We explore the evolution of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) from reactive to proactive approaches, emphasizing the need for early intervention and support.

Steven shares insights on how Journey utilizes data and technology to enhance employee engagement and improve mental health outcomes, and the conversation highlights the essential role of managers in fostering a supportive environment as well as the business case for prioritizing mental health initiatives.

Tracey Lovejoy, founder of Catalyst Constellations and a leadership development consultant with roots in anthropology, joins Michael VanDervort on Drive Thru HR for a wide-ranging conversation on change, the rare people who actually drive it, and why your biggest AI implementation risk isn't the technology but rather the humans you forgot to bring along.

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Tracey Lovejoy is the founder of Catalyst Constellations, a leadership development consultancy that specializes in the human side of transformation. With a background in anthropology and years of research in high tech, Tracey has spent her career studying the rare people who can't stop themselves from making positive change, and building programs that help organizations identify, develop, and leverage them. She is the author of Move Fast, Break Shit, Burn Out: The Catalyst Guide to Working Well.

Resources and References Mentioned:

• Move Fast, Break Shit, Burn Out by Tracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas

• EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) by Gino Wickman

• The Leader-Shift Playbook by Phil Wilson (LRI Consulting Services)

• The Approachability Playbook by Phil Wilson

• McKinsey research on the 10-20-70 framework

• Walmart's company-wide AI training initiative

In this Snackable HR episode, Robin unpacks the predictable agenda topics, the overhyped thought leaders, and why your real-world experience outweighs any keynote. Go forth and learn, connect and have fun - just don't check your judgment at the door.

In this episode of Drive, host Michael VanDervort welcomes Justin Lassard-Wajcer, a neuroscientist and CEO of Nurau, an AI-driven platform/app that enhances workplace decision-making for frontline managers. Justin shares his journey from neuroscience to applying cognitive science in real-world work environments, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between theory and practice. He discusses how Nurau aims to improve employee relations and safety by providing managers with real-time support, allowing them to make informed decisions during shifts rather than after the fact.

The conversation delves into the challenges faced by frontline managers, particularly in high-stress industries like retail and logistics. Justin explains how Nurau's technology helps managers log incidents and receive guidance on handling various situations, thereby reducing cognitive load and improving overall workplace dynamics.

The episode also touches on the ethical considerations of AI in HR, including the importance of maintaining human judgment and empathy in decision-making processes. Justin concludes by highlighting Nurau's potential to transform the employee experience and enhance managerial effectiveness.

Takeaways

• Bridging the gap between neuroscience and workplace application is crucial.
• AI should assist, not replace human judgment in HR decisions.
• Frontline managers are often under-supported and overburdened with cognitive load.
• Real-time decision-making tools can significantly improve workplace dynamics.
• Understanding near misses is key to preventing workplace incidents.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Drive Through HR

00:36 Meet Justin Lassard-Wacjer: Neuroscience in the Workplace

05:36 Understanding Neuro: AI for Frontline Managers

10:15 The Role of AI in Decision-Making

18:35 Adoption of AI Tools in Management

21:25 Identifying Patterns and Trends in Workplace Safety

24:46 The Importance of Frontline Managers

28:34 Addressing AI Bias and Ethical Considerations

31:31 Conclusion and How to Connect with Justin

In this episode of DriveThruHR, hosts Michael VanDervort and Robin Schooling welcome back Jon Hyman, an employment and labor law practitioner with nearly 30 years of experience. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted introduction, in which Jon shares insights into his law practice, particularly his work with small- and mid-sized businesses and his niche representation of craft breweries.

As the discussion progresses, the trio delves into the evolving landscape of HR and employment law under the new administration, focusing on the implications of recent executive orders and the changing definitions surrounding discrimination and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Jon emphasizes the importance of filtering out the noise from the EEOC and maintaining established legal practices, regardless of political shifts.

The conversation then shifts to workplace retaliation, where John provides practical advice for employers on navigating claims and maintaining proper documentation.

We also touch on the role of AI in HR, discussing its potential benefits and challenges, and the necessity for businesses to adapt their policies to keep pace with technological advancements.

The episode wraps up with a discussion of the current state of the National Labor Relations Board and the implications of its political composition for labor relations, highlighting the need for stability in workplace policies amid ongoing changes.

Takeaways:

• The law hasn't changed; the practices that were legal before are still legal.
• Focus on the damage to the business for social media posts; if it doesn't harm, let it go.
• Document everything contemporaneously; it's crucial for defending claims.
• AI is still in its alpha phase; we need to adapt our policies.
• NLRB: A functioning agency is better than no agency at all.

00:00Introduction to John Hyman

01:02John's Law Practice and Brewery Representation

05:40Navigating HR Under the New Administration

12:44Understanding Retaliation in the Workplace

18:37The Role of AI in HR

25:54Current State of Labor Relations Board

She examines how eleven months of "do more with less," unmet promises, and relentless pushing has left people exhausted, disengaged, and quietly checking out. This is a call to stop blaming something “mysterious” and instead to start seeing people as humans who need more than a long weekend to recover from a year like this one.

Together, they examine how artificial intelligence is transforming the HR landscape, questioning whether it truly frees HR professionals to focus on strategic work or merely replaces one set of administrative tasks with another.

The discussion highlights AI’s potential to deliver real-time analytics and deeper insights, enhancing decision-making and strengthening the strategic role of HR teams.

Takeaways

• AI can make HR more strategic if used correctly.
• Access to real-time analytics is a game-changer for HR.
• Having an HR analytics person can significantly improve data-driven decision-making.
• AI can help HR teams focus on more strategic initiatives.
• The right use of technology can alleviate administrative burdens.
• Real-time insights can lead to better HR strategies.
• AI acts as a supportive teammate in HR functions.
• Data-driven HR practices can enhance overall effectiveness.
• The integration of analytics in HR is essential for modern practices.
• AI tools should be leveraged to maximize HR potential.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Drive Through HR and Guest Introduction

00:33 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Clay shares his unique journey from the Peace Corps to establishing a recruiting firm that addresses labor shortages in the U.S. by connecting employers with skilled workers from Puerto Rico.

The conversation delves into the challenges of traditional visa programs, the benefits of hiring from Puerto Rico, and the importance of building trust and communication with both employers and employees. Clay emphasizes the human aspect of recruitment and the need for genuine engagement in the hiring process.

Takeaways

• The NLRB is currently facing an authority crisis due to a lack of quorum.
• Political gridlock is hindering the appointment of new board members.
• Employers must be cautious about how they regulate employee communications regarding union organizing.
• Workplace investigations into threats should be taken seriously and handled with care.
• Overreacting to potential workplace violence is often safer than underreacting.
• Political issues, such as transgender rights, are becoming increasingly relevant in workplace discussions.
• The current political climate is seen as performative and troubling by many.
• There is a growing concern about authoritarianism in the U.S. and its impact on democracy.
• The importance of compassion and empathy in discussions about workplace rights is emphasized.
• The conversation highlights the need for vigilance in protecting employee rights amidst political changes.

Caitlin explains how durable skills, such as innovation and communication, are more predictive of job success than traditional skills. The conversation also covers the need for organizations to align their culture with strategy, the significance of cultural dexterity, and how companies can future-proof themselves in a rapidly changing world, particularly with the rise of AI.

*****

Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and Co-founder of Plum, is passionate about helping people reach their true potential. That’s why, after building two businesses for other people, she founded Plum – to help organizations fully leverage the human potential within their workforces. With Plum, business leaders gain access to vital talent data that aligns employees with roles where they’ll flourish, setting the stage for the entire business to thrive.

They explore the significance of communities like empowER in improving HR practices, the necessity of continuous learning, how HR tech has changed employee relations, and the adaptability of HR professionals across various industries. The conversation ends with a fun speed round of HR-related questions, emphasizing the human aspect of HR and the employee experience.

Robin shares the behind-the-scenes journey of writing a book that doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of the HR trenches. From the lonely moments to the WTF ones, Real HR is about cutting through the corporate noise and saying the quiet parts out loud. Michael and Robin talk about why empathy matters (like, actually matters), how storytelling makes us better HR humans, and why HR pros must stop waiting for permission to lead with their values.

Oh, and they also talk about burnout. (Because, duh, it’s HR.)

TL;DL (Too Long; Didn’t Listen) Takeaways:

• Real HR is messy, human, and long overdue.
• Writing a book is like doing HR: it’s hard, personal, and not for the faint of heart.
• Storytelling isn’t fluff - it’s how people learn and connect.
• Tech is a tool, not a substitute for empathy.
• Burnout is rampant; community and reflection are survival gear.
• Robin’s not done writing. Stay tuned.

Grab your coffee, your sense of humor, and maybe a stress ball - this one’s for anyone who’s ever been “voluntold” to fix the unfixable