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.