that turned into a happy hour with other candidates, and the ever-dreaded PIPs (Performance Improvement Plans). Don’t miss this juicy episode!

Follow Alex on LinkedIn

Articles

16 Oct 2024Parental leave and the case of stolen valor00:37:49

This week Kim Rohrer and Cassandra Babilya are back to discuss parental leave and policies and practices that support parents. We start off by discussing a lawsuit where a former employee of a law firm alleges that the company’s leave policy violates civil rights law because it offers an additional eight weeks of paid disability leave only to birth mothers.

Find the article we discussed here
Law firm Jones Day must face bias lawsuit over parental leave policy


Follow Kim Rohrer

Follow Cassandra Babilya

22 Oct 2024Workday wellness check, supercommutes, and Dell's last minute RTO00:33:42

Is the supercommute making a comeback? In this week’s episode, Cassidy Edwards joins as we dive into the story of a man who *loves* his 7-hour daily trek. We also unpack the chaos caused by Dell's sudden return-to-office (RTO) mandate, and explore why HR needs to rethink how they roll out major changes, because lives don’t flip with the stroke of an RTO mandate. Last, we chat about how Workday's disastrous decision to send police to a hospitalized Black employee's home for a wellness check made headlines. 

Connect with Cassidy or subscribe to Yo! You're on Mute on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidy-edwards-yyom/

Find the articles we discussed here:
Black Worker Sues US Company After They Sent Police To His Home For A 'Wellness Check' During His Medical Leave
I supercommute over 7 hours for work. I won't move out of NYC, and the journey is productive and relaxing
Dell staffers scramble to find childcare after 5-days-a-week office mandate gives just a few days’ notice: report

14 Nov 2024Polyworking, AI surveillance of workers, and why HR is getting tougher00:23:48

In this episode, we talk about a new HR buzz word “polyworking” – juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. But is it just hustle and grind culture 2.0? Then, we explore recent moves by the CFPB to extend consumer protection into employment data and cautioning businesses about surveiling employees. Finally, we revisit the debate on whether HR is truly “miserable” and talk more about how HR experiences tensions that aren't felt by other roles and departments.

Connect with Lindsey at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseycaplan/ or https://www.gatheringeffect.com/

25 Nov 2024Employee wellbeing and trust in leadership declines, and Meta fires staff over meal vouchers00:25:50

Lindsey Caplan joins us again to discuss the stats showing that fewer than one in three employees trust their senior leaders. Next we talk about the employees fired by Meta for misusing their meal credits and what it means about org culture, trust, and how we write and implement our policies. Then, we dig into the stats that a record-low percentage of employees feel genuinely cared for by their employers, and talk about why wellness programs without real action backfire.

Connect with Lindsey on LinkedIn or at The Gathering Effect

19 Nov 2024The Trouble with SHRM00:50:48

On this week's episode, we're doing something a little different. I invited Morgan Williams, Tracie Sponenberg, and Sarika Lamont to go in-depth on one topic - SHRM.

SHRM has been the talk of HR news a lot over the past year - they dropped the E from DEI, are facing a lawsuit from a former employee who is alleging discrimination and retaliation, and most recently the CEO was added to a shortlist to serve as Secretary of Labor.

So we dive deep on SHRM - who they are, how they've changed, who they serve, and why it all matters.

----
Connect with Sarika Lamont on LinkedIn

Connect with Tracie Sponenberg on LinkedIn or visit her website to sign up for her newsletter. Click on "resources" on her website for the SHRM-alternative list!

Connect with Morgan Williams on LinkedIn and check out PeakHR for learning programs designed by HR practitioners for HR practitioners.

----

Articles

03 Dec 2024Managers' toxic positivity, the legacy of Steve Jobs' leadership style, and a 2025 quitting spree?00:30:25

This week I'm joined by Vijay Pendakur, an author and HR advisor and consultant, to dive into toxic positivity, toxic leadership and more. First, we chat about managers glossing over bad news, creating an atmosphere of toxic positivity, and losing employee trust. Next, we talk about the leadership style of Steve Jobs, and how many too often misattribute his bullying behaviors for good leadership. And we wrap up by chatting about the potential for a 2025 quitting spree due to declining employee satisfaction - do we think a quitting spree is likely or just hype?


Connect with Vijay Pendakur
Dr. Vijay Pendakur is the author of the highly anticipated book, “The Alchemy of Talent: Leading Teams to Peak Performance.” A true multi-sector organizational leader, Vijay has held senior roles at four companies: Zynga, VMware, Dropbox and Salesforce. He has also served as the Dean of Students at Cornell University. In his time at Cornell, he was named Presidential Advisor for Diversity and Equity, as part of a new approach to campus-wide transformation at the largest Ivy League institution. A widely recognized thought leader, Dr. Pendakur’s writing has been featured in Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Forbes,  and Time. Vijay is a board advisor with Ezra Coaching, Enterprise Ireland, and Wisq. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Katie, a psychotherapist and yoga teacher, and his two young daughters, Mira and Savi.

Visit his website https://www.vijaypendakur.com/
Connect with him on LinkedIn
Or sign up for his newsletter: Quick tips for leading high performance teams.



Articles
Managers Are ‘Glossing’ Over Workplace Issues And Pushing Toxic Positivity, According To Report
I worked with Steve Jobs. Here’s what he’d say about today’s leadership style
Brewing worker resentment could fuel a 2025 quitting spree

09 Dec 2024Elon to X remote work, RTOs as retaliation, and what employees really value00:28:50

In this episode, we dive into Elon Musk's and Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial task force, cheekily named the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Their mission? To slash federal workforce numbers by targeting remote and hybrid work—impacting up to a million federal employees. We unpack the implications, including potential productivity myths and disproportionate impacts on marginalized groups.

Then, we pivot to Grindr's clash with the NLRB. Accused of retaliating against unionizing employees by enforcing an in-person return-to-office mandate, Grindr’s case is a litmus test for RTO policies and their role in modern labor relations. Are we seeing the start of a broader worker movement?

Finally, we explore the “human factor” in workplace design. How can organizations create an employee experience that values flexibility, connection, and well-being in a hybrid world? From balancing tradition with innovation to rethinking digital workspaces, we’ll share insights on fostering environments where employees truly thrive.

Tune in for a conversation that bridges the political, legal, and cultural landscapes of today’s workplace!

Connect with Kate
On LinkedIn

KJS Consulting



Articles:
Elon Musk’s first order of business in Trump administration: Kill remote work

NLRB: Grindr retaliated against unionizing workers by forcing a return to office

The human factor: 5 ways to prioritize what employees really value

07 Jan 2025Candidates love-bombed and ghosted, the return of bro culture, and volunteering as a wellbeing program00:30:09

In this episode, we explore the turbulent landscape of modern workplaces, starting with Greenhouse's survey revealing that over half of job seekers experience ghosting or "love-bombing" during the hiring process—creating frustration and mistrust in organizations. What’s driving these behaviors, and how can HR professionals and hiring managers do better?

Next, we delve into the lawsuit against CloudKitchens and its controversial CEO, Travis Kalanick. Allegations of wrongful termination and a return to toxic “bro culture” raise questions about how far workplace culture has—or hasn’t—evolved since the Uber scandals.

Finally, we shift to a brighter topic: the power of volunteer programs. Studies show volunteering as the most impactful workplace wellness initiative. But is the real benefit the program itself or the sense of support employees feel when they’re encouraged to participate? We’ll unpack how organizations can build meaningful well-being into their cultures.

Tune in for insights on the good, the bad, and the transformative potential of today’s workplaces.



Connect with Kate
On LinkedIn

KJS Consulting


Articles
Most job seekers say they’ve been ghosted or ‘love-bombed’ during interviews—it can make them ‘question their career and sanity’

From dinners with Travis Kalanick to fired after maternity leave: One of CloudKitchens’ earliest employees is suing

Volunteering programs are probably the most powerful well-being benefit in your toolkit

17 Dec 2024The Golden Toots and Coal-filled Boots of 202400:40:09

2024 was a challenging year. We saw the implementation of six-day workweeks, so many layoffs, return-to-office (RTO) mandates, and DEI rollbacks. SHRM removed the E from DEI and Silicon Valley CEOs and VCs seemed to want a return to days of HR past (or no HR at all.

We also had some progress with parental leave policies, new prenatal care protections, and much-needed conversations around the realities of HR work sparked by a viral NYT article.

Join us as we award the first ever Golden Toots and Coal-filled Boots and recap the highs and lows of 2024.

Connect with Kim:
On LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimrohrer/
Or at her website Patchwork Portfolio: https://www.patchworkportfolio.com/

Articles and resources we discussed:
You Got This Journal: https://a.co/d/d417s5V
PaidLeave.ai : https://www.paidleave.ai/


No HR Playbook
SHRM to lead with inclusion and diversity
Today, Lattice Makes History and Leads the Way in Responsible Employment of AI
Yes Madam clarifies on firing over 100 employees for being stressed, says, 'No one was fired;
What You Should Know About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
New York becomes first state to mandate paid time off for prenatal care
Citi boosts paid parental leave to match industry peers
So, Human Resources Is Making You Miserable?

14 Jan 2025All things DEI with Vijay and Tara00:52:11

What do we mean when we say DEI? Are the companies rolling back their DEI programs making substantive changes? And what is DEI going to look like under the new administration?

In this episode of Toot or Boot, we welcome back guests Vijay Pendakur and Tara Turk-Haynes for an in-depth discussion on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in the workplace. We discuss three  articles, including Vijay's own HBR piece on reframing diversity's value proposition, as we explore how DEI initiatives are evolving in today's climate.

The episode tackles current DEI discourse through three main articles:
1. "Reframe the Value Proposition of Diversity" from HBR, written by guest Vijay Pendakur, which explores new ways to understand and communicate diversity's impact on organizations
2. "Change Is Here: 5 Hard Truths & A Blueprint for Your DEI Plan in 2025," which presents a possibly controversial perspective on the future of corporate DEI initiatives
3. "What Trump's Second Term Could Mean for DEI" from HBR, which outlines strategic models for organizations to maintain inclusive practices in potentially challenging political environments

Join us as we examine the broader implications for the future of workplace DEI initiatives.

Connect with Vijay Pendakur
Dr. Vijay Pendakur is the author of the highly anticipated book, “The Alchemy of Talent: Leading Teams to Peak Performance.” A true multi-sector organizational leader, Vijay has held senior roles at four companies: Zynga, VMware, Dropbox and Salesforce. He has also served as the Dean of Students at Cornell University. In his time at Cornell, he was named Presidential Advisor for Diversity and Equity, as part of a new approach to campus-wide transformation at the largest Ivy League institution. A widely recognized thought leader, Dr. Pendakur’s writing has been featured in Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Forbes,  and Time. Vijay is a board advisor with Ezra Coaching, Enterprise Ireland, and Wisq. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Katie, a psychotherapist and yoga teacher, and his two young daughters, Mira and Savi.

Find Vijay here: www.vijaypendakur.com
More about his bestselling new book: https://a.co/d/bSb1lxh
For Fractional DEI Advising: https://www.vijaypendakur.com/fractional-dei-advising
Or sign up for his newsletter: Quick tips for leading high performance teams.


Connect with Tara Turk-Haynes
Tara is a first generation college graduate, corporate worker, and the first of her immediate family to reach an executive level.  She is a Talent, Engagement, DEIB, Internal Comms operator and strategist. She has worked in house and as a consultant, helping other businesses develop and grow with equity embedded so they have a higher chance of having a strong, sustainable operations for the future.
Find Tara at Equity Activations.
You can also connect with Tara on LinkedIn
Or sign up for her newsletter: https://equityact.beehiiv.com/subscribe


Read the articles:
Reframe the Value Proposition of Diversity
Change Is Here: 5 Hard Truths & A Blueprint For Your DEI Plan In 2025
What Trump’s Second Term Could Mean for DEI

21 Jan 2025 2025 HR Predictions: Toot-worthy or Boot-worthy?00:48:25

In this week's special episode, your host Stacey Nordwall joins the Toot or Boot hot seat with Erica Spitale and Rebecca Taylor, and producer Lexi comes out from behind the scenes for a rapid-fire edition of Toot or Boot, all about 2025 HR predictions. 

Lexi reviewed 15 different predictions sources (that’s over 75 predictions) which were organized into five different themes: AI, Remote/Hybrid Work, Leadership and Organizational Change, Employee Experience and Well-being, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). 

Unlike a usual episode of Toot or Boot, Stacey, Erica, and Rebecca had no idea what predictions/trends they would encounter. They were put on the spot to take each trend at face value, Toot or Boot it at the same time, then discuss.

Afterwards, Lexi reveals each trend's source.

Here are the trends we cover on this episode: 

  1. Internal processes get an AI makeover: 5 predictions for HR and the world of work in 2025 | Culture Amp  
  2. PR comes to HR: 2024 HR Trends and 2025 Predictions | SHRM
  3. Despite the benefits of AI in powering accessibility tools, this author predicts that the cybersecurity risks from AI will lead to some organizations prohibiting such tools in greater instances in 2025: Neurodiversity and Disability Employment – Reflections on 2024 and Predictions for 2025 | Nathan Chung 
  4. Mental Health Gets Personal. 7 Seismic Shifts Coming to HR in 2025 | Bill Brown
  5. Leadership That Actually Leads: 2025 HR Predictions: Looking Into the Crystal Ball | Katarina Berg

Other articles referenced:
I talked to Meta's Black AI character. Here's what she told me.

The excerpt from Culture Amp's article that Lexi references about their cohort using internal AI: "When used right, Gen AI tools can dramatically improve workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, and make information available in seconds. In 2024, some Culture Amp employees gained early access to an internal Gen AI tool. They now show higher engagement levels and report having more energy at work than employees who weren’t in the pilot cohort. We’re only one company, but we can’t help but share our own experimentation with people solutions and strategies. We’re excited about the possibilities!"

Connect with Erica Spitale
On LinkedIn

Connect with Rebecca Taylor
On LinkedIn or email rebecca@skillcycle.com

Rebecca hosts the HR Confessions podcast with Kim Rohrer. The premise of HR Confessions is we collect anonymous stories of things that happened in HR, and Rebecca reads them live for Kim to react and respond to. Find it wherever you get your podcasts, and if you have your own HR confession that you want to submit, email hrconfessions@skillcycle.com

28 Jan 2025HR preps for new administration, Apple pushes back on anti-DEI, and reverse discrimination lawsuits00:22:48

Get ready for your HR news fix! This week we're diving into three timely stories: guidance on how to approach the administration change, Apple's response defending their DEI initiatives against shareholder pushback, and a potential emerging trend of "reverse discrimination" lawsuits. Join us as we unpack what these developments mean for workplaces and HR professionals, share our takes on the latest industry moves, and break down why these stories matter. Whether you're in HR or just interested in how companies are navigating these challenges, we've got you covered with clear analysis and real talk.


Connect with Aubrey
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adblanche/
https://aubreyblanche.com/

Connect with Stacey
https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/

Articles
How HR leaders can prepare for a new administration and congress
‘Inappropriate’ micromanaging: Apple pushes back on anti-DEI proposal
‘Reverse’ discrimination claims may pose a class-action threat

Stacey made reference to this LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/franbenjamin_dei-activity-7283595143100690432-0HFw

04 Feb 2025Anticipated employment law changes, soft quitting, and the new deputy labor secretary00:34:02

This week we kick it off with some anticipated employment law changes that could impact your workplaces. We'll unpack 5 laws expected to impact businesses in 2025, from pay transparency mandates to revamped contractor rules. We'll also analyze key leadership changes in Washington, as we discuss Keith Sonderling's appointment as deputy labor secretary. Plus, we'll explore the latest of buzzphrases, "soft quitting."

Whether you're a business owner, HR professional, or employee, this episode equips you with insights to navigate 2025's evolving workplace landscape.

Connect with Aubrey
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adblanche/
https://aubreyblanche.com/

Connect with Stacey
https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/

Articles
5 employment law changes set to hit the workplace in 2025
Trump names former EEOC Commissioner Keith Sonderling deputy labor secretary
Why Soft Quitting At Work Could Be More Dangerous Than Quiet Quitting

11 Feb 2025What 2025 holds for RTOs and why Americans may be accepting lower salaries00:34:21

Coming up on today's episode: We're diving into the latest RTO trends for 2025! We'll explore how major companies are taking wildly different approaches - from WPP's new four-day office mandate to firms like Spotify doubling down on flexibility. Plus, we'll discuss some fascinating findings about workers choosing flexibility over higher salaries, and tackle the tricky question of whether remote work might be holding back career progression. Stick around for a candid conversation about what all this means for HR practitioners navigating the future of work.

Connect with Jared
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredkleinert/


Connect with Stacey
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/


Articles
How return-to-office mandates could change in 2025, according to top HR leaders from PwC, EY, and Canva
Why Americans Are Accepting Lower Salaries
Global ad giant WPP issues sweeping RTO mandate for its 114,000 staff, calling them back to office 4 days a week

18 Feb 2025What is burnout? And why is it so prevalent in HR?01:12:01

Join host Stacey Nordwall and special guests Julie Turney and Stephanie Lemek for a deep dive into HR burnout - an issue that has become critical for the field.

Drawing insights from Emily and Amelia Nagoski's book "Burnout," the conversation goes beyond the oversimplified notion that burnout is just feeling tired or can be fixed with a long weekend. Instead, they explore how burnout represents a biological stress cycle that needs proper completion, discussing concepts like "Human Giver Syndrome" and the unique challenges faced by HR professionals who are often expected to maintain endless empathy while managing their own stress.

The episode critically examines why HR practitioners are particularly vulnerable to burnout, exploring factors like the isolation of the role, the expectation of constant emotional labor, and the tension between doing what's right and what's organizationally possible. They also challenge conventional burnout prevention advice, critiquing surface-level solutions like "take advantage of company benefits" or "have meeting blackout days" in favor of more systemic approaches.

Whether you're an HR professional feeling overwhelmed by increasing demands and limited resources, or a leader looking to better support your HR team, this episode offers both validation and practical strategies for addressing burnout in the human resources field. The discussion particularly resonates in a post-pandemic context, where HR roles have faced greater demands while often being first in line for resource cuts.


Connect with Stephanie:

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanielemek/

At her website: https://www.thewoundedworkforce.com/

Connect with Julie:

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjulieturney/

At her website: https://www.hratheart.com/

Connect with Stacey:

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/


Articles and book:

Beyond burnout: Why changing how we talk about employee well-being could help solve it
Half of HR report burnout, wanting renewed job focus
Why HR leaders are struggling to retain their own team members.
8 Surprising HR Burnout Statistics in 2025.
Burnout

25 Feb 2025Meta lays off "low performers," AI's guardrails in Oz, and DOGE spyware00:24:26

In this episode, we dive into layoffs due to performance, AI and workplace monitoring. First, we chat Meta's controversial "low performer" layoffs, where terminated employees are challenging the company's performance-based justification. And we talk about the shift in messaging from previous layoffs that were described as cost-cutting measures. We also explore Australia's  parliamentary report calling for mandatory AI guardrails in workplace decision-making, and discuss the troubling allegations of employee surveillance in federal workplaces. Join us as we unpack the complex intersection of technology, privacy, and worker rights in today's evolving workplace environment.


Connect with Matt:

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmcfarlane/

Or here: https://linktr.ee/fndnseries


Articles:

Meta’s ‘low performer’ layoffs disputed by fired staffers and criticized by experts
Lawmakers call for mandatory AI guardrails to prevent private sector Robodebt
Federal Workers say DOGE put spyware on their work PCs is that ever ok in the workplace

04 Mar 2025JPMorgan CEO hates on remote work, Britain takes on flexible working, and work-life balance00:28:30

Matt is back to talk about the growing divide in workplace flexibility across different sectors of the workforce. We dive into new research showing how Britain's frontline workers are being left behind in the flexible work revolution, creating a "two-tier" system. We'll explore Randstad's 2025 Workmonitor report revealing that workers now prioritize work-life balance over pay, and discuss JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon's stance against remote work (spoiler - he really f*ing hates it!). 


Connect with Matt:

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmcfarlane/

Or here: https://linktr.ee/fndnseries


Articles:

Inequality in flexible working dividing Britain into ‘two-tier workforce’
It's not about the money. Employees now choose work-life balance over pay
‘I’ve had it’: JP Morgan boss rails against Gen Z in expletive-laden outburst

11 Mar 2025Ageism, career catfishing, and a 10-year low for US employee engagement00:36:57

In this episode, we start with the concerning prevalence of workplace ageism, where research shows nearly all employees over 40 experience age discrimination and feel pressured to downplay their experience.

We then explore the puzzling "career catfishing" phenomenon, where 34% of Gen Z workers reportedly accept positions only to deliberately skip their first day without notice - raising questions about evolving power dynamics between employers and employees.

Finally, we analyze Gallup's recent findings showing U.S. employee engagement has hit a 10-year low, with just 31% of workers feeling engaged and particular disengagement among younger workers and those in finance and technology sectors. 

Connect with DeMario:

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demario-bell-7a510994/

Connect with Stacey:

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/


Articles:

The silent career killer? Nearly every employee over 40 sees rampant ageism in the workplace

Gen Z is ‘career catfishing’ in power move to irk corporate employers

US employee engagement falls to 10-year low

18 Mar 2025Get on board or get out buyout tactics, sex discrimination and revenge quitting00:41:34

We discuss a recent sex discrimination case where a male employee in a female-dominated workplace filed a claim after being excluded from awards with the announcement "it's not going to be any of the men." We explore the complex dynamics of being in the minority at work.

Next, we analyze the growing trend of companies like Google and the Trump administration offering buyouts with an underlying message of "get on board or get out." What does this signal about workplace culture when organizations are explicitly prioritizing mission alignment over accommodating diverse perspectives?

Finally, we question the emerging concept of "revenge quitting" - is this just a rebranding of employees setting reasonable boundaries by leaving toxic environments? We examine how companies are scrambling to prevent turnover, but seemingly don't want to acknowledge how this is the work of DEI and HR.

Connect with DeMario:

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demario-bell-7a510994/

Connect with Stacey:

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/


Articles

Man loses sex discrimination claim after boss says ‘sorry boys’ at awards do

Why Trump and Google are paying employees to quit and what it means for your business

5 ways employers can prevent employees from revenge quitting in 2025

25 Mar 2025Live in Las Vegas at Transform00:13:20

Last week our team was at the Transform Conference in Las Vegas, connecting with HR practitioners and thought leaders. We decided to have some fun and do quick on the conference floor interviews with fellow attendees and friends of the pod. So this week we're spreading the fun and bringing you a special compilation episode of all of our interviews, which involve folks tooting your booting things about Vegas pop culture. And of course, as always, HR headlines. The audio was a bit tricky at times, so apologies in advance for that and for saying you heard it here at the end of pretty much every interview. I hope you enjoy.


Our guests:

Theresa Fesinstine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresafesinstine/

Nadia Eran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiaeran/

Kim Minnick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-minnick/

Rebecca Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccataylor2/

Daniel Huerta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-huerta-mpl/

Stephen Huerta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhuerta/

Lia Seth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liaseth/

Stefanie Fackrell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefaniefackrell-hr-rebel/

The headlines: 

Accusations of Corporate Espionage Shake a Software Rivalry

Cameo puts its money where its office is with new RTO policy

Resignation By Proxy: A New Workplace Trend Leaders Should Watch

Typing loudly, wearing AirPods: ‘taskmasking’ is how gen Z pretends to work at the office 


08 Apr 2025Tokyo's 4-day workweek, resignation by proxy, and a low status desk00:15:37

Kim Minnick joins this week as we dive into three fascinating workplace trends from around the globe. We examine Tokyo's move toward a four-day workweek aimed at addressing Japan's population crisis and work-life balance challenges, while questioning why it takes demographic emergencies to implement family-friendly policies. We also explore the "resignation by proxy" phenomenon emerging in Japan's hierarchical corporate culture. Finally, we unpack a thought-provoking UK tribunal case where an estate agent successfully sued after being assigned a lower-status desk, revealing how seemingly minor workplace arrangements can significantly impact employee roles and retention. Join us as we examine these developments and their implications for the evolving modern workplace.

Connect:

Kim Minnick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-minnick/

Stacey Nordwall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/


Articles:

Tokyo is turning to a 4-day workweek in a desperate attempt to help Japan shed its unwanted title of ‘world’s oldest population’ 

Resignation By Proxy: A New Workplace Trend Leaders Should Watch

Senior staff can sue if given ‘low status’ desk, UK tribunal rules

01 Apr 2025April Fools - can we tell the real headlines from the fake?00:28:18

In this special April Fool’s Day episode, host Stacey Nordwall hands over the reins to co-producer Lexi Croswell for a fun twist on the usual format. Instead of tooting or booting HR headlines, Stacey and HR consultant Nadia Eran have to decide if the headlines are real or fake – and why! 

Connect:

Nadia Eran ->

Lexi Croswell ->

  • on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexiscroswell/
  • Or her website: https://www.alexiscroswell.com/services

Stacey Nordwall ->

  • On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/
15 Apr 2025Meta's "do not rehire" list, the decline of workplace friendships, and HR teams too stretched to action employee feedback00:26:19

In this episode, we analyze new Glassdoor research suggesting employees are increasingly deprioritizing workplace relationships, questioning whether this shift stems from broader social disconnection or reflects changing priorities in a hybrid world. We also discuss a revealing Perceptyx survey showing that while 95% of HR teams are collecting employee feedback, only 27% feel confident they can act on it—highlighting the growing burnout crisis among HR professionals who are stretched too thin. Finally, we explore the controversy surrounding Meta's "do not rehire" list, examining the tension between standard HR offboarding practices and transparency in employment relationships. 


Connect:

Kim Minnick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-minnick/

Stacey Nordwall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/


Articles:

Employees care less and less about workplace relationships, new research finds

Stressed HR teams say they can’t take action on employee feedback 

Meta keeps secret ‘do not rehire’ list of ex-employees — despite exceptional performance reviews: report 

22 Apr 2025Workplace Accessibility: How policy changes like RTOs disproportionately impact employees with disabilities00:56:28

This week, we welcome Nathan Chung, Jessica Donahue, and Greer Procich for a critical conversation about workplace accessibility and inclusion. With collective experience in HR, cybersecurity, and disability advocacy, our panel examines how current workplace policies often overlook the experiences of disabled and neurodivergent employees.

The conversation explores three major topics affecting the workplace:

  1. The surge in return-to-office mandates and their disproportionate impact on people with disabilities which is reversing progress that had been made in employment for people with disabilities.
  2. The potentially devastating implications of Texas v. Becerra, a lawsuit challenging Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the ripple effects of which could undermine fundamental disability rights in workplaces.
  3. Recent changes at the EEOC, including the halting of sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination claims and the abandonment of existing lawsuits - as the EEOC continues to operate without a quorum.

Our guests offer advice and insight for HR professionals navigating these challenges and advocating for truly inclusive workplaces. 

Learn more about Rethink Ability: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/greerprocich_rethinking-disability-from-red-tape-to-real-activity-7310716858263908354-uJxk

Connect:

Nathan Chung:

Jessica Donahue:

  • on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-e-donahue/
  • on her website: https://www.adjunctleadership.com/

Greer Procich:

  • on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerprocich/

Stacey Nordwall:

  • on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/


Articles:

29 Apr 2025Target's DEI rollbacks hit their bottom line, LGBTQ discrimination on the rise, and quiet cracking00:21:58

This week, we dive into the real-world impacts of DEI rollbacks, workplace discrimination, and employee disengagement. We examine how Target faced boycotts and significant business impacts after eliminating DEI initiatives recently met with Rev. Al Sharpton to address the impacts of boycotts. We'll also explore troubling new research showing increased workplace discrimination against LGBTQ+ employees amid a record year of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Finally, we discuss the emerging concept of "quiet cracking" and what it reveals about the current state of workplace wellbeing and employee engagement.

Connect:

with Steven Huang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestevenhuang/

or sign up for his newsletter: https://setthesetting.substack.com/


with Stacey Nordwall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/

Articles:

06 May 2025The path from CPO to COO, employee choice in RTOs, and job ads for narcissists?00:21:06

This week, we discuss why HR professionals are naturally positioned for C-suite operations roles, examining the journey of Hinge's Angel Franklin from CPO to COO and why this transition shouldn't be considered unusual. We also dive into MongoDB's approach to hybrid work models, and fascinating research on how job ad language may inadvertently attract candidates with narcissistic tendencies and what this means for recruitment strategies.


Connect:

with Steven Huang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestevenhuang/

or sign up for his newsletter: https://setthesetting.substack.com/


with Stacey Nordwall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/

Articles:

13 May 2025The workplace triple threat: Disengagement, RTOs, and Fake AI Applicants00:33:26

This week, we're diving into three concerning workplace trends: First, employee engagement is declining sharply, with managers under 35 and female managers leading this downward slide—potentially because they're caught in middle management roles with high responsibility but little decision-making power. Meanwhile, BNY Mellon is increasing its office mandate from three to four days weekly by September 2025, again bringing up the question of if RTOs are actually solving the challenges businesses are having. Finally, tech CEOs are raising alarms about candidates using AI to fake their way through remote job interviews—with Gartner projecting that by 2028, one in four global job applicants will be using AI-generated profiles, posing serious security risks beyond simple resume fraud.


Connect:

With Lee Rubin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubinl/

With Stacey Nordwall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/


Articles:


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