Good Morning, HR

In episode 210, Coffey talks with economist Richard Froeschle about the US economy and how generational demographics are affecting the labor force. They discuss the impact of tariff-related economic uncertainty on the labor market; challenges in the quality of federal statistical data; AI’s impact on entry-level positions and experienced workers; generational workforce composition; rising reservat...

In episode 209, Coffey talks with Mallory Herrin about how experiences throughout the employment lifecycle affect employers’ brands. They discuss how recruiting has changed with shifting employee expectations across generations and labor market scarcity; the definition of employer brand; common recruiting mistakes that impact brand perception; the importance of organized onboarding; strategies for...

In episode 208, Coffey talks with David Miklas about the Department of Labor's evolving definitions and interpretations of independent contractor classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act.    They discuss why DOL interpretations matter for FLSA compliance and overtime requirements; the shift from Biden administration's six-factor economic reality test back to Trump administration's emphasi...

In episode 207, Coffey talks with Nicole Morgan about what HR professionals need to know about Medicare to help employees navigate the transition from employer-provided health insurance to Medicare coverage.   They discuss the four main parts of Medicare (A, B, C, and D) and how they work together; the differences between Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and traditional Medicare with supplemental...

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 m...

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 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; t...

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 boun...

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 broa...

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; ethica...

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...

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 de...

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...

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 decis...

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 ba...

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 purp...

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 effect...

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-em...

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;...

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...

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 im...

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 o...

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 trainin...

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 employ...

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 o...