What the Heck Is Happening in HR?

Managers are carrying more than most organizations realize. In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR?, Kelley explores why today’s managers are quietly overwhelmed and why traditional leadership training hasn’t kept up with the demands of 2026. From hybrid teams and constant change to emotional labor and shifting authority, the role has fundamentally evolved. This conversation challenges organizations to stop blaming managers for systemic gaps and start redesigning how they are supported. A candid, necessary discussion for leaders and HR professionals alike.

Employees say they like their jobs, believe in the mission, and respect their teams—so why are they still so tired? In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR?, Kelley unpacks why modern exhaustion looks different than traditional burnout. Today’s fatigue is driven less by long hours and more by ambiguity, constant change, blurred boundaries, and emotional labor. She challenges leaders to look beyond perks and resilience training and instead examine how work is designed. A thoughtful conversation about sustainability, clarity, and what actually restores energy at work.#HR #Leadership #EmployeeExperience #WorkplaceCulture #Burnout #FutureOfWork #HREssentials #HRInsight #OrganizationalDesign #PeopleManagement #WorkplaceWellbeing

What happens when doing your job well no longer earns trust, but creates tension? In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR?, Kelley explores why competence can feel destabilizing in unhealthy systems. She unpacks how expertise exposes weak processes, challenges fragile authority, and disrupts power built on optics instead of skill. When competence is sidelined, diluted, or labeled “difficult,” mediocrity becomes safe. This episode invites leaders and HR professionals to examine whether their systems reward mastery or quietly neutralize it. A candid conversation about excellence, insecurity, and organizational health.#HR #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeExperience #HighPerformers #OrganizationalHealth #Professionalism #HRInsights #HREssentials #PeopleManagement #LeadershipDevelopment

Why does calm, capable leadership feel so rare—and so noticeable—at work today? In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR?, Kelley examines what our collective fascination with competence really signals about modern workplaces. She explores how clarity, accountability, and authority have been diluted by noise, politics, and performance theater, leaving true expertise harder to find and harder to protect. This episode challenges leaders and HR professionals to rethink how work is designed and why professionalism should feel normal again. A thoughtful listen for anyone tired of buzzwords and ready for substance.#HR #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #Professionalism #EmployeeExperience #OrganizationalDesign #HRInsights #HREssentials #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #PeopleManagement

AI is moving fast in the workplace, but speed isn’t the same as wisdom. In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR?, Kelley explores why critical thinking matters more than ever as AI becomes embedded in recruiting, performance management, and employee communication. She breaks down the risks of uncritical adoption, the limits of automation, and the responsibility HR holds in interrogating AI outputs with context, judgment, and accountability. If you’re navigating AI tools and wondering where human decision-making fits, this episode offers clarity and direction.Interested in learning more about Critical Thinking in the Age of AI? Join Kelley and USF CTPE for a free live digital event - register now!#HR #ArtificialIntelligence #CriticalThinking #Leadership #FutureOfWork #HRInsights #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeExperience #HREssentials #EthicalAI #PeopleManagement

Change isn’t new—and neither are you. In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR?, Kelley shares a distilled version of her Real Housewives of Change webinar, reframing change as something we’ve already practiced through careers, caregiving, loss, and constant reinvention. She introduces the idea of “versions of ourselves” that show up during disruption and offers practical reminders for navigating what’s ahead with confidence and clarity. If 2026 feels uncertain, this episode grounds you in what you already know how to do. Join the conversation.#HR#ChangeManagement#Leadership#WorkplaceCulture#Resilience#EmployeeExperience#ProfessionalDevelopment#HREssentials#HRInsights#FutureOfWork#WorkplaceWellbeing

In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR?, we’re giving you a preview of USF’s HR Core Concepts course! This course is designed to provide a solid foundation in human resources, covering everything from the history of HR and key compliance laws to workforce planning, employee value propositions, total rewards, and emerging trends like AI. You’ll also explore how HR strategies align with business goals, creating a more effective and engaged workplace. If you're looking to strengthen your HR knowledge or kickstart your journey in the field, this is the perfect place to start. ⁠Don't miss out, enroll today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about CTPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#HRCoreConcepts #HumanResourcesTraining#USFCTPE #HRFundamentals #HRDevelopment #LearnHR#CareerInHR #HRStrategy #ProfessionalEducation #WorkforcePlanning #EmployeeEngagement #HRTrainingProgram #HRCompliance #HRCareerGrowth

Hiring is shifting fast, and it’s time to rethink how we evaluate talent. In this episode, Kelley explores why organizations are moving past degree requirements and embracing skills-based hiring, supported by data showing its impact on performance, retention, and diversity. She also digs into the long-term workforce planning gap, the need for critical thinking, and the value of upskilling and non-traditional career paths. If you’re reworking job requirements, developing internal talent, or planning for future skill needs, this conversation offers grounded insights. Tune in and join the evolution.#HR #HiringStrategies #SkillsBasedHiring #TalentDevelopment #WorkforcePlanning #Leadership #EmployeeExperience #WorkplaceCulture #HREssentials #HRInsights #Upskilling #TalentAcquisition

Pay transparency is expanding quickly, and many organizations are feeling the pressure to catch up. In this episode, Kelley walks through what these laws actually require, why they’re accelerating, and how transparency exposes deeper issues like pay gaps, compression, and trust. She shares practical guidance on conducting pay audits, communicating with employees, and strengthening your employer brand beyond salary alone. Whether you’re navigating new regulations or preparing your team for honest conversations, this episode offers clear, grounded direction. Give it a listen and join the discussion.#HR #PayTransparency #Leadership #TotalRewards #CompensationStrategy #WorkplaceCulture #HREssentials #HRInsights #EmployeeExperience #PeopleManagement #PayEquity #HRCompliance

Ever noticed a team member slowly pulling back, even though they’re still showing up every day? In this episode, Kelley digs into “quiet cracking,” a growing workplace pattern where employees feel stuck, depleted, and unsure of their next move. She walks through the data, the behaviors leaders should watch for, and the deeper dynamics behind burnout, job hugging, and disengagement. You’ll hear practical ways HR teams can read the room, support employees, and prepare for what’s ahead. Join us for a thoughtful look at a trend that deserves our attention.#HR #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #Burnout #QuietCracking #HREssentials #PeopleManagement #WorkplaceWellbeing #HRInsights #EmployeeExperience

Ever felt like HR is just the department you go to when something’s gone wrong? Kelley Rexroad shares a heartfelt story that reframes that mindset—turning HR from a last resort into a powerful partner for growth and leadership. From compliance to strategy, she explores how managers can build trust, avoid costly missteps, and strengthen their teams through collaboration. Whether you’re new to management or a seasoned leader, this episode is a must-listen reminder that HR is here to help you—and your people—thrive.#HR #Leadership #PeopleManagement #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #ManagerTraining #HumanResources #CareerGrowth #HREssentials #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeamLeadership #WorkplaceLearning

How do you know if your team is truly engaged? This episode explores the power of data in uncovering what’s really happening with employee engagement and talent acquisition. We break down key metrics—from absenteeism to new hire success rates—and share stories that highlight why tracking the right numbers matters. HR leaders and managers will discover actionable ways to use data for better hiring, retention, and workplace culture. Ready to rethink your approach? Listen in and join our growing HR community!⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about CTPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#HR #EmployeeEngagement #TalentAcquisition #WorkplaceCulture #HRMetrics #Absenteeism #PerformanceReviews #DiversityHiring #Retention #NewHireSuccess #HRPodcast #PeopleAnalytics

Ever wondered if your HR data is telling the whole story? In this episode, we dig into why “data or it didn’t happen” is more than a catchphrase—it’s a mindset. From turnover trends to the true cost of your workforce, we reflect on the essential metrics every HR professional should track. You’ll walk away with practical insights on retention, compensation, and budgeting that can transform your decision-making. Join us for a candid look at how data shapes the future of HR. Tune in and be part of the conversation!⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about CTPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#HR #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #HRMetrics #Retention #Compensation #SuccessionPlanning #EmployeeData #Budgeting #Turnover #HRPodcast #PeopleAnalytics

Ever notice how a simple “thank you” can change your day? In this heartfelt episode, we reflect on the impact of gratitude—sharing personal stories, moments of giving, and the ripple effect kindness has in our workplaces and communities. Discover how recognizing others, supporting your team, and giving back can transform HR and leadership. Whether you’re an HR professional, leader, or employee, you’ll leave inspired to bring more gratitude into your daily work. Tune in and join our community of appreciation!⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about CTPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#HR #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #Gratitude #EmployeeExperience #TeamBuilding #CommunityImpact #Recognition #Thankfulness #HRPodcast #PeopleFirst #PositiveWorkplaces

Ever felt blindsided by workplace changes? You’re not alone. In this episode, we reflect on how HR and leaders often miss the mark by “springing” change on employees instead of preparing them thoughtfully. Discover why understanding your team’s journey, communicating in bite-sized pieces, and celebrating progress are key to successful change management. HR professionals, leaders, and employees will walk away with practical insights on building trust and resilience through change. Tune in and join the conversation—let’s grow together!⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about CTPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#HR #Leadership #ChangeManagement #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeExperience #Communication #OrganizationalChange #Resilience #HRPodcast #PeopleFirst #TeamSuccess #GrowthMindset

Ever wondered why some organizations keep their best people while others struggle? In this episode, we explore how retention truly begins at recruitment—starting with your employment brand. Discover why defining and living your values matters, how candidate experiences shape engagement, and what leaders can do to deliver on their promises. HR professionals, leaders, and employees alike will walk away with practical insights to build workplaces where people want to stay. Tune in and join the conversation on creating meaningful work cultures!⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about CTPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#HR #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #Retention #Recruitment #EmploymentBrand #EmployeeExperience #ValuesDriven #TalentManagement #OrganizationalCulture #PeopleFirst #HRPodcast

Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is quietly transforming HR? In this episode, Bill Carter shares real-world stories and practical advice on using AI to streamline HR tasks, boost engagement, and avoid common pitfalls. From applicant tracking to rewriting emails, Bill reflects on the promise and challenges of AI—especially around data privacy and compliance. HR professionals and leaders will walk away with actionable insights and a fresh perspective on preparing for the future of work. Tune in and join the conversation!⁠⁠⁠Learn more about CTPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#HR #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #HRTech #EmployeeEngagement #DataPrivacy #AIinHR #HRInnovation #PeopleStrategy #TechTrends

Ever notice how something as simple as a chipped mug can tell a bigger story? In this episode of What the Heck Is Happening in HR?, Kelley walks us through how everyday objects become metaphors for our career journeys — the rough edges, the transitions, the lessons. If you’ve ever questioned whether your “path” is too messy or your growth too uneven, this one’s for you. Join us as we embrace imperfection, learn from where we’ve been, and see how those cracks often hold the richest reflections. Cozy up, lean in, let’s reflect together.⁠⁠Learn more about CTPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#WhatTheHeckIsHappeningInHR #HRPodcast #CareerReflection #GrowthJourney #WorkplaceStories #Leadership #AuthenticLeadership #IdeaOfImperfect #EmployeeExperience #Gratitude #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkplaceCulture

In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR?,Kelley responds to a question many job seekers face: ShouldI work for a small business or a large company? Using real-life insights and strategic reflection, she explores the pros and cons of each path. From personal connection and flexibility in small businesses to structure and career pathways in larger organizations, Kelley walks through what to consider—like values alignment, benefits, growth potential, stability, and even employer reputation. She encourages listeners to go beyond salary and title, identify their top 12 career priorities, and use that clarity to evaluate each opportunity. Whether you’re starting your career, making a switch, or advising others, this episode offers a smart, balanced guide to choosing the environment that supports your goals.⁠⁠Learn more about CTPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#WhatTheHeckIsHappeningInHR#HRPodcast #CareerAdvice #JobSearchTips #SmallBusinessVsBigCompany #WorkplaceCulture #CareerPlanning #JobDecisionMaking #HRInsights #ProfessionalGrowth #EmployerChoice

In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR?, Kelley dives into the ever-shifting world of independent contractor classification—and why it matters now more than ever. With the political pendulum swinging once again, employers may find themselves facing new flexibility in how they engage workers… but also new risks if they don’t tread carefully.Kelley breaks down key resources like Fact Sheet #13, opinion letter FLSA 2019-6, and how to interpret them under the current rules. She also explores what to watch for—like control factors, use of company resources, and the distinction between employees and contractors doing similar work.If your business uses freelancers, consultants, or gig workers, this episode is essential listening. The rules may be loosening, but the scrutiny isn’t going away.⁠Learn more about CTPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#WhatTheHeckIsHappeningInHR #HRPodcast #IndependentContractors #HRCompliance #FLSA #EmploymentLaw #HRUpdates #DOLGuidance #WorkforceTrends #LaborLaw #HRLeadership