66 episodes

Small Business Spoonfuls is your weekly dose of HR news, employment law hot topics, and Q&A for Human Resources professionals and small business owners! Join Mason Merrell and EEOC Certified Investigator Lisa Smith, SPHR, SHRM-SCP for lively and candid discussions. We hold nothing back in this informative and entertaining podcast sponsored by HelpDeskforHR.com

Small Business Spoonfuls Andere Corporation

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 12 Ratings

Small Business Spoonfuls is your weekly dose of HR news, employment law hot topics, and Q&A for Human Resources professionals and small business owners! Join Mason Merrell and EEOC Certified Investigator Lisa Smith, SPHR, SHRM-SCP for lively and candid discussions. We hold nothing back in this informative and entertaining podcast sponsored by HelpDeskforHR.com

    SBS 604: DEI, Mark Cuban and the EEOC

    SBS 604: DEI, Mark Cuban and the EEOC

    In this episode, we are talking about using the exchange on X between Mark Cuban several other Xers and the EEOC!



    Please don't forget to leave a review, like, and subscribe!



    Also, leave a voice comment or write me at support@helpdeskforHR.com and I will be sure your comment or question is addressed in an upcoming episode!



    Send in your questions using this link and I will answer them on an upcoming show! ⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/small-business-spoonfuls/message⁠⁠



    Until next time, Be Audit-Secure ™!



    Lisa Smith, SPHR, SCP


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    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/small-business-spoonfuls/message

    • 18 min
    SBS 603: Using AI (Artificial Intelligence) in Your Human Resources Department

    SBS 603: Using AI (Artificial Intelligence) in Your Human Resources Department

    In this episode, we are talking about using AI (ChatGPT) in your HR department.



    Please don't forget to leave a review, like, and subscribe!



    Also, leave a voice comment or write me at support@helpdeskforHR.com and I will be sure your comment or question is addressed in an upcoming episode!



    Send in your questions using this link and I will answer them on an upcoming show! ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/small-business-spoonfuls/message⁠



    Until next time, Be Audit-Secure ™!



    Lisa Smith, SPHR, SCP


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    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/small-business-spoonfuls/message

    • 13 min
    SBS 602 Generational Discrimination

    SBS 602 Generational Discrimination

    In this episode, we are talking about Generational Discrimination and I am referring to this article. https://wccwatch.org/hiring-managers-prefer-older-workers-over-generation-z/



    Please don't for get to leave a review, like, and subscribe!



    Also, leave a voice comment or write me at support@helpdeskforHR.com and I will be sure your comment or question is addressed in an upcoming episode!



    Access the transcript here: https://helpdeskforhr.com/wp-admin/upload.php?item=144648



    Be Audit-Secure™!



    Lisa Smith SPHR, SCP




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    • 19 min
    SBS 601 How to Handle Anonymous Complaints from Employees

    SBS 601 How to Handle Anonymous Complaints from Employees

    Question:

    What Should Our Company Do When An Employee Files a Complaint But Wishes To Remain Anonymous?



    Answer:

    When an employee sends an anonymous complaint, it can be tricky for a company to handle. Let’s take a hypothetical situation: Emma, an HR manager at a medium-sized tech company, receives an anonymous email alleging that a supervisor, Tom, is creating a hostile work environment. The message doesn’t give specifics.



    Here are some best practices for Emma.




    Take Every Complaint Seriously: Even though the complaint is anonymous, it’s important to treat it with the same seriousness as any other complaint. Ignoring it could lead to bigger problems down the road.
    Investigate Carefully: Emma should start by looking into the complaint, even if it’s vague. She can review Tom’s behavior and interactions with his team without revealing the complaint’s existence. She can also check if there have been similar complaints in the past.
    Respect Privacy: While investigating, it’s crucial to keep things confidential. Emma shouldn’t tell Tom or others about the anonymous complaint unless absolutely necessary.
    Create a Safe Environment: Emma should ensure that employees feel safe to voice their concerns. She can remind everyone about the company’s policies on harassment and discrimination and the importance of a respectful workplace.
    Encourage Open Communication: It’s good to encourage employees to come forward with their concerns, even if they choose to stay anonymous. Emma can remind them of the different ways they can report issues, like through a suggestion box or a confidential hotline.



    Understandably, some employees might be hesitant to put their name on a complaint. Emma can work on building a culture where employees feel comfortable coming forward. Here’s how:




    Promote a Culture of Trust: If employees trust their HR team and feel that their concerns will be taken seriously, they may be more likely to share their names. Emma can work on building this trust through regular communication and by being approachable.
    Explain the Process: Sometimes employees are anonymous because they’re not sure what will happen after they make a complaint. Emma can explain the process to all employees, so they know what to expect and feel more comfortable.
    Offer Multiple Reporting Options: Providing different ways to report issues can help. For example, a direct talk with HR, a confidential email, or a meeting with a trusted manager can be options.
    Assure Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation: Employees often fear retaliation. Emma should reassure them that their identity will be protected and that the company has a strict non-retaliation policy.



    Handling anonymous complaints can be challenging, but with a careful approach and a focus on creating a trusting and open work environment, Emma can address these issues effectively and maintain a positive workplace culture.



    Send in your questions using this link and I will answer them on an upcoming show! https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/small-business-spoonfuls/message



    Until next time, Be Audit-Secure ™!



    Lisa Smith, SPHR, SCP


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    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/small-business-spoonfuls/message

    • 9 min
    My Customer Said their Snake Is A “Service Snake”. Is that a thing?

    My Customer Said their Snake Is A “Service Snake”. Is that a thing?

    Today we discuss guidelines for allowing/not allowing service animals into your business. We talk about the questions you can and cannot ask the customer about the animals as well as the difference between service animals and emotional support animals!

    Further Reading:

    https://helpdeskforhr.com/2023/01/25/ada-am-i-allowed-to-ask-a-customer-if-a-dog-is-a-service-dog/

    https://petkeen.com/can-a-snake-be-a-service-animal/

    To learn more about our services visit HelpDeskforHR.com

    Want to sign-up for HelpDesk for HR? Click here and Use Code: PODCASTSPECIAL for $224 off of the annual membershipUse Code: PODCASTSPECIAL

    Follow us on Twitter @ HelpDeskforHR

    TRANSCRIPT


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    • 21 min
    Naughty Girls Need Minimum Wage and Overtime too!

    Naughty Girls Need Minimum Wage and Overtime too!

    This week we discuss a court case that took place where a club was misclassifying their dancers as independent contractors and you better believe they were ordered to pay up! Then we talk about some of the signs of employee vs. independent contractors. Lisa also talks about the 16-week HR study group she's been conducting and how that is going.

    To learn more about our services visit HelpDeskforHR.com

    Want to sign-up for HelpDesk for HR? Click here and Use Code: PODCASTSPECIAL for $224 off of the annual membership

    Use Code: PODCASTSPECIAL

    Follow us on Twitter @ HelpDeskforHR

    TRANSCRIPT HERE

    Further Reading on this story:
    https://helpdesksuites.com/2015/06/29/naughty-girls-need-minimum-wage-overtime/


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    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/small-business-spoonfuls/message

    • 16 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
12 Ratings

12 Ratings

MattMcWilliams ,

GREAT JOB!

WOW….Small Business Spoonfuls Podcast is flat out awesome. Good production quality. Easy to listen. Very impressed Lisa. Keep bringing it.

jasonhobbsllc ,

Conversational and Informative

Helpful advice, upbeat, and personable host dishing information helpful to running your small business. @jasonhobbsllc Great job Lisa! Keep it up from down here in Fitzgerald, GA.

Carterme123 ,

Great info!

Great info!

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