Making Work Better: Employment Law & Workplace Challenges

Hosted by The Prinz Law Firm

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100

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Sep 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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September 8, 2026Episode 5327 min

Episode 53 – Can I Be Harassed at Work by AI?

AI technology is progressing rapidly, and with it come s an unfortunate increase in AI harassment claims. Before the law can catch up with the exponential growth of these tools, it's up to employers to ensure their workplaces are protected from any harmful usage. Between recent headlines and even their own casework, Mary Charlton and Christina Hynes Mesco are staying up to date with AI harassment claims that pop up at work. As employment attorneys who work with both employers and employees, they're approaching this issue from all sides – and are here to help you protect yourself from this behavior in your own workplace. Tune in to hear Mary and Christina discuss: Examples of what AI harassment claims look like How existing harassment prevention laws apply in the context of AI Whether AI harassment is considered more severe than physical harassment The likelihood of courts hold ing up the defense of harmful AI-generated content being "a joke" Where employers can update their policies to account for workplace AI usage As AI continues to improve, it also becomes increasingly difficult to navigate what is and isn't real. But the legal framework surrounding harassment is still equipped to take on that challenge . If you find yourself facing a claim of AI harassment, whether as an employee or a business leader, t his episode will help get you started with confronting it . Stay Connecte d and Learn More Read Mary's blog, Deepfakes and Real Risk: Sexual Harassment in the Age of AI Mary Charlton Christina Hynes Mesco The Prinz Law Firm

August 28, 2026Episode 5248 min

Episode 52 – What Will a New Bill Change for Student Athletes?

The question of whether student athletes should be recognized as employees has long been debated, especially with colleges and universities generating billions of dollars in revenue each year through their sports programs. Now, a proposed bill titled the "Protect College Sports Act" may finally address this issue. Mary Charlton and James Rogers aren't just employment attorneys—they're both well-versed in the world of sports. In the inaugural episode of their "Off the Bench" series unpacking issues that exist at the intersection of sports and law, they're taking a look at the PCSA and who the winners (and losers) would be if this bill were to pass. Tune in to hear James and Mary explore: Why governing sports bodies have never recognized college athletes as employees Where the term "student athlete" originated from A legal history of recent rulings related to college athletes seeking proper compensation and recognition as employees How college sports teams currently operate and bring in revenue for their schools What protections would benefit student athletes under the PCSA Whether the PSCA makes any decision regarding student athletes' employment status As "back to school season" approaches, many student athletes are already putting hours upon hours of work into their respective teams. Will the PSCA pass any time soon? If it does, will these athletes finally be given proper recognition and compensation? Listen to this conversation for our thoughts. Stay Connected and Learn More Read James' blog, Could a New Bill Finally Grant Employee Status to College Athletes? James Rogers Mary Charlton The Prinz Law Firm

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