The HR Investigations Podcast

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 

Spotlight on Data Privacy and Why It Matters to HR Professionals with Guest Jason Barrett

In today’s episode we focus on data privacy and why it matters to HR professionals. Subject matter expert and attorney, Jason Barrett, will shed light on the valuable compliance topic of data privacy and specifically data breaches.  He’ll talk about new state laws that HR needs to know about and best practices for employers on how to minimize risk in running afoul of data privacy laws.
In this episode, we explore:
What exactly is data privacy and why is it important to HR
Review of the Texas Data and Privacy Secrecy Act
Review key takeaways and data privacy best practices for employers
Review key issues for employers when experiencing a data breach
Employer strategies to minimize risk of non-compliance
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 

How to Prevent HR Investigations:Management Training on the Dos and Don’ts PART 2

Building on the previous episode, today we're honing in on why management training must be customized to address specific leadership gaps and how interactive, skill-specific training can make all the difference in the world. Expect to gain insights into the essential components of impactful management training, from law compliance to conflict resolution, all designed to empower your leadership teams and prevent workplace issues.
 
In this episode, we explore:
Why 'one-size-fits-all' doesn’t work in management training
The skills needed to effectively handle conflicts
Implementing the 'Coaching' mindset
How the right training reduces the need for HR investigation
… and why on-site training matters
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 

How to Prevent HR Investigations:Management Training on the Dos and Don’ts PART 1

Natalie Ivey emphasizes the crucial role of effective management training in preventing HR investigations. Drawing on her own experiences, she discusses the negative impacts of untrained or poorly trained management teams and highlights the need for organizations to invest in management training to minimize unnecessary risk and eliminate negative impacts. Tune in to gain valuable insights and stay tuned for part 2 of this series in the next episode.
 
In this episode, we explore:
The link between employee departure and management issues
How to implement good management training through strategic planning
Common bad management behaviours that contribute to HR investigations
The impact of panic promotions and lack of development
The analogy of risk management in the context of PPE
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 

The Importance of Creating a Respectful Workplace Policy with Guest Pam Wakefield

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. Be sure to subscribe for bi-weekly new episodes!
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

Conducting an FMLA Eligibility Investigation Involving a Remote Employee

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. Be sure to subscribe for bi-weekly new episodes!
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