Did you know that up to 50% of employees have allergies and/or asthma? And whether attributed to food or the environment, these conditions are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Dr. Carla Davis — president-elect of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) — and host Wendy Fong discuss best practices for setting a…

Learn from a retired SWAT negotiator how to handle workplace crises and difficult conversations as an HR professional. Scott Tillema, keynote speaker and corporate trainer at The Negotiations Collective, goes over the four principles of crisis negotiation with host Monique Akanbi, as well as quick decision-making strategies for high-stakes and some…

Husbands and wives of armed forces personnel are not just an underutilized talent pool. According to Brytnee Fallan, a 16-year military spouse within SHRM’s own ranks, they can also be formidable agents for change. Find out how HR pros can better support and tap into the talents of military spouses as Fallan and special guest host Marjorie Morrison…

An inclusive workplace is one that works for all, and one of its key building blocks is women’s mental health. Marjorie Morrison, SHRM’s executive in residence for mental health, is joined by Tamla Oates-Forney, CEO of SHRM Linkage, to dive into strategies for HR professionals to support women’s mental health as part of creating an inclusive workpl…

Take your strategic decisions to the next level by combining data and emotional intelligence. Guest host Jay Jones, lead of talent and employee experience at SHRM, picks the brain of Jevon Wooden, CEO of BrightMind Consulting Group, about how data alone is not enough to build long-term organizational resilience and the importance of humanity in HR.…

Learn how to attract and retain top talent by fostering a culture of civility and inclusivity. Hosted by Nicole Belyna, Kenston Henderson, chief empowerment officer of Live With Lyfe, shares what that culture looks like, how to assess your organization for civility, and introduces his REM-C framework to navigate difficult conversations. Episode Tra…

In today's growing landscape of layoffs and uncertainty, more professionals are moving away from traditional career paths -- opening the door for HR pros to take a skills-first approach in recruiting and hiring. Host Nicole Belyna and John Morgan, president of career transition & mobility and leadership development at LHH, discuss how HR profession…

Are you thinking about a career pivot to HR? Find out if human resources is a good fit and how to get started on pivoting from another role or industry. Host Nicole Belyna and Claire Stroh, senior talent acquisition business partner at ATI, discuss ways for professionals in a variety of industries to join the field. Episode Transcript This podcast …

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 practice…

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…

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 recertificat…

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 l…

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 f…

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 …

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 ge…

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 ou…

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. List…

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 podcas…

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 ap…

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 …

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…

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 comp…

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…

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 w…

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…

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 pa…

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 tran…

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 d…

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…

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 emp…

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 c…

We’ve created this podcast to give YOU maximum success in your career. We’ll talk to experts, specialists, and other spouses, to help your job search success. Jodie Rudd works for JP Morgan Chase, they're making an effort to bring other military spouses together, including James Cooper, a male spouse looking to find a community. In this episode, He…

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…

We’ve created this podcast to give YOU maximum success in your career. We’ll talk to experts, specialists, and other spouses, to help your job search success. Today Heledd is joined by Cerise, Joselyn and Rusila discussing what it's like moving to England from another country and how the team from RFS can make the leap less daunting. To find out mo…

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 SHR…

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 professi…

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, Emil…

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 …

We’ve created this podcast to give YOU maximum success in your career. We’ll talk to experts, specialists, and other spouses, to help your job search success. Tracey Jones started her business (Lotus Bridge Coaching) in 2021, after a successful 28-year career in HR, and L&D. She's in the perfect position to work with and help many of our clients at…

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 thi…

We’ve created this podcast to give YOU maximum success in your career. We’ll talk to experts, specialists, and other spouses, to help your job search success. Louise is a voluntary coach for RFS. She's helped take many clients to the next level in their career (and life in general). To find out more about Recruit for Spouses and the work we do: htt…

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 w…

We’ve created this podcast to give YOU maximum success in your career. We’ll talk to experts, specialists, and other spouses, to help your job search success. Cerise, Rob and Rusila are all part of the recruiting team, in this episode, Along with Heledd, they'll be discussing how they recruit people and how they got to where they are today. During …

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 (…

We’ve created this podcast to give YOU maximum success in your career. We’ll talk to experts, specialists, and other spouses, to help your job search success. Lucy Key is a professional actress and communication coach. She works alongside her husband Christopher in their business "Performing Perfectly". Together they coach clients in effective comm…

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 …

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…

We’ve created this podcast to give YOU maximum success in your career. We’ll talk to experts, specialists, and other spouses, to help your job search success. Don Macpherson is a mind coach known as ‘The Monkey Whisperer’ who uses ancient techniques combined with modern neuroscience, all centred around the notion of ‘The Monkey Mind’. He coaches wo…

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 organization…

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 d…