The HR Investigations Podcast

Standing Your Ground: Assertive Communication with an Aggressive Boss or Interviewee

In today’s show podcast host Natalie Ivey talks with special guest, Ivna Curi, who is the podcast host of Speak Your Mind Unapologetically and author of the boos Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership. This show is part 2 of a 2-part series and explores the dynamics of working with an aggressive boss or investigative interviewee who communicates abruptly and forcefully. 
 
Key topics:
Defining the difference between being assertive, being aggressive, and passive-aggressive
Examining the impact to team dynamics when a boss is behaving aggressively
Understanding the root causes to aggressive and passive-aggressive behavior
Reviewing key tips and techniques on how to handle an aggressive boss or an interviewee who is being difficult in an investigative interview
Ivna Curi
Communications expert and podcast host of Unapologetically Speaking
Author of Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership
Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.
Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here:https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Breaking the Silence: How to Communicate Assertively with a Passive Boss

In today’s show, podcast host Natalie Ivey talks with special guest, Ivna Curi, who is the podcast host of Speak Your Mind Unapologetically and author of the book Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership.
 
Key topics:
Defining what happens when you have a passive boss who doesn’t know how to communicate assertively
Examining what happens to teams when a leader doesn’t communicate assertively and support the team
Recognizing the underlying reasons for failing to communicate assertively: fear
Examining the behaviors of a passive boss
Reviewing key tips and techniques on how to handle a passive boss
 
Communications expert and podcast host of Unapologetically Speaking
Author of Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership
Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.
Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here:https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Seal of Honor: Leadership, Accountability, and Lessons from the Frontline

In today’s show, podcast host Natalie Ivey, talks with special guest, retired Navy Seal turned HR Executive, Tom DeJarnette. This episode focuses on an issue that is continuing to come up with HR and Employee Relations professionals, which is the issue of accountability almost becoming a “dirty word” in business. Performance management is so important in business; yet when managers try to hold employees accountable it is turning into complaints of bullying and harassment.
 Key topics:
Identifying why accountability in some organizations has become so difficult and is turning into serious employee drama
Recognizing the performance management challenges leaders face when having crucial performance discussions with team members and how to improve them
Laying the foundation for a culture with strong leaders who know how to build trust with teams
Guest, Tom DeJarnette shares his lessons from leadership in the Navy Seals that translate to employers on how to establish a culture of accountability from the beginning of an employee’s relationship with the organization
Creating strong organizational values that foster an environment that values personal responsibility and accountability 
Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.
Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here:https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Write It Down: The Key To Performance Management

In today’s show, podcast host Natalie Ivey, discusses the importance of why mangers need to document employee performance and behavioral issues. Natalie will provide a simple framework for managers to jot down their thoughts before meeting with an employee to discuss a performance or behavioral issue.
This episode focuses on basic “how to” skills for holding a coaching and course correction feedback discuss with employees.  Additionally, Natalie shares the importance of coaching and documentation before managers simply rush to issue a disciplinary warning as this is often what sparks internal investigations into allegations of discrimination and harassment.
 Key topics:
Creating a framework for “words to say” to help managers prepare for coaching discussions with employees
The importance of preparation before sitting down with an employee or meeting virtually to discuss performance issues
Identifying what the coaching conversation should sound like, especially when handling a behavioral issue
Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.
Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here:https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77
 

The Importance of Understanding Compliance When Managing a Global Team with Special Guest Daniela Uribe

In today’s show we spend time with Daniela Uribe, a global entrepreneur, shoe designer, and content creator who launched her own namesake luxury footwear brand, Daniela Uribe.
The Daniela Uribe line embodies her distinctive style along with her electrifying personality and her striking designs that incorporate technological comfort with a sensual, lavish look. Her shoes are guaranteed to make the wearer feel comfortable, powerful, and prominent.
Daniela will share her experience in launching her global footwear brand and the importance of understanding an employer’s regulatory compliance obligations in foreign countries.  
Key topics:
Recognizing the differences in managing employees outside of the U.S.
Identifying some regulatory compliance risk factors in talent acquisition, managing payroll, and performance management
The importance of organizational values and transparent communication with employees to minimize risk
Best practices in establishing a business in a foreign country
A terrific bonus for listeners of The HR-investigations Podcast is a special discount of 15% off any shoes in her line.
This is a limited time offer and can be used on summer sale items!Use coupon code: RPC15http://www.daniela-uribe.com
 

Investigating a Wage and Hour Issue

Ep. 35 Investigating a Wage and Hour Issue: Exempt | Non-Exempt Classifications
Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 
In today’s episode we review the pending change to salary levels for Exempt worker classifications and how the new Biden Administration rules may affect employers, some pending litigation, and we’ll discuss how to investigate employee allegations of wrongful classification.”
In this episode we will explore:
The Biden Administration’s proposed changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act salary levels for Exempt workers
Current employer lawsuits filed opposing the Administration’s changes to the rules
What to do right now while there is uncertainty
How to handle an employee who claims wrongful classification
Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.
Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here:https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Mitigating the Risk of EEOC Charges

Episode 34: Mitigating the Risk of EEOC Charges from Your Hiring Process
Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 
In today’s episode we focus on some “do’s and don’ts” for recruiters and hiring managers during the talent acquisitions process. Our focus will be on strategies to mitigate the risk of receiving an EEOC charge of discrimination. In this episode, we will review:
Best practices in candidate sourcing to increase applicant diversity
How to screen candidates without running afoul of EEO laws
Using AI: some pros and cons
“Do’s and Don’ts” When Documenting Interview Notes
How to create and document an applicant screening process to compare candidates "apples to apples”
Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.
Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here:https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

How is Hostile Work Environment Harassment Different than Bullying

In today’s episode we focus on an issue that comes up a great deal in employee relations’ issues. Often, employees use the “buzzwords” hostile work environment without actually understanding the true definition. And, employees will often allege that they are being bullied in the workplace. In this podcast episode it is discuss how hostile work environment harassment is different than bullying in the workplace. Additionally, what to do when allegations of hostile work environment haven’t been substantiated—but allegations of bullying have been substantiated.
In this episode, we examine:
Different types of bullying behaviors
Why bullies engage in bullying misconduct
The key differences between hostile work environment harassment and bullying
Unlawful conduct based on a protected characteristic vs. lawful conduct such as bullying
How to address disciplinary action in a case in which bullying has been substantiated
Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast
Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.
Check out Natalie's book ‘How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals’ here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77 

Compliance Spotlight: What Exactly is a Hostile Work Environment

In today’s episode we focus on the important topic that is often part of HR investigations: a hostile work environment. In this episode, we examine:
The definition of hostile work environment harassment
How hostile work environment is different from workplace bullying
A review of protected characteristics under federal law
Why there isn’t any longer management “off the record” conversations regarding harassment in the workplace
The employers’ defense to claims of hostile work environment harassment
Current and emerging legislation regarding abusive conduct in the workplace
Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast
Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.
Check out Natalie's book ‘How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals’ here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77 

Investigating Employees Unreasonable ADA Accommodations Requests

Episode 31 Show Notes: Investigating Employees Unreasonable ADA Accommodations Requests
In today’s episode we focus on the Americans with Disabilities Act and specifically some best practices in handling employee accommodation requests that may not necessarily be reasonable. We’ll discuss using job descriptions during internal investigations when an employees allege that they are being discriminated against because of a disability.
In this episode, we examine:
The importance of well written job descriptions using ADA compliant language
How to determine if an employee’s request for a reasonable accommodation is a reasonable request or possibly an undue hardship
The importance of clearly defining essential job functions or Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications on job descriptions
How to minimize the risk of an EEOC charge for disability discrimination
The legal definition of undue hardship and the courts’ view of employee requests that are generally considered unreasonable and an undue hardship 
Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast
Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.
Check out Natalie's book ‘How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals’ here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77