Honest HR

As Gen Alpha begins to enter the workforce, their expectations around learning, technology, communication, career growth and workplace culture could challenge some long-standing assumptions about how organizations develop talent. James Harrell, former chief of Human Capital Management at the San Antonio Independent School District, shares practical lessons on building youth workforce programs and what they can teach employers about mentorship, career growth, workplace learning, communication and culture. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires November 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking…

As pharmacy costs continue to rise, employers need a clearer understanding of what’s driving their prescription drug spending – and where there may be opportunities to manage costs more effectively. Eric Papp, vice president of employee benefits consulting, M.E. Wilson Insurance, and Eric Porter, vice president of sales, SmithRX, share what HR leaders should know about pharmacy costs, GLP-1s, biosimilars, employee communication, and getting more value from their benefits strategy. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires October 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your…

An employee’s experience doesn’t end on their last day Sarah Rodehorst, CEO and co-founder of Onwards HR, discusses how thoughtful offboarding can strengthen trust, reduce compliance risks, and reinforce an organization’s values — even during difficult departures. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Hiring can fill immediate skills gaps, but developing talent builds for the future. SHRM26 speakers Amy Jauman, HR director for the DNA Doe Project, and Amber Watts, chief everboarding officer at Radical GrowthWorks, explore how HR professionals can balance talent acquisition and employee development — and build a stronger talent strategy in the process. They discuss when to hire versus develop, what metrics can help leaders find the right balance, and how to make employee growth a strategic investment. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Nearly three-quarters of U.S. workers experience financial stress, from worrying about unexpected expenses to navigating major life decisions — and those concerns don’t disappear during the workday. Explore new SHRM research on the state of employee financial wellness with Ragan Decker, director of commercial research at SHRM, and Kristen Koluch, retirement plan advisor at Raymond James. They discuss how financial wellness influences engagement, productivity, and retention — and why closing the gap between employee needs and employer support is becoming a business imperative. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

HR rarely happens exactly as planned. From difficult conversations to organizational change, leaders need to think on their feet. Dave Collins, founder and CEO of Oak & Reeds, a training company that combines improv techniques with proven learning strategies to help organizations tackle communication and collaboration challenges, shares how improvisation can strengthen decision-making, build resilience, and help HR professionals navigate uncertainty with more confidence. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

New hires don’t need more portals; they need clarity, support, and time to breathe. Hannah Toney, consultant at Serendipity Sellers and author, discusses how HR professionals can use AI to streamline onboarding, define meaningful milestones, deliver personalized support, and establish privacy-conscious guardrails that strengthen both engagement and performance. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

HR leaders are expected to influence business decisions, but gaining executive buy-in requires more than great ideas. In this live recording of Honest HR, Bruce Waller, vice president of corporate relocation at the Armstrong Company and bestselling author, shares practical strategies for building trust, developing business acumen, and communicating the value of HR initiatives. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Successful SHRM certification candidates spend significant time preparing — but how you study matters just as much as how long you study. Charles Glover, director of certification & assessment products at SHRM, breaks down the structure of the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams, discusses proven preparation strategies, and shares advice for navigating test day with confidence. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

With growing employee interest and increasing healthcare costs, GLP-1 medications are creating new challenges for HR and benefits leaders. Ginny Crisp, CEO of Prescription Benefit Solutions, discusses the evolving role of GLP-1s in employer-sponsored health plans and what organizations should consider before adding coverage to their benefits programs. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires July 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

AI may be transforming hiring, but identifying the right talent still requires human judgment. David Cohen, executive consultant and author of Selecting the Best, joins Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, for a live recording of Honest HR to explore how behavioral interviewing, culture-driven hiring, and values-based selection can improve retention and long-term performance. Together, they discuss the promise and pitfalls of AI in recruiting, the rise of “skillfishing,” and how organizations can balance efficiency with ethics, transparency, and human connection. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Compliance doesn’t begin with a background check — it starts at the very first touchpoint with a candidate. In this live recording from Talent 2026, Debra Keller reveals the most common and costly compliance mistakes organizations make long before a background check is run. Learn how to properly navigate criminal record considerations, candidate consent, individualized assessments, and adverse action. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

As AI tools and personal branding make it easier than ever to appear highly skilled, HR teams are facing a new challenge: skillfishing. Alex Alonso, SHRM’s Chief Knowledge Officer, and AJ Faraj, founder of SorsX, join Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to unpack why more candidates are appearing qualified without the skills to match. Together, they explore how AI, credential inflation, and performance in interviews can mask real capability, and what HR leaders can do to better validate skills and improve hiring outcomes. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires May 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking…

HR has a bigger seat at the table than ever before, but with it comes the pressure to deliver measurable business results. Alex Alonso, SHRM’s Chief Knowledge Officer, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to discuss the Talent Optimizer dimension of the HR Excellence Framework. Together, they explore how organizations can align talent strategy with business outcomes, close skills gaps, and leverage talent analytics to drive performance, engagement, and retention. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires May 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your…

Today’s workforce is more generationally diverse than ever, with Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z working side by side. But with diversity comes challenges — from communication breakdowns to tensions over AI adoption and return-to-office policies. Dr. Unnatti Jain, generational diversity researcher and CEO of Bridging Generations, joins Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to address how HR teams can turn generational differences into a strategic advantage. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Demotivation can quietly erode engagement, productivity, and retention, but it doesn’t have to. Pete Ketchum, organizational psychologist and head of HR at Atonom, a technology company that builds cloud employees, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore the psychology of motivation and the hidden ways workplace systems can unintentionally demotivate employees. From spotting early warning signs to rethinking performance management and better understanding how to remove barriers, foster autonomy, and reignite performance. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires April 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and…

The talent gap is widening, and organizations are struggling to keep up. Emily Dickens, SHRM’s Chief Administrative Officer, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore the driving forces behind workforce shortages and the growing skills mismatch. They discuss how skills-first hiring, upskilling, and tapping into untapped talent pools can help HR professionals build a future-ready workforce. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Self-management is one of the most critical — and often overlooked — leadership skills. Marisa Krafsig, CHRO of IntelliDyne, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore how unmanaged stress, high achievement, and leadership pressure can impact both personal well-being and organizational outcomes. Together, they discuss emotional intelligence in high-stakes moments, the hidden risks of executive behavior, and how HR pros can address self-management as a real business priority. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires April 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your…

Coffee is more than just a beverage — it’s a cornerstone of workplace culture. Sandy Roberts, Starbucks’ director of cultural leadership, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore how coffee fosters connection, collaboration, and belonging in the workplace. Together, they discuss the power of small moments, the role of rituals in building authentic relationships, and how HR professionals can help employees fill their own cup. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Trust can feel fragile in times of uncertainty, transformation, and rising employee expectations. SHRM’s CHRO, Jim Link, SHRM-SCP, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to unpack insights from the 2026 SHRM CHRO Priorities and Perspectives report and explore how leadership credibility directly impacts organizational trust. Together, they discuss early warning signs of a trust breakdown, how HR can assess alignment between messaging and employee experience, and practical ways to strengthen transparency and consistency across the workplace. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires March 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles,…

As job growth slows and uncertainty lingers, more employees are choosing to stay put — even if they’re disengaged. Doreen Coles, senior director of career growth and development of ADP, joins Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to unpack the trend of “job hugging” and how it’s reshaping career mobility and internal talent pipelines. They discuss how HR leaders can foster trust, development, and opportunity in a stay-put workforce. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires March 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More:…

Workplace romances are more common than many organizations realize, and even consensual relationships can carry serious legal and cultural risks. Jenn Betts, employment lawyer and office managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins law firm, joins host Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to unpack how power dynamics, perception, policy, and digital communication shape legal exposure — and what HR leaders can do to manage risk, respond to breakups, and foster a respectful workplace culture. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires March 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique…

Learning and development remains a top priority for HR, yet many professionals still struggle to see a clear path forward. Elizabeth S. Egan, Director of Talent Management and Organizational Development at Cerence AI, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore how personalized learning and development strategies can better support career growth, engagement, and retention. Get guidance for HR leaders focused on building sustainable, people-centered development strategies. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires March 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique…

Work has never been busier — yet progress often feels elusive. Eric Martin, executive director of Blue Pinnacle Solutions, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to unpack why meetings, hidden work, and outdated productivity norms are draining organizational capacity. Together, they explore how reclaiming capacity supports agility, focus, and performance — and what HR leaders can do to move from measuring activity to driving impact. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires February 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn…

As the cost of living rises, employee financial wellness has become a growing concern for workers and a complex challenge for employers. Tyler Horn, Head of Planning at Origin and a Certified Financial Planner, joins host Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to discuss how HR can approach financial wellness as an employee experience strategy while balancing organizational sustainability. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

HR is often seen as the people function, but the reality is far more complex. Warren Wang, founder of Double Fin, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to unpack the hidden weight HR leaders carry as they balance trust, compliance, and business performance. Together, they dismantle outdated views of HR, showing how speaking the CHRO language — and aligning closely with finance — elevates credibility and drives real business outcomes. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires February 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career.…

Employee perks are evolving beyond traditional benefits, with workers expecting more personalization, choice, and support than ever before. Jordan Peace, CEO and co-founder of employee experience platform Fringe, joins host Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to explore how non-traditional perks, recognition programs, and employer-covered AI tools are reshaping the employee experience in 2026 and beyond. Learn how creative approaches to benefits can strengthen workplace culture, reduce burnout, rebuild trust, and become essential tools for attracting and retaining talent. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires February 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features…

Posting a job and waiting for candidates to apply is no longer enough in today’s competitive labor market. Tim Sackett, CEO of HRUTech.com, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore how HR leaders can use creative sourcing strategies, social media, and networking to find top talent where it’s actually active. They dig into the uncomfortable realities of recruiting, how to attract culture-fit candidates, measure ROI in hiring, and build proactive talent pipelines that go beyond the job board. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires January 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters…

AI coaching is reshaping how employees learn, grow, and navigate their careers — but the real story is what it means for the humans at the center of it all. Theresa Fesinstine, AI educator and founder of peoplepower.ai, sits down with host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore how HR can use AI coaching to personalize development, support diverse learning styles, and make growth more accessible across the workforce. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires January 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More:…

As businesses face faster timelines and shifting skill needs, flexible talent has become a core part of the modern workforce — not a backup plan. Sunita Solao, CPO of Upwork, the freelance marketplace to hire top talent, joins host Monique Akanbi, SHRM-SCP, to unpack what that shift means for HR pros, how organizations can use flexible talent strategically, and why freelancers and contractors are rewriting the rules of talent planning. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires January 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career.…

Updating your employee handbook isn’t just about compliance — it’s about connection. With major workplace law changes coming in 2026, now’s the time to refresh your policies. Kiri Grant from SHRM’s HR Product Solutions team joins host Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to explain how HR professionals can get ahead of upcoming changes, make their handbooks more engaging, and use SHRM’s Employee Handbook Builder to ease the stress of updates. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Many employees juggle significant responsibilities beyond their professional roles. Those in the “sandwich generation” are balancing careers alongside caring for children and supporting aging parents, managing a complex and demanding load. Marvell Adams Jr., CEO of the Caregiver Action Network, speaks with host Marjorie Morrison to discuss the emotional and financial strains often faced by this growing segment of the workforce, how their competing responsibilities can affect productivity, and the steps HR can take to recognize and support employees who may be struggling to “do it all.” This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires December 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content…

When outdated leadership ideas linger, they don’t just slow progress — they shape how people think, act, and connect at work. Alex Haslam, co-author of “Zombie Leadership: Dead Ideas That Still Walk Among Us,” joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to uncover why these poor leadership practices keep coming back and what it takes to break the cycle. Together, they unpack the myths, behaviors, and cultural patterns that haunt organizations. As an extra trick-or-treat for this episode, Belyna joins some of her SHRM colleagues for “HR Horror Stories": real jaw-dropping moments submitted by our subscribers to make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even update your HR policies. Got an HR Horror Story? Tell Us! https://shrm.formstack.com/forms/hrd_2025_10_03_hr_horror_stories This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires November 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and…

As entry-level roles shrink, internships are filling the gap and reshaping how businesses grow talent. Ranked number one on Yello’s Top 100 Internship Programs of 2025, engineering consulting firm Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., demonstrates how a well-designed program can fuel long-term success for both interns and employers. Lane Greene, Kimley-Horn’s college recruiting leader, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to share how HR leaders can make internships more inclusive, valuable, and sustainable for the future workforce. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires November 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and…

As politics continue to dominate the headlines, HR professionals find themselves on the front lines of free speech at work. Can employees be fired for expressing political opinions — or does the First Amendment protect them? Attorney Tom Spiggle joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to unpack the legal limits, HR policy challenges, and real-world scenarios workplaces must navigate when politics and employment collide. For SHRM members tuning into this episode, we have an exclusive bonus: a SHRM HR Knowledge Advisor answering real member questions about political expression in the workplace, direct from the SHRM HR Knowledge Center! View the Honest HR Q&A: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/tools/hr-answers/ask-an-advisor-navigating-political-affiliation-and-activity This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires November 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and…

This episode has been nominated for a 47th Annual People’s Telly Award! Cast your vote by April 17, 2026, now: https://peoples.tellyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2026/peoples-telly/general/online-series-shows-segments/quiet-cracking-the-silent-strain-thats-breaking-workplaces The silent threat in today’s workplaces isn’t people “quiet quitting,” or doing the bare minimum in their job. It’s employees who stay but are stuck, burned out, and silently disengaging — a newer phenomenon known as “quiet cracking.” Jared Pope, a benefits and employment law attorney and the CEO of Work Shield, joins Marjorie Morrison to discuss the early warning signs HR and people managers often miss and why quiet cracking is harder to spot than traditional burnout. From tackling toxic culture to emphasizing wellness programs, discover practical HR strategies you can use to address disengagement at your organization before it becomes a crisis. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the…

Stay interviews go beyond job satisfaction surveys — they uncover why employees stick around, what frustrates them, and what might send them looking elsewhere. Carlyne Ervin, SHRM-CP and VP of HR at Chrysalis, a nonprofit removing barriers to work, joins host Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to share how HR can make these proactive conversations meaningful to minimize the high expense of turnover. She also explains how to spot hidden red flags and turn insights into actions that keep your top talent engaged and committed before it’s too late — and you’re saying goodbye at the exit interview. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires October 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content…

We’ve all heard it: coworkers sharing a little too much or swapping gossip while at the office. These behaviors can create tension, blur boundaries, and impact team dynamics. HR consultant Heidi Hartman, SHRM-SCP, sits down with Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to discuss practical strategies for guiding conversations, maintaining boundaries, and cultivating a respectful, authentic workplace. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires October 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Over 70 million Americans have incarceration records that make finding work after serving time extremely difficult. In today’s tight labor market, overlooking this vital talent pool could be a costly mistake. Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.) — now director of the Los Angeles County Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department — explains how HR teams can embrace second-chance hiring for these individuals. Learn how to recognize the skills justice-involved candidates bring, navigate fair and comprehensive background checks, and reimagine recruitment and retention practices to match these often-neglected workers to the right roles at your organization.

Amid today’s talent shortages, older workers remain one of the most overlooked sources of skill and experience. Isaac Agbeshie-Noye, Ed.D., of the SHRM Foundation joins Nicole Belyna to share how HR teams can overcome biases, engage older talent, and reimagine recruitment, retention, and development strategies for a rapidly growing segment of the workforce. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires October 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Curiosity might be the spark your workplace is missing — the key to unlocking innovation, engagement, and even retention. Diane Hamilton, Ph.D., behavioral expert and creator of the Curiosity Code Index, joins host Monique Akanbi to dig into what blocks curiosity at work, how HR can turn it into a culture-shaping advantage, and why curiosity might just be the competency of the future. Expect fresh insights on how to fuel curiosity on your team and keep it alive, even when dealing with fear, assumptions, or burnout. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires Sept. 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking…

Burnout is brewing, layoffs are looming, and AI is changing the game! SHRM’s Chief Human Resources Officer Jim Link, SHRM-SCP, sits down with host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, from his HR team for a candid conversation about the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s workplaces. From reductions in force to managing worker well-being to reimagining HR’s role in business risk, learn how HR can lead with agility, safeguard employees, and prepare for the future of work. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires Sept. 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in…

For anyone starting a new job, creating a sense of connection, culture, and belonging from day one can transform what was once a routine orientation into a powerful, lasting experience. Two leaders at Vanderbilt University — Joanna Echols, senior director of operational optimization, and Chance Ryon, operations services and solutions manager — share their bold reinvention of the institution’s onboarding program. They discuss how to balance technology with a personal touch, pinpoint the moments that matter most for new hires, and build an inclusive experience that makes every employee feel welcome, prepared, and ready to contribute from the start. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires Sept. 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships.…

As immigration policies evolve and enforcement activity increases across organizations, I-9 and E-Verify compliance is more critical than ever. John Fay, immigration attorney and director of product strategy at Equifax Workforce Solutions, joins host Nicole Belyna to break down the latest updates to Form I-9, virtual verification, worksite enforcement, and what HR professionals need to know to protect their organizations and support their employees. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires Sept. 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization…

What’s behind the changing priorities for an HR department of one in 2025? Jennifer Currence, senior partner at HR Soul Consulting, joins host Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to break down the results of her annual survey of small business HR professionals. She reveals why organizational effectiveness surged to the top of the list, how business acumen is becoming essential for HR pros, and what’s driving shifts in engagement and leadership priorities. Tune in for actionable advice on strengthening relationships across the business, starting change initiatives, and making an immediate impact with limited resources. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires September 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for…

Once seen as a bonus benefit, telehealth is now a vital part of any modern HR strategy. Teira Gunlock, CEO of First Stop Health, joins host Marjorie Morrison to explore how virtual health care is modernizing employee benefits. They dive into the pressing challenges HR teams face today — from rising healthcare costs to low employee engagement — and discuss how to strategically evaluate, implement, and measure virtual care solutions that drive real impact in employee health and productivity. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires 08-01-2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet…

Imagine stacks of $100 bills stretching from Earth past the International Space Station — that’s the staggering reality of America’s $1.77 trillion student debt crisis. Heather Jarvis, executive director of Fosterus — a nonprofit that helps employers administer loan assistance programs — joins host Monique Akanbi to unpack how this burden affects today’s workforce and why employer-sponsored loan repayment programs are a win for both employees and organizations. Together, they explore how expanding access to these benefits can help close equity gaps across race, ethnicity, and gender. They also share tax-advantage strategies for offering cost-effective support. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires August 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new…

Expert legal voices Amy Epstein Gluck, Esq., founding partner at Pierson Ferdinand LLP, and SHRM’s Allen Smith, J.D., share best practices in applying the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) across the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment to post-employment. Starting with their own personal experiences with managing a disability, they join host Monique Akanbi to tackle real HR dilemmas in compliance, accommodation requests, performance management, and more — including answering top ADA questions straight from SHRM's HR Knowledge Center. Expert legal voices Amy Epstein Gluck, Esq., founding partner at Pearson Ferdinand LLP, and SHRM’s Allen Smith, J.D., share best practices in applying the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) across the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment to post-employment. Starting with their own personal experiences with managing a disability, they join host Monique Akanbi to tackle real HR dilemmas in compliance, accommodation requests, performance management, and more —…

With SHRM research revealing leadership development as a top priority for HR leaders in 2025, this episode dives into strategies for sourcing and nurturing executive talent. Host Nicole Belyna is joined by Jeremy Eskenazi, managing principal of HR consulting firm Riviera Advisors, to share actionable insights on aligning executive roles with business goals, attracting quality candidates, and fostering leadership growth. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires July 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More:…

Andy Biladeau, SHRM’s chief transformation officer, sits down with guest host Marjorie Morrison, SHRM’s executive in residence for mental health, to explore HR’s evolving role in organizational transformation. With change management being one of the top CHRO priorities for 2025, Biladeau shares what meaningful transformation looks like, from building trust with teams to identifying the readiness for change and designing strategic action plans. Tune in for actionable insights, leadership lessons, and practical takeaways HR pros can use to lead change with clarity and confidence. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires July 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey…