The JoyPowered Workspace Podcast

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Aug 2026

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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.

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60 recent

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/

June 29, 2026Episode 25138 min

AI, Uncertainty, and the New College Graduate Experience (with Dr. Laurie Cure)

In this episode, JoDee and Susan talk to Dr. Laurie Cure about the challenging landscape the Class of 2026 is facing as they enter the workforce. Topics include: The statistics on the job market for new graduates College career counselors' advice for graduates Why recent graduates are facing a disproportionately difficult job market How the decline of entry-level jobs and the rise of AI are reshaping early-career opportunities The "experience paradox," where companies expect job-ready candidates but invest less in training How hiring trends are shifting toward more experienced workers, and what that means for Gen Z The psychological and cultural impact of prolonged job searches on early-career professionals In this episode's listener question, we're asked for advice on mitigating the risk of hiring someone who lied on their resume or in their interview. In the news, the overall average job search in the US lasts 6.6 months. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-250-ai-uncertainty-and-the-new-college-graduate-experience/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-250-ai-uncertainty-and-the-new-college-graduate-experience/ 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 June 29, 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/

June 15, 2026Episode 25030 min

Holding Others Accountable at Work

In this episode, JoDee and Susan talk about accountability in the workplace. Topics include: What accountability really means What happens when accountability is only owned by managers Avoidance of accountability The benefits of peer-to-peer accountability What healthy accountability looks like Respectful and team-focused accountability language Leaders' influence on accountability In this episode's listener question, we're asked whether a pregnant employee can take FMLA shortly after returning from company-sponsored unpaid leave. In the news, 55% of workers see boomerang jobs as a smart career move while 37% say it's playing it safe, and many have serious reservations about returning to a former employer. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-249-holding-others-accountable-at-work/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-249-holding-others-accountable-at-work/ 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 June 15, 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/

June 1, 2026Episode 24946 min

Speak with Confidence: How to Deliver Presentations People Remember

In this episode, JoDee and Susan talk about presentation skills that will help you improve at speaking, whether publicly or within your company. Topics include: Why presentation skills matter What makes a great presentation 6 tips to prepare for your next presentation JoDee's Certified Speaking Professional designation What to focus on first when preparing a presentation Adapting your message for different audiences Storytelling Managing presentation anxiety Keeping people engaged beyond the 10-15 minute mark Body language and voice techniques In this episode's listener question, we're asked how to get the team more engaged during meetings. In the news, there's a trend toward "microshifting" - working in short, non-continuous bursts throughout the day instead of one eight-hour block. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-248-speak-with-confidence/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-248-speak-with-confidence/ To get 0.75 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on June 1, 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/

May 18, 2026Episode 24845 min

Supporting Caregivers at Work (with Glenna Hecht)

In this episode, JoDee and Susan talk to author Glenna Hecht about an issue that impacts more employees than many leaders realize: caregiving. Topics include: The statistics on caregivers in the workplace Caregiver-friendly policies The hidden impact of caregiving in the workplace and why many employers don't see it How caregiving changes an employee's focus, identity, and relationship with work What managers can do when an employee's performance suddenly shifts Practical ways employers can support employees balancing work and caregiving In this episode's listener question, we're asked how to help aging workers who don't want to leave but aren't keeping up with younger coworkers retire with dignity. In the news, nearly two thirds of workers say they do not feel financially secure in their current role. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-247-supporting-caregivers-at-work/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-247-supporting-caregivers-at-work/ To get 0.75 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on May 18, 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/