Transform Your Workplace

It’s time to talk money with host Brandon Laws and Nicole Blevins of Xenium HR. Generative AI is revolutionizing the salary discussion, arming employees with the knowledge and confidence to negotiate better compensation. But are leaders ready for such transparency? Tune in for fresh insight into how employers can approach the compensation conversation with honest data and open communication in this new era of salary transparency.   TAKEAWAYS Employees are leveraging tools like ChatGPT to access salary ranges, providing them significant leverage in salary negotiations. The shift in power dynamics from employers to employees is driven by the accessibility of salary information through platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn, combined with AI data analysis. Employers must adapt to this new landscape by being well-informed and transparent about compensation, using validated and verified data to support their pay structures. Clear and specific job descriptions are crucial, as they help align compensation with actual job duties and competencies, tailored to the organization’s size, revenue, and geographical location. Employers need to educate employees on the factors that influence compensation, addressing misconceptions and ensuring that comparisons are made on a like-for-like basis. Open and transparent communication about compensation strategies is essential in building trust and clarity. Employers should be prepared for tough conversations and support employees’ aspirations, even if it means acknowledging higher-paying opportunities elsewhere.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

Nicole Blevins and Brandon Laws share tips to boost summer employee engagement. Suggestions include flexible schedules, outdoor team activities, wellness challenges like walking competitions, and providing spaces to work outdoors. They emphasize getting employee input on desired summer perks to create work-life balance.   TAKEAWAYS Offer flexible work options like half-day Fridays, compressed workweeks, or remote days Plan outdoor team-building activities like picnics, sporting events, or walking challenges Create outdoor working spaces and encourage wellness by allowing employees to work outside   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

Sit down with host Brandon Laws and guest Dr. Gregory Chasson for a never-discussed topic on our podcast: perfectionism in the workplace. Drawing insights from his recent book, Flawed, Dr. Chasson paints a picture of how the relentless pursuit of perfection can spiral into a toxic force within corporate culture. Tune in to learn how leaders can combat this “perfection obsession” with empathy, understanding, and flexibility.    TAKEAWAYS Perfectionism becomes problematic when it involves excessive, inflexible demands that go beyond what's considered normal or healthy. Procrastination is often a manifestation of perfectionism because people engage in safety behaviors such as excessive checking, reassurance-seeking, or extensive research to avoid failure. Perfectionism undermines workplace efficiency and productivity because it leads to decision paralysis, a toxic work environment, and other-oriented perfectionism, where employees impose unrealistic standards on their colleagues. Organizational practices like public praise or leaderboards can unwittingly perpetuate a culture of perfectionism, often demoralizing those struggling to meet the high standards. Perfectionists often overemphasize rules at the expense of underlying values, leading to policing behaviors that can be detrimental to workplace harmony. “Should” statements create unattainable universal expectations, leading to overwhelming pressure and feelings of inadequacy.    A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Ella Washington, Founder and CEO of Ellavate Solutions and author of Unspoken: A Guide to Cracking the Hidden Corporate Code. This always-relevant conversation addresses the importance of finding fulfillment in our work. Drawing from her personal experiences and extensive career, Dr. Washington reminds us that "work shouldn't suck" and shares insights from her book. It’s time to own your story, leverage your strengths, manage your weaknesses, and find your niche in the workplace.   TAKEAWAYS More than a third of our lives are spent working, which means that organizations must prioritize creating work environments where their people can thrive. Understanding and embracing your personal identity and experiences is crucial for showing up authentically at work. Identifying activities that bring joy and align with your strengths can lead to greater career satisfaction. It's important to manage your weaknesses through structures or partnerships so that they don't hinder your success. Being aware of and informed about code-switching allows employees to make conscious choices about their authenticity in the workplace.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

In the latest episode of Transform Your Workplace, expert Scott Mautz reveals the secret to exceptional leadership: mental strength. Mautz, an award-winning, best-selling author and dynamic speaker, discusses how regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors can transform leaders from ordinary to extraordinary. Tune in to learn about the six core mental muscles and hear practical insights from Mautz’s book, The Mentally Strong Leader. It’s time to harness this leadership superpower to elevate your workplace and inspire your team.   TAKEAWAYS Mental strength involves the ability to regulate emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to maintain productivity, even in challenging situations.  Exceptional leaders develop six core mental muscles — fortitude, confidence, boldness, decision-making, goal-focus, and positive messaging — which help them navigate adversity and achieve success. Developing mental strength requires forming consistent habits, ultimately enhancing overall resilience and performance. Leaders should assess their mental strength and create a personalized training program to address “mental muscles” that don't come naturally to them. Avoiding Imposter Syndrome, seeking authenticity over approval, and managing negative inner chatter can help maintain self-acceptance and effective leadership. By clearly defining what constitutes a good or bad risk, bold leaders can encourage calculated risks that drive innovation and growth. Effective leaders maintain sharp focus by narrowing their attention to the most important tasks that align with previously set goals.    A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

The shift to remote work has drastically altered the professional landscape. While some employees have fully embraced remote work, others have adopted a hybrid model or returned to the office. Regardless of the setup, a distributed workforce can often lead to feelings of loneliness. If you’re a leader looking to help your employees navigate the isolation that comes with remote work, tune in and learn 5 strategies from host Brandon Laws and Nicole Blevins, HR Services Training Manager of Xenium HR.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

In the workplace, respect and candor go hand in hand. If you’re ready to build a culture of transparency, humanity, and collaboration, don’t miss this conversation with Kim Scott, CEO coach and author of Radical Respect and Radical Candor. In this episode, you’ll learn some practical tips for embracing individuality over conformity while promoting collaboration over coercion. TAKEAWAYS A need for more awareness and action regarding the intersectionality of race and leadership in the workplace, in part, prompted Kim Scott to write Radical Respect. All people are deserving of respect and dignity based on their humanity. Radical Respect advocates for a culture that prioritizes collaboration and individuality.  Bias, prejudice, and bullying can undermine respect in the workplace and must be addressed individually to mitigate their impact. If we want to foster a respectful workplace, we must be persistent and patient in efforts to change and improve. When we witness disrespect around us, we can and must intervene to support those targeted in various ways. 00:00 Welcome and Sponsor Shoutout 00:37 Introducing Kim Scott and Radical Respect 02:44 The Genesis of Radical Respect 12:16 The Framework for Success with Radical Respect 14:07 Understanding and Addressing Bias, Prejudice, and Bullying 19:47 Navigating Prejudice and Bullying: Strategies and Insights 22:10 Empowering the Quiet Ones: Enhancing Collaboration in Teams 26:17 Designing Fair Management Systems: Checks, Balances, and Bias Busting 34:45 Personal Reflections and the Power of Radical Respect 36:31 Closing Thoughts: Encouraging Action and Intervention GUEST AT A GLANCE Kim Scott, author of Radical Respect: How to Work Together Better and Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity, is the Co-Founder of the company Radical Candor. She has extensive experience in leadership roles, having been a CEO coach at prominent tech companies like Dropbox and Twitter and a faculty member at Apple University. She also co-hosts the podcasts "Radical Candor" and "Radical Respect." A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, Sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws

In this episode of 'Transform Your Workplace', host Brandon Laws engages with guest Ken Coleman, a prominent figure from Ramsey Solutions, to discuss the dynamics of modern workplaces, the essence of Generation Z, and the impact of effective leadership on talent management. Sponsored by Xenium HR, the episode shares the challenges and strategies related to HR, compliance, and building a thriving workplace. Ken shares insights on the hustle culture, the misconceptions about Gen Z's work ethic, and the potential benefits and realistic aspects of a four-day work week. Additionally, Ken emphasizes the importance of communication, adaptability, and leadership skills, discussing inflation's impact on younger generations and the significance of aligning personal values with the workplace. This conversation offers a comprehensive view on developing leadership strategies that cater to the needs of modern employees and fostering an environment conducive to growth, innovation, and satisfaction at work.   00:00 Welcome and Sponsor Shoutout 00:35 Excitement for Today's Episode with Ken Coleman 01:52 Diving Into the Modern Workplace and Gen Z 02:32 Debunking Myths About Hustle Culture 04:33 Exploring the Four-Day Workweek 08:53 Understanding Gen Z's Workplace Expectations 14:23 Addressing Inflation and Realistic Expectations 16:56 Aligning Mission, Vision, and Values with Employees 17:45 Exploring Brand Values and Marketing Strategies 18:41 The Importance of Job Descriptions and Company Culture 19:19 Navigating Career Paths and Employer-Employee Responsibilities 22:24 Developing Leadership and Adaptability in the Workplace 25:20 Embracing Change: Strategies and Mindsets for Adaptability 27:22 Career Development: Recommended Reads and Tools 30:07 The Get Clear Career Assessment: Understanding Your Professional Identity 33:31 Redefining Work: From Living to Work to Working to Live   GUEST AT A GLANCE Ken Coleman is a Ramsey Personality, bestselling author, career expert, speaker, and host of The Ken Coleman Show. A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, Sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.”

Dr. Tracy Brower discusses the secrets to happiness at work in this podcast episode. She explores choosing joy, aligning personal values with professional life, and finding purpose and fulfillment in one's work. Brower shares practical strategies for building meaningful relationships, embracing growth opportunities, and practicing self-care to enhance happiness, even in challenging situations.   TAKEAWAYS Cultivate gratitude, contribute to others, and seek opportunities for creativity to foster happiness at work. Prioritize building authentic connections, mentorship, and affinity groups to nurture fulfilling relationships. Embrace professional courage, say "yes" to growth opportunities, and find purpose in how your work impacts others.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

Tune in for a discussion revolving around Aflac’s most recent Workforces Report from its Chief HR Officer, Jeri Hawthorne. Learn about the challenges facing today’s intergenerational workforce and best practices for helping your people feel heard and supported amidst this ever-evolving workplace. Interested in ramping up your customer service? According to our guest, it starts with taking care of your people.   TAKEAWAYS Leaders must stress employee well-being and engagement to create a supportive work environment, as stressed employees are more likely to seek other opportunities. If employers seek employee feedback, they must be prepared to act on it, as disregarding employee input can lead to frustration and decreased productivity. Today, employees face ongoing challenges with financial wellness, so employers should address these concerns to maintain productivity and attendance. A comprehensive benefits package that addresses mental well-being can attract and retain talent. Gen Z employees are particularly drawn to companies with a purpose beyond profit, seeking organizations that align with their values and contribute positively to their communities.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.