What the Heck Is Happening in HR?

Kelley Rexroad and Krexconsulting
  • 4.8 (4)
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Welcome to What the Heck Is Happening in HR?—a lively podcast from krexconsulting. Each episode features engaging guests and dives into one timely HR tidbit—practical, candid, and straight to the point. Have an idea? Send it to kelley@krexconsulting.com. Learn more at krexconsulting.com.

  1. 4d ago

    Gen Z Isn’t Quietly Quitting. They’re Telling You What’s Broken.

    Is Gen Z really disengaged, or are they exposing workplace issues other generations learned to tolerate? In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR, Kelley Rexroad challenges common assumptions about the newest generation in the workforce. She explores how Gen Z's expectations around feedback, flexibility, transparency, and meaningful work may be less about entitlement and more about clarity. Instead of viewing Gen Z as a workplace problem, Kelley argues leaders should see them as a signal—one that reveals what employees across generations have wanted for years. #GenZ #Leadership #HumanResources #FutureOfWork #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceCulture #Management #HRLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #EmployeeExperience #WorkplaceTrends #WhatTheHeckIsHappeningInHR

  2. Aug 17

    HR Is Being Asked to Fix Problems It Doesn’t Control

    HR is often held accountable for employee engagement, retention, culture, and workplace trust. Yet many of the decisions that drive those outcomes happen elsewhere. In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR, Kelley Rexroad explores the growing authority gap facing HR professionals. From damaged trust and unresolved manager issues to leadership decisions made without HR input, organizations frequently ask HR to solve problems after the damage is done. Learn why involving HR earlier creates stronger outcomes and why HR works best as a strategic multiplier, not a repair crew. #HumanResources #HRLeadership #Leadership #Management #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #OrganizationalDevelopment #PeopleStrategy #EmployeeRetention #WhatTheHeckIsHappeningInHR

  3. Aug 10

    Employees Don’t Want Flexibility. They Want Predictability.

    For years, workplace conversations have centered on flexibility as the key to employee satisfaction. Kelley Rexroad challenges that assumption. In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR, she argues that what employees truly crave is predictability: clear expectations, consistent communication, and the ability to plan their lives with confidence. Using unlimited PTO as a powerful example, Kelley explores how ambiguity often creates more stress than structure. Learn why clarity reduces anxiety, strengthens trust, and may be one of the most overlooked drivers of employee engagement and retention. #Leadership #HumanResources #EmployeeExperience #WorkplaceCulture #FutureOfWork #Management #EmployeeEngagement #HRLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #OrganizationalDevelopment #TrustAtWork #WhatTheHeckIsHappeningInHR

  4. Aug 3

    Culture Can’t Be Engineered...But It Can Be Destroyed Overnight

    Most organizations talk about culture as if it can be built through mission statements, values posters, and team-building exercises. Kelley Rexroad argues that culture works differently. In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR, she explores how culture is shaped by the behaviors leaders reinforce, ignore, and excuse every day. From overlooked complaints to promotions that send the wrong message, small decisions can have a lasting impact on trust. Learn why culture is less about what organizations say and more about what they tolerate. #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #HRLeadership #HumanResources #OrganizationalCulture #TrustAtWork #EmployeeExperience #FutureOfWork #Management #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceTrust #WhatTheHeckIsHappeningInHR

  5. Jul 27

    The HR Profession’s Best-Kept Secret? Inside the National Human Resources Association

    In Part 2 of Kelley Rexroad’s conversation with Stephani Dutcher, Vice President of HR Strategic Business Partnerships at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, the discussion shifts to the National Human Resources Association (NHRA)—one of the nation’s longest-standing professional organizations dedicated to advancing HR. Stephanie shares the organization’s fascinating history, its roots dating back to 1944, and why its focus on practical learning, meaningful connections, and leadership development continues to resonate with HR professionals today. Learn how NHRA is helping shape the future of the profession through community, collaboration, and people-first leadership. #HumanResources #NHRA #HRLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #PeopleFirst #HRCommunity #FutureOfWork #Networking #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #HumanResourcesAssociation

  6. Jul 20

    How HR Leaders Are Built: A Conversation with Stephani Dutcher

    In this special interview episode, Kelley Rexroad sits down with Stephani Dutcher, Vice President of HR Strategic Business Partnerships at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, to discuss her journey into human resources, the evolving role of HR business partners, and what it takes to build a people-first culture at scale. Stephani shares insights on leadership, employee engagement, curiosity, and the skills future HR professionals need to succeed in an increasingly complex workplace. Whether you're considering a career in HR or leading teams today, this conversation offers practical lessons from an experienced HR executive. #HumanResources #HRLeadership #PeopleFirst #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #HRBusinessPartner #EmployeeEngagement #FutureOfWork #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #HRCareers

  7. Jul 13

    The Next 250 Years of Work: A Crystal Ball for HR

    In the final installment of the 250th Birthday Series, Kelley Rexroad looks ahead instead of back. What will work, leadership, and HR look like in 25, 100, or even 250 years? From AI-driven workplaces and skills-based hiring to portable careers, evolving labor laws, and the future of human connection at work, this episode explores the trends shaping the next era of employment. While technology will transform how work gets done, Kelley argues that the core challenge will remain the same: creating meaningful work with dignity, fairness, and purpose. #FutureOfWork #HumanResources #HRLeadership #ArtificialIntelligence #WorkplaceTrends #LeadershipDevelopment #SkillsBasedHiring #FutureOfHR #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerGrowth #FutureOfLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment

  8. Jul 6

    The Presidents Who Built the Workplace (and the Ones Who Changed It)

    As part two of the special 250th Birthday Series, Kelley Rexroad explores the presidents whose decisions shaped the modern American workplace. From Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal reforms to the Civil Rights Act, OSHA, the ADA, FMLA, ACA, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, this episode traces the legislation and leadership that transformed work over the last century. Whether expanding worker protections, redefining labor relations, or reshaping compliance responsibilities, these decisions continue to influence HR and employment practices today. #HRHistory #FutureOfWork #HumanResources #EmploymentLaw #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #LaborHistory #HRLeadership #AmericanHistory #WorkforceDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #FutureOfLeadership

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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to What the Heck Is Happening in HR?—a lively podcast from krexconsulting. Each episode features engaging guests and dives into one timely HR tidbit—practical, candid, and straight to the point. Have an idea? Send it to kelley@krexconsulting.com. Learn more at krexconsulting.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Kelley Rexroad and Krexconsulting
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    250
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kelley Rexroad and Krexconsulting
  • Show Website
    What the Heck Is Happening in HR?