The JoyPowered Workspace Podcast

Hosted by The JoyPowered Workspace Podcast

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

260

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

We spend too much time at work for it to be a miserable experience! Join JoDee Curtis and Susan White as they discuss human resources and leadership topics with a goal of creating work environments where people can find their joy. If you want to learn about important workplace topics with a splash of joy (and earn SHRM credit!) this is the show for you.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 2, 2026Episode 26122 min

HR Pet Peeves Every Manager Should Know

In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss some of the ways people can get under their HR person's skin. Topics include: "Can I have just a minute of your time?" "I need to tell you something, but you can't tell anyone else." "I need to fire someone now." "HR is too touchy-feely for me." "The staff members aren't as fragile as you think." Blaming HR for company policy based nos In this episode's listener question, we're asked how to find a balance between advocating for employees and protecting the company. In the news, we discuss changing perceptions of what age is "too old to hire." Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-259-hr-pet-peeves-every-manager-should-know/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-259-hr-pet-peeves-every-manager-should-know/ To get 0.25 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on November 2, 2027) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

October 19, 2026Episode 26035 min

The AI-Powered Job Search (with James Hawkins)

In this episode, JoDee and Susan talk to software engineer and tech founder James Hawkins about how candidates use AI to help them find jobs. Topics include: Employers' concerns about candidates' AI use What drove James to create an app that leverages AI in the job search space The strengths and weaknesses of using AI to assist with a job search Advice for employers as they make their selection decisions in the current AI environment Advice for job seekers trying to land their ideal job in the current AI environment Tips for people leaders both using AI in the recruiting process and handling candidates' use of AI In this episode's listener question, we're asked how to best explain a job gap during an interview. In the news, a Management Science research publication found that hiring managers regularly choose job candidates who respond quickly. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-258-the-ai-powered-job-search/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-258-the-ai-powered-job-search/ To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on October 19, 2027) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

October 5, 2026Episode 25928 min

People Analytics Beyond the Dashboard (with Temi Ariyo)

In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss using people analytics to inform decisions with Temi Ariyo, Founder and Managing Partner of People Analytics Consultants. Topics include: The difference between reporting and analytics Why leaders should care about people analytics What people analytics is and why having the tools doesn't automatically give you actionable insights Why people analytics is valuable for small and growing organizations When organizations should begin building their people analytics capability What organizations should collect early so they can identify meaningful trends later Beginning with the business decision, not a long list of HR metrics How lean HR teams can start small and responsibly with the tools they already have In this episode's listener question, we're asked what parts of HR AI will completely replace and which will remain human. In the news, more than one third of U.S. workers say their expected retirement age has moved later, 55% now expect to retire at 65 or later, and 14% don't expect to retire at all. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-257-people-analytics-beyond-the-dashboard/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-257-people-analytics-beyond-the-dashboard/ To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on October 5, 2027) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

September 21, 2026Episode 25840 min

Pay Equity Explained: How Leaders Can Build Fair and Transparent Compensation (with Jennifer Loftus)

In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss pay equity with frequent guest and compensation expert Jennifer Loftus. Topics include: What pay equity actually means Misconceptions employers have about pay equity Why pay equity has become a significant business issue in recent years Trends in compensation and pay equity How pay transparency has changed compensation strategies Where to begin if you've never conducted a pay equity review Common compensation mistakes that unintentionally create pay inequities How to respond if an employee tells you they think they're being paid unfairly In this episode's listener question, we're asked how to get leaders to take talent reviews seriously. In the news, 59% of retirees are leaving the workforce before they expected. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-256-pay-equity-explained/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-256-pay-equity-explained/ To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on September 21, 2027) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

September 7, 2026Episode 25738 min

Listener Questions: AI, Recruiting, Workforce Metrics, and the 4-Day Workweek

In this episode, JoDee and Susan answer listeners' HR and workplace questions. Topics include: Making a case for a four-day workweek The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 Affordable Care Act eligibility and rules How to leverage AI in HR What to avoid when using AI in recruiting Metrics that are important to HR Overcoming biases in recruiting veterans and individuals with legal records HR challenges with blue-collar employees In the news, 39% of US workers only sometimes feel socially connected to their colleagues, and 20% rarely or never experience connection with coworkers. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-255-listener-questions/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-255-listener-questions/ To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on September 7, 2027) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

August 24, 2026Episode 25630 min

Immigration Compliance: How to Stay Ready for Increased Enforcement (with Gina Carrillo)

In this episode, JoDee and Susan talk to labor law attorney (and frequent guest) Gina Carrillo about U.S. employers' immigration responsibilities. Topics include: Immigration responsibilities that apply to every U.S. employer, even if they never sponsor a foreign worker The biggest immigration compliance mistakes organizations are making right now How the current administration's increased enforcement efforts have changed the risk landscape for employers What an HR team should do if they discover errors during an internal I-9 audit Advice for organizations using E-Verify What employers should have in place so they can respond confidently if ICE shows up in their workplace In this episode's listener question, we're asked how to handle "earn and burn" employees who take their PTO immediately after earning it. In the news, the Office of Personnel Management has awarded a major HR IT modernization contract to Oracle. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-254-immigration-compliance/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-254-immigration-compliance/ To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on August 24, 2027) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

August 10, 2026Episode 25529 min

Returning to Work After a Career Break: What Women Need to Know

In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss returning to work after a career pause, particularly for women who took time off to raise a family or care for loved ones. Topics include: The statistics on career breaks Skills developed during a career break Catching up on changes to the world of work, especially technology, when returning from a break Confidence when rejoining the workforce The importance of flexibility for career returners Support systems and networks Advice for people returning after a break and for employers In this episode's listener question, we're asked how remote employees can experience the joy of working with others when they're not in an office together. In the news, 67% of Americans say their daily work makes their life feel repetitive. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-253-returning-to-work-after-a-career-break/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-253-returning-to-work-after-a-career-break/ To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on August 10, 2027) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

July 27, 2026Episode 25428 min

[Rebroadcast] HR's Best Interview Techniques

This week we're rerunning a 2024 episode on a topic we often get suggestions about: interviewing! In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss interviewing best practices. Topics include: Top 10 interviewing techniques Our network's favorite interview questions Where we find joy in interviewing In this episode's listener question, we're asked about how to get along with people in the workplace you don't like (or who don't like you). In the news, JAN's new "Situations and Solutions" Accommodations Finder enables employers, HR professionals, caregivers, and people with disabilities to search real life examples of job accommodations. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-209-hrs-best-interview-techniques/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-209-hrs-best-interview-techniques/ Become a member to get early access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

July 13, 2026Episode 25336 min

Humanistic AI: Balancing Innovation, Ethics, and the Future of Work (with Margaret Kelsey)

In this episode, JoDee and Susan talk to Margaret Kelsey about what it means to approach AI humanistically. Topics include: What drew Margaret to be an early adopter of AI The definition of "humanistic AI" How AI adoption is unfolding Whether workers should be worried about job security because of AI What employers should be worried about as they deploy AI What leaders should avoid doing on the AI front Advice for listeners who want to create a humanistic AI culture In this episode's listener question, we're asked about the fine line between coworker and friend and how to ensure you don't cross it as a leader or HR professional. In the news, having work experience during college can double a new grad's odds of finding a job after graduation. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-251-humanistic-ai/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-251-humanistic-ai/ To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on July 13, 2027) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/

July 6, 2026Episode 2526 min

Mini-Episode: Just Say No

We're trying something new today! We thought it might be fun to drop quick 5-minute tips in your feed in between regular episodes sometimes. We'd love to know what you think, so leave us a comment on social media or email us at joypowered@gmail.com to let us know if you want us to keep doing these mini-episodes. In this episode, Susan shares her advice on saying no at work. If you don't say no when you need to, you may end up getting resentful, losing others' respect, and performing worse. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-mini-episode-just-say-no/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-mini-episode-just-say-no/ Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/