HR is Not Your Junk Drawer: Lauren Part 2

This True Stories at Work episode begins where my last podcast episode dropped off, with Lauren on the brink of her first leadership role and her first sexual harassment investigation (at the same time!). Lauren shares a few of the ‘insane moments’ she has experienced during her career and how reveals how these experiences have shaped her into a better HR professional. We discuss the many challenges that HR faces, the shifting expectations of employers, and how HR is often the junk drawer for everyone else’s people problems. The episode wraps up with a workplace confession (and debate) from a former colleague of Michelle’s that increased his empathy toward Michelle and pets left in cars. Timeline 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Lauren's Journey to HR Leadership 02:31 Lauren's First Sexual Harassment Investigation 03:33 The Aftermath of the Investigation 05:49 Lauren's Reflections on Her HR Career 06:11 Lauren's Most Insane HR Moment 15:43 Lauren's Workplace Pet Peeve 18:31 The Changing Landscape of HR in a Post-COVID World 22:41 Workplace Confession 29:44 Thanks for Listening Resources Curious about the topics discussed on the show, here are some links to learn more:

Company Culture Is Everyone’s Responsibility (hbr.org) 3 Myths About Hiring People with Criminal Records (hbr.org) Guns in the Workplace: What Has Changed, and What Can Employers Expect? (shrm.org) Stories are what we remember and how we connect, so please share yours with me Let's talk about your culture and strategy Tell a story! Make a Workplace Confession Ask a question+ make a suggestion