This Week at Work

Keeping HR Level: Balancing Mental Health & Performance

We have a powerful conversation lined up with Linea Johnson, founder of The Thrive Shift—a leading advocate for mental health in the workplace. Linea brings her expertise, lived experience, and a passion for creating inclusive work environments to our discussion. 
She helps us explore how organizations can elevate their mental health support to the same level as their physical disability standards, and then continue rising the tide to lift everyone up, no matter what boat they’re in. 
Plus, we discuss the delicate balance between support and performance—and when Lady Justice drops in to weigh the scales.

Employee Opinion Report (1/3): Quick Quitters

Ep. 295 We're diving into the growing challenge of 'Quick Quitters.' While overall employee engagement is on the rise, there's one group that's proving hard to keep: brand-new hires, especially hourly workers.
From wage compression to uninspiring onboarding experiences, we’ll break down reasons why this might be happening, and what employers can do to turn things around.
Powered by employee opinion surveys, Tanya joins us armed with real-world insights - because she’s working with companies right now - just like yours - struggling to retain their newest hires.
Plus, we’ll look at the latest cases affecting your day-to-day activities.

AI Won't Replace You... The Person Using AI Will

With an aging population and declining birth rates driving a potential worker shortage, you’d expect confidence in job security to be at an all-time high. However, many employees are left wondering if “The only thing they have to fear is A.I. itself?”
But the most immediate threat to their job is more likely to be their colleague who workshopped some best use cases for AI, not the intelligence itself. 
We’re joined by special guest Christopher Brock, whose early passion for coding has positioned him as a key influencer in the AI movement. 
He’ll help us “Take one small step toward AI - and one giant leap for your value at work”

Nurturing the Workplace: Transforming HR from Enforcers to Strategic Partners

We ask the question… "Is your department a victim of organizational stereotyping?” Often, HR is seen as the beating stick, or disciplinarian, whose role is to enforce company policy. Well, it’s time to rethink that notion
When our guest Lydia Miller, CHRO at Children’s Home Association took over HR, leadership had bigger plans. By empowering managers with the skills to lead, coach, and inspire, Lydia is helping establish HR as a true value-added strategic partner, charged with the betterment of the organization.
We’ll talk about that, plus how AAIM has helped Lydia on her way to where she is today!

FTC Non-Compete Update: Federal Court Blocks Rule

In Texas this week, a Federal District Court blocked the FTC’s non-compete rule from taking effect nationwide.
Yes, the world of non-competes remains in chaos! While Burt Garland and today’s special guest, Justin Allen, can't paint a complete picture of the ultimate outcomes, they will at least touch up the fence a bit to help make sense of these new developments. 
Ogletree’s recent article on the FTC’s non-compete rule sparked serious conversation, and with this latest court decision, employers are left wondering what comes next.

10 Years from Ferguson: Leadership Lessons Learned

Ten years ago a small town called Ferguson was thrust into the spotlight, becoming a beacon for deep discussions surrounding community and law enforcement.
A man was also thrust into the spotlight. Special guest Captain Ron Johnson, charged with keeping the peace at the time. He joins us on the heels of a CBS special inspired by his book “13 Days in Ferguson” to give us his take on Leadership.
Ferguson showed us that actions coming from a small town can impact an entire population. Just like actions of the everyday employee can shape the perspective of an entire organization. So the Captain asks, “Why are we only training the top to be leaders?"

$UPDATE: 2024/2025 Compensation Trends

AAIM goes for the gold with a Money Update that lines up the compensation trends of 2024, and imagines them racing down the track to predict what it might take to win in 2025.
Phil hands the baton off to crowd favorite Mikey Mac who can flat out book it when it comes to getting out ahead of the competition and holding them off with strategies that deliver value to employees and employers alike.
Learn to sprint past slowing inflation, hurdle over rising unemployment, and still hear the sweet sound of your company vision playing from the podium.

New Trends in Leadership and Professional Development

Staying ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of leadership is key. And when you’re choosing your path when it comes to developing your leaders, “Are you budgeting to train current team members or budgeting to replace them? Because as special guest Matt Wideman says, “you have to do one or the other.”
This week, with Phil and Matt’s help, we introduce insights from Gartner research and cover real world success stories from AAIM members who are on the cutting edge of developing their people. 
Plus, Burt will cover what you need to know regarding California’s fast food minimum wage increase.

Hiring Strategies: No Substitute for Potential!

In an era where conversations about AI replacing jobs are everywhere, it's natural to feel anxious about robots taking over. But there's more to the story. This week, AAIM member Nicole Koblesky from the Rock River Valley Blood Center joins us with her unique perspective of knowing there’s no substitute for human blood, just like there’s no substitute for real human talent.
Phil and Nicole explore effective hiring strategies, including how to hire for potential and cultural fit, and the importance of developing your team to be better than you.

Make AI Your Ally, Not Your Replacement

Your job is hard. You’re expected to know if FMLA covers this person…if a PTO payout is required in this circumstance, or how part-time is defined in this scenario! Well, you’re not alone - you have an ally!  To prove it, we turn to AAIM’s HR hotline and reintroduce Monique, our very own AI helper, to showcase how employers can leverage AI tools to address real-life questions and scenarios in the workplace.