HR Peep Show

In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane dig into reference checks: whether they actually help, when to run them, and what to ask so you learn how to set a new hire up for success. They also get into a lively debate about back-channel references and share tips for being a great reference yourself, including what to say and what to leave out. Tune in for practical advice and hot takes to help...

In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane pull back the curtain on HR technology – the tools shaping payroll, HRIS, benefits, and hiring – and get real about what's working, what's broken, and why the space is exploding right now. They dish out candid opinions on specific platforms (yes, including who they love and who they can't stand), plus a practical framework for picking the ...

In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane pull back the curtain on domestic partnerships and why your employer even gets to ask about your relationship status. We dig into the tax and benefits distinctions between marriage and domestic partnership, the awkward questions we sometimes have to ask, and how we try to handle those conversations with honesty and respect. Tune in for practical advic...

In this episode, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane peek behind the HR curtain to unpack workplace time tracking, from basic clock-ins to billable-hour logs and time audits. They discuss why some industries and roles require detailed tracking for compliance – payroll accuracy, meal and rest breaks, and overtime rules that vary by state – as well as nonprofit requirements to separate lobbying and advocacy t...

In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane pull back the “HR curtain” on why job interviews often go badly and what makes them effective. They share horror stories of disorganized, disrespectful processes, highlighting how poor interview experiences can misrepresent the job. The conversation contrasts hazing-style brainteasers with intentional, role-relevant ways to see how candida...

In this episode of HR Peep Show, host AnnE Diemer continues the “HR is everywhere” series by interviewing HR leader David Gaspin about his path from a musical theater degree and years of auditioning in New York to building a long HR career. He explains what was unique about doing HR in early-2000s media, where relationship-based influence mattered more than policy enforcement, and shares what it was like leading HR for ...

In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts Claire Baker, AnnE Diemer, and Krista Lane debate whether HR certifications are a worthwhile investment and what they actually measure. They argue the exam largely rewards memorization of laws and “right answers,” much of which is easily searchable and may quickly become outdated, and that certifications can reinforce low legal standards rather than teach how to build better workpl...

In this episode of HR Peep Show, host AnnE Diemer kicks off a new series: HR is everywhere, which will explore how human resources actually works across wildly different industries by talking to real humans doing the work behind the scenes.

This episode features Kim Minnick, a fractional HR leader for VC-backed startups. 

HR is everywhere, and trust me, we're gonna find it in some weird places. Subscribe to see where we go next.

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In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane make the case that HR is most effective as a proactive partner rather than an emergency responder – and unpack how delays in looping HR in compound operational, emotional, retention, and compliance risks. They explore how leaders tend to hold off on bringing HR into the conversation until issues have already escalated – unresolved patterns...

In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane dive into their unique origin stories in the field of human resources. Discover how unexpected backgrounds can lead to a career in HR and gain insights into the often undervalued yet crucial aspects of the job. We discuss our favorite parts of working in HR, the emotional challenges we face, and why HR certifications are probably not worth your time. ...

In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane delve into the often uncomfortable reality of workplace dynamics in human resources. We discuss the frustrations of dealing with asshole bosses, the limitations of expecting justice through HR, and the practicalities of when and how to report workplace issues. We also talk about the nuances of performance improvement plans (PIPs), emotional regulation...

In this episode, HR professionals delve into the often-overlooked employee handbook. They discuss its significance, common misconceptions, and the essential role it plays in setting clear and consistent expectations at work. The conversation covers the legal implications, the balance between comprehensiveness and accessibility, and the importance of regular updates. Tune in for practical advice and hot takes to help build sustainab...

In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane explore the complex topic of getting fired. They discuss the societal stigma surrounding firing, share personal and industry experiences, and provide practical advice on how to handle such situations from both employer and employee perspectives. Drawing from decades of HR consulting experience, the hosts aim to normalize the conversation around being ...

In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer and Claire Baker, along with guest host Tali Ramo, discuss the pervasive issue of burnout in the workplace. They share personal stories, including Claire's harrowing experience as an executive assistant and Tali's challenges in nonprofit management, to illustrate the signs and impacts of burnout. The discussion introduces the PAC Framework—Purpose, Agency, Connection—as...

HR Peep Show podcast hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane delve into the complexities of authenticity in the workplace. They discuss the unrealistic expectation of bringing one's whole self to work, the impact of masking and code-switching on psychological safety, and the consequences of rigid professional norms. Highlighting the controversial stance of Coinbase on social issues, the hosts examine how personal identitie...

In this episode of HR Peep Show, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane dive into the intricacies of modern hiring practices. Drawing on their extensive experience, they discuss why and how hiring managers often get it wrong by skipping transferable skills. The conversation explores historical hiring practices, the pitfalls of over-indexing on past roles, and the tangible benefits of hiring based on skillsets. They highli...

Welcome to HR Peep Show! In this episode, hosts AnnE Diemer, Claire Baker, and Krista Lane delve into the world of employee engagement surveys. They discuss the historical context, purpose, and challenges of these surveys, and share their expert perspectives on how leaders can effectively utilize them. The hosts explore the common pitfalls of poorly executed surveys, the importance of a clear strategy, confidentiality, and actionab...