In this episode of "HR Nightmares," Lisa, Beth and Amy dive deep into the heart of boomtown, Wilmington, North Carolina, unraveling the cutting-edge strategies that are redefining talent attraction and retention with special guest, Megan Mullins. Amidst the scenic backdrop of this burgeoning business hub, the discussion takes a turn into the future of workforce development, shining a spotlight on the innovative approaches to strategic recruitment and the crucial role of educational initiatives in building a highly skilled labor pool.With an eye on the looming shadow of baby boomer retirement, our HR experts dissect the urgent need for succession planning and the art of preserving institutional knowledge through a dynamic framework of individual development. The episode is a treasure trove of insights, featuring Lisa Leath's groundbreaking tactics for promoting internal career growth and the transformative impact of the NC Career Coast in knitting together the community of employers and job seekers in North Carolina and beyond.As we navigate the intricate dance of keeping talent thriving within local confines, especially in high-demand sectors like tech, "HR Nightmares" offers an unmissable blueprint for cities and companies alike aiming to stay at the forefront of the talent game. This episode is not just a podcast; it's a call to action for all forward-thinking leaders ready to harness the power of collaboration and innovation in securing the future of their workforce.

Total rewards expert, Steven Osiel from 3rd Quartile joins Lisa Leath and Amy Conway to discuss various topics related to human resources and compensation. They highlighted the complexities of compensation and reward systems, the importance of effective communication when implementing bonus payments, the complicated relationship between employee compensation and job satisfaction, the issue of gender pay disparity, and the complexities of pay transparency in different jurisdictions. They also touched upon cultural differences in negotiation, the role of HR in addressing pay disparities, and how to approach a job offer with a lower salary than expected. Tune in to hear this great discussion on a sensitive topic, comp, with HR Nightmares’ first international guest!Let’s connect!  If you have a topic, situation, or question you would like us to discuss to be featured on the next episode SUBMIT HERE.Find us on LinkedInCheck out our Website: www.leathhrgroup.comFollow us on socials: @LeathHRStreamline your Employee Check-ins with WorkTok!

In this "HR Nightmares" episode focused on customer experience with guest, Justin Robbins from 8x8, Lisa Leath, Beth Looney and Amy Conway champion an alliance between HR and customer service. The four articulate the necessity of equipping service teams with tools and insights that foster individualized customer interactions. Justin’s critique of Net Promoter Score (NPS) as a satisfaction metric prompts HR to innovate more reflective measures, aligning employee motivation with customer fulfillment. Addressing work-life balance and optional event attendance, the four point to HR’s vital role in cultivating a respectful, supportive workplace culture. This collaborative approach ensures a workforce capable of delivering delightful experiences to customers and colleagues alike.Let’s connect!  If you have a topic, situation, or question you would like us to discuss to be featured on the next episode SUBMIT HERE.Find us on LinkedInCheck out our Website: www.leathhrgroup.comFollow us on socials: @LeathHRStreamline your Employee Check-ins with WorkTok!

In this episode of "HR Nightmares," Lisa, Amy, Beth, and guest, Kate Valette, BSN, RN from Marsh McLennan Agency, entertain us with tales from the trenches of HR and healthcare, learning from an expert who evolved from bedside nurse to corporate wellness warrior. The quartet, armed with anecdotes and analysis, swap tales, fascinated over the quirky side of employee health incidents. The four discuss the comeback story of a vacation-gone-wrong that turned into a health revolution. Amidst data deluge dilemmas, their collective vision for a healthier workplace through number-crunching nirvana takes center stage. And for the work-from-home warriors juggling toddlers and tasks? The ladies provide listener write-in tips, from confession to creative childcare, promising a good laugh and a beacon of hope.Let’s connect!  If you have a topic, situation, or question you would like us to discuss to be featured on the next episode SUBMIT HERE.Find us on LinkedInCheck out our Website: www.leathhrgroup.comFollow us on socials: @LeathHRStreamline your Employee Check-ins with WorkTok!

Welcome back to HR Nightmares, coming to you from the heart of Wilmywood! Join us as we shine the spotlight on Andrea Walker, an owner of Lighthouse Films, as she joins your favorite hosts, Lisa Leath and Beth Looney. In this episode, we dive into the world of the film industry, exploring the HR nightmares that filmmakers often encounter. From shooting in remote locations with just one functional toilet to dealing with international productions running overtime, facing massive financial losses due to scams, and even fielding requests to bring baby goats and chicks to the workplace, Andrea shares her firsthand experiences.As a multi-faceted business owner, Andrea juggles numerous responsibilities, but she's discovered the power of fractional HR support through her partnership with our Senior HR Consultant, Beth over the past three years. If you're involved in international business, this episode is a must-listen. If you don’t know what a 'Local Fixer' is, you need to! Find out how they can be your key to understanding the tricks and nuances of your filming location.Our episode wraps up with a close look at Lighthouse Films' inspiring mission statement, revealing not only what they do and how they do it but also why their approach is a shining example for businesses of all kinds. Andrea shares the economic and cultural benefits the film industry has on a local community. Alright, tune in, take notes, and share with your friends!Let’s connect!Drop a review and share this episode with your friends. Tag us on social media using @leathhr!If you have a topic, situation, or question you would like us to discuss to be featured on the next episode, SUBMIT HERE: https://share.hsforms.com/1nkNk2O9vQm6fI-VNautdJwc26z4.Find us on LinkedIn!Check out our Website: www.leathhrgroup.comFollow us on socials: @LeathHR

Remember when Human Resources was seen as the dreaded 'policy police'? Those days are long gone. In this episode, Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney, with their combined 60 years of experience, reflect on how they've transformed HR practices over the last two decades, reshaping the way business leaders perceive 'good HR.' The discussion starts by reminiscing about the old days when HR was primarily responsible for hiring and firing, often cast as corporate enforcers. They each entered the HR industry from different paths – some through education and others through practical experience. Together, they explore what's most essential in meeting the workforce needs of today and what constitutes an effective HR function. But that's not all! The ladies dive into the world of HR job titles. From the traditional 'Human Resources' and its predecessor 'Personnel' to the newest trendsetting, 'People and Culture' or 'People Operations' titles, they discuss whether these new names are just fancy rebranding or if they signal a deeper shift in HR's role. To wrap up, the episode tackles two juicy audience questions related to CEOs: "My co-worker is a close friend of the CEO's girlfriend and behaves as if she can do no wrong. We feel bullied by her. What steps should we take?""How can I effectively manage accommodation requests and support an employee's mental health when their provider advises against meetings with the CEO due to anxiety?" Tune in to discover Lisa, Amy, and Beth’s insightful advice and engaging discussion on these HR and workplace topics. Whether you're an HR professional or just curious about the evolution of HR practices, this episode offers valuable insights. Let’s connect! If you have a topic, situation, or question you would like us to discuss to be featured on the next episode submit here: https://share.hsforms.com/1nkNk2O9vQm6fI-VNautdJwc26z4 Enjoying what you are listening to? Drop a review and share it with your friends. Tag us on social media using @leathhr! Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leathhrgroup Check out our Website: www.leathhrgroup.com Follow us on Socials: @LeathHR Streamline your Employee Check-ins with WorkTok!

Lisa, Amy, and Beth sit down with Buffy Andrews, a seasoned Holistic Health Practitioner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Certified Yoga Instructor. Join the conversation as they dive into the complexities of supporting employees in times of stress and trauma. Ever encountered a perpetually stressed employee or struggled to aid a colleague through a tough situation? Buffy's insights provide a roadmap of resources and practical tips for assisting distressed and vulnerable team members. Explore the multifaceted external pressures impacting the workforce – from financial woes to mental health challenges, and more. Uncover the vital lesson that, beyond being employees, these individuals are human beings, deserving of empathy! Discover the latest trends in the mental health and wellness sphere, including the rise of "Wellness Coordinators" in big companies. Plus, gain valuable insights into the pivotal role HR plays in fostering a culture of health and well-being in the workplace. It’s time we bridge the gap between HR management and holistic employee support. Whether you're an HR professional, manager, or simply interested in the well-being of your colleagues, this episode promises invaluable takeaways for understanding and nurturing the human side of work. Episode Resources:National Suicide Hotline: 9-8-8United Way Resources Hotline: 2-1-1ILM Listeners – Reach out to Made Well Center for Wholeness: https://madewellcenter.org/ Let’s connect!Drop a review and share this episode with your friends. Tag us on social media using @leathhr!If you have a topic, situation, or question you would like us to discuss to be featured on the next episode SUBMIT HERE.Find us on LinkedInCheck out our Website: www.leathhrgroup.comFollow us on socials: @LeathHRStreamline your Employee Check-ins with WorkTok!

Welcome back to HR Nightmares, where we take on real-life work challenges with expert advice and genuine conversations with the Senior Certified HR professionals at Leath HR Group. The OGs are back for an episode packed with thrilling audience write-ins and thought-provoking, timely topics! Lisa, Beth, and Amy kick off the episode with captivating audience write-ins, spanning from pay transparency and compensation benchmarking to navigating difficult conversations with leadership teams and determining the right time to part ways with a company. The ladies then delve into our trending topics segment, passionately discussing the significance of guilt-free vacations and the essential need to respect employees' time off. Moving forward, the group explores the sheer power of AI and Chat GPT as invaluable aids for recruitment efforts and task streamlining, revolutionizing the HR landscape. Finally, we conclude with a timely and contentious topic: the ever-debated issue of companies mandating a return to the office. Beth shares her insights, revealing how some companies are embracing reduced office space to save costs and shrink their environmental footprint. Join us for an enthralling episode that promises enlightening insights and eye-opening discussions! Disclaimer: We are HR Professionals but we’re not your HR Professional. We provide free, generalized advice and urge listeners to contact one of our Sr. Certified HR Consultants for specific strategies and advice at contact@leathhrgroup.com.Enjoying what you are listening to? Drop a review and share it with your friends. Tag us on social media using @leathhr!Let’s connect!  If you have a topic, situation, or question you would like us to discuss to be featured on the next episode SUBMIT HERE.Find us on LinkedInCheck out our Website: www.leathhrgroup.comFollow us on socials: @LeathHRStreamline your Employee Check-ins with WorkTok!

Ever wondered what Gen Z wants in the workplace? What about their motivations? Or how you can attract them to your business? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve got two Gen Z-ers behind the mics this week to share their firsthand experiences and opinions. Our guest host, Gabbi Plumez is joined by co-hosts Amy Conway, and Beth Looney and our special guest, Michael Cooper, Senior Associate Advisor with Marsh McLennan Agency, LLC for a discussion about the five generations in the workplace. Yes, there are five! Gen Z refers to the generation that was born between 1997-2012, following millennials with some of the oldest finishing college by 2020 and have been the new kids on the block at work! In this episode, we explore the fascinating dynamics of the multi-generational workplace, delving into the unique perspective of Gen Z. Join us as we break down common stereotypes, decipher how Gen Z thinks differently about work and career, explore the benefits of reverse mentorship, uncover the communication styles between generations (Hint: Gen Z wants feedback, all the time.), and reveal actionable strategies for businesses to stand out in an era shaped by social media and creative outlets. Connect with us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leathhrgroup/www.LeathHRGroup.com@LeathHRGroup  Did you love the episode? If so, we’d love for you to share it with a friend or colleague who wants to learn more about Gen Z!  Have an HR Nightmare you want advice on in real-time? Submit here to get free advice from our HR experts!

Step into the fascinating world of professional gaming, virtual reality (VR), and gamification in the modern workforce. Gabbi Plumez, People and Culture Consultant, is filling in for Lisa Leath as host, along with co-host, Beth Looney. Joining us is Hailey Sarradet, a seasoned recruiting professional with first-hand experience in hiring professional gamers. She shares her unique insights, challenges, and success stories while giving you an insider's perspective on this rapidly evolving field. As a primarily male-dominated industry, we discuss finding ways to attract female gamers for hire and the importance of having diverse teams in the industry. Gabbi sheds light on the emerging trend of the esports/gaming industry embracing health and wellness initiatives. Learn how gaming professionals are leading the way in promoting physical and mental well-being with proven results.But that's not all! We delve into innovative ways companies can leverage gamification to engage employees, enhance onboarding processes, and boost motivation. Game-based onboarding experiences can create a strong bond between employees and the company's mission, fostering a sense of purpose and commitment. Learn how companies are incorporating game elements, such as rewards, points, and leaderboards, to spark healthy competition, boost productivity, and create an atmosphere of continuous improvement. If you're ready to level up your understanding of the professional gaming world, VR, gamification, and the transformative impact they can have on your workforce, tune in to this episode!Let’s connect!  If you have a topic, situation, or question you would like us to discuss to be featured on the next episode SUBMIT HERE.Enjoying what you are listening to? Drop a review and share it with your friends. Tag us on social media using @leathhr!Find us on LinkedInCheck out our Website: www.leathhrgroup.comFollow us on Socials: @LeathHRStreamline your Employee Check-ins with WorkTok!

Join our host, Lisa Leath, along with co-hosts Beth Looney and Amy Conway, as they delve into the world of career ownership. In this episode, they are joined by Tammy Benson, Chief Operations Officer of Advanced Marketing International. Brace yourself as they kick things off by exploring the highs, lows, and potential pitfalls of running a family business. Tammy, Beth, and Lisa share helpful tips to navigate all that comes with the family business. But that's just the beginning! The ladies go on to reveal the ultimate secret to taking charge of your career. They emphasize the importance of having open and honest conversations with your managers, truly understanding yourself, putting in the necessary effort, and gaining valuable insights for long-term success. They also shed light on the power of career pathing, a proven strategy that has propelled Tammy, Amy, Lisa, and Beth to their current positions. Hold onto this incredible takeaway: if you have a clear vision of where you want to be in the next five years, don't hesitate to discuss it with your management team. Discover what it would take to make your dream a reality. Remember, your career is firmly within your grasp, and your managers are there to support you, offering guidance and presenting opportunities every step of the way! Get ready to seize control of your professional destiny in this empowering episode.If you have a topic, situation, or question you would like us to discuss to be featured on the next episode SUBMIT HERE.Let’s connect!  Enjoying what you are listening to? Drop a review and share it with your friends. Tag us on social media using @leathhr!Find us on LinkedInCheck out our Website: www.leathhrgroup.comFollow us on Socials: @LeathHRStreamline your Employee Check-ins with WorkTok!Disclaimer: We are not employment law attorneys and not your specific HR person; this is free general HR advice. If you would like to have a consultation with our Sr. Certified HR Consultants for specific strategies and advice reach out to contact@leathhrgroup.com.

You asked, and we listened! Our episode Employees From Hell was just that good, you wanted to hear about *bad* managers, too. This week, HR Nightmares host Lisa Leath and co-hosts Beth Looney and Amy Conway give the people what they asked for. Crazy stories and advice for dealing with managers from hell. We’ve all heard the phrase “Bad managers make people quit”. And odds are, you probably can think of a manager you have or had that could fit right in with this! In this episode, Lisa, Beth, and Amy reminisce on all the bad managers they worked with, were in charge of, had to coach, and more. This episode is a perfect mix of hilarious stories and tips on how to deal with a manager from hell. Enjoy!If you have a topic, situation, or question you would like us to discuss to be featured on the next episode SUBMIT HERE.Let’s connect!  Enjoying what you are listening to? Drop a review and share it with your friends. Tag us on social media using @leathhr!Find us on LinkedInCheck out our Website: www.leathhrgroup.comFollow us on Socials: @LeathHRStreamline your Employee Check-ins with WorkTok!Disclaimer: We are not employment law attorneys and not your specific HR person; this is free general HR advice. If you would like to have a consultation with our Sr. Certified HR Consultants for specific strategies and advice reach out to contact@leathhrgroup.com.

The OGs, Lisa Leath, Beth Looney, and Amy Conway are back this week with an episode full of audience write-ins. Here are a few of the questions we dove into:What can you do when an employee continues to work over nonapproved 40+ hours/week? Should we add a pet bereavement policy to our handbook?An employee accidentally sent a personal link to the company Slack. Do we fire the employee? Do we need a lawyer?Did not get a promotion but still took on the roles of other employees due to company downsizing. Is that a red flag? A clinical contractor does not want to fill out an I-9 and started to threaten me, what do I do? Disclaimer: We are not employment law attorneys and not your specific HR person; this is free general HR advice. If you would like to have a consultation with our Sr. Certified HR Consultants for specific strategies and advice reach out to contact@leathhrgroup.com. If you have a topic, situation, or question you would like us to discuss to be featured on the next episode SUBMIT HERE. Let’s connect! Enjoying what you are listening to? Drop a review and share it with your friends. Tag us on social media using @leathhrgroup! Find us on LinkedInCheck out our Website: www.leathhrgroup.comFollow us on Socials: @LeathHRGroup Streamline your Employee Check-ins with WorkTok!

The OG ladies are back! Host, Lisa Leath and Co-hosts Beth Looney and Amy Conway reflect on 55 years of combined experience in people management and human resources. Join the ladies as they dive headfirst into some of the craziest stories they've encountered while managing thousands of employees over the years. Think you can handle hearing about aggressive behavior, defection in company trucks, stalking, and even employees stealing company goods? Well, get ready because they've got some firsthand accounts that will leave you on the edge of your seat. You may laugh, gasp, or even shed a tear! You hear how they managed and navigated through these difficult scenarios. But it's not all just horror stories - the ladies also share their invaluable advice on how to deal with difficult employees. Each of them offers their own unique perspective and strategies for managing employees who may be causing disruptions in the workplace. Let’s connect! If you have a topic, situation, or question you would like us to discuss, SUBMIT HERE to be featured on the next episode. Enjoying what you are listening to? Drop a review and share it with your friends. Tag us on social media using @leathhrgroup! Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leathhrgroup/posts/?feedView=all&viewAsMember=trueCheck out our Website: www.leathhrgroup.comFollow us on Socials: @LeathHRGroup Streamline your Employee Check-ins with WorkTok!

When a business does not have an “HR” person it often falls to the CFO. Why does that happen? Why is it a possible nightmare? Chris Capone, Fractional CFO guru, and CEO of Capone and Associates are here to share! He is joined by our host, Lisa Leath, and co-host Beth Looney. From early exposure to executive financial management at 23 to now owning his own fractional CFO firm, Chris shares the stories from his experiences through his journey over the years. Lisa, Beth, and Chris talk about the HR challenge a typical CFO goes through when hiring when your business is growing and the perks of fractional executive services. We wrap up this week’s episode with a juicy write-in about an employee in management spreading the news about the upcoming firings of two employees. If you have a topic, situation, or question you would like us to discuss, SUBMIT HERE to be featured on the next episode. Enjoying what you are listening to? Drop a review and share it with your friends. Tag us on social media using @leathhrgroup! Retain your employees with our HR Tech that helps busy managers prioritize their 1:1s in 5 minutes or less – www.WorkTok.com Let’s Connect:www.LeathHRGroup.comcontact@leathhrgroup.com@LeathHRGroup

This week, Sara Auld, CEO of Upper and Health Possible joins host, Lisa Leath and co-host, Andy Almeter to talk about how she is shaking up the healthcare space. Sara created Upper, an easy-to-use and accessible marketplace for holistic and natural practitioners as an alternative to traditional healthcare treatment and medicine. We want our employees to be happy and healthy, so they show up to work, right? We also know rising healthcare costs for our organization can be a big HR Nightmare. How can we help our employees with their health needs and cut back costs from insurance claims? Become a wellness advocate and provide supplemental resources. Sara shares how important it is to have education and access to health and wellness resources and why she created Upper. Like what you hear Share this podcast with your friends and tag us on Instagram: @leathhr Got an HR Nightmare you want us to solve? Submit here to be featured on our next episode. For other smart HR solutions contact us at www.leathhrgroup.com Retain your employees and save $$ on turnover costs with our HR app that helps busy managers connect with their employees, WorkTok.

Ever wondered what it would be like to work with artists? Or have a dream of working in music and having multiple media production businesses? Well, no need to guess what it would be like; Beau Gunn joins us for this week’s episode of HR Nightmares to share his story. From a radio internship in college to the VP of Local Daily Media, which operates 98.3 The Penguin, and owner of Beau Gunn Presents, a local concert production company that exclusively books talent for Greenfield Lake Amphitheater – Beau knows exactly what it’s like working in the entertainment industry with celebs. Lisa, Amy, and Beau chat about all the nightmares (and dreams) that could happen when bringing top-notch artists to town for sold shows, as well as, managing a mixed team of union workers, employees, and contractors. If there’s one takeaway from this very fun episode, it’s – to find your passion and follow your dreams! Who knows, you may end up working closely with a country Hall-of-Famer like Willie Nelson. Need HR advice? Submit your HR Nightmare here to be featured on the next episode. Stop wasting money on turnover costs with WorkTok, a mobile app that drives two-way feedback through effective 1:1s building trust, rapport, and a meaningful employee experience.

As a business owner, you might be ready to open your talent pool to fill specific roles in your company. The H-1B visa is a popular and beneficial option for bringing skilled foreign workers to the US. However, the visa process can be complex, and navigating the various requirements and regulations can be overwhelming. Have no fear! This week, Rebecka Reibe, Business Immigration Attorney with Ogletree Deakins joins Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney to discuss how the process can be made easy! The H-1B visa lottery for FY 2024 is NOW OPEN! In this episode, we will be breaking down the entire H-1B visa process for business owners and HR departments. We cover the basics of the H-1B visa, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and important deadlines as well as answering audience write-ins ranging from international student internships and how to handle terminations for visa holders. Disclaimer: The information in this episode is not intended as specific legal advice for your business, but rather offers information about the H-1B visa program and its benefits. If you have a specific immigration issue, we recommend seeking legal counsel. Contact Rebecka Reibe, Ogletree Deakins – Raleigh, NCEmail: rebecka.reibe@ogletree.com For HR support, contact us at contact@leathhrgroup.com or visit www.leathhrgroup.com.Need HR advice? Submit your HR Nightmare, HERE, to be featured on the next episode.

This week, we’re diving straight into an advice-dense episode filled with Colonel Rob Campbell of Rob Campbell Leadership. HR Nightmares host, Lisa Leath, and guest co-host Graham Elmore are joined behind the mics with the big guy himself, Rob.Rob is an army vet of 27 years, turned author, keynote speaker, executive leadership coach, and most recent addition to the growing list, a small business owner. From what we can tell – there isn’t anything Rob can’t do. Within the first 10 minutes of this episode, you can feel the passion that Rob has for leadership, the employee experience, and strategically building better working teams.As a graduate of the War College (exclusively for military executives), Rob takes his strategic-level thinking and advising to help others YOU. If there is one takeaway, it’s “every step in the journey counts.” From attracting talent by sharing the right message, through your employer brand, to having the best onboarding program, to continuing to work hard “plus one-ing” your employee experience, Rob shares the key to success for leaders and HR partners!Need HR advice? Submit your HR Nightmare here to be featured on the next episode.Stop wasting money on turnover costs with WorkTok, a mobile app that drives two-way feedback through effective 1:1s building trust, rapport, and a meaningful employee experience.

This week, HR Nightmares host, Lisa Leath is joined by guest co-host Graham Elmore, Director of People and Culture with Vantaca. They are joined by our special guest Caroline King, Founder of Bright Star Diversity. After 17 years working in business strategy for the corporate world, Caroline decided she wanted to help businesses fill the gap that she felt was lacking in the working world: DEI. Lisa continues the conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion by asking Caroline how businesses can go beyond a check-box initiative, where to start if you have no programs or policies in place, and how to not only go through the motions but live it out in the workplace. Caroline shares that the biggest barrier to DEI in the workplace is fear. Fear of getting started and fear of offending people. With the right intention and continued conversations, DEI can be a core practice without the fear. The episode wraps up with two audience write-ins: a co-worker who thinks their colleague has dementia and a close-to promotion that goes missing after switching to a new department at a big tax firm. Need some advice? Submit your #HRNightmare here to be featured on the next episode. Start retaining your folks with Leath HR’s technology, WorkTok, a mobile app that drives two-way feedback through simple 1:1s building trust, rapport, and a thriving employee experience.Visit our page: www.leathhrgroup.comFollow us on social media: @leathhrgroup