This Week at Work

Difficult Conversations at Work: Preparing for and Documenting Tough Talks

ep242: Phil and Burt team up to offer guidance when it comes to preparing for, and documenting difficult conversations at work. Follow a few simple tips to be an HR All-Star, like PhilMario and LuigiBurt. Plus, our Lawyer on the Clock has several weeks of HR news to get off his chest.
 
Lawyer on the Clock
3:00 - Kalpana Kotagal has been confirmed to be one of the commissioners at the EEOC.
 
6:23 - The Department of Homeland Security has issued new I-9 forms and an alternative for verifying remote workers. 
 
9:25 - The Americans with Disabilities Act just turned 33.
 
10:27 - What is the “No Robot Bosses” Act?
 
Philburt’s Phorum
14:10 - What’s everyone overhearing at the watercooler?
 
The Employers’ Lounge
16:05 - How, when, and what should you document when having difficult conversations?
 
20:08 - Should HR professionals have employees sign documentation of difficult conversations?
 
25:30 - The key to difficult conversations in the workplace is to prepare.
 
26:56 - Don’t forget the compliment sandwich!
 
Host(s): 
Phil Brandt, President and CEO, AAIM Employers’ Association
Burt Garland, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
 
Powered by AAIM Employers’ Association and Ogletree Deakins, a Feature Group USA production 

AAIM and EAF: More Powerful Together

ep241:  In case you haven’t heard, AAIM and EAF Employers Associations have merged in an effort to continue to progress, grow, and ultimately serve members better. So we’re dedicating the half hour to share our excitement, and give a glimpse into the added expertise and solutions now at members’ fingertips.
 
In The Employers’ Lounge with Phil and Rita
1:17 - Rita Manny, president of EAF Employers Association, now President - Florida, AAIM Employers’ Association, joins the program to discuss how the merger between AAIM and EAF came to be, and what to expect going forward. 
 
10:12 - The merger is about a better future: better innovation, better technology, and more efficient, expanded resources. 
 
19:57 - EAF members wills till have the services they rely on, including the hotline, which is one of the key services. There will be more training and development.
 
22:37 - AAIM services new to EAF members will include live online training, applicant tracking, and background verification. 
 
   
 
Host(s): 
Phil Brandt, President and CEO, AAIM Employers’ Association
 
Special Guest(s): 
Rita Manny, President - Florida, AAIM Employers’ Association
 
Powered by AAIM Employers’ Association and Ogletree Deakins, a Feature Group USA production 

AAIM Member Spotlight: Child Care Answers

Ep240:  Recruits and star employees have choices, and they demand work-life balance and flexibility, but what does that look like? We introduce AAIM Member Lane Heaney, an HR Generalist at Child Care Answers. Lane watches firsthand how her organization empowers employers to provide the support their employee’s demand. Also, Lane discusses how she keeps her head above water as a one-person HR department.
 
Lawyer on the Clock: 
4:07 - Do current OSHA standards for high hazard industries require you to submit 300 logs, 301 logs, or both?
 
9:11 - How do you determine if you are in a high hazard industry?
 
11:01 - Mandatory lunch meetings: clocked-in or clocked-out?
 
Philburt’s Phorum:
13:25 - Monique, our AI contributor tests out new looks. 
 
The Employers’ Lounge: Child Care Answers
16:31 - Lane Heaney discusses moving away from the “employees’ child care issues are not my issues” mentality. 
 
21:09 - Employer provided solutions for employee childcare can vary greatly: splitting shifts, job sharing, flexible spending accounts, childcare subsidies, PTO, or even just including information about available local programs in your onboarding.
 
25:55 - Remote work has brought up new issues when it comes to childcare while parents are working from home. 
 
Poll Results
26:38 -  Flexibility in hours and location was the number one response to “which of the following do you think impacts work life balance the most?”
 
28:15 - Our listeners overwhelmingly have not implemented any type of child care support for employees and do not feel it is a fit for their organization.
Host(s): 
Phil Brandt, President and CEO, AAIM Employers’ Association
Tom Chibnall, Associate, Ogletree Deakins
 
Special Guest(s): 
Lane Heaney, HR Generalist, Child Care Answers
 
Powered by AAIM Employers’ Association and Ogletree Deakins, a Feature Group USA production 

Generational Diversity at Work Part II

Ep238:  We continue our conversation around a multi-generational workforce with tips for developing culture that drives collaboration and healthy relationships. We welcome Tanya back to offer ideas on how to provide employees a common “why”, while at the same time being flexible with the “how”.
 
Lawyer on the Clock: 
3:36 - The Supreme Court issued a significant decision in a case between an LGBTQ+ couple and a website designer. 
 
7:54 - Some clarity is offered on the Supreme Court decision from last week regarding affirmative action.
 
The Employers’ Lounge: Multi-Generations at Work
21:12 - Multiple generations have grown up with different experiences as relates to technology, laws, etc.  
 
22:26 - What, as an organization, is your purpose, your vision, your values?
 
25:13 - Mission, vision, and values often come from a consultant, and don’t get integrated into what we are actually doing.
 
Poll Results
27:23 - Who defines a company’s culture? Poll says leadership at 55%.
 
30:42 - What is the biggest determining factor for work ethic? Our viewers say it’s how you were raised.
   
 
Host(s): 
Phil Brandt, President and CEO, AAIM Employers’ Association
Burt Garland, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
 
Special Guest(s): 
Tanya Zion, Business Manager, Engagement Services, AAIM Employers’ Association
 
Powered by AAIM Employers’ Association and Ogletree Deakins, a Feature Group USA production 

AAIM Member Spotlight: Bunzl - Buying Stock in Their People

Ep238: 
We turn the spotlight towards another impressive AAIM member company, Bunzl Distribution, an organization with a global reach that calls St Louis home for their North American operations. We welcome a special guest, John Lyday, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Bunzl North America. From a concerted dedication to leadership training and personal development, to inspiring an enthusiasm for diversity, you’ll surely walk away with insights you can apply to your area of focus. Plus, the spotlight’s on Tom Chibnall too as he’s this week’s Lawyer on the Clock.
Lawyer on the Clock:
4:21 - The Supreme Court has changed direction on whether it is considered undue hardship when it comes to how coworkers are adversely impacted when it comes to religious accommodations. 
7:23 - The Supreme Court also ruled it is unconstitutional to consider race as a factor in admissions practices for universities and colleges. 
Philburt’s Phorum:
n/a
The Employers’ Lounge: Bunzl Distribution
11:31 - Bunzl’s growth comes from acquisitions, and our largest challenge comes from finding the right companies, and integrating them into Bunzl and our culture, but keeping the best of who they are. 
16:06 - Post-pandemic, Bunzl has invested in a specialized talent acquisition team, onboarding, and engagement of new hires.  
 
Host(s): 
Phil Brandt, President and CEO, AAIM Employers’ Association
Nick Barton, Vice President, Feature Group USA
Tom Chibnall, Associate, Ogletree Deakins
 
Special Guest(s): 
John Lyday, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Bunzl North America
 
Powered by AAIM Employers’ Association and Ogletree Deakins, a Feature Group USA production 

How to Level-up with Generational Diversity

Ep237: 
It’s a multi-generational workforce, and to unlock the potential that these different perspectives can offer, it’s going to take actively understanding the diverse skills, experiences, and values of our people. We welcome to the show, Strategic Business Consultant, Tanya Zion. Tanya will bring insights that she’s gained from both research and real-world situations to help you elevate your organization.
Lawyer on the Clock:
6:24 - The US Supreme Court issued a split decision that allows Coinbase (a cryptocurrency company) to pause a lawsuit while it appeals a dispute over sending claims to arbitration.
12:24 - An investigation has begun into 23 companies that appear to have committed wage theft. 
14:29 - The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is officially in effect.
Philburt’s Phorum:
18:06 - Phil attempts to understand a dramatic recreation of a GenZ breakup. 
The Employers’ Lounge: Multi-Generational Workforce
21:19 - When it comes to younger generations, we have to meet them where they are and cultivate a curiosity of why we function differently in the workplace. The expectations and differences that we have to deal with are real.
Host(s): 
Phil Brandt, President and CEO, AAIM Employers’ Association
Burt Garland, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
 
Special Guest(s): 
Tanya Zion, Strategic Business Consultant - Executive Coach, AAIM Employers’ Association
Powered by AAIM Employers’ Association and Ogletree Deakins, a Feature Group USA production 
 

HR Ready for AI at Work?

Ep236: 
There's no debate that Artificial Intelligence is impacting Human Resources. However, while some fear we’re on a reckless path towards an Extinction-Level event, we’re going to slow it down, take a breath, narrow our focus, and concentrate first on avoiding a Career-Ending event. Back by popular demand is Jenn Betts, an expert in the impact of technology in the workplace. We discuss what AI tools are being embraced, what legal snags to consider, and what's already in the works when it comes to legislation.
Lawyer on the Clock:
3:29 - The senate Chambers Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee advanced legislation to overhaul labor laws governing unionization, paid sick leave, and wage discrimination. 
10:25 - Employees at the Afton Starbucks in St. Louis have petitioned with the Service Employees International Union to organize. 
Philburt’s Phorum:
13:23 - Fun with AI apps that make Phil and Burt sing and dance.
The Employers’ Lounge: Is HR Ready for AI at Work?
16:47 - There is an interesting gap in what different people and organizations consider Artificial Intelligence when reporting on if they use it in their HR processes. It can be as simple as a chat bot. 
23:16 - The EEOC has concerns about disparate impacts when using these technologies in the hiring process, and has issued some guidance. 
27:05 - New York City has a blockbuster law, which is the first to place detailed, robust requirements related to employer use of AI in the workplace. 
 
Host(s): 
Phil Brandt, President and CEO, AAIM Employers’ Association
Burt Garland, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
 
Special Guest(s): 
Jenn Betts, Office Managing Shareholder, Co-Chair of Technology Practice Group - Ogletree Deakins
Powered by AAIM Employers’ Association and Ogletree Deakins, a Feature Group USA production 

Congress at Work in 2023: First-Half Report, Second-Half Predictions

Ep235: Today, we welcomed back our Washington D.C. insider Jim Plunkett, Shareholder and Senior Government Relations Counsel at Ogletree Deakins to connect the dots between regulation news and your organization.
Lawyer on the Clock:
5:11 - Starbucks has been hit with a $26 million verdict in discrimination case.
8:45 - NLRB has revived an Obama-era standard for looking at who is an employee versus an independent contractor.
11:29 - Congress is considering extending legislation that excludes sexual harassment from arbitration agreements to discrimination claims. 
Philburt’s Phorum:
15:18 - It’s tough to share a name with a celebrity!
The Employers’ Lounge: Congress at Work
16:48 - Jim Plunkett discusses current and upcoming legislation that may affect your workplace, including affirmative action, arbitration, independent contractors, and child labor. 
 
Host(s): 
Phil Brandt, President and CEO, AAIM Employers’ Association
Burt Garland, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
 
Special Guest(s): 
Jim Plunkett, Shareholder and Senior Government Relations Counsel, Ogletree Deakins
 
Powered by AAIM Employers’ Association and Ogletree Deakins, a Feature Group USA production 
 

The State of HR: Insights from over 1,000 Key Decision-Makers

Ep234: We know your workplace has its own special brew of challenges and opportunities, but like you, we also understand the value of knowing what others in your position have in their mug! 
With that in mind, we're excited to bring you insights from Ogletree Deakins' freshly tabulated benchmarking survey with responses from nearly 1,100 in-house counsel and key decision-makers. And to present the findings is Jim McGrew from Ogletree Deakins. In his role, Jim is constantly talking with business professionals trying to succeed in the same arena as you. Having also served as in-house legal counsel and as director of human resources for Chef Emeril, he's the guy to lean on when translating tallies to the workplace.
Lawyer on the Clock:
5:30 - The Pump Act guidance has been issued by the DOL. 
9:30 - A Supreme Court ruling will allow employers to sue unions for damages under certain circumstances for damages incurred during a strike, but it was in a very specific case.
11:22 - The Ninth Circuit Court on the West Coast issued a decision that said sexually demeaning and violent language in rap music may sustain a sexual harassment complaint.
Philburt’s Phorum:
15:16 - Express lanes, vegetarians, and dog lovers.
The Employers’ Lounge: The State of HR
17:46 -  Jim McGrew discusses the results of the Ogletree Deakins’ benchmarking survey, including hiring and retention, multijurisdictional compliance, and remote work.
 
Host(s): 
Phil Brandt, President and CEO, AAIM Employers’ Association
Burt Garland, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
 
Special Guest(s): 
James M. McGrew, Chief Client Services Officer, Ogletree Deakins
 
Powered by AAIM Employers’ Association and Ogletree Deakins, a Feature Group USA production 

Workplace Stress: Wellness Rules

Ep233: Like a balloon filling up with air to the point it explodes, your workforce just might be filling up with stress. So how can employers prevent employees from blowing up? Good question.
To help with answers, we welcome Dr. Cathy Daus, Professor at SIUE, and an expert in stress management and emotional intelligence. Police organizations, hospitals, and AAIM members alike look to her for guidance when it comes to improving wellness and enjoying the positive results that follow.
 
Lawyer on the Clock:
4:04 - The NLRB’s General Counsel, Jennifer Abruzzo, has issued a memorandum that non-compete agreements in employment contracts and severance agreements violate the NLRA except in limited circumstances. This does not cover management, and does not stray from advice or recommendations that non-compete really should be narrowly tailored to those employees who really can impact or hurt the organization just simply by leaving to go to a competitor. 
7:30 - The nomination of Julie Su to Secretary of Labor is currently held up in congress. 
8:42 - The EEOC has announced it will be cracking down on the construction industry for anti-bias enforcement, particularly as it relates to gender and race. 
9:16 - The NLRB, Division 14 in Missouri has concluded that workers at a Missouri cannabis dispensary can move forward with unionization without including two other stores because they are categorized as a health care employer under the MO Department of Health and Senior Services. 
Philburt’s Phorum:
13:01 - An empty test email was accidentally sent out to the HBO Max mailing list by an intern. The people of the internet responded with the biggest (and most amusing) mistakes they had made in their careers. 
The Employers’ Lounge: Workplace Stress
16:40 -  Dr. Cathy Daus, Professor at SIUE, and an expert in stress management and emotional intelligence, joins the program to discuss stress, and provide tips on emotional management and stress response in the workplace. 
23:33 - Workers in the US have been stressed for many decades, and we have seen the trend increase over time.
25:19 - One of the biggest, most consistent buffers for stress is social support.
28:50 - People bring themselves into the workplace, and all aspects of themselves need to be nurtured and supported. 
32:37 - It is unsurprising that micromanagement came up as one of the biggest stressors in our poll. Being micromanaged makes people feel like they don’t have control. 
 
Host(s): 
Phil Brandt, President and CEO, AAIM Employers’ Association
Burt Garland, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
 
Special Guest(s): 
Dr. Cathy Daus, Professor and Director of the I/O Psychology Program at SIUE, and Trainer at AAIM
 
Powered by AAIM Employers’ Association and Ogletree Deakins, a Feature Group USA production