Transform Your Workplace

Juggling workplace stress with the daily pressures of family, friends, hobbies, self, and life in general, is a tough feat for employees to achieve. We’re getting busier than ever and it causes heavy damage to both work and personal lives. Today, Anna Mieners from Cascade Centers, a company that provides counseling services and organizational consultations, joins us again to talk about work-life balance, employee’s wellbeing and preventive programs that benefit both the employer, employee, and the business. Last time we talked about the book - Dying For A Paycheck and how we not die from a paycheck, now we’ll be digging deeper into the work that she does to transform workplaces into an environment where people are happier and healthier. Help your company by helping your employees achieve control and balance in their work and life. In this episode, you will learn about: The nature of Anna’s work and how EAPs provide health and crisis services to organizations Helping people have good work-life balance Training managers and leaders around supporting employees mental health and well being Role modeling and providing emotional and instrumental support to your employees Dealing with employee leaves (e.g. parental leaves) and other work-life related conflicts.  Integrating mental health and well-being into their workplace. More Cascade Centers: Cascade Centers is a family-owned company that provides counseling services and other comprehensive and leading-edge services such as EAPs, Work-Life Balance programs, and Wellness Programs and Coaching to name a few. Resources Mentioned:   Cascade Centers   What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

There are people working at different locations and at different times. With the advancement in technology, communication tools also have greatly upgraded. Unlike before, we’re constrained to finding talent locally, but now we can look for them all across the globe. With this, more and more organizations are adopting the “remote workplace”. This meant working from a place where you’re focused and comfortable.  But wait, wouldn’t that result in a decrease in productivity?  Well, you’ll be surprised to know that the answer is quite the opposite according to Kevin Eikenberry the co-author of the book “Long-Distance Leader”. Whether you’re leading a remote team or not, I urge you to listen to this episode as Kevin and I discuss the changes in leadership when you adopt a remote workplace, the challenges, and perks of leading from a distance, how to lead your team remotely, and why working remotely increases productivity and focus!   In this episode, you will learn about: How to lead people who are working remotely? Is working remotely a barrier to leading people? Why building trust is important when working remotely The difference between the role of a manager and a leader Concerns and reasons why some leaders and managers aren’t embracing long-distance leadership/management Results, outcomes, and getting leaders who are stuck in their ways to make the shift  What role you’re playing in helping someone be successful? Leading by webcam. Finding richness and scope by using the right tool for the right job Put a good person in a bad system and the bad systems wins, no contest. - Peter Drucker Battling loneliness Becoming a more effective leader Efficiently navigate your remote workplace today, order the book here!   Enroll in Xenium's e-Learning Courses   Connect with Us: What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.   Connect with Kevin: The Kevin Eikenberry Group Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Channel   Resources mentioned from this episode: The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel Remote Leadership Institute Slack LinkedIn Learn Mastercard Peter Drucker

 “I’ve never been happier than I am ever since I embraced change.” ⁠— John Johnson Many of us prefer the easy path. We find comfort in things that we already understand. When things change too quickly, we tend to go back to the way things were. Change doesn't always feel good. It makes us uncomfortable, but it's essential because the world around us is ever-changing. Our fear of trying something new from what we're used to prevents us from growing and reaching our full potential. You can't always stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to reach you. You have to go out and take the initiative sometimes. But how do you get comfortable with change? How do you get okay with being uncomfortable? Here's the thing, we'll never feel comfortable at all times. That's why we need to push our boundaries a little bit. John Johnson, an Employee Benefits Consultant at USI, is here to help you shift yourself into that discomfort zone. Today's episode focuses on helping you help yourself be more comfortable with being uncomfortable. In this episode, you will learn about: Why encourage people to be comfortable with being uncomfortable John Johnson’s personal journey with being uncomfortable Taking a break and being mindful Looking for things that challenge you How we become the average of who we hang around One of the best gifts you can give someone  Asking for permission when you’re afraid and uncertain Things you can do to make someone feel comfortable when they’re uncomfortable What drew John to the topic of being okay with being uncomfortable and why it matters Practices that makes John feel confident How John gets people to embrace change The first step in talking with people Why your words and approach matters a lot Getting comfortable with conflict John’s role at USI   Connect with John: LinkedIn   Enroll in Xenium's e-Learning Courses   Connect with Us: What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Resources mentioned from this episode: Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin Adam Brantley episode - The Benefits of Coaching Culture Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck Pleasantville movie Apple Christopher Columbus    

Having the right data results in better health outcomes. - Springbuk What if you could identify how many of your employees are at risk of suffering from a disease like stroke, cancer, diabetes, and other health conditions through a software that provides intelligent health data? Sounds great right? It's not very often that we highlight a product within the podcast but this product is just too amazing not to share! In today's episode, I get to talk with Rod Reasen, the guy who founded The Healthiest Employer Award program where Xenium has participated and won every year since its start back in 2008.  He and his team started a software company called Springbuk to address the growing concerns of employers over the rising cost of health and wellness programs. The health intelligence software utilizes employee health data to lessen the cost, prevent diseases, and figure out where to allocate funds to create a healthier workforce. Rod is going to simplify everything on how their software works and why you need to incorporate this technology in your workplace. In this episode, you will learn about: Rod's learnings from his career as a broker Helping employers with health insurance and its rising cost How the “Healthiest Employers Program” started Why wellness programs aren't making as big of an impact on health as we hoped Trends within the health data Biometric screening and holistic wellness programs What is the Springbuk app and what does it do for employers   Sign up for the What People Want from Work survey Enroll in Xenium's e-Learning Courses   Connect with Us: What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Connect with Rod Reasen: LinkedIn More about Springbuk: Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Springbuk is a health analytics software solution. The company’s health intelligence platform unifies medical claims, pharmacy, biometric and activity data. The predictive modeling engine helps employers target their engagement with pinpoint accuracy, forecast overall healthcare spending, identify at-risk employees, and measure their wellness programs. Springbuk LinkedIn   Resources Mentioned:   401(k) Barack Obama PPACA - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Population Health   Healthiest Employers Awards Program Indianapolis Business Journal MSK app Uber Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code

"A bravespace workplace is one where people can show up as they are, both perfect and flawed, and do great things together. " — Moe Carrick  Most workplaces are unfit for human life. Many are still miserable at work. Despite the efforts of good leaders and managers in taking care of their people - investing and training them as well as creating an enjoyable workplace, they still fail. Why is that?  Something needs to change to create a win-win situation for both the employee and employer.  This motivated Moe Carrick to write Bravespace Workplace, where she puts everything into perspective. She explores how a lot of employers are treating their employees wrong. She recognizes that people are such a huge component in building a great company.  Our conversation is centered around her book - Bravespace Workspace. In the book, she talks about real-life stories about how companies and organizations are into bringing out the best in their people. We also discuss technology's role in the workplace, the definition of masculinity and femininity at work, inefficient managers, vulnerability, braveness, and many more!  Today's episode is jam-packed with ideas for creating a great workplace that's applicable to any organization!  I encourage you to go grab a copy of her book! It's an excellent book for everyone in the workforce, especially business leaders and managers who are looking into a more thoughtful and human-like approach to leading their people and business.  In this episode, you will learn about: Moe’s motivation and inspiration for writing "Bravespace Workplace" Why organizations are not as human as they need to be able to get the best out of people How the mindset that stems out from the industrial revolution resulted in unhealthy workplaces today Profits and economics What is a “Bravespace Workspace” and what does it look like Brave space workplace vs. toxic workplace Why bad managers and leaders are the major cause of a toxic workplace and why companies still hang on to them The role of technology and machines in our work Defining masculinity and femininity in the workplace Are nap pods and ping pong tables really efficient and effective? (like what big companies like Google do to keep their employees engaged) The advantages of small and medium-sized organizations over large companies Moe's response when people say they love their job What's next after the path of Bravespace Workplace    Win a free book. Tweet or share this podcast on LinkedIn and tag Brandon Laws and Xenium HR.    Sign up for the What People Want from Work survey Enroll in Xenium's e-Learning Courses Connect with Us: What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Connect with Moe Carrick: LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram com Bravespace Workspace  More about Moe:  Moe Carrick is the best selling author of the book Bravespace Workplace and also the founder of Moementum Consulting Firm. She believes that people are the ones that make organizations great. She greatly believes that people can and should thrive at work and that when they do, organizations succeed.  With over 30 years of work in organizations on issues of partnership, leadership, inclusion, strategy, and culture Moe believes that rigorous self-awareness, courage, honest dialogue, active involvement, and empathy are fundamental to building full partnerships based on trust and curiosity.  Moe is passionate about the role work plays in creating meaning for our lives and in the role business can play as a force for good. She is a regular blogger on topics related to people at work and is a contributor to Conscious Company Magazine. Maven House Press released her first book, bestseller FIT MATTERS: How to Love Your Job, with co-author Cammie Dunaway in 2017. Her second book, Bravespace: Creating Workplaces Fit for Human Life, releases in June 2019. She holds a Master’s Degree in OD, is a Certified Daring Way™/Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, Coach, and administrator of a variety of tools in her trade.  Learn more about Moe and her work here.   Resources Mentioned: Bravespace Workplace: Making Your Company Fit for Human Life Workplaces fit for humans | Moe Carrick | TEDx talk Dying for a Paycheck: How Modern Management Harms Employee Health and Company Performance—and What We Can Do About It Dying for a Paycheck podcast with Anna Meiners Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. Fit Matters: How to Love Your Job by Moe Carrick, Cammie Dunaway, and Pat Wadors

According to the Department of Labor, 70% of mothers with children under the age of 18 participated in the workforce in 2018. In 1975, that number was just 47%. With more mothers in the workplace today, there are more and more families in which both parents are employed. As a result, many of today’s parents struggle to accomplish those household tasks that would have been completed during the day decades ago by a stay-at-home parent. So, to lure (and retain) working parents, many employers are finding creative ways to accommodate their busy schedules.  As working parents themselves, Lacey Partipilo and Brandon Laws can relate. In this episode, they discuss the demographic trends of parents in the workplace, the specific needs of working parents, and ways employers can make life a bit easier on them. Sign up for the What People Want from Work survey Enroll in Xenium's e-Learning Courses   Connect with Us: What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

⁠”The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”— Albert Einstein Do you ever hear people say “Sunday nights are the worst because Monday is coming up”? If you’re showing up to work but you’re not giving your 100%, that may be a sign that you’re not on the right path. If you don’t like who you’re becoming because you’re on the wrong path, then maybe it’s time to move on to the next chapter. Josh Schneider, the founder of Millennial & Employee Engagement Institute, joins us to discuss his book - 5 Days to Your Best Work Yet: A Human Like Approach to Better Work. In this book, he shares a 5-day guide to finding your path to unleash your best work. Becoming who you want to be is an iterative process, in order to achieve your desired result, you have to go through a cycle of trial and error. But as long as you take the initiative to do your best in the path that you choose then you’re all good! In this episode, you will learn about: Josh’s learnings from his career as a CPA that led him to write a book The “tingly feeling” and how to get more of it Taking actions for change to happen Work-life balance: How do you balance everything that’s on your plate Setting and achieving your goals The frustration of goals Josh’s thoughts on doing what you love and what you’re best at What day 5 looks like Meraki - This is a word that modern Greeks often use to describe doing something with soul, creativity, or love   Connect with Us: What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. About Josh Schneider: Josh Schneider is the founder of The Millennial & Employee Engagement Institute - a company that aims to curate and develop research to help unlock people performance and consult businesses to transfer leadership to the next generation. From labor studies and engagement work with Sikorsky Aircraft, to working with the small business owner down the street Josh truly understands the future of the workforce and how to engage it. He has been featured on Under30CEO and the CEOhour talking about business and people performance with strategies for reaching the next level. From the stage Josh brings a passion that is contagious, an energy that’s undeniable, and innovative ideas that work in today’s new business climate. He is the author of Generation NEXTLEVEL and 5 Days to Your Best Work Yet. Josh Schneider’s website LinkedIn Resources Mentioned: 5 Days to Your Best Work Yet: A Human Like Approach to Better Work Gary Vee American Express Black Card

“Psychological safety is a belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns or mistakes.” ⁠— Amy Edmondson  Have you ever had a question you’ve been dying to ask in a meeting but couldn’t because when you look around, everyone is simply nodding their heads, agreeing to everything the boss says?  No one wants to look incompetent or ignorant, especially at work. We prefer to look smart, helpful, and that we go everything covered. To avoid being labeled as ignorant or incompetent, people choose not to ask questions or admit to their mistakes.  Sadly, innovations are delayed, and great ideas don’t come to light every time this happens.  In this episode, Amy Edmondson will be joining me to discuss her book, The Fearless Organization: Creating psychological safety in the workplace for learning, innovation, and growth. We talk about how organizations go wrong because people lack psychological safety and never speak up due to the fear that they might never get that promotion or worse lose their job.  Giveaway! Fearless Organization is an incredible book and I’ll be giving away 3 books to the first 3 who tweets out this podcast highlighting Amy’s work with the hashtag #fearlessorganization and tags @worktransformed @AmyCEdmondson @brandonlaws  Example Tweet:  I loved the @worktransformed podcast with @AmyCEdmondson and host @brandonlaws discussing the #fearlessorganization. Listen here: http://bit.ly/2Fz4kCb  In this episode, you will learn about: Amy’s thoughts on her book Teaming and why she wrote it What is psychological safety and why is it vital in the workplace Why teams are more effective in a psychologically stable workplace The lack of psychological safety in a hospital setting Why better teams have higher error rates Open communication transparency What went wrong with Volkswagen and Wells Fargo and how could such incident be avoided How dangerous fear at work is Nokia and their challenges being in a competitive environment How to build psychological safety in the workplace What makes up a really good question  Resources Mentioned: Teaming: How Organizations Learn, Innovate, and Compete in the Knowledge Economy by Amy Edmonson The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth by Amy Edmonson Amy Edmonson’s list of written articles and books Amy Edmonson’s TED talk Brands and companies mentioned - Volkswagen, Wells Fargo, Nokia, Google, Apple, Pixar, Uber

Etiquette rules in the business world differ largely from standard social settings. And many people end up making fools of themselves because they don’t understand how things flow in such situations. Mindy Lockard, a Leadership and Etiquette expert who helps people feel confident in their skin and connect with other people, talks about business and workplace etiquette. She also teaches workshops on dining, personal branding, and networking to colleges and universities, government agencies and private companies. We’ll be touching on the topic of growth mindset and the importance of people skills to achieve success in any job and any business endeavor. Mindy also shares essential tips one must remember when going to formal/business dining. Live graciously as you learn more about etiquette in today’s episode of Transform your Workplace! In this episode, you will learn about: How Mindy got into the field of etiquette Misconceptions surrounding etiquette Etiquette, manners, and the growth mindset Proper and improper etiquette practiced in the workplace How to avoid arrogance What it means to speak openly and honestly Things you should know about etiquette Corporate etiquette and culture Dining etiquette workshop   Resources Mentioned: Choosing Civility Mindy Lockard’s Program & Shop The Gracious Girl Guide   What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.   Connect with Mindy: MindyLockard.com Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Twitter

White-collar jobs are just as stressful as blue-collar jobs. Long work hours and work-life balance, to name a few are toxic to employees and destroys their health physically and emotionally. In this episode, we talk about the book - Dying for a Paycheck: How Modern Management Harms Employee Health and Company Performance and What We Can Do About It with Anna Meiners. Learn about the infuriating truth about modern work-life balance, the systematic impact of the workplace on employees’ health and on how managers, employers, HRs and anyone who works can create a healthier and better workplace. In this episode, you will learn about: How employer decisions in the workplace actually affect human health The impact of working long hours Busyness as a status symbol Why people prefer to stay in harmful work environments What employers can do to really make the shift from a toxic work environment to a healthy and better one Resources Mentioned: Dying for a Paycheck: How Modern Management Harms Employee Health and Company Performance and What We Can Do About It by Jeffrey Pfeffer Brené Brown Brené Brown: The Call to Courage Cascade Centers       What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.