What The Hell Just Happened?: Recent Episodes
Paul Edwards
AI is already showing up in the workplace, but many employers aren’t thinking through the risks.In this episode, Paul and Jennie break down how AI is being used in HR, where it can create compliance issues, and what employers need to watch for. From policy drafting to employee communication, using AI the wrong way can lead to costly mistakes.If you’re using AI at work, or considering it, this episode will help you do it more responsibly.
Your team is busy. You’re busy. Everyone’s working hard.
So why does it still feel like nothing’s getting done?
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?, Paul Edwards and CeCe unpack one of the most frustrating realities in growing businesses. The harder everyone works, the more stuck things seem to become.
It’s easy to blame burnout. Or staffing. Or motivation.
But the real issue is simpler and harder to see.
The work is a mess.
Not because your team isn’t capable, but because no one has stepped back to actually look at how the work is structured. Who owns what. What’s piling up. What’s getting dropped. And where leaders are quietly becoming the biggest bottleneck in the business.
Paul shares the exact moment this clicked for him, standing in front of a wall covered in tasks and realizing two things at once. He was doing too much of the wrong work, and the team had more capacity than anyone thought.
From there, the conversation dives into the key shifts that make all the difference:
- Why your most reliable people are often the most overloaded
- How being “good at something” can actually hold your business back
- The hidden cost of jumping between tasks all day
- And why starting more work is usually the reason nothing gets finished
This isn’t about working harder. It’s about finally seeing what’s actually happening inside your business and fixing it.
Because once you see it, you can’t unsee it. And that’s when things start to move.
Have an HR situation you want Paul to unpack on the show? Record a voice memo and send it to podcast@WTHJustHappened.com. Learn more at WTHJustHappened.com.
CEDR HR Solutions is here to help when your HR issues leave you thinking, “What the hell just happened?!”
Learn more here: CEDR HR Solutions
Or give them a call (866) 414-6056
Most HR problems don’t start with bad intentions — they start with bad advice.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?, Paul Edwards and CeCe, CEDR’s COO and HR expert, unpack one of the biggest mistakes employers make when dealing with HR issues: going on the internet or an A/I tool and asking a question that requires much more context and nuance to answer, than you would ever imagine. What may sound like a simple problem to you, can quickly become risky when you consider the many variables, including laws, that must be taken into account by an expert before they can give you a correct answer.
They discuss how experienced HR professionals approach problem-solving differently, relying on curiosity, investigation, and thorough documentation before taking action. Along the way, they highlight how balancing legal compliance with thoughtful leadership helps businesses resolve issues while protecting both their people and their organization.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why HR advice should never be given without context
- How investigations and documentation can shape the outcome of a workplace issue
- Why employment rules can vary significantly depending on the state
- What experienced HR leaders do before making difficult people decisions
- How asking better questions leads to smarter and safer HR outcomes
If you own a business, manage a team, or handle HR responsibilities alongside everything else you do, this episode will help you approach internal investigations with confidence and a more informed strategic mindset before you act.
Have an HR situation you want Paul to unpack on the show? Record a voice memo and send it to podcast@WTHJustHappened.com. Learn more at WTHJustHappened.com.
CEDR HR Solutions is here to help when your HR issues leave you thinking, “What the hell just happened?!”
Learn more here: CEDR HR Solutions
Or give them a call (866) 414-6056
Termination Without a Reason: Why Lawyers Love It, and How Smart Employers Protect Themselves
Many business owners believe “at-will employment” means that when firing someone, not giving a reason is more protective than giving one. In this episode, Paul Edwards and Jennie (Director of Compliance at CEDR HR Solutions and former employment attorney) dismantle that myth and explain why “no reason given” can be one of the fastest ways to invite legal trouble.
They break down real-world termination mistakes, why vague or abrupt firings often push employees straight to a lawyer, and how even legitimate issues (like tardiness or performance) can start to look like discrimination when you don’t communicate clearly. You’ll also hear why coaching and documentation matter, and how to keep termination conversations respectful, brief, and defensible.
You’ll learn:
- Why your at-will status alone isn’t a legal shield
- How “no reason” can support create discrimination claims after the fact
- What lawyers looking to sure hate to find in the employee's record
- How to run a clear, respectful, defensible termination meeting
Have an HR situation you want Paul to unpack on the show? Record a voice memo and send it to podcast@WTHJustHappened.com. Learn more at WTHJustHappened.com.
CEDR HR Solutions is here to help when your HR issues leave you thinking, “What the hell just happened?!”
Learn more here: CEDR HR Solutions
Or give them a call (866) 414-6056
Employees don’t usually quit “out of nowhere”, but for managers, it can feel that way. In this episode, Paul Edwards sits down with CeCe, COO of CEDR HR Solutions, to unpack why surprise staff shortages happen and what leaders often miss before employees walk out the door. Unexpected turnover can leave business owners scrambling, frustrated, and short-staffed. Paul and CeCe break down the early warning signs managers overlook, the HR blind spots that lead to sudden departures, and how better communication and leadership habits can prevent staffing crises before they start. You’ll learn:* Why “surprise” employee exits are rarely sudden * Common management missteps that drive quiet disengagement * How to spot early warning signs before turnover hits * Practical steps leaders can take to reduce unexpected staffing gaps * What to do when an employee leaves without explanation
Whether you’re a small business owner or a people manager handling HR issues daily, this conversation offers clear, actionable insights to help you protect your team and your business from surprise turnover.
CEDR HR Solutions is here to help when your HR issues leave you thinking, “What the hell just happened?!”
Learn more here: CEDR HR Solutions
Or give them a call (866) 414-6056
Paul Edwards gets cheesy with this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! With a totally new topic - Pizza. He does still answer a listener HR question at the end, however, this episode is a break from the typical HR content we typically share and gets into something more fun - how to make the perfectly imperfect pizza. Join Paul Edwards and Eileen Lyons as they share their culinary wisdom around all things pizza and take a mental break from all you’ve been holding onto this Tuesday.
Recipe for Paul’s Not-Perfect Dough:
Ingredients:
- All Purpose Flour 700gr.
- Semolena Flour 71 grms
- Instant Yeast 3gr.
- Water 501
- Oil 23.5
- Sugar 7.7gr.
- Salt 19 gr.
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients except for salt.
12 total minutes mixing. Let dough mix for about 6 minutes at medium speed in a stand mixer. Then let it rest for about two minutes before adding salt for the remaining 6 minutes.
Turn dough out on a lightly floured counter. Form a large ball and then cover and let it double in size.
Punch down and split into four balls. Place covered in the fridge for 48 hours to proof.
You can use them or wrap in saran wrap and freeze.
Recipe for Paul’s Pizza Sauce:
Ingredients:
- Quarter of a medium onion, minced
- Seeded tomato sauce: Paul recommends a puréed style like Mutti, as removing seeds helps prevent heartburn
- Olive oil: About 3-4 tablespoons
- Finely minced garlic: 2-3 cloves
- Dried oregano
- Dry red pepper flakes: A pinch to taste (don't overpower the dough)
- Fennel is mentioned for Italian sausage flavor but not explicitly in this sauce recipe
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a deep sauce pot over medium-high heat
Cook minced onions until translucent (1-2 minutes)
Add chopped garlic and cook for about a minute (don't fry too long to avoid bitterness)
Add red pepper flakes and salt; cook together briefly
Turn off the heat, add the tomato sauce, stir, then turn the heat back on low for another 2-3 minutes
Adjust seasonings to taste
The sauce can be refrigerated for 2-3 weeks, but be mindful that garlic can cause food poisoning if left too long.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, Paul Edwards and Grace Godlasky discuss how core values can improve your business and your workplace culture. Join them as they discuss the importance of understanding and having core values. This week, episode 104 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about how core values for your business can unify a growing team and help solidify your business reputation and your name in the community.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Important Links for this Episode:
- Blog from CEDR on core values and workplace culture.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Grace Godlasky to share the three prongs of a successful business, and actionable steps you can take to grow your company with a solid foundation through things like core values and a mission.
Paul Edwards and Grace Godlasky also discuss:
- The reason for core values and why it’s important to have them and make sure your team understands them.
- What happens to the patient experience when your team does not follow your core values or when you do not have them, and how that impacts your business.
- A few of CEDR’s core values and what they mean to us
- How core values can be applied to run your business in your absence or in the wake of a busy season.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson discuss how rapid growth can both be exciting, but also lead to compliance concerns. Join them as they discuss the importance of having a handbook and knowing the laws around being a business owner. This week, episode 105 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about how Med Spas experience rapid growth and the negative impacts of that success.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Important Links for this Episode:
- Blog from CEDR on rapid growth and compliance concerns
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by CeCe Wilson to share the legal risks around rapid growth and success, and actionable steps you can take to correct your mistakes and move forward with confidence.
Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson also discuss:
- Mara, a Med Spa owner who rapidly grew her Med Spa and is now struggling with compliance issues now that she’s expanding.
- The importance of a good handbook, and hiring/onboarding processes, and as much foundational structures as possible to grow successfully and compliantly.
- The importance of hiring on CEDR HR Solutions to help you get started on the right foot with people in your corner who can help you scale successfully and legally.
- What core values encourage in leadership roles at your practice.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson explore the pros and cons of quirky interview questions—and why they might be doing more harm than good in your hiring process. Join them as they discuss the importance of asking smart, strategic questions that actually help you find the right candidate. This week, episode 104 of What the Hell Just Happened?! breaks down the impact of quirky interview questions on hiring success.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Important Links for this Episode:
- Behavioral Interview Questions
- Where Interview Questions Come From
- How to Prepare for Interviews
- FREE Guide: Hiring Guide
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by CeCe Wilson to share insights on unusual interview questions they’ve encountered, plus practical tips to develop strong behavioral interview questions and stay consistent in your hiring process.
Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson also discuss:
- Why high-performing candidates are often put off by quirky interview questions.
- How these questions typically fail to assess job-related skills.
- Why behavioral interview questions are a far more effective alternative for hiring top talent.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson discuss why they don’t like the standard Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), and even how it could cause legal trouble for small businesses. Join them as they discuss the importance of creating performance expectations and holding your team accountable. This week, episode 103 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about why PIPs are not the best approach for managing employee performance concerns.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Important Links for this Episode:
- Blog from CEDR on PIPs
- Progressive Corrective Coaching Methods Blog from CEDR
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by CeCe Wilson to share the legal risks around PIPs, and actionable steps you can take to document performance corrections with employees.
Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson also discuss:
- The legal risks associated with what happens when you don’t follow the performance plan or can’t show documentation that the PIP was followed.
- How PIPs fail to address the root cause of poor performance and can undermine the morale of the team.
- What to do instead of a PIP for better performance and more legal protections for you and your business.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
This episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! dives into the compliance around immigration and I-9 forms so you are prepared should you have a visit to your workplace from ICE. Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Tiana Starke, as they discuss the importance of documentation around the right to work in the United States. This week, episode 102 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about the I-9 and E-Verify documentation requirements of employers.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Important Links for this Episode:
- I-9 Webinar on E-Verify
- I-9 Readiness Blog by CEDR
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Tiana Starke to share the importance of staying compliant with I-9 forms and E-Verify, should you be in a state that requires that, and actionable steps you can take to correct your errors if you have not been completing these processes up until now.
Paul Edwards and Tiana Starke also discuss:
- Ensuring I-9 compliance, including what is expected of you as an employer and how to set up a new hire for success in completing this form correctly and on time.
- Understanding who is required to use E-Verify and what you need to know to complete this part of the onboarding process.
- How to correct past mistakes (and when not to), and how to move forward in compliance.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
When it comes to HR issues, we understand how tricky the situations can feel. Ultimately, you want to manage your team effectively and efficiently - but what happens when the situations are just a little too tough to handle on your own? You ask Paul. On today’s podcast episode, Paul answers three questions from our community about tough HR situations they are experiencing right now. This week, episode 101 of What the Hell Just Happened we tackle tough HR questions facing small private healthcare offices.
Want to ask Paul a question? Send us an email at: podcast@wthjusthappened.com
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, BackstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards shares how to address an employee being harassed by patients and actionable steps you can take to have clear dress code policies to prevent the “just rolled out of bed” look from your team.
Paul Edwards also discusses:
- The importance of having a clear handbook policy that outlines how employees can report harassment.
- How you can set standards for employee appearance.
- Whether you can accept a team member’s resignation early, or if you have to honor the two weeks notice they give you.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
You can connect with us here:
Website
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson discuss the importance of being proactive in managing your HR responsibilities. Join them as they discuss the need for company-provided emails and phones, the Hollywood mishaps that led to this lawsuit, and how this applies to your small practice. This week, episode 100 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about Lively’s HR Nightmare - and how to avoid it in your own practice.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by guest CeCe Wilson to share the importance of not retaliating on employees who bring up issues in the workplace, and actionable steps you can take to ensure you have a system in place to handle employee complaints and concerns.
Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson discuss:
- The crucial need for all businesses, regardless of the size or number of employees, to have clear HR policies and procedures in place, including an employee handbook.
- The need for a clear and concise procedure for handling complaints and concerns from employees - from complaint through investigation.
- The responsibility of employers for creating a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
Our 100th episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! discusses the shocking truth about DIY handbooks and why borrowing an employee handbook from another practice can lead to legal ramifications. Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Kimberlee Polansky, as they discuss the importance of properly written employee handbooks for your small privately owned practice. This week, episode 100 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about your secret weapon as a business owner or manager: the employee handbook.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Kimberlee Polansky to share the importance of having a well written handbook provided by experts, and actionable steps you can take to ensure all your employees follow the policies and procedures laid out in your handbook.
Paul Edwards and Kimberlee Polansky also discuss:
- The legal ramifications of a poorly made employee handbook.
- How employee handbooks can help protect you from costly mistakes.
- Why you need to not just have a handbook, but actually understand each policy in and out so you can effectively enforce it.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
This episode examines three common HR issues facing small businesses and offers practical guidance for navigating employee requests, religious expression in the workplace, and office relationships. Join Paul Edwards as he discusses three of your burning HR questions. This week, episode 99 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about Ask Paul Anything questions from podcast listeners..
Check out Lodmell & Lodmell.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards shares three of your tough HR questions, and actionable steps you can take to set clear and legal boundaries for open religious practices in the office.
Paul Edwards also discusses:
- Establishing clear employee dating policies, and how to deal with employees who are matching on online dating apps.
- How to handle employees asking for adjusted schedule changes to accommodate school drop off and pick up schedules.
- Why you may not want to “just say no” to employee requests, even if legally you can.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
This episode provides valuable insights into the often misunderstood concept of at-will employment, from the actual power it gives both employers and employees, to the history of how it came to be. Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Divya Pillai, as they discuss the importance of documentation and 1:1s with employees in at-will states. This week, episode 98 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about the limitations of at-will for employers.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Divya Pillai to share the importance of staying compliant with timekeeping errors by employees, and actionable steps you can take to avoid common timekeeping pitfalls.
Paul Edwards and Divya Pillai also discuss:
- Clarity on at-will employment - what it is and what it is not.
- Understanding the limitations and legal aspects of at-will employment that many employers don’t realize.
- Real-world examples of how providing no reason for a termination can cause more damage than providing a reason at termination.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has employees and wants to avoid a timekeeping nightmare! Using a real-life example of a hospital system that had to pay a huge settlement, you'll learn how simple mistakes like rounding time clock punches incorrectly can have major consequences. We'll also break down how to use timekeeping software effectively (and legally!) so you can protect your business and treat your employees fairly. Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Tiana Starke, as they discuss how common timekeeping blunders can really add up. This week, episode 96 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about timekeeping compliance concerns and how to avoid them.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Tiana Starke to share the importance of staying compliant with timekeeping errors by employees, and actionable steps you can take to avoid common timekeeping pitfalls.
Paul Edwards and Tiana Starke also discuss:
- Case Study: How one large hospital lost a lot of money by common timekeeping errors that could have been avoided.
- FLSA Compliance and regulations you may be accidentally breaking
- How to address timekeeping concerns with your employees, and what NOT to say
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
Do you have an employee that’s hindering growth and innovation in your practice? This podcast explores the concept of “blockers” -- those employees who, often unintentionally, stifle progress and demoralize teams. Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Michelle Richard, as they discuss how to turn blockers on your team into champions of change. This week, episode 95 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about how to manage employees resistant to change.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Michelle Richard to share the importance of recognizing and addressing “blockers” in your dental practice, and actionable steps you can take to turn those individuals into supporters of your practice's growth and innovation.
Paul Edwards and Michelle Richard also discuss:
- How to identify blockers on your team, based on key common characteristics and behaviors.
- Blockers can severely hinder growth and innovation, but when overcome and managed correctly, they can be the champions of change in your practice.
- Various ways in which you can manage blockers, and why the way you want to approach them may not be the best for your practice.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
It’s Election Day, and your team members may have a lot on their minds - including the political choices of their coworkers. Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Jeff Dorfman, as they discuss the political tensions we are seeing in workplaces across the country, and why this is just the start of the political tensions at work. This week, episode 94 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about how to handle workplace political tension.
Join CEDR’s newsletter and gain access to the latest HR news, advice and education.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Jeff Dorfman to share the importance of handling political tension the correct (legal) way in the office, and actionable steps you can take to manage the tension between employees without breaking the law.
Paul Edwards and Jeff Dorfman also discuss:
- The prevalence of political tension in the workplace, and why you should care about the political tension within your team.
- Why private practice owners and managers are not obligated to uphold freedom of speech like the government - and yet there are ways you could get in trouble for telling employees not to talk about certain topics in the workplace.
- Examples of practical approaches to managing political discussions, from minor issues to tension that affects patient care.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
It’s Halloween week and we have monsters lurking in dental practices all over the nation - and we want to help you stop them! Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Britt Lanza, as they dissect the gory details of the Timekeeping Zombies eating away at your time and brains, the Work Conflict Werewolves who shift when things get stressful, and the Emotional Vampires who can’t possibly see the silver lining of anything. This week, episode 93 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about how to approach managing different types of monsters in your office for business success.
You can check out Time Keeping with CEDR here.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, BackstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Britt Lanza to share the importance of knowing what monsters you may be dealing with in the office and actionable steps you can take to manage these monsters so their behavior doesn’t cost the office more time and money than it needs to.
Paul Edwards and Britt Lanza also discuss:
- Timekeeping Zombies; what they are, the dollars you’re wasting by not handling them correctly, and how best to hold these employees accountable so they stop creating payroll issues.
- Workplace Conflict Werewolves; how to identify them, what they do to the overall work culture, and how to rein them in so they can help with change or stressful situations instead of making these problems worse on the team.
- Emotional Vampires; how they suck the good out of your practice and the only way to “kill” them for good.
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
The internet seems to hate cover letters - with many people discussing how employers who require a cover letter in the application process are toxic or how no one reads the cover letter, there’s a lot of reasoning as to why you may be questioning the importance of the cover letter in your own hiring process. CeCe Wilson, CEDR’s Human Resources Manager, breaks down why you don’t need a cover letter to hire the right candidate, and how to get valuable information during the hiring process in other ways. This week, episode 92 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about how to approach the cover letter request in the hiring process.
You can view the complimentary Hygiene Course here.
You can check out our Hiring Guide here.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, BackstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by CeCe Wilson to share the importance of a phone screening during your hiring process and actionable steps you can take to gather important information from a potential hire without a cover letter.
Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson also discuss:
- What the internet is saying about employers who require a cover letter
- Where they stand on requiring cover letters - and if CeCe reads them
- The importance of phone screenings and skills tests in the hiring process
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
Telling an employee that they smell bad is a tough and rather personal conversation that many office managers and owners avoid. Whether you’ve had patients or other employees complain, or have noticed the odor yourself, it can be tricky to tell an employee that they stink. Grace Godlasky, CEDR’s Solution Center Manager, is on the podcast today to discuss her new complimentary HR education course: The Clean Conversation. This week, episode 91 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about how to tell your employees they stink - and why you should handle the conversation with compassion.
You can download the complimentary Hygiene Course here.
Better workplaces make better lives.
Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, BackstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Grace Godlasky to share the importance of handling hygiene conversations at the office with compassion and actionable steps you can take to have the conversation around smells with your employees.
Paul Edwards and Grace Godlasky also discuss:
- Medical and other life reasons an employee may smell, and the need for compassion with each conversation around hygiene
- Protected reasons someone may smell, and how to still enforce good hygiene in your practice
- Interesting real-life examples of smelly employees and how their hygiene was handled
If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.
Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com
You can connect with us here:
Website
One of our members (a dental practice) used AI to summarize their notes and recently asked how people are addressing AI in the workplace. We've discussed AI and hiring biases on the podcast (a very long time ago!) As expected, more uses are coming to light. Because of that, we're back with updated guidance and information regarding using AI in the workplace, and our focus is on HIPAA compliance and showing ways employees could unintentionally break HIPAA rules. There are several ways AI can revolutionize your work life and that of your employees, making tasks easier and more efficient. Learn more about the exciting possibilities in this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, hosts Paul Edwards and Jennie McLaughlin delve into the recent FTC ruling on non-compete clauses. While this could herald significant changes for employment contracts nationwide, there's no need to panic just yet. Paul and Jennie break down the details of the ruling, emphasizing that it won't take effect immediately and discussing potential legal challenges that could delay its implementation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of non-competes and seeking clarity amidst the unfolding legal landscape!
Let’s delve into a scenario that could happen to any of us in the professional world. We've all seen them by now—the secret Zoom video recordings of a large company firing a remote employee via call go viral. Secretly recording a conversation raises privacy issues, and, once again, a crazy ruling by the NLRB last year states that eavesdropping on employers by employees is legal under federal law. When recordings get released in the wild, it is never good for the employer. We discuss how the employer tried to mitigate the negative impact by responding and how that can worsen things. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED LARGE corporation problem; it impacts small businesses, too.
So, what could you do when this happens to you? Gain insights from the seasoned perspectives of Paul Edwards and Elijah Newsome, our Social Media Strategist, as they break down best practices around negative reviews in this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!
Today, we're talking about the importance of privacy and email addresses for your employees, inspired by a chiropractic office that got locked out of their website by an employee who was demanding a ransom. Allowing employees to use their personal email addresses for various business activities sets you up for trouble in more ways than we can list... Giving your employees company emails solves so many problems. Let's talk about it and how those emails can protect you and your business in this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! with Paul Edwards and guest Ally Dagnino.
In this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! Discover why talented employees often find themselves in management positions for which they might not be suited and the unintended consequences that can arise from such decisions. Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson sit down to dissect the reasons behind these common practices, shedding light on the importance of recognizing different skill sets essential for effective management. Whether you're running a burgeoning startup or steering a large enterprise, understanding the Peter Principle and how to navigate its challenges is key to building a resilient and thriving work environment. Tune in and empower yourself with the knowledge to make smarter, more effective managerial decisions.
Recently, Dairy Queen was in the news because one of their manager's "corrective action" sent people to the hospital. As managers, sometimes, actually fixing the issue is something we all want to avoid for one reason or another - let's be honest, it can be exhausting (especially if it's an issue you've already addressed a million times). Getting through to your employees is hard, and we're all human. The most important thing to remember (other than the fact that poisoning your employees is NOT the way to go) is that you need to keep your emotional response in check and, as we always say, attack the problem, not the person. Listen to this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! to hear Paul Edwards and Jennie McLaughlin talk about facing employee challenges head-on.
For this week’s episode, we are doing a re-release of one of our favorites (and one that is always highly requested!) Giving your employees in-house treatment as a benefit of employment is common, and a great way to increase employee retention! However, there are a lot of things to consider, especially when it comes to billing and how insurance carriers see things. Listen when Harley Hartliep and Paul Edwards sit down and talk about it in this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!
Buckle in, managers and owners! It's time for the next "What the Hell Just Happened?!" In this episode, we answer two questions: one from the more than 10,000 HR questions the experts at CEDR receive each year and the second from one of our listeners. Our first question concerns an employee who corners their manager and wants more money: “Since I don't want or need your health insurance, I want the money, not the benefit.” This happens often, and we discuss why your answer should almost always be a resounding NO! Our second question concerns an employee who keeps making an unemployment claim during scheduled office closures and what the practice can do to prevent them. Keep those questions coming! Send them to podcast@wthjusthappened.com!
All employees fall somewhere on the skill versus will matrix, which is a tool that can help you objectively make tough decisions with employees. You have your ideal employees (those that can and will and those that can't and will), and then you have your less-than-ideal employees (those that can and won't and those that can't and won't). Have you ever stopped to think about where all of your employees land? From there, what to do with those that fall in the less-than-ideal category? Join Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson in this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! as they go over the skill vs. will matrix and how to decide when it's time to coach, train, or fire, depending on where each employee falls.
As your team gets the chance to sit down together and learn about something new during their break, and while eating a yummy lunch that they didn't have to buy, keep in mind the following: being paid for the time during that session isn't just a kindness, it is required by law in all circumstances. If you remember one of our previous episodes called "You Can't Pay People in Chicken," the same principles we discussed apply here! In that situation, Chick-fil-A got in trouble for trying to pay employees with chicken sandwiches, and in this situation, you will too! Sadly, providing lunch as pay, even if you add waffle fries, is a wage and hour violation. Listen to this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! to hear Paul Edwards and Harley Hartliep go over one of the all too common wage mistakes made and how to avoid them.
Job Descriptions... way more important than a lot of us realize. When you ask an employee to do something and get the "that's not my job" response, what do you do? Your biggest tool that you can use to combat that is a solid and well-thought-out job description! Find out how job descriptions not only play into the culture of your workplace but also how having an improper job description can make your employees' lives more difficult. Listen to this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, which is inspired by a listener-submitted question, to hear Paul Edwards and guest Ally Dagnino talk about the topic of using your job descriptions as a tool to help you manage your employees.
In this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! Paul Edwards and Jennie McLaughlin answer some listener-submitted questions. For this episode, the questions surround some complex scenarios that every person dealing with HR can relate to. This episode offers practical advice and real-world solutions, from how to handle anonymous tips about employee misconduct (such as embezzlement) to the intricate balance of allowing kids in the workplace. The discussion doesn't stop there – stay tuned for an essential breakdown of recent changes in sick leave laws across various states. Don't miss out – listen now and arm yourself with the knowledge to tackle any HR challenge that comes your way!
Are you always looking for excellent multitaskers when you're hiring? Well, we've got some news for you. Everyone these days is an excellent multitasker, it's almost impossible not to be with how much the world throws at us. What should you be looking for instead? Someone who's a great sequencer! We know, you must be wondering what the heck that even means. Well, let's just say it may be one of the main ways to prevent burnout in the workplace - seriously! Join Paul Edwards, CeCe Wilson, and Amanda Rishor as they discuss the difference between sequencing and multitasking, along with giving guidance on how to find someone who knows how to sequence their tasks (and finding someone who doesn't!)
In this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, Jennie McLaughlin and CeCe Wilson from CEDR HR Solutions highlight a very recent case where the DOL decided not only to fine a practice but also to go after the office manager and fine them personally for $25k in damages! The worst part, it could have been avoided. Whether you're an experienced HR professional or new to managing people, this episode provides valuable lessons in employment law, management best practices, and understanding state-specific regulations. Don't miss out!
What's the most logical solution to making sure your employees are always working, even when you're not in the room? Filming them of course! (NOT!) In this highly requested episode of "What the Hell Just Happened?!", join host Paul Edwards and guest Ally Dagnino as they delve into the complex world of workplace monitoring. This episode unpacks the legal, ethical, and practical aspects of using cameras and audio recording devices in the workplace. Discover not only the implications of employee surveillance but also alternative strategies for boosting productivity and compliance. From discussing real-world scenarios to evaluating the impact of monitoring on employee morale, this episode is packed with insights for HR professionals, business leaders, and office managers alike. Tune in to learn how to navigate the fine line between surveillance and support in today's dynamic work environment.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! Jennie and CeCe from CEDR HR Solutions take over as hosts to delve into a series of intriguing workplace scenarios that challenge the boundaries of ethics and professionalism. From the discovery of employees' controversial online activities on platforms like OnlyFans to confronting inappropriate behavior in office settings, this episode unpacks the complexities of modern workplace dynamics. Listen as they discuss the implications of personal life on professional conduct, explore the intricacies of privacy and digital footprints in the work environment, and provide insights into how HR departments can navigate these delicate issues.
Feast your ears on the latest episode of "What the Hell Just Happened?!" where host Paul Edwards (formerly chef Paul in another life) and content curator Amanda Rishor slice into prepping for Thanksgiving. Learn about strategic leftovers, as Paul reveals his ultimate late-night sandwich that might rival the main event. Imagine layers of succulent turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and a slather of mustard that kicks harder than your favorite football team. So, unbuckle your belts and tune in for a dose of laughter, culinary confessions, and the answer to the age-old question: "What the Hell Just Happened to make this Thanksgiving so successful?"
In this enlightening episode, Paul Edwards and Moriah Ochoa dive deep into the complexities of worker classification, using the real-world example of a dental hygienist. Drawing from an actual IRS determination from 2017, they shed light on the risks of misclassifying workers as independent contractors when they should be employees. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding and adhering to regulations, warning businesses of potential pitfalls and hefty penalties. Join them as they unravel the intricacies of this topic, offering valuable insights and guidance for businesses navigating the challenging landscape of worker classification.
In this chilling Halloween episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, we delve deep into the haunted halls of office lore, unearthing the spookiest HR tales that will make your skin crawl... with laughter. But beware, for beneath the humor lies the very real horror of navigating business best practices and remaining legally compliant through it all. Tune in, if you dare, and be regaled with tales that will make every day feel like Friday the 13th in the office. Happy Haunting!
You have dress code policies and expectations for a reason. You want to strike the right tone with your customers and your patients. What happens when an employee finds a loophole in your policies and really leans into it? This week on What the Hell Just Happened?! Paul Edwards and Harley Hartliep sit down to discuss Dress Code Policies and how to avoid Malicious Compliance.
What is your obligation as an employer? Providing a safe working environment free from harassment or threats. Sometimes, danger still creeps into the workplace, and you have to handle it. How? Listen to this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! to gain some insight.
So, you discover your employee has an OnlyFans account. What next? Not only that, but they have a QR code sticker on their water bottle that leads to their page...
How can you stop losing people at your business? Employee engagement is your answer. What does that mean? Generally, when people feel involved and enthusiastic to be at your workplace. How do you achieve that? Listen to this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! as CeCe Wilson and Paul Edwards dive into the topic that never goes away and is vital to small businesses: employee engagement.
You have two businesses... two businesses that are solid and established. Each has its own company culture that has been curated and built over time to match its needs. That culture, for both, is organic; the entire team at each practice has created it and works hard to keep it alive within the walls. What happens when those two businesses collide? Which culture stays around, and which one fades away? How do the employees handle it? Whether you're expanding, selling your practice, or combining with another practice, businesses need to be prepared to handle this element of merging. Listen to this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! to discover how to merge two businesses and their cultures successfully.
Website copy: Dating in the workplace: where love blooms amidst the water cooler chats and paper jam crises. From an HR perspective, it's like watching a rom-com unfold, but with potential pitfalls, making it more of a tragicomedy. On this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! listen to Paul Edwards and Ally Dagnino talk about dating in the workplace, from managers dating employees to employees dating employees to even employees dating patients. What's the danger here? Let's get into it.
On this episode of What The Hell Just Happened?! CeCe Wilson and Paul Edwards discuss wild questions that employers ask potential candidates during interviews. How does asking someone what they would do if they opened a freezer to see a penguin inside help see if they will be a good candidate? The world may never know... Let's go over the better way to go about interview questions.
Heard of the Pregnant Worker's Fairness Act? The major change with this federal law is that employers now must provide accommodations for an employee experiencing a “limitation” due to pregnancy. Previously, you were only legally obligated to provide accommodations if the employee had a pregnancy-related “disability.” So basically, limitation vs. disability.
In some ways, this seems like semantics. But when it comes down to how these words are defined in the law (we won’t bore you with the details of that here), there can be a lot of gray areas and disagreement over whether something is a “limitation” or rises to the level of “disability.” Listen to Paul Edwards and Grace Godlasky break down the PWFA, and why it matters in your business.
Do you ever think your employees may have concerns about the workplace, but haven't talked to you about it? A California employer decided to bring in a priest and offer their employees to "confess" to them, with the intention of using those confessions against their employees in the future if they ever decided to bring up those concerns. In short, this is NOT the way to go about hearing your employees' concerns! Listen to Paul Edwards and Ally Dagnino talk about it on this week's episode of What The Hell Just Happened?!
Giving your employees in-house treatment as a benefit of employment is common, and a great way to increase employee retention! However, there are a lot of things to consider, especially when it comes to billing and how insurance carriers see things. Listen when Harley Hartliep and Paul Edwards sit down and talk about it in this week's episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!
You’d be surprised what’s out there when it comes to HR practices; we sure are. From an employer that liked touching the ear lobes of his employees all the way to potentially paying employees with pizza, listen to Paul and CeCe talk about various stories where HR has gone very wrong.
Events outside of work are super common, and sometimes even encouraged. Hosting your employees for after-work drinks or holiday parties to show appreciation is nice. However, are you inviting employees to these in the right way? A post on Reddit went viral where an employee felt pressured to go to the events outside of working hours as if their position in the company would be in jeopardy if they didn’t attend. Remember, if it feels required, then it is required. Listen to Paul Edwards and Ally Dagnino unpack this situation in this week’s episode.
How are performance evaluations done at your business? Everyone all at once? On each employee’s yearly employment anniversary? Which method do you think is best? Performance evaluations can be done in several different ways to match the needs of whatever business the employees belong to. However, doing them all at once at the same time each year can make it rough on not only the person giving the reviews but also the employees themselves. Listen to Jennie McLaughlin and CeCe Wilson as they take over the mic this week to talk about best practices around performance reviews.
One of the easiest ways to find yourself in hot water when it comes to human resources is by paying people incorrectly (which is easier to do than you think!). There are so many Timekeeping systems out there, how do you know which one to use? Listen as Paul Edwards and Tiana Starke discuss Timekeeping systems, what to look for in them, and let you know which ones are stupid and which ones are not.
Age discrimination is high on the list of everyday occurrences in the workforce. Forcing an older employee to retire, looking for “fresh out of college” applicants, and more can quickly land your business in the danger zone in the eyes of the EEOC. In this week’s episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! Listen to Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson talk about the risks involved with this touchy subject, and how to ensure you don’t land in a place where the EEOC will be looking at you.
Conflict is everywhere and comes in many forms. In the workplace, it can bring down the entire vibe of your practice, and your patients will feel that shift too. What do you do, as a manager or owner, when employees approach you about conflict that they can’t seem to solve themselves? What steps do you take? Listen to this week’s episode to hear what Paul Edwards and Moriah Ochoa sit down and talk about it.
In this episode, we give managers payroll heartburn over bonuses and commission payments. Did you know that bonuses and commissions affect hourly wages and cause the need to adjust past pay for overtime?
“What I need you to know, and this is the mindblowing part, is that when an employee works the first quarter of a year and earns a bonus or commission at the end of that quarter if they have worked any overtime during that first quarter where the bonus was subject to - YOU have to go back and look at the overtime hours and add that bonus into the overtime hours. You owe them more money. Not only do you owe the commission/bonus, but now that you know how much they earned, you need to go back and adjust their overtime pay.”
One trend in the world of HR right now is that employers are using social media to look up the people applying to your workplace. For years now we’ve been telling our HR Community that there are intrinsic issues with doing so. The prevailing thinking is that it gives you the chance to see if the person you are thinking about hiring is “normal”? but the problem is, you may also or only come up with things that you don’t want to find. Listen to Jennie McLaughlin and CeCe Wilson in this week’s episode to hear why we advocate against this practice.
Recently, there was a court case about one employee claiming the use of the requested pronouns of another employee went against their religion, so they would not do it. What would you do if you were an employer in this situation? The answer is trickier than you think. Our main guidance: engage in the interactive process. Listen to Paul Edwards, Nora Gustafson, and Amanda Rishor sit down to unpack this issue and the best way to handle it as an employer.
Recently, Crumbl Cookies found themselves in trouble with the Department of Labor for violating child labor laws. This issue is more common than you may think, as many states have specific laws surrounding minors having jobs. If you are considering hiring a minor this summer, listen to Paul Edwards, Kristen Hof, and Amanda Rishor talk about the various things to remember when you decide to bring a child on as an employee.
One thing we constantly get asked about by our community of over 10,000 practice owners and managers is how to handle employees traveling for a work event. Do you need to pay them for the entire time? Can you restrict their drinking? What about rooming employees together to save some money on hotel costs? Listen as Paul Edwards and Michelle Richards discuss this popular topic and answer some of your most asked questions.
One of our employees recently went to a concert where the show's opener gave out a feedback form. Of course, as HR nerds, this inspired us to talk about the always asked about topic: giving feedback to employees. Most people want feedback, but there are right and wrong ways to go about it. Listen to Paul Edwards, Kristen Hof, and Amanda Rishor talk about why you shouldn’t be afraid to give feedback to employees and what the benefits of those conversations are (if you aren’t giving them feedback, they will start making it up in their head).
A good amount of states out there have now legalized cannabis for recreational purposes along with medical. Employers are increasingly facing employees coming into the office smelling like weed. Even if they do not seem impaired (if they do, that is an entirely different issue), there are steps you can take to ensure the smell is not present in your office. Listen to this week’s episode, where Paul, Nora, and Amanda sit down to discuss what to do when facing this situation.
A.I. is everywhere, and it isn’t going away. More and more discoveries are being made about how popular A.I. tools, such as ChatGPT, can help with various daily tasks, even running a business. There is even talk out there about how certain A.I. tools can run your HR department for you or write your employee handbook. However, listen to Paul Edwards, Ally Dagnino, and Amanda Rishor talk about the risks involved with taking the human out of human resources and using it as a solution rather than a tool.
Have you heard the term “hire slow, fire fast”? It’s making its way through the world of content catered to employers lately, and Paul Edwards and Moriah Ochoa wanted to sit down and talk about it. Is there any truth to it? What exactly does it mean? Listen to this week’s episode to hear their thoughts on the entire concept and how they suggest you interpret the increasingly popular phrase.
If you’re an employer in today’s working environment, there is no doubt that you’ve heard of burnout... Maybe even experienced it yourself! But what is burnout? Can it be prevented? How do you address it? Listen to Paul Edwards sit down with CeCe Wilson and Amanda Rishor to discuss burnout in the workplace and how to approach it with all different generations of employees.
The Kardashians have done it again… and by that, we mean allegedly violating employment laws. This time, the conversation focuses on Khole Kardashian and how she treated her personal assistant, who is now attempting to sue her for breaking California Labor Laws. Join Paul Edwards, Jennie McLaughlin, and Amanda Rishor as they talk about the crazy world of the Kardashians and how HR seems to find its way into it all (doesn’t it always?).
Paying $400k in back wages…sound like something you’d want to have to do? Classifying employees incorrectly is extremely common in several fields of business. Having employees who are incorrectly classified, either as exempt or non-exempt, has caused problems for thousands of companies throughout the years. In this week’s episode of What The Hell Just Happened?! Listen to Paul Edwards and Michelle Richard discuss what happened to two businesses, one smaller and one large, after they were discovered by the Department of Labor to be incorrectly classifying some employees.
Talking about the EEOC and the businesses they go after has become a regular occurrence on What The Hell Just Happened?! This episode is no exception. There are several ways sexual harassment can show up within your workplace, and Monroe Auto had to learn this lesson the hard way by paying out a large settlement. Listen to Paul Edwards as he sits down with CeCe Wilson and Amanda Rishor to discuss what happened and how it could have been stopped before it even started.
Picture this: you sift through dozens of applications and schedule countless phone interviews (something we are all too familiar with). Then, one of your phone screens goes extremely well, and you have hope for filling your position that has been empty for quite a while. You schedule this candidate for their first in-person interview, and when they come in, they sound nothing like who you talked to on the phone. Even wilder, they give you completely countering answers from what they had prior. Turns out it is someone else entirely! Oddly enough, this is becoming all too common. Paul Edwards sits down with CeCe Wilson to discuss this strange new phenomenon and how to prevent it from happening.
Pay transparency is coming up more often as more and more states are beginning to pass laws requiring employers to be transparent about what they are paying people. Additionally, employees are becoming more curious about it when they see jobs that may be similar to theirs having a higher pay range posted with no explanation as to why. As an employer, this can be nerve-racking when you are first looking into it. However, listen to Paul Edwards, CEO & Founder of CEDR HR Solutions, and Michelle Richard, Senior Solution Center Advisor, discuss how enacting pay transparency at your workplace will benefit you as an employer with current employees and any future ones.
On today's episode of What The Hell Just Happened?!, Paul Edwards and Senior Solution Center expert Halisi Tambuzi are here to discuss an employer's worst-case scenario: An imminent HR-related lawsuit. Listen now to learn what the first steps you should take are, what things you should avoid doing at all costs, and learn about some of the little tricks employment law attorneys can use to make you panic and possibly make a mistake.
What To Do When An Employment Lawsuit Appears Imminent
What EPLI Insurance Does and Doesn’t Cover
You may have heard recently that Fox News is being sued. Granted, Fox News is being sued for lots of things right now, but today on What The Hell Just Happened?!, Paul Edwards and Solution Center Advisor Moriah Ochoa are discussing Laura Luhn's sexual harassment lawsuit against Fox. This lawsuit was only able to be filed because the state of New York recently passed the Adult Survivors Act, which gives victims of sexual assault a 1-year window to sue for damages regardless of whether the statute of limitations has expired.
More and more laws like this are being passed, and an employer who knows (or should have known) about an incident of sexual misconduct and doesn't handle the situation appropriately can be sued just as easily as the employee who actually committed the offense, so your policies on investigating and handling sexual misconduct need to be up to snuff.
Today, we have a special episode of What The Hell Just Happened?! for you! Paul read about Elon Musk's latest Twitter adventure, screamed "He did WHAT?!", and quickly gathered CEDR's Director of Compliance Jennie McLaughlin and Content & Education Curator Amanda Rishor to discuss the situation.
Although you might have already known about advanced HR tactics like "Don't fire your employees but not tell them" and "Don't publicly mock your disabled employees over Twitter in front of billions of people", there's a lot of other interesting HR stuff going on in this situation that many people might not have realized. Listen now to get the details and learn how "The World's Smartest Man" got pretty much everything wrong on this one.
Episodes like today's are where our podcast gets its name. Maybe you just read the title of today's episode and you're thinking "Wait, what? That HR question makes no sense!" If so, welcome to the podcast! That feeling of confused annoyance that you're experiencing right now? Totally normal. Join Paul and CEDR Solution Center Advisor Grace Godlasky as they explain why the employee volunteers at your charitable event might not really be "volunteers", as far as the Department of Labor is concerned. We have lots of other WTHJH episodes you can listen to as well, and once you've listened to a few, concepts like this will just leave you smirking lightly in disbelief, like Jim from The Office.
If you read the title and thought "Geez, is it Tuesday already? Okay Paul, make it make sense", then it's great to see you back! So yeah, even if your employee doesn't want to be paid for working at your charitable event, there's a whole 3-factor test that needs to be applied under the Fair Labor Standards Act to determine if it's even maybe okay to let them volunteer. This week's episode also has some pretty delicious-sounding food discussion in it though, and Grace is always a fun guest, so there's no time like the present to queue this episode up and buff your HR Nerd credentials.
In today's episode of What The Hell Just Happened?!, Paul Edwards sits down with Solution Center Advisor Kristen Hof to discuss running background checks on job candidates. When should you do them, who should you do them on, and should you give the applicant a heads-up before doing so? Stick around for the whole episode to hear about our general fondness for Aubrey Plaza (really, she's great!), unpaid internships (The Devil Wears Prada isn't a good template for doing them legally!) and listen to Paul's unfiltered thoughts on those Equifax settlement checks that we're all going to retire off of.
Points-based attendance policies… we get it. Sometimes, you want to immediately “punish” employees that are late or call out with no notice. So, you give them half a point or sometimes even a full point, letting them know that once they reach a certain amount, they’ve lost their job. That’ll teach them…! (Can you tell we’re kidding?) Paul Edwards sits down with Senior Solution Center Advisor Michelle Richard to discuss why these types of attendance systems are not a good idea, and how easy it can be to land yourself in hot water if you use one.
The urge for businesses that are customer-facing to have policies in place dictating the appearance of their staff is all too common. More easily than you may think, these policies can run the line of putting your business at risk, as there are several laws in place to protect appearance-related traits/qualities. Laws aside, you run the risk of losing top talent because of these policies, as job performance is not dependent on someone meeting a certain visual standard. Listen to this episode of “What the Hell Just Happened?!” to hear Paul Edwards sit down with CeCe Wilson to discuss the popular convenience store “Sheetz” and how their “perfect smile” policy wound them up in hot water on social media these past couple weeks.
We assume Tesla must have an HR department, but we're starting to suspect that the department just consists of one extremely haggard person constantly scrolling through Elon's Twitter feed and saying "No no no, not again..."
Join Paul Edwards and Solution Center Advisor Kristen Hof as they discuss Elon's latest HR no-no: Telling employees they cannot discuss their wages with each other. If your business has a policy (either written or unwritten) telling employees not to discuss their salary, learn why that's an exceptionally bad idea by listening to this week's episode of What The Hell Just Happened.
In this week’s episode of What The Hell Just Happened?! Paul Edwards sits down with CEDR Solution Center Specialist Jason Post to discuss one of the easiest tasks you can do to save yourself a ton of time throughout the year: setting up all your holidays and paid days off in advance and distributing that information to your team. Are you required to pay your employees for federal holidays? Why is this so important and how can it save you time? What do you do about holidays that happen over the weekends? Listen now to hear the answers to all of these questions and more to help ensure you have a clear and compliant year ahead.
In this week’s episode of What The Hell Just Happened?! Paul Edwards sits down with CEDR Human Resources Manager CeCe Wilson to discuss how Circle K handled pregnant employees coming back from leave and why they found themselves in a lawsuit where the EEOC required them to pay out 8 million dollars. Can you require your new mothers to be “fully healed” upon returning to work? If they’re not, what do you do? Listen to find out how to navigate this situation in a safe and legally compliant way.
In 2019, Dove, a popular beauty brand, and The CROWN Coalition began work on the CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. As it stands now, 19 states have enacted this Act, and we predict that the rest of the country will follow suit. Listen now as Paul Edwards and Senior Solution Center expert Hali Tambuzi discuss how employers need to be familiar with what the CROWN act is, and how it will affect your practice, to ensure you remain compliant.
What happens when a famous celebrity terminates an employee for taking time off to care for her sick child? You guessed it, massive lawsuit. Listen as Paul Edwards and Solution Center Specialist Jason Post discuss wrongful termination, and the different types of leave of absences that practice owners and office managers have to handle with their employees. Plus, hear guidance on how to go about them in a legally compliant way
Employee suspensions can be one of the most risky situations to tackle as a manager or owner of a business. Knowing when a suspension is the right thing to do can be a tough decision to make, plus the addition of making sure you are compliant in how you go about it can cause extra stress surrounding the whole situation. Listen as manager of compliance, Nora Gustafson, and Paul Edwards sit down and discuss situations when suspension is needed, and when there are better options to consider.
You need an employee to be by their phone on the weekends to handle emergency scheduling (or any other weekend task) but you’re wondering if paying them a lower wage would be okay. Or, if paying them in movie tickets or food would also suffice. Listen to Paul and Michelle Richard, senior solution center advisor, discuss waiting and on-call times and all the little nuances that go into it. Learn how to make sure you and your practice stay legally compliant while having your employees by their phones on their off days.
There are a lot of protections regarding nursing mothers in the workplace. But what happens if you find out that your employee is not nursing for her own child, but rather someone else's? Paul Edwards sits down with Senior Solution Center Advisor Tiana Starke to discuss what protections still apply, and how you can ensure you and your practice remain compliant when handling this unique situation.
In this very special episode of What The Hell Just Happened?! Paul speaks to a call-in guest, Robin Coen, who is the national executive director of the Smile For A Lifetime foundation. Their mission is to help give children access to braces who may otherwise not be able to afford it. Listen to find out how you can help their cause, and give back this season.
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with CEDR's Senior Solution Center advisor Tiana Starke to discuss everyone's favorite December tradition - the office holiday party. Should you serve alcohol? If you do, what are the risks involved? Should the party be held at your office, or held somewhere offsite? Learn the answer to these (and more) questions by listening to today's episode!
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with CEDR Compliance Specialist Ally Dagnino to discuss an interesting case of an employee's strange behavior being caused by a potential disability. This case was especially tricky HR-wise because while the employee did something that was clearly improper, it wasn't 100% clear if she was actually responsible for her behavior. What do you do when an employee breaks the rules, but their reason for doing could make a termination risky?
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with CEDR Solution Center Advisor Grace Godlasky to discuss an issue that can bring some frustration to employers – having a new employee quit after their training period. Employers everywhere really feel this loss after investing their resources in getting a new employee trained and up to speed, so it is tempting to ask that employee to pay back those training hours if this happens. However, that can lead to some trouble. Listen as Paul and Grace analyze the risk level associated with particular predicament and hash out how to handle it in a safe and legally compliant way.
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?, CEDR's resident Compliance Expert Nora Gustafson joins Paul and Amanda to discuss some important considerations for an employer to keep in mind if they've elected to start electronically monitoring their employees' activities. Along with moral considerations, there are lots of privacy laws that need to be taken into account to make sure the monitoring is done legally, and some of them might surprise you!
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?, senior Solution Center advisor Tiana Starke joins Paul and Amanda to discuss strategies for coaching an otherwise employee who is a little sensitive to criticism. How do you strike a balance between avoiding hurt feelings and giving the employee the feedback they need to do their job well? The main thing to keep in mind is this: Don't attack the employee, attack the problem!
Join Paul and Tiana as they discuss one of the most awkward HR issues there is - how to deal with an employee that smells bad. Whether it's from bad hygiene, smoking, or working in a stable, an employee with an offensive odor can make for a very uncomfortable working environment. Listen now for some guidance and tips on how to resolve the problem, and maybe you won't have to resort to hanging a million of those car fresheners in your practice!
In the first episode of our second season, Paul sits down with Jennie to talk about hiring a hitman to take care of your usual HR issues. Why fire someone and handle that awkward conversation yourself when you can just rent a hitman? (Just kidding!) Paul and Jennie will inform you about when it's best to outsource for HR - all while avoiding renting out a hitman and winding up in jail!
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with CEDR Solution Center Advisor Grace Godlasky to discuss an issue that happens more often than not in this current climate - an employee working two jobs without informing their employer. Employers everywhere struggle with ensuring their employees are always actively engaged in their work, and when an employee is secretly splitting their time between two jobs, this can cause issues. Listen as Paul and Grace analyze the risk level associated with particular predicament and hash out how to handle it in a safe and legally compliant way.
On this special Friday release episode of What The Hell Just Happened?! Paul sits down with his executive assistant Amanda as he goes through what he likes to call “pushback” that one of our HR Base Camp members commented regarding our previous episode on employee one-on-ones. This community member raised some excellent points, and Paul wanted to be sure to address them all. Join our Facebook group to join in on the fun, and as always, feel free to email us at podcast@wthjusthappened.com if you have any questions, comments, or even stories you’d like to share with us.
Drug testing is an especially tricky to subject to navigate with your employees. If you have reason to believe one or more of your employees may be coming into work under the influence of drugs or alcohol, how should testing be handled? There should be a policy about it in your employee handbook, but how do you know if it's legally compliant? Join Paul and Solution Center advisor Michelle Richard as they discuss how to handle this stressful situation.
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with senior solution center advisor Tiana Starke to discuss options for dealing with employees who smoke while off the clock. While their smoking may be happening outside of the office, the smell follows them back in, and that can be an awkward situation for a practice owner who wants to project an image of caring about oral health. What can you as a manager do about this, and what potential legal pitfalls do you need to keep in mind?
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with senior solution center advisor Tiana Starke to discuss options for dealing with employees who smoke while off the clock. While their smoking may be happening outside of the office, the smell follows them back in, and that can be an awkward situation for a practice owner who wants to project an image of caring about oral health. What can you as a manager do about this, and what potential legal pitfalls do you need to keep in mind?
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with senior solution center advisor Tiana Starke to discuss options for dealing with employees who smoke while off the clock. While their smoking may be happening outside of the office, the smell follows them back in, and that can be an awkward situation for a practice owner who wants to project an image of caring about oral health. What can you as a manager do about this, and what potential legal pitfalls do you need to keep in mind?
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with senior solution center advisor Tiana Starke to discuss ghosting in the workplace. What do you do when your employee randomly disappears out of nowhere? With all the different ways an employee can ghost, such as right after an interview, shortly after they start working with you, and many other wild ghosting situations, Paul and Tiana sit and talk about the ways you can handle these situations in a legally compliant and people-focused manner.
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with senior solution center advisor Tiana Starke to discuss ghosting in the workplace. What do you do when your employee randomly disappears out of nowhere? With all the different ways an employee can ghost, such as right after an interview, shortly after they start working with you, and many other wild ghosting situations, Paul and Tiana sit and talk about the ways you can handle these situations in a legally compliant and people-focused manner.
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with senior solution center advisor Tiana Starke to discuss ghosting in the workplace. What do you do when your employee randomly disappears out of nowhere? With all the different ways an employee can ghost, such as right after an interview, shortly after they start working with you, and many other wild ghosting situations, Paul and Tiana sit and talk about the ways you can handle these situations in a legally compliant and people-focused manner.
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with CEDR Compliance Expert Nora Gustafson to discuss conducting one-on-ones with your employees at your workplace. How can you navigate the potential awkwardness that comes along with regular one-on-ones? Paul has several tricks to get around this common problem, plus ways you can make your one-on-ones more productive and beneficial for all that are involved. Listen as Paul and Nora analyze the situation and hash out how to go about them in a proactive and legally compliant way
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with CEDR Compliance Expert Nora Gustafson to discuss conducting one-on-ones with your employees at your workplace. How can you navigate the potential awkwardness that comes along with regular one-on-ones? Paul has several tricks to get around this common problem, plus ways you can make your one-on-ones more productive and beneficial for all that are involved. Listen as Paul and Nora analyze the situation and hash out how to go about them in a proactive and legally compliant way
On this episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with CEDR Compliance Expert Nora Gustafson to discuss conducting one-on-ones with your employees at your workplace. How can you navigate the potential awkwardness that comes along with regular one-on-ones? Paul has several tricks to get around this common problem, plus ways you can make your one-on-ones more productive and beneficial for all that are involved. Listen as Paul and Nora analyze the situation and hash out how to go about them in a proactive and legally compliant way
In this episode of WTHJH, Paul discusses the incredible scientific potential of the James Webb Space Telescope with his friend, Dr. Ed Prather, Executive Director of the Center for Astronomy Education at the University of Arizona. More than just giving us pretty pictures of deep space, recent advances in science promise to bring us closer to answers about things like the origin of the universe and whether or not we are the only planet supporting life. Tune in for a crash course on interstellar history. You might even learn a thing or two about running a business along the way...
In this episode of WTHJH, Paul discusses the incredible scientific potential of the James Webb Space Telescope with his friend, Dr. Ed Prather, Executive Director of the Center for Astronomy Education at the University of Arizona. More than just giving us pretty pictures of deep space, recent advances in science promise to bring us closer to answers about things like the origin of the universe and whether or not we are the only planet supporting life. Tune in for a crash course on interstellar history. You might even learn a thing or two about running a business along the way...
In this episode of WTHJH, Paul discusses the incredible scientific potential of the James Webb Space Telescope with his friend, Dr. Ed Prather, Executive Director of the Center for Astronomy Education at the University of Arizona. More than just giving us pretty pictures of deep space, recent advances in science promise to bring us closer to answers about things like the origin of the universe and whether or not we are the only planet supporting life. Tune in for a crash course on interstellar history. You might even learn a thing or two about running a business along the way...
According to a report by Glee star Heather Morris, Jennifer Lopez once refused to hire a group of dancers based solely on their astrological sign. Is this legal? And, if true, could this type of hiring decision present risk to J. Lo as an employer? Listen as Paul sits down with CEDR Senior Solution Center Advisor Tiana Starke to hash out “What the Hell Just Happened?!” to the pop star’s Virgo dancers, as well as what other employers can learn from this unusual HR situation.
On this episode of What The Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO Paul Edwards sits down with Compliance Specialist and Digital Communications Coordinator Ally Dagnino to discuss a high-profile case in which an employer tried to pay employees with chicken sandwiches instead of dollars. Paul and Ally break down the compliance considerations associated with paying employees in trade for products or services (including why it is against the law to do so) and explain when employees do and don’t need to be paid for their time. Bottom line: you can’t pay your employees in chicken!
On this episode of “What The Hell Just Happened?!”, CEDR CEO Paul Edwards sits down with Senior Solution Center Advisor Michelle Richard to discuss background checks with both new and existing employees. What do you do if another employee tells you they heard something bad about someone you just hired? Is it possible to put an existing employee through a background check? Can you, as a practice owner, be at fault for crimes an employee may commit if you never background checked them? Listen to learn how to best protect yourself, your business, and your patients or customers.
For this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! Paul Edwards sits down with CEDR Solution Center Senior Advisor Tiana Starke to discuss social media usage by business owners, including how one business landed itself in some deep water as a result of a post they made. What types of things do you need to be careful of as a business owner when it comes to your own social media postings? Listen as Paul and Tiana analyze this post, the risk it posed to the business, and how the entire situation could have been easily avoided.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! Paul Edwards sits down with CEDR Compliance Officer Nora Gustafson to talk about that ever-popular summer topic: the internship. Is there such a thing as a paid intern? Does the age of the intern affect how you handle the process? What problems can arise from unpaid internships and what do you need to legally establish one? You’ll find the answers to all of your internship questions – including ones you didn’t know you had – in this episode of WTHJH.
For this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! Paul Edwards discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is working its way into the world of business ownership and management with CEDR Senior Solution Center Advisor Halisi Tambuzi. Can AI be unintentionally biased? If so, how would that affect your practice? How can you prepare for a world of AI integration? Listen as Paul and Halisi analyze the risk that AI can create if used without caution, as well as how you still may be able to find ways to leverage the value of this emerging technology to streamline HR processes at your practice.
For this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! Paul Edwards discusses the ever-evolving world of COVID vaccine mandates with CEDR Compliance Officer Nora Gustafson, including if you, as an employer, can require your new hires to get vaccinated before starting employment with you. Are you legally allowed to make vaccination a requirement? Can you list it as a requirement in your job ad? Or, do you have to leave it all alone and hope your new hires are doing what you’d ideally like them to do? Listen as Paul and Nora analyze the risks associated with vaccine mandates and explain how to handle them in a safe and legally compliant way.
For the third episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards has a conversation with CEDR Social Media Coordinator and Compliance Expert Ally Dagnino to discuss a common issue – mental health and other medical accommodations in the workplace. Can you choose which accommodations to implement? Will your business get in trouble if requested accommodations are not met? How do you know which ones are valid? Listen as Paul and Ally analyze the risks associated with this scenario and hash out how to handle it in a safe and legally compliant way.
In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with CEDR Solution Center Manager Grace Godlasky to discuss how a small business found itself facing an $800k wage claim. How did this happen? Using the incorrect pay period hour calculations with their employees. This mistake is more common than you might think, and being aware of the factors that go into avoiding it is essential for any business owner. Listen as Paul and Grace analyze the anatomy of this common HR issue and discuss how you can avoid facing the same problem at your business.
For the first episode of What the Hell Just Happened? Paul Edwards sits down with CEDR Solution Center Advisor Krystal Pruet-Lantz to discuss a common issue faced by employers – letting a new employee go. But there’s a twist! It turns out that this new employee is also pregnant, which means they’re in a protected class. This triggers a whole heap of additional considerations. Listen as Paul and Krystal analyze the risk associated with this particular predicament and hash out how to handle it in a safe and legally compliant way.
To help keep your festivity on the safe side of the work-appropriate fence—you know, that’s the side without all the sexual harassment lawsuits, DUIs, or worker’s comp claims on it—we invite you to listen to our Holiday Parties podcast, hosted by our CEO, Paul Edwards and our Human Resources Director, Michele Oliver: If throwing your team a […]
For healthcare practice owners and managers, the office holiday party is just about the most dangerous time of the year. We've created a new podcast and collected our best HR tips to help you plan a safe seasonal party for your team.