While We Were Working: Human Resources Advice and Workplace Tech Insights for The HR Practitioner Community

Latest Episodes:

The Power of HR and The State of HR Tech Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

Take our 10-minute survey and improve workplace technology for all! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZSPLMNN In this episode of the While We Were Working podcast, host Joey Price and guest Tami Nutt discuss the latest developments at Jumpstart HR and Aspect43, including their focus on HR technology research, recent market insights, and the release of Joey's new book, The Power of HR. They explore the importance of compliance, strategic leadership in HR, and how professionals can stay ahead of industry trends. The conversation also highlights upcoming conferences and the significance of taking actionable steps after reading the book to future-proof HR careers. What's In This Episode?:

Aspect43 focuses on the needs of HR technology buyers.
Research helps inform HR practitioners about market trends.
Compliance is crucial in HR technology evaluation.
The new subscription service offers valuable insights for HR tech providers.
Joey's book aims to empower HR leaders to claim their influence.
HR professionals must influence both the boardroom and the break room.
Staying informed about trends is essential for HR success.
The book provides practical steps for HR professionals.
Future-proofing HR careers is vital in a changing landscape.
Collaboration between HR and technology is key for organizational success.

Key Quotes:

"Compliance is my love language."
"It's a busy time for us at Aspect43."
"Claim your power, HR leader."
"It's about future-proofing your success."
"HR has got to be the model."
"It's been so fun working with you."

Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 02:00 Understanding Aspect43's Research Focus 05:45 Recent Releases and Market Insights 11:07 Upcoming Conferences and Events 15:19 The Power of HR Book Release 20:20 Becoming Strategic Leaders in HR 22:19 Staying Ahead of HR Trends 25:16 Taking Action After Reading the Book 29:42 Future-Proofing HR Careers 32:50 Closing Thoughts and Future Collaborations keywords: HR technology, compliance, research, strategic leadership, talent acquisition, HR trends, Aspect 43, Joey Price, Tammy Nutt, The Power of HR summary

Internal Hiring vs External Hiring - What’s Better? Ft. Fit Small Business Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

Summary

This episode’s conversation explores the topic of internal versus external hiring in small businesses. Experts from Jumpstart HR and the Fit Small Business team discuss the key differences between the two methods, including the impact on cost, time efficiency, employee morale, retention rates, and diversity of skill sets. They also provide a five-step framework to determine whether to fill a role with an internal hire or an external hire, which includes assessing current skills and gaps, identifying growth and development opportunities, conducting a cost benefit analysis, considering cultural fit and adaptability, and evaluating long-term impact and strategic alignment.

Takeaways

Internal and external recruitment methods have different impacts on cost, time efficiency, employee morale, retention rates, and diversity of skill sets.
A five-step framework can help small businesses determine whether to fill a role with an internal hire or an external hire: assess current skills and gaps, identify growth and development opportunities, conduct a cost benefit analysis, consider cultural fit and adaptability, and evaluate long-term impact and strategic alignment.
Communication, performance reviews, and feedback are important in assessing current skills, identifying growth opportunities, and promoting internal candidates.
Cost considerations include compensation, benefits, and potential expenses for external hiring, while internal hiring may involve salary adjustments and filling previous positions.
Cultural fit and adaptability should be considered when deciding between internal and external candidates, as well as the long-term impact and alignment with business goals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:23 Key differences between internal and external recruitment methods

06:00 Cost implications of internal versus external hiring

08:46 Time efficiency of internal and external recruitment methods

14:16 Effect of internal and external recruitment on employee morale and retention

16:31 Impact of internal and external candidate recruiting strategies on diversity of skill sets

21:57 Step 1: Assessment

24:30 Step 2: Identifying

28:04 Step 3: Costs

31:24 Step 4: Culture

31:54 Step 5: Long-term impact and strategic alignment

To learn more about Internal vs External Hiring, visit @FitSmallBusiness’s Helpful Guide: https://fitsmallbusiness.com/internal-vs-external-recruiting

To subscribe to Fit Small Business, visit: https://link.fitsmallbusiness.com/join/65m/hr-social-signup

To work with Jumpstart HR’s team of HR professionals, visit our website: www.jumpstart-hr.com

Does AI at Work Mean Worse Employee Experience? + “My Employee Won’t Turn His Camera On, What Should We Do?” Dec 28, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Joey Price and Summer Ketron discuss Forester.com’s predictions for 2024, focusing on employee experience, AI, and recruiting. They highlight the challenges faced in 2023, such as inflation, hybrid work adjustments, and employee strikes. The conversation delves into the importance of employer’s commitment to employee experience and the potential impact of AI on recruiting, including the hiring of unqualified candidates and the creation of fake profiles. The hosts provide recommendations for organizations to navigate these challenges and emphasize the need for a balanced approach between talent and technology. The episode concludes with a discussion on addressing the issue of camera on, camera off in virtual meetings.

Takeaways

The challenges faced in 2023, such as inflation and hybrid work adjustments, have raised questions about employers’ commitment to employee experience.
AI in recruiting can bring both magic and mayhem, with the potential for hiring unqualified candidates and the creation of fake profiles.
Organizations should invest in employee experience programs to drive productivity and retention.
A balanced approach between talent and technology is crucial for organizations to navigate the future of work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:59 Forester.com’s Predictions for 2024

03:22 Challenges in 2023

06:08 Employer’s Commitment to Employee Experience

08:38 AI and Recruiting

14:13 Recommendations for 2024

16:36 Consultants’ Corner: Camera On, Camera Off

27:03 Conclusion

When Remote Work Goes Too Far Mar 01, 2023

Show notes

California's at it again!

The 9th court of Appeal has struck down California's law that outlawed mandatory arbitration agreements that was changed just recently.

An arbitration agreement is a clause in an employment contract where an employee and an employer agree to settle their grievances out of court instead of going on trial.

Arbitration in the workplace is an area that is still not understood by many employers and employees.

In the 'While We Were Working' section, we look at the best practices to implement arbitration agreements in employment contracts and some things you shouldn't take to arbitration.

In the ‘Consultants Corner,’ we discuss a situation from a letter we received recently. An employee goes to another country for a medical procedure. The employer wants them to return, but the employee wants to work remotely from where they are.

We have even seen some destinations try to lure remote workers into relocating. This is definitely a problem that will only become bigger with remote working. Some employers offered remote working as a benefit without realizing the full consequences of such a policy.

Tune in to hear our perspective on this issue and how to strengthen your sick and remote working policies.

Tune in to learn more!

Key Takeaways

- What are arbitration agreements (04:55)

- Are arbitration agreements good or bad for companies? (06:06)

- The big myths about arbitration (07:27)

- Things that can't go to arbitration according to federal law (10:19)

- Can you compel an employee not to work remotely from another country (17:59)

- Take a look at your time off and sick policies (22:25)

- Clarity on remote working policies (23:02)

Additional Resources

Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr

Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!

👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/

Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show?

📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com

📰 Article in question: https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/ninth-circuit-strikes-down-california-s-7773675/

monday.com | A new way of working: https://try.monday.com/wwww

------

Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron

This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC

www.Jumpstart-HR.com

The Office Affair: How Love Contracts Are Protecting Employees and Employers Feb 15, 2023

Show notes

Just how well do employees in America love their jobs?

In this Valentine's edition episode, we are all about love in this episode.

Unfortunately, according to a Gallup poll, there is a downward trend in employees loving their jobs and an upward trend for employees who report hating their jobs.

The findings in this poll are surprising, and some staggering figures we should all take note of.

But what are those micro things that might result in people not having that love affair they once had with their employer?

Tune in as we dig deep into the 5 main things that will affect your employee engagement!

In this episode's 'Consultant's Corner, 'and it being Valentine's Day week, what better time than now to brush up on some workplace romance policies that will keep your company safe?

Joey and Sommer go through the intrigues of office romance and how to keep everybody safe and sane with a 'love contract.' Tune in to learn more!

Key Takeaways

- Employee engagement in the United States (02:28)

- Why people do not love their jobs (03:51)

- The 3 demographics falling out of love with their employers (06:13)

- What employees need to give their best (09:59)

- Nothing says ''I love you like a love contract (12:37)

- How Love Contracts protect employers and employees (13:01)

- How quickly workplace romance can turn messy (16:39)

Additional Resources

Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr

Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!

👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/

Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show?

📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com

📰 Article in question:

https://www.gallup.com/workplace/468233/employee-engagement-needs-rebound-2023.aspx

Quickbooks: https://refer.quickbooks.ca/s/jprice

--------

Navigating Difficult Decisions: A Guide To Small Business Layoffs: https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/navigating-difficult-decisions

Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron

This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC

www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Why Elon Musk Fired The ENTIRE Twitter Board As CEO Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

If you've been watching the news lately, you're probably aware of Elon Musk taking over Twitter and firing the entire Twitter board in a surprising move.

The implications of Elon Musk's actions remain unclear, but what does this mean for the company's culture, employees and users? Is Twitter doomed?

In this week's episode of While We Were Working, Joey and Sommer analyze the reasons behind Elon's strategy from an HR perspective, whether it might pay off eventually or not, and what to expect in the future.

Sommer and Joey also discuss the general need for proper management training. We've all seen lousy management lead to unhappy teams and ineffective leadership. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that managers get their role in most companies because of seniority, not for their management skills or training.

Is there a way to break this cycle and provide efficient management training that could significantly improve your team's performance and satisfaction?

Tune in to find out!

Key Takeaways

Why Elon Musk fired the entire Twitter board (00:00)
How radically changing culture might damage a company (09:06)
What could be the implications of Elon's strategy? (11:48)
The problems with a lack of proper management training (17:02)
The two sides of performance management (21:03)
What is one-day manager training? (25:45)

Additional Resources

📰 Article in question:

https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-twitter-inc-business-bd2d48331db2d8f702664864a70d5e71

Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!

👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/

Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show?

📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com

Java With Joey (Monthly Small Business CEO Mastermind) - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/mwka2AyB/checkout

👉 Join our Empowered People Leaders Community [FREE Access] - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/MwchLoyL/checkout

👉 Join our Student and Early Stage HR Pro community -

https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/pWTbD2Ue/checkout

Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron

This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC

www.Jumpstart-HR.com

A.I. Recruitment Tools: Could They Get Your Business In Legal Trouble? Aug 10, 2022

Show notes

A.I. technologies have drastically revolutionized and improved how we do business. A.I. tools play a significant role in H.R. processes, yet they can potentially get your business in legal trouble by implementing discriminatory practices during recruitment.

In this week's episode, Sommer and Joey discuss A.I. tools in H.R.: how organizations use them, their benefits and risks, and some tips on preventing potential discriminatory practices.

Joey and Sommer also explore the culture brewing around false COVID test information in the workplace. Tune in to learn what to do if you suspect an employee is faking a test to take sick time and the pros and cons of requiring tests at work.

Key Takeaways

Can A.I. tools get your business in legal trouble? (00:00)
How organizations are using these tools for the hiring process (03:53)
The risks of using A.I. tools when hiring (07:03)
Tips on preventing potential discriminatory practices (10:00)
What to do if your employees are faking COVID tests (16:29)
The pros and cons of requiring COVID tests at work (19:04)
Lessons from real examples of test forgeries in organizations (21:30)
What leaders can do to create an environment of honesty (25:22)

Additional Resources

📰 Article in question:

https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/eeoc-issues-guidance-on-use-of-3746307/

Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!

👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/

Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show?

📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com

Java With Joey (Monthly Small Business CEO Mastermind) - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/mwka2AyB/checkout

👉 Join our Empowered People Leaders Community [FREE Access] - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/MwchLoyL/checkout

👉 Join our Student and Early Stage HR Pro community -

https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/pWTbD2Ue/checkout

Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron

This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC

www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Why Job Applications Are Not Dead Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

Are job applications still relevant?

In the digital age, many small business owners consider job applications a thing of the past and rely on job board submissions or resumes instead.

However, doing away with job applications can negatively impact your business, and in this episode, Joey and Sommer explore why. Tune in to learn the importance of job applications and the benefits of using them as an employer.

Joey and Sommer also discuss the recent adoption of data analytics to strengthen federal HR - and why you should incorporate data collection as part of your HR strategy. Finally, you'll learn some small steps that you can take to improve your small business' DEIA plan.

Key Takeaways

- Are job applications dead? (00:00)

- High, low, buffalo (01:48)

- 3 trends driving adoption of data analytics in federal HR (06:27)

- Why you should use an employment application as an employer (12:49)

- The best time to insert a job application in a job search process (19:49)

- Job application red flags (21:38)

- Is having a degree necessary as a job candidate? (24:23)

Additional Resources

Visit jumpstart-hr.com for more episodes and to learn more about our HR Outsourcing support services.

Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? Shoot an email to Danna at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com

This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC: Agile HR Outsourcing for Small Businesses and Startups (www.jumpstart-hr.com) Liked this episode? Share it on social media!

Trusting Your Gut and Google Is Not An HR Strategy Feb 03, 2022

Show notes

On this episode: Joey and Sommer give you HR updates for 2022 and tell you why searching Google might land your business in the hot seat. In While We Were Working, they discuss new HR laws which include new non-disclosure agreement and leave law. Consultant's Corner is full of interesting Google searches that employers are searching.

High, Low, Buffalo (1:40)
While We Were Working: New HR Laws Your Business Needs to Know (Littler) (7:45)
Consultant's Corner: Trusting Your Gut and Google is Not an HR Strategy (19:00)

Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron

This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC: Agile HR Outsourcing for Small Businesses and Startups (www.jumpstart-hr.com)

Liked this episode? Share it on social media!

How To Stop Pesky Phishing Scams At Work Jan 20, 2022

Show notes

Have you left a review for our show on Apple Podcast or Spotify yet?

On this episode: Joey and Sommer help you stop cybersecurity threats from disrupting business operations. Should HR be involved in that? Absolutely! Also, we talk about why so many workers are choosing entrepreneurship over being an employee.

High, Low, Buffalo (2:20)
WWWW: The Rise of The Independent Workplace via Recruiting Daily (8:06)
Consultant's Corner: My employee was caught in a phishing scam using our company email... what do I do? (17:45)

Resource:

How to Spot Phishing (via Federal Trade Commission)

Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron

This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC: Agile HR Outsourcing for Small Businesses and Startups (www.jumpstart-hr.com)

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

While We Were Working: Human Resources Advice and Workplace Tech Insights for The HR Practitioner Community

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected