Episodes
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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? -
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 -
Missing episodes?
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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 -
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. -
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.
The Problem With SHRM: Why HR Professionals Feel Disappointed, Disillusioned, and DesertedSHRM faces discrimination lawsuit from former employee and criticism from some HR professionalsSHRM announces removal of E from DEISHRM Stands Ready to Partner with Biden Administration to Support Work, Workers and WorkplacesJury may decide whether SHRM conducted sham bias investigationSHRM letter to President-elect Trump‘It would be an honor’: SHRM’s Johnny C. Taylor reportedly on Trump’s short list for labor secretary
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.
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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.
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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/ -
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 -
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.
icaretoomuch.substack.compatchworkportfolio.compeakhrlearning.com
Find the article we discussed here
Law firm Jones Day must face bias lawsuit over parental leave policy
Follow Kim RohrerFollow Cassandra Babilya
cassandrababilya.comYou Got This journal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPMJ5K5RMake Work Suck Less newsletter https://pages.cassandrababilya.com/posts -
Are we on the verge of losing key HR leaders due to burnout and lack of strategic support? Tara Turk-Haynes, founder of Equity Activations, joins us to discuss the possible HR leadership exodus along with the EEOC’s 25-year high in disability discrimination charges and how flat hierarchies may be keeping women from applying. Plus, we explore what it all means for DEI programs as middle management roles vanish. Don’t miss it!
And -> If you'd like to participate in Tara's survey about the experience of middle managers, please do so here: https://lnkd.in/gGjT8Zwm
You can also connect with Tara on LinkedIn
The articles we discuss can be found here:
A leadership exodus looms as HR leaders consider leaving their jobs
EEOC Sues Three Employers for Disability Discrimination
Research: Flat Hierarchies Can Discourage Women Applicants -
This week on Toot or Boot, Tara Turk-Haynes, founder of Equity Activations, joins us to break down Amazon's RTO mandate and the myth of in-office culture-building. Then we dive into the latest tech layoffs—is it the economy, real estate, or the upcoming election driving them? And we ask: Does simply being in the same office foster real collaboration and culture? Get ready for a wild ride!
Amazon calls workers back 5 days a week—other companies may be ‘right behind them,’ expert saysCisco's huge layoff round slams Bay Area offices, more than 800 workers cutIntel is laying off over 15,000 employees and will stop ‘non-essential work’PwC fires 1,800 employees. What’s driving Big 4’s major U.S. layoffs?Working in the office 5 days a week to build company culture is a myth, PwC report says
Connect with Tara on LinkedIn
Here are the articles we discussed: -
We dive into the "meeting industrial complex" and whether our work culture has really adapted to remote and hybrid models. Join Noah Warder, VP of People and Culture at Accent Inns, and me as we discuss how to reclaim focus time, explore Gen Z’s impact on sick days and discuss whether HR has swung too far in favor of employees.
Gen Z is redefining sick daysI've worked in HR for 36 years. Here are the 3 biggest changes I've seen in the workplace — and why I think the dial has swung too far in employees' favor.White-Collar Work Is Just Meetings Now
Connect with Noah on LinkedIn.
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Noah Warder, VP of People and Culture at Accent Inns, joins to talk about founder mode and what it gets wrong. We also dive into the debate around right-to-disconnect laws. Are they necessary protections, or do they create unnecessary urgency? Plus, we explore how organizations can weave social activism into their governance. Don’t miss it!
Why Silicon Valley Is Abuzz Over ‘Founder Mode’How to build social activism into your governance structure‘Who dreams this crap up?’: Kevin O'Leary slams new rule that allows employees to ignore their bosses after hours
Connect with Noah on LinkedIn
Articles: -
Morgan Williams, CEO and co-founder of PeakHR, joins me to break down messy Texas court rulings on noncompetes and overtime laws, and unpack this new HR trend called "The Great Detachment." Buckle up—this one's a wild ride!
Federal judge strikes down FTC rule banning noncompete agreementsState employees in Texas not subject to overtime rule, judge holdsWelcome to ‘The Great Detachment’: Workers are checked out—and so are their bosses
Connect with Morgan on LinkedIn
Follow PeakHR on LinkedIn
Articles: -
Morgan Williams, CEO and co-founder of PeakHR, joins me to explore the latest round of companies announcing they're dropping or scaling back their DEI initiatives. And we connect those dots to the closing of Women Who Code, Girls in Tech, and the VCs of Silicon Valley who are putting their support behind Republican politicians.
Harley-Davidson is dropping diversity initiatives after right-wing anti-DEI campaignhttps://finance.yahoo.com/news/whats-happened-silicon-valley-insane-170023210.htmlThe movement to diversify Silicon Valley is crumbling amid attacks on DEI
Connect with Morgan on LinkedIn
Follow PeakHR on LinkedIn
Articles: -
Welcome to another Tootsday! This week Sheila Krueger of The Benefits Bungalow, joins me to dive into the latest HR news: Are women struggling to join the gig economy because they worry about sacrificing benefits? And are return-to-office mandates driving away female talent? We also chat about the latest Textio report that found high performers are getting the worst feedback. Plus, we explore why quality feedback matters for everyone.
Women want to join the gig economy — but they can't sacrifice their benefits‘The system is not working for women’: Companies with return-to-office mandates are hemorrhaging female talentHigh performers at work get the worst feedback, and it's driving them to quit
Follow Sheila on LinkedIn
Articles: -
This week Cassandra Babilya and I break down some of the latest HR buzzwords. Is "Hushed Hybrid" just another overhyped term and is it a case of disempowered managers? And do leaders really care about employee engagement? Then we've got the Great Resignation 2.0—Cassandra calls BS on this one—and the bizarre rise of Employee Nesting. Are employees doomed whether they job-hop or stay put? Tune in for the trend-busting breakdown!
cassandrababilya.comYou Got This journal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPMJ5K5RMake Work Suck Less newsletter https://pages.cassandrababilya.com/posts
Follow Cassandra BabilyaArticles
Hushed HybridLeaders don’t really care about employee engagement. Here’s whyGreat Resignation 2.0 could be on the horizon, with 3 in 10 workers planning to quit in 2024, survey shows3 Ways To Know The Difference Between ‘Employee Nesting’ And Company Loyalty -
Are Summer Fridays dead because of remote work? Sheila Krueger of the Benefits Bungalo joins me to break down this and more. We start off by talking about The New York Times piece, “So, Human Resources Is Making You Miserable?”—and the heated discussions it’s sparked. Plus, we dive into the Honeywell controversy: firing an employee for refusing mandatory DEI training. Tune in for all the drama!
So, Human Resources Is Making You Miserable?Honeywell employee fired for skipping DEI training has no bias claimSummer Fridays are dead because remote work killed them
Follow Sheila on LinkedIn
Articles -
On this week's Toot or Boot, Cassandra Babilya and I dive into Greece's befuddling decision to introduce a 6-day workweek. Plus, what is the "broken rung" and is it really what’s holding women back in their careers? And Citi steps up by boosting paid parental leave to match the competition. Join us as we break it all down!
cassandrababilya.comYou Got This journal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPMJ5K5RMake Work Suck Less newsletter https://pages.cassandrababilya.com/posts
Follow Cassandra BabilyaArticles
Citi boosts paid parental leave to match industry peersGreece six day work weekWomen can’t fix the ‘broken rung’ unless they acknowledge the role they play in workplace bullying and discrimination -
On this week’s *Toot or Boot*, we’re diving into generational workplace dynamics! Kim Rohrer joins the show to talk about if Gen Z really is the hardest to work with, or is it just a myth? We also explore how Gen X is faring in the 401k experiment and the surprising trend of Gen Z maxing out their retirement savings. Join us for the generational deep dive you didn’t know you needed!
icaretoomuch.substack.compatchworkportfolio.compeakhrlearning.com
Follow Kim RohrerArticles
Gen X is the 401(k) 'experiment generation.' Here's how that's playing out.Meet the Gen Zers maxing out their retirement savingsGen Z really are the hardest to work with -
Steven Huang joins me to break down Rippling’s controversial move to ban ex-employees at competitors from tender offer stock sales. Plus, does your career *really* need a higher purpose? We also chat about how focusing on what employees get away with can actually transform workplace culture. Buckle up for a lively discussion!
Your Career Doesn’t Need to Have a PurposeWant to Know How to Change a Company's Culture? Science Says First Focus on the Things Employees Are Allowed to Get Away WithRippling bans former employees who work at competitors like Deel and Workday from its tender offer stock sale
Follow Steven on LinkedIn
Articles: - Show more
