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

Latest Episodes:

The Human Experience Imperative: Why Recognition Matters (ft. Alyssa Johnson at Workhuman Live 2025) May 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of While We Were Working, host Joey Price and co-host Tami Nutt engage with Alyssa Johnson, Senior Vice President of Customer Excellence at Workhuman, discussing the critical role of human experience in the workplace, especially in the context of advancing technology and AI. They explore the evolution of recognition programs from traditional to modern practices, emphasizing the importance of genuine recognition in driving employee engagement, performance, and retention. Alyssa shares insights on how recognition can transform performance management, the tangible business impacts of effective recognition programs, and the challenges organizations face in adopting new HR technologies. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of HR leadership and the importance of recognition in shaping workplace culture.

Links Discussed on the Pod:

How to reach Alyssa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsonalyssa/
Visit Workhuman: https://www.workhuman.com/
WSJ Chief People Officer Council: https://cpocouncil.wsj.com/
Learn more about Aspect43's research: https://aspect43.com/insightsblog/
Learn more about Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com
Have you gotten your copy of The Power of HR?: https://amzn.to/4mr3av7

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

NYC’s AI Bias Law Isn’t Working + Demystifying Employee Ratings Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

Summary In this episode, Joey Price and Sommer Ketron discuss New York City’s AI bias law and the challenges it faces in terms of enforcement and compliance. They also evaluate the use of numerical ratings in performance reviews, highlighting the pros and cons of this approach. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clear communication in performance management and offers assistance in developing effective performance rating systems.

Takeaways New York City’s AI bias law, which requires employers to audit automated employment decision tools for potential bias, has faced challenges in terms of compliance and enforcement. The law’s narrow scope and lack of awareness among employers contribute to low compliance rates. Numerical ratings in performance reviews provide clarity and a means of quantifying performance, but they can also be subjective and demotivating. Alternative approaches to performance reviews that focus on feedback and improvement without assigning numerical scores may be more effective. Clear communication and evaluation of performance rating systems are crucial for successful performance management.

Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 01:54 - Discussion of New York City’s AI Bias Law 03:55 - Challenges and Non-Compliance with the Law 08:30 - Enforcement and Compliance Issues 15:10 - Numerical Ratings in Performance Reviews and Pros and Cons of Numerical Ratings 20:00 - Clarity and Subjectivity of Numerical Ratings 26:01 - Alternative Approaches to Performance Reviews 28:00 - Importance of Communication in Performance Management 28:27 - Assistance with Performance Rating Systems 30:07 - Conclusion

Traits of a Great Leader at Work + My Job Changed And I’m Not Happy About It Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Joey Price and Sommer Ketron discuss the traits of a great leader and how to compare oneself against those traits. Also exploring what to do when an employee’s job changes and they are no longer happy about it. The conversation emphasizes the importance of hiring for fit, prioritizing attitude over aptitude, and motivating employees to be engaged. Also discussing the Gallup poll that suggests only 10% of people in management positions have the talent to lead, highlighting the need for coaching and support. In the Consultant’s Corner segment, they provide insights on how to handle job changes and address employee dissatisfaction.

Takeaways

Hiring for fit is crucial to ensure employees align with the position and the company’s culture.
Great leaders prioritize attitude over aptitude, focusing on employees’ willingness to learn and grow.
Motivation and employee engagement are key to inspiring employees to perform at their best.
Coaching and support are essential for developing management skills and bridging skill or will gaps.
Handling job changes requires open communication, understanding employee concerns, and managing expectations.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

01:16 - Article: Are You a Great Leader or an Average Leader?

04:48 - Hiring for Fit

07:20 - Attitude vs. Aptitude

10:37 - Motivation and Employee Engagement

13:14 - Management Ability and Coaching

16:13 - Consultant’s Corner: Handling Job Changes

HR’s Toughest Challenges + Can AI Hire Better Candidates? Mar 01, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Joey Price and Sommer Ketron discuss the challenges that HR professionals face and how candidates are using AI to cheat the recruiting process. Exploring top concerns keeping HR executives up at night, including navigating HR budgets and managing hybrid remote workplaces. And discussing the shift in focus from recruitment and retention to building company culture and learning development. The importance of employee engagement and people analytics is highlighted, along with practical tips for job seekers and hiring managers to adapt to the use of AI in the hiring process.

Takeaways

HR executives are concerned about navigating HR budgets, managing hybrid remote workplaces, recruitment and retention, employee engagement, and people analytics.
Candidates are using AI tools to craft resumes and cover letters, making it difficult for hiring managers to identify qualified candidates on paper.
Hiring managers should familiarize themselves with AI tools and look for indicators of AI-generated content, such as language and sentence structure.
To adapt to the use of AI in the hiring process, hiring managers can prioritize in-depth references, work samples, skill demonstrations, and assessments.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

02:23 - What’s Keeping HR Up at Night

03:49 - Navigating HR Budgets and Managing Hybrid Remote Workplaces

04:55 - Shift in Focus: Recruitment and Retention

06:42 - Importance of Employee Engagement

09:23 - The Significance of People Analytics

12:57 - Consultants Corner

13:19 - Candidates Using AI to Cheat the Recruiting Process

16:04 - Advice for Job Seekers and Hiring Managers

23:22 - Using One-Way Video Interviews

26:16 - Conclusion

2024 PTO Trends + What If My Employee Goes To Jail? Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Joey Price and Sommer Ketron discuss two topics: PTO trends and what to do when an employee is in jail. Exploring the trends and challenges of unlimited PTO, including the low percentage of employers offering it and the barriers to its implementation. While also providing insights and advice on how to handle the situation when an employee is in jail, emphasizing the importance of understanding legal requirements and considering options such as leave of absence or termination.

Takeaways

Unlimited PTO is still not widely adopted by employers, with only around 9% offering it.
Barriers to unlimited PTO include heavy workloads, inadequate staffing, and lack of leadership support.
The adoption of unlimited PTO is relatively new, and it may become more common as companies compete for talent.
When an employee is in jail, employers should understand their legal requirements and consider options such as leave of absence or termination.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

02:00 - PTO Trends\

11:09 - Adoption of Unlimited PTO

12:05 - Unlimited PTO hurdles

15:08 - Consultant’s Corner: Employee in Jail

23:16 - Legal Requirements and Options

25:36 - Follow-up Questions

28:09 - Conclusion

Exploring Current Work Trends + Value of Podcast for HR Professionals Feb 15, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Joey, with guests Bill Banham and Christopher Bjorling from the People and Performance Podcast, is here to provide insights while covering various topics related to current trends in the world of work. They discuss impactful changes, such as the shift to remote work and the rapid advancement of technology. Exploring the long-term viability and impact of remote work on organizational culture, while also highlighting the use of podcasts as a strategic learning tool for HR professionals, offering insights and perspectives from industry experts. They also share success stories and impactful conversations from their very own People and Performance Podcast, which viewers interested in learning and continuing their personal and professional development can explore.

Takeaways

The world of work has undergone significant transformations, including the shift to remote work and the rapid advancement of technology.
Remote work has become a new norm for many organizations, and its long-term viability and impact on organizational culture depend on leadership and individual preferences.
Podcasts can be a valuable tool for HR professionals to stay up to date on industry trends and continuously learn. They provide bite-sized insights and perspectives from industry experts.
Success stories and impactful conversations on podcasts can inspire and provide valuable insights for HR professionals.
Continuous learning and staying adaptable are crucial in the ever-evolving world of work.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Guest Bios

03:06 - Impactful Changes in the World of Work

08:05 - Rapid Advancement of Technology and its Impact on the Workplace

12:31 - Long-Term Viability and Impact of Remote Work

18:07 - Addressing Work-Life Balance in Remote Settings

23:09 - Podcasts as a Strategic Learning Tool for HR Professionals

29:11 - Success Stories and Impactful Conversations on the Podcast

35:45 - Conclusion

Navigating Religious Inclusion in the Workplace + How to Handle Employee Grievances with Company Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Joey and Sommer discuss two topics that are often considered taboo in business: religious inclusion at work and addressing negative employee sentiment. They explore the complexities of religious inclusion, the importance of cultural sensitivity, and the legal protections for religious accommodations. They also provide insights on how to handle employee grievances and foster a positive work environment.

Takeaways

Religious inclusion at work is becoming more important as employees seek to bring their whole selves to the workplace. Companies should create policies and practices that accommodate religious observances and foster a culture of inclusivity.
Legal protections exist for employees’ religious freedoms, and employers must make reasonable accommodations unless it causes undue hardship to the business.
Addressing negative employee sentiment requires open and honest communication. Employers should conduct one-on-one interviews to understand the root causes of dissatisfaction and work towards resolving them.
Consulting with HR professionals can provide guidance and support in navigating complex issues related to religious inclusion and employee grievances.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:20 Religious Inclusion at Work

03:43 Shifting Culture and Expression of Self

05:23 Cultural Sensitivity and Religious Observances

10:00 Legal Protection and Religious Accommodations

19:18 Investigating Employee Grievances

24:26 Consultant’s Corner: Addressing Negative Employee Sentiment

New Independent Contractor Rule for Compliance + Benefits of HR Support From the Beginning Feb 03, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of While We Were Working, Joey and Sommer discuss the new independent contractor rule and the factors of the economic realities test. Emphasizing the importance of understanding the new law and its implications for businesses. They also discuss when businesses should start thinking about HR and the benefits of having HR support from the beginning. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for people leaders and small business owners.

Takeaways

The new independent contractor rule is an important HR issue that businesses need to pay attention to.
The economic realities test consists of six factors that determine whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee.
Businesses should start thinking about HR from the beginning and seek HR support to avoid making costly mistakes.
Understanding the new law and its implications is crucial for businesses to ensure compliance and protect workers’ rights.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:12 Setting up the While We Were Working segment

03:11 New Independent Contractor Rule

08:12 Discussion on the Factors of the Economic Realities Test

27:29 When to Start Thinking about HR in Your Business

30:42 Closing Thoughts