Making Work Better: Employment Law & Workplace Challenges

Hosted by The Prinz Law Firm

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100

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Making Work Better explores employment law, business issues, and workplace challenges through personal narratives and legal commentary. Our employment attorney experts and their guests discuss everything from new laws and human resources challenges to launching a small business or forging a unique career path. As the flagship program of The Prinz Law Firm in Chicago, this podcast will not feature legal advice—just conversations that help us all to make work better, regardless of our role. You might remember Making Work Better as "Tales from Around the Watercooler." We rebranded to better reflect the employment focus of our content. Learn about the firm and its work at https://www.prinz-lawfirm.com.

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August 3, 2026Episode 5135 min

Ep. 51 – What the Bears Teach Us About Negotiating on Home Turf

As football season slowly approaches, the question of where the Chicago Bears will build their new home stadium remains unanswered , and it might surprise you how th is debate is relevant to you in the workplace . At first glance, the NFL and emp loyment may not have much in common. But beneath the headlines and speculation lies an important lesson relevant to both spaces: how to negotiate well, no matter what's at stake. Prinz partner Kristen Prinz and paralegal supervisor Christina Martinez are all too familiar with the many moving parts that make up a deal like one the Bears are currently drafting . In this episode, they dive deep into the links between the search for a new stadium and the most common negotiations we see in our own workplaces. Listen to Kristen and Chris di s cuss: An overview of the stadium saga (so far) C o nflicting factors around the Bears staying in Chicago Questions to ask yourself before preparing for a negotiation How the Bears are positioning the value they bring to the table —and how you can do the same The role that timing plays in any negotiation Whether you're an employer reviewing your company's contracts , an employee negotiating a new job offer , or simply a football fan, this episode has something for every listener. Stay Connected and Learn More Read Kristen and Chris' blog, Playing the Long Game: How the Bears Stadium Negotiations Apply to Your Workplace Kristen Prinz Christina Martinez The Prinz Law Firm

June 29, 2026Episode 5041 min

Ep. 50 – Is Your Communication Style Working in the Workplace?

Most problems in the workplace likely boil down to issues with communication , whether it's a n employee misunderstanding instructions or a supervisor 's feedback not landing in the right way . These inconsistencies in communication are what often lead to legal risk. Your communication style is both how you prefer to receive information and how you deliver it. By understanding how we and how our colleagues or clients communicate, we can better achieve our ultimate goals. In this episode, Prinz partner Katie Rinkus was joined by Rachel Platt, founder and CEO of PLATTinum Consulting , to explore a few of the key types of communication styles and the greater impacts they have on company culture . Tune in to hear K atie and Rachel talk about: Potential strengths and weaknesses of each specific communication style The difference between being nice versus being kind and how each shows up in leaders How Rachel helps her clients identify their communication style Why avoiding difficult conversations does a workplace more harm than good How understanding communication styles can be useful outside of the office The benefits of investing in understanding your employees Organizations that communicate better often in turn have better cultures. If you want your company to be remembered as a great place to work, or you're simply interested in identifying your personal communication style, the tools in this episode will help you find the best way to move forwar d . About Rachel Platt Rachel is a sought-after HR strategist and consultant with over 20 years of experience helping organizations navigate complex people challenges. A former CHRO and VP of Experience, Rachel is known for her pragmatic approach to aligning business and people's strategies. She works mostly at the people strategy level, and PLATTinum Consulting offers CHRO advisory services, leadership development, organizational design, performance management, recruiting strategy, and more on a project or a fractional basis. Stay Connected and Learn More Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn Check out PLATTinum Consulting Katie Rinkus The Prinz Law Firm

June 8, 2026Episode 4926 min

Ep. 49 – What Free Speech at Work Really Looks Like

Free speech in the workplace isn't exactly what it sounds like: rather than a broad, unlimited protection that allows all employees to say whatever they want , protections vary depending on the type of employer and the specific circumstances . With social media blurring the lines between work life and personal life , whether our speech online or "off the clock" is protected under free speech laws also makes this a very topical conversation. As employment and business attorneys, Hannah Savaso and Rebecca Baba have a strong understanding of the nuances of free speech and are here to help you stay informed of your rights. Listen to Hannah and Becca explore: How the rules regarding free speech differ between public and private sector employees The role that social media activity plays in free speech protections What framework is used by courts to determine whether an employee's speech is protected What protections exist related to speech made outside of working hours Free speech protections that are specific to Illinois workplaces Whether you're a business owner or an employee, in the public or private sector , this episode contains valuable insights on how free speech really works . Tune in to learn how you can best stay protected . Stay Connected and Learn More Read Hannah's blog, I Thought I Had a Right to Free Speech at Work. Am I Wrong? Hannah Savaso Rebecca Baba The Prinz Law Firm

April 28, 2026Episode 4825 min

Ep. 48 – What Can We Learn from Noma's Abuse Controversy?

What happens when a prestigious restaurant comes under fire for workplace abuse? A recent New York Times article revealed that dozens of former employees at Noma, an award-winning restaurant in Copenhagen founded by chef Rene Redzepi, endured extreme physical and mental harassment and were threatened with being blacklisted if they spoke up. While employment counselors Kristen Prinz and Mary Charlton do n't work in the restaurant industry, they do have plenty of experience helping employees who have found th emselves in similar situations. In this episode, we share our thoughts on the Noma employees' accounts and what lessons we can apply to our own workplaces. Tune in to hear Kristen and Mary discuss: How Noma's elite status contributed to the abuse staying hidden for so long Why threatening to blacklist employees is considered a form of retaliation Where Kristen and Mary see similar situations in their own line of work Why employees in niche industries may stay in a prestigious but hostile work environment The importance of independent reporting structures What costs employers may face for trying to hide a hostile workplace culture What legal protections are available for employees who choose to speak up about wrongful workplace behavior Noma has established itself as one of the world's best restaurants , but by concealing the problems instead of improving their work environment , their reputation has now gone down the drain. Even if you aren't in the culinary industry, Kristen and Mary's conversation will leave you with great insights on navigating complaint suppression, retaliatory threats, and more . Stay Connected and Learn More Read Kristen and Mary's blog, "Prestige Doesn't Protect Employers Against Complaint Suppression" Check out The New York Times ' coverag e on Noma Kristen Prinz Mary F. Charlton The Prinz Law Firm

March 20, 2026Episode 4732 min

Ep. 47 – An Attorney Guide to Using AI Responsibly

AI is becoming increasingly prominent in all kinds of industries, and the legal field is no exception. For lawyers, using AI can streamline processes and reduce billing for clients, but it can also pose risks to confidentiality and damage an attorney's reputation if mistakes aren ' t caught . Some attorneys have even seen potential clients use AI to bu ild their own case before they've secured representation. In this episode, business counselors Christina Hynes Mesco and Lee Walter address the pitfalls of unchecked AI usage and provide a practical roadmap to responsibly integrate AI tools into legal practice. Listen to Christina and Lee discuss: Where some lawyers have already begun applying AI to their practice Wh y AI tools may "hallucinate" material in legal filings such as briefs How courts have attempted to deter attorneys who mis use AI What guidance Illinois has issued for attorneys implement ing AI in their practice The benefits of an internal AI system over a third-party AI platform like ChatGPT How attorneys can protect client confidentiality when using AI tools What clients should ask their attorneys about how AI may be used to build their case Whether you're an attorney looking to implement AI tools into your practice or a client who's curious about how your lawyer might use AI to advocate for you, t une in to learn how these tools can be used to make work more efficient while still delivering quality service. Stay Connected and Learn More Read our blog post on what lawyers and their clients should know about AI in the legal profession Read our blog post on what employers should know about AI in the workplace Christina Hynes Mesco Lee Walter The Prinz Law Firm

February 19, 2026Episode 4623 min

Ep. 46 - Did the EEOC Just Change the Definition of Harassment?

In January of 2026, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") voted to rescind its Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace, an over-200-page document from the Biden -era EEOC that aimed to interpret what constitutes "workplace harassment" under federal law . But what does it mean that this guidance has been removed? Is harassment now lawful? Are things that were considered to be harassment no longer illegal? How should workplaces navigate future harassment claims without this guide ? E mployment attorneys Mary Charlton and Chad Ayers respond to these crucial questions that many employers are now grappling with. Mary and Chad provide ba ckground on the EEOC's role in the federal government , then explain what this removal will look like in practice and how organ izations can best navigate this new landscape . Tune in to hear Mary and Chad explore: How the guidance help ed to determine what cons titutes "workplace harassment" Who i s most affected by the lack of this resource How the withdrawal of the guidance was highly unorthodox How Illinois law's protections and requirements can help offset the rescinded federal interpreta tion s What steps employers can take to avoid harassment claims in the absence of this guidance The EEOC's actions have left employers and employees alike with a lack of clarity surrounding harassment law . Drop in on Mary and Chad's conversation i f you 'd like to know how your business can move forward in th is new uncertainty . Stay Connected and Learn More Read Mary and Chad's blog, "The EEOC Just Retracted Its Harassment Guidance. Does That Mean Guardrails on Workplace Harassment Are Now Gone?" Mary Charlton Chad Ayers The Prinz Law Firm

January 15, 2026Episode 4542 min

Ep. 45 - Illinois' New Employment Laws of 2026

From increased workplace transparency to paid nursing breaks to background check requirements , many new laws and updates to existing legal framework are set to go into effect in Illinois at the start of 2026 . As employment attorneys, Katie Rinkus and Hannah Savaso are here to help you stay on top of the biggest changes. In this epis ode, we'll walk yo u thro ugh what's changing and what both employees and businesses should be aware of heading into the new year. Tune in to hear Katie and Hannah discuss: What Illinois now consider s as "unlawful employment practices " Which workplace leaves must now be paid How state equal pay requirements are becoming more streamlined Upcoming restrictions surrounding the use of AI during the hiring process How Illinois is being proactive in preserv ing workers' safety protections that may be at risk Whether you're a business owner or an employee, keeping up to date with the changing workplace is essential . Give this episode a liste n to learn what these changes might mean for you ! Stay Connected and Learn More Read our blog post on Illinois' New Laws in 2026 R e a d Katie's blog post on changes to the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act Katie Rinkus Hannah Savaso The Prinz Law Firm

December 22, 2025Episode 4425 min

Ep. 44 – You vs. You: The Art of Negotiating Your New Year's Resolutions

New Year's resolutions are more than just a fun thing for us to think about every January. In fact, they're a form of internal negotiation that has the potential to impact our lives and the lives of the people around us – and Kristen Prinz and Amit Bindra are here to help you make the most of the new year. Whether we want to make a career change, get more exercise, or achieve some other goal in 2026, this episode will give you the tools you need to determine what's most important, why it matters to you, and how to go about achieving it. Tune in to hear Kristen and Amit discuss: What Kristen considers the key components of any internal negotiation Questions to ask yourself when setting goals for the future The most productive research techniques for getting what you want out of a negotiation, whether it's internal or external How your network can help you brainstorm new goals How to overcome talking yourself out of something you want to achieve Why Amit finds quarterly milestones more manageable than yearly goals Stay Connected and Learn More Kristen's blog post, "Negotiate with Yourself to Achieve Your New Year's Resolutions" Kristen Prinz Amit Bindra The Prinz Law Firm

December 2, 2025Episode 4348 min

Ep. 43 – To Give or Not to Give? A Guide to Being Merry, Not Messy

The holiday season is fast approaching, and workplaces can help to keep spirits high by staying clear of potential issues surrounding gift-giving in the office. What may seem like a simple gesture between coworkers can also lead to a variety of legal pitfalls, from discrimination and harassment claims to tax implications. Business counselors Chad Ayers and Christina Hynes Mesco dive into those issues by sharing stories of their own holiday experiences at work. In this episode, we'll share suggestions for success when giving gifts to colleagues. Chad and Christina will discuss: The potential implications of a manager giving gifts to subordinates Whether the typical "Christmas bonus" or high-value gifts should be considered as wages How the public and private sectors differ in their approaches to accepting gifts What kinds of gifts may have tax implications How workplaces generally treat holiday celebrations outside of gift-giving Inclusive alternatives to a gift exchange To make the most of this time of year, streamline your organization's gift-giving and holiday celebrations. Tune in to hear our recommendations for how employers can show they care while also avoiding liability. Stay Connected and Learn More Read Chad's blog post on gift-giving Listen to a related episode: Ep. 13 – "How Can You Throw a Safe and Appropriate Holiday Party?" Chad Ayers Christina Hynes Mesco The Prinz Law Firm

November 14, 2025Episode 4242 min

Ep. 42 – What It Really Takes to Have a Healthy Workplace Culture, with Michelle Aronson

Many business leaders think that a healthy workplace culture is important, but they don't always know what it takes to have one. Some companies may simply restate their values at every annual meeting and call it a day. Others may not know what their culture looks like at all. Improving the health of your workplace isn't a one-and-done thing—for as long as your company remains open, learning what is and isn't working must be an ongoing process. Business counselor Kristen Prinz is joined by Michelle Aronson, founder of Culture + Strategy Lab and host of the True Stories at Work podcast, to dive into what it really takes to bring your workplace culture to life. By sharing real scenarios that business clients have navigated, our hosts provide insight into the link between the strength of a company's culture and its response when something goes wrong. Michelle and Kristen explore: · Whether culture can be measured accurately with quantitative metrics · The responsibilities that both leadership and employees have in creating company culture · The root causes of most culture issues · The link between employee engagement and customer engagement · How our personal biases cloud our ability to assess claims of workplace harassment · What companies with the strongest cultures are doing to invest in their health If you're aware of problems that exist in your work environment and aren't sure how to respond—or if you want to learn how to identify problems before they arise—this episode will be well worth the listen. About Michelle Aronson Michelle Aronson is a recovering HR executive, executive coach, and business school professor turned founder of Culture + Strategy Lab . She helps growing companies turn culture into a competitive advantage—using real strategy, not fluff. Michelle once managed both employee and customer experience (a.k.a. half of the CEO's bonus) and learned firsthand how to uncover the invisible forces shaping culture and driving results. Today, she designs custom, measurable strategies that align leadership, culture, and business outcomes. She also hosts True Stories at Work —a podcast sharing the best leadership stories you've never heard, from hilarious to heartbreaking, plus a few workplace confessions. Stay Connected and Learn More Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn Check out Culture + Strategy Lab Kristen Prinz Culture audits at The Prinz Law Firm