Good Morning, HR

In episode 223, Coffey talks with Mike Lyons about why hiring for character and behavior often predicts success better than relying on experience or technical skills.

They discuss how HR leaders can define and hire for the right character traits by first understanding business strategy (for example, Walmart vs. Nordstrom models); aligning hiring with authentic, observable core values; identifying the specific attitudes and ...

In episode 222, Coffey talks with consultant and author LeAnne Lagasse about effective leadership development initiatives and what she calls “congruent leadership.” 

They discuss why most leadership training programs fail to deliver ROI; the importance of reverse engineering programs from specific organizational outcomes; the significant impact of frontline managers on employee engagement; the gap between knowledge transfe...

In episode 221, Coffey talks with Jason Finkelman about the September 2025 presidential proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions and its potential impact on employers and foreign workers.

They discuss the vague proclamation language creating confusion about fee applicability; the H-1B lottery process; how prevailing wage requirements are designed to prevent exploitation; consulting companies farming out...

In episode 220, Coffey talks with Ranya Nehmeh about the challenges and limitations of hybrid and remote work arrangements based on research from their new book "In Praise of the Office."

They discuss how initial COVID remote work success masked long-term problems; loss of informal interactions and mentoring for newcomers; reduced collaboration and innovation; proximity bias affecting promotions and performance reviews; emp...

In episode 219, Coffey talks with Rose Ann Garza about strategies to personalize employee engagement.

They discuss defining engagement as safety and appreciation rather than superficial perks; using the Great Game of Business approach to financial transparency and employee involvement; reducing turnover through cultural changes; prioritizing practical benefits over traditional perks; creating special interest groups beyond ...

In episode 218, Coffey talks with Ryan Englin about recruiting and retaining skilled workers in the blue-collar trades, addressing labor shortages, and changing perceptions of trade careers.

They discuss the retirement wave with 40% of tradespeople leaving in 7-10 years; barriers to entry including complex licensing requirements and limited apprenticeship slots; shifting cultural attitudes away from trades toward college; r...

In episode 217, Coffey talks with HRSouthwest Conference keynote speaker Steve Cadigan about the evolving nature of work.

They discuss ongoing remote work debates; the evolution from hiring for skills to hiring for learning ability; the need for experimentation in remote team management; AI's role in skills analysis and internal talent mapping; building learning ecosystems between companies and educational institutions; the...

In episode 216, Coffey talks with Carolyn Troyan about overcoming challenges in delivering effective feedback.

They discuss why managers struggle with feedback and difficult conversations; building trust before challenging feedback becomes necessary; cultural differences in feedback acceptance across organizations and countries; avoiding the ineffective "feedback sandwich" approach; when to be specific and when to ask open-...

In episode 215, Coffey talks with Gabriela Norton about employee engagement challenges, performance management approaches, and hiring process improvements based on current workplace trends and research.

They discuss Gallup's mid-year survey showing low engagement and high turnover intent; psychological safety and mental health support strategies; individualized management approaches vs one-size-fits-all policies; problems w...

In episode 214, Coffey talks with Joe Frodsham about CMP's fourth annual national pulse check on C-Suite mental health, wellbeing, and leadership challenges.  
 
They discuss executive mental health normalization since COVID; executive well being; clinical support and performance psychology for executives; individual vs one-size-fits-all wellness approaches; ROI metrics including career health indicators and manageme...

In episode 213, Coffey talks with Vianei Braun about how HR leaders can effectively work with boards of directors. 
 
They discuss the strategic vs operational divide between board oversight and executive execution; skills needed for senior HR roles including broad industry perspective and data-driven insights; the importance of moving beyond compliance mindset to strategic partnership; executive compensation benchma...

In episode 212, Coffey talks with Elisa Ellis about dress codes, personal authenticity at work, and how employee appearance impacts business performance and career advancement.

They discuss research showing dressed professionals outperform casual counterparts in negotiations; Starbucks dress code changes and employee pushback; balancing authenticity with professional standards; remote work appearance challenges; “enclothed ...

In episode 211, Coffey talks with Michelle Haugh about recent HR-related news stories related to workplace romances, family members intervening in the workplace, and declining employee engagement.

They discuss the Astronomer.io CEO and CPO resignation after being caught on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert; workplace relationship policies and conflict of interest considerations; family members inappropriately intervening in ...

In episode 210, Coffey talks with economist Richard Froeschle about the US economy and how generational demographics are affecting the labor force.

They discuss the impact of tariff-related economic uncertainty on the labor market; challenges in the quality of federal statistical data; AI’s impact on entry-level positions and experienced workers; generational workforce composition; rising reservation wages and skills mismat...

In episode 209, Coffey talks with Mallory Herrin about how experiences throughout the employment lifecycle affect employers’ brands.

They discuss how recruiting has changed with shifting employee expectations across generations and labor market scarcity; the definition of employer brand; common recruiting mistakes that impact brand perception; the importance of organized onboarding; strategies for transparent career pathing...

In episode 208, Coffey talks with David Miklas about the Department of Labor's evolving definitions and interpretations of independent contractor classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

They discuss why DOL interpretations matter for FLSA compliance and overtime requirements; the shift from Biden administration's six-factor economic reality test back to Trump administration's emphasis on control and profit/loss...

In episode 207, Coffey talks with Nicole Morgan about what HR professionals need to know about Medicare to help employees navigate the transition from employer-provided health insurance to Medicare coverage.

They discuss the four main parts of Medicare (A, B, C, and D) and how they work together; the differences between Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and traditional Medicare with supplemental coverage; how creditable co...

In episode 206, Coffey talks with Jill Koob about the Supreme Court decision on “reverse discrimination,” PTO policy trends, and AI adoption in the workplace.

They discuss the Supreme Court's unanimous decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services eliminating different standards for "reverse discrimination" cases; how Title VII protects all individuals equally regardless of majority or minority status within protec...

In episode 205, Coffey talks with Susan Snipes about challenges and strategies for hiring international talent, particularly through employer of record arrangements. 

They discuss the primary drivers for seeking international talent including cost savings and talent shortages; compliance hurdles around employee classification and local employment laws; the role of employers of record versus PEOs in managing international h...