Live in Las Vegas at Transform

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

Accusations of Corporate Espionage Shake a Software Rivalry

35:00

The healing power of fitness goes far beyond physical benefits—for today’s guest, it’s a form of self-expression and a celebration of what the body can do. In this episode, host Nora McInerny sits down with fitness personality Ivylis Rivera, who shares her deeply personal journey of navigating life with Chronic Migraine while holding onto her passion for movement. Ivylis opens up about the struggle of staying active while facing the fear of triggering a headache or migraine attack and the resilience it takes to keep pushing forward—a resilience that carried her through the challenging journey of finding a Chronic Migraine treatment plan that worked for her. Join Nora and Ivylis as they explore the concept of “soft living,” a philosophy Ivylis embraces—staying active, listening to your body, and building trust in oneself. Click here for Product Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, or visit https://abbv.ie/prescribing_info See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

about a year ago 13:20

MP3•Episode home

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:

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

44 episodes

#MBA #Business News #Business #News #Stacey Nordwall #Work #Work Culture #HR Tech #Future Of Work #Leadership #IT Management

Live in Las Vegas at Transform

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

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

44 episodes

#MBA #Business News #Business #News #Stacey Nordwall #Work #Work Culture #HR Tech #Future Of Work #Leadership #IT Management

All episodes

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
The cost of DEI rollbacks, the new employer-employee relationship , and the human cost of content moderation 31:13

4 days ago31:13

31:13

This episode dives into why some CEOs are paying the price for walking back DEI, how the employer-employee relationship has fundamentally shifted, and the horrifying conditions faced by Meta’s outsourced content moderators. From strategic miscalculations to moral failures, we examine what these stories tell us about leadership, labor, and the values that shape today’s workplaces. Connect : With Anessa: On LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/anessafike/ On her website : https://www.fikeandco.com/ Her book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-revolution-of-work-fuck-the-patriarchy-and-the-workplace-it-built-anessa-fike/21206822?ean=9781961347540&next=t With Stacey on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/ Articles : How some corporations miscalculated the impact of abandoning DEI Has the Labor Market changed or have employees? Meta faces Ghana lawsuits over impact of extreme content on moderators…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
A hard job market for new college grads, the cost of declining employee wellbeing, a bold child care policy 27:00

11 days ago27:00

27:00

In this episode, we explore Cake’s Body’s bold $36K childcare stipend, why the job market is suddenly so brutal for college grads, and what the WEF’s new report reveals about the steep decline in employee well-being. We break down what these headlines signal about where workplaces are headed—and what HR needs to be thinking about next. Connect : With Anessa: On LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/anessafike/ On her website : https://www.fikeandco.com/ Her book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-revolution-of-work-fuck-the-patriarchy-and-the-workplace-it-built-anessa-fike/21206822?ean=9781961347540&next=t With Stacey on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceynordwall/ Articles : Cakes Body’s $36K Child Care Credit Leads the Way in Affordable Child Care Planning for Employees Something Alarming Is Happening to the Job Market World Economic Forum Warns Employee Well-Being Is Declining—and Costing Businesses Trillions…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
The workplace triple threat: Disengagement, RTOs, and Fake AI Applicants 33:26

18 days ago33:26

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 : Employee Engagement is Dropping and Managers are leading the slide BNY asks employees to return to office four days a week by September Fake job seekers are flooding U.S. companies that are hiring for remote positions, tech CEOs say…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
The path from CPO to COO, employee choice in RTOs, and job ads for narcissists? 21:06

25 days ago21:06

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 : Why it’s not far-fetched for HR pros to dream of being COO Giving employees a choice when to be in the office Why is your boss a narcissist? Blame the job ad that got them hired…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
Target's DEI rollbacks hit their bottom line, LGBTQ discrimination on the rise, and quiet cracking 21:58

5 weeks ago21:58

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 : Rev Al Sharpton meets with Target CEO over halting of DEI initiative LGBTQ+ workers report more discrimination, less happiness at work What is ‘quiet cracking’? Worker disengagement has a new name…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
Workplace Accessibility: How policy changes like RTOs disproportionately impact employees with disabilities 56:28

6 weeks ago56:28

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: 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. 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. 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: on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nc808/ on the Disability Disrupted podcast : https://www.youtube.com/@DisabilityDisrupted 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: 5 years into the remote work boom, the return-to-office push is stronger than ever—here's why ‘Dangerous’ lawsuit could imperil disability rights, advocates say Andrea Lucas renominated to EEOC, pledges ‘evenhanded’ civil rights enforcement Five years of remote work changed workplace accessibility. Employees with disabilities will feel its loss.…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
Meta's "do not rehire" list, the decline of workplace friendships, and HR teams too stretched to action employee feedback 26:19

7 weeks ago26:19

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
Tokyo's 4-day workweek, resignation by proxy, and a low status desk 15:37

8 weeks ago15:37

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
April Fools - can we tell the real headlines from the fake? 28:18

9 weeks ago28:18

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 -> on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiaeran/ Or her website Future in Work : https://futureinwork.com/ 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/…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
Live in Las Vegas at Transform 13:20

10 weeks ago13:20

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
Get on board or get out buyout tactics, sex discrimination and revenge quitting 41:34

11 weeks ago41:34

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
Ageism, career catfishing, and a 10-year low for US employee engagement 36:57

12 weeks ago36:57

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
JPMorgan CEO hates on remote work, Britain takes on flexible working, and work-life balance 28:30

13 weeks ago28:30

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
Meta lays off "low performers," AI's guardrails in Oz, and DOGE spyware 24:26

14 weeks ago24:26

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
What is burnout? And why is it so prevalent in HR? 1:12:01

15 weeks ago1:12:01

1:12:01

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
What 2025 holds for RTOs and why Americans may be accepting lower salaries 34:21

16 weeks ago34:21

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
Anticipated employment law changes, soft quitting, and the new deputy labor secretary 34:02

17 weeks ago34:02

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
HR preps for new administration, Apple pushes back on anti-DEI, and reverse discrimination lawsuits 22:48

18 weeks ago22:48

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
2025 HR Predictions: Toot-worthy or Boot-worthy? 48:25

19 weeks ago48:25

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: Internal processes get an AI makeover: 5 predictions for HR and the world of work in 2025 | Culture Amp PR comes to HR: 2024 HR Trends and 2025 Predictions | SHRM 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 Mental Health Gets Personal. 7 Seismic Shifts Coming to HR in 2025 | Bill Brown 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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
All things DEI with Vijay and Tara 52:11

20 weeks ago52:11

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

1
Candidates love-bombed and ghosted, the return of bro culture, and volunteering as a wellbeing program 30:09

21 weeks ago30:09

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

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

23 weeks ago40:09

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?…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

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Elon to X remote work, RTOs as retaliation, and what employees really value 28:50

25 weeks ago28:50

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

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

26 weeks ago30:25

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

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

27 weeks ago25:50

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 .…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

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The Trouble with SHRM 50:48

27 weeks ago50:48

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 The Problem With SHRM: Why HR Professionals Feel Disappointed, Disillusioned, and Deserted SHRM faces discrimination lawsuit from former employee and criticism from some HR professionals SHRM announces removal of E from DEI SHRM Stands Ready to Partner with Biden Administration to Support Work, Workers and Workplaces Jury may decide whether SHRM conducted sham bias investigation SHRM letter to President-elect Trump ‘It would be an honor’: SHRM’s Johnny C. Taylor reportedly on Trump’s short list for labor secretary…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

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Polyworking, AI surveillance of workers, and why HR is getting tougher 23:48

28 weeks ago23:48

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/…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

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Workday wellness check, supercommutes, and Dell's last minute RTO 33:42

31 weeks ago33:42

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…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

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Parental leave and the case of stolen valor 37:49

32 weeks ago37:49

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 icaretoomuch.substack.com patchworkportfolio.com peakhrlearning.com Follow Cassandra Babilya cassandrababilya.com You Got This journal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPMJ5K5R Make Work Suck Less newsletter https://pages.cassandrababilya.com/posts…

Toot or Boot: HR Edition

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The HR Leadership exodus, flat hierarchies and the 25-year high of EEOC disability discrimination charges 22:55

33 weeks ago22:55