Human Solutions: Simplifying HR for People who Love HR

• Tough HR Questions • When HR Gets Personal

  There’s a particular moment—somewhere between noticing a scent that shouldn’t be there and sitting someone down to talk about it—that HR becomes more than just policy. It becomes anthropology.This month on Human Solutions, Pete Wright sits down with Terry Cook and Tom Jones for a course in navigating the most uncomfortable corners of professional HR—body odor, domestic violence, and workplace impairment. But this isn’t just an etiquette tutorial for the brave and the nose-sensitive. This is about the human—and legal—implications of what happens when our personal lives collide with professional expectations.How do you handle body odor without turning empathy into accusation? What does it mean when you suspect domestic violence, and the person across the desk trusts you enough to say, “Yes”? And where exactly is the line between suspicion and assumption when you think an employee might be impaired?This is an episode about silence—what it costs to break it, and what it costs when we don’t. It’s about the limits of policy and the power of institutional empathy. And it’s about the people on the other end of the phone—the Terrys and Toms—who make it their job to sit with discomfort long enough to make something useful out of it.Because sometimes, the most powerful tool in your HR arsenal after a good policy is the courage to say, “Let’s talk.”Links & NotesMassachusetts Domestic Violence Leave LawAIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277 or [email protected] for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours. AIM HR Solutions offers supervisor training and reasonable suspicion training, for more information visit our website at www.AIMHRSolutions.com  AIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277, online, or via email at [email protected] for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours. 

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• Tough HR Questions • Bereavement Leave, Fake Doctor’s Notes, and Workplace Recordings

  Think about trust. Trust is the invisible currency of the workplace. It’s the unspoken agreement between employer and employee that we’ll act in good faith, that we’re all playing by the same rules. But what happens when that trust is tested?Imagine this: An employee requests bereavement leave, but the employer isn’t sure if the request is genuine. Can they ask for an obituary as proof? Or picture this—an employee hands in a doctor’s note that just doesn’t seem right. Can an employer challenge it? And then there’s the secret recording: a conversation captured without consent, used as evidence in court. In Massachusetts, a two-party consent state, how does that even happen?These are not hypothetical situations. These are real, messy, and sometimes uncomfortable questions that employers face every day. And today, we’re unpacking them.Joining Pete Wright this week are Tom Jones and Terry Cook from AIM HR Solutions. They spend their days in the trenches of workplace policy, helping employers navigate the gray areas of HR with clarity and confidence.In this episode, we’ll explore how businesses can balance compliance, fairness, and trust in the workplace. From bereavement policies to questionable doctor’s notes to the new realities of workplace surveillance, we’re diving into the tough questions—and the answers you need to know.AIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277 or [email protected] for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours.Links & NotesSecret Recording of Supervisor Admissible in Civil CaseAsk the Helpline: Is this doctor's note fake?Sample Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Policy: For employers navigating Massachusetts' Earned Sick Time requirements, this sample policy from the Attorney General’s Office outlines accrual, usage, and documentation rules. Employers should review and tailor it to fit their business needs while ensuring compliance. AIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277, online, or via email at [email protected] for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours. 

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• HR's Juggling Act in Manufacturing: Recruitment, Training, and Retention

  In this episode of Human Solutions, Pete Wright sits down with two seasoned HR professionals—Lucille Ward from Package Steel Systems and Terry Cook from AIM HR Solutions—to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in human resources for the manufacturing industry.As manufacturing faces a shortage of skilled workers, companies are struggling to find the right talent to fill positions like machinists, welders, electricians, and maintenance personnel. Lucille and Terry dive into the reasons behind this skills gap, including shifts in vocational education and societal pressures pushing students towards four-year degrees.However, as college costs soar and the value of certain degrees comes into question, there may be a pendulum swing back towards vocational training. Lucille shares her company's innovative strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining employees, such as partnering with local organizations, offering on-the-job training, and investing in employee education.The conversation also delves into the importance of workplace culture, particularly the differences between office and factory floor environments. Lucille candidly discusses the daily challenges of managing diverse teams, implementing HR systems, and keeping employees engaged and motivated.Throughout the episode, Pete, Terry, and Lucille explore the evolving landscape of HR in manufacturing, offering insights, anecdotes, and practical advice for companies looking to attract and retain top talent in a competitive industry. Tune in to learn more about the creative solutions and strategies being employed by these HR leaders on the front lines of the manufacturing sector. --Ready to unlock your team's full potential? AIM HR Solutions, rooted in the heart of Massachusetts, brings you tailored coaching and talent development services designed to elevate your business. With our personalized approach, you're not just investing in HR services – you're investing in the growth of yourself and your team. Discover the power of personalized coaching at AIM HR Solutions. Head to AIMHRSolutions.com to learn more and start your journey toward success today.

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• Pay Equity & Pay Transparency

  How much money do you make? If just hearing that question makes all the little hairs stand up on the back of your neck, you might be a Gen X HR manager. This week on the show we’re talking all about Pay Equity and and the proposed legislation on Pay Transparency that might just have an impact on the way we talk about pay at work. Joining us are our own industry experts Kyle Pardo and Sarah Piscatelli to help you plan for the coming changes — and challenges — in recruitment and beyond. Links & NotesComprehensive Compensation ServicesS2 E5: Is Your Company Ready for Pay Transparency?Link to AIM HR’s Recruiting ServicesLink to AIM HR’s Audit Services --In a world where businesses face constant change, there's one partner ready to tackle any HR challenge with you. AIM HR Solutions. We're not just any HR firm; we're your personalized problem-solving team, dedicated to customizing solutions just for you. From talent management to compliance, training to onsite services, our approach is tailored to meet your unique needs. With AIM HR Solutions, you're backed by a powerhouse of professionals, ready for proactive planning and immediate challenge. Learn more at AIMHRSolutions.com.

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• Workforce Training Grants to Level Up Your Training & Development

  Are you making use of all the development resources available to your organization? Based on the questions we get from our members, the answer is probably “no.” Today, we’re going to give you a new direction for workforce training just for our local Massachusetts member companies.Rob Duncan is the Director of the Workforce Training Fund Programs at Commonwealth Corporation, and Jen Moff is Vice President of Learning and Development at AIM HR Solutions. They join Pete Wright this week to help us all understand how to take advantage of Massachusetts grants and how you can level up your corporate training initiatives as a result.Links & NotesCommonwealth Corporation - Workforce Training Fund Program --HR professionals, safeguard your business from compliance risks! AIM HR Solutions offers crucial compliance audit services tailored to your needs. Led by expert consultants, our audits ensure full compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. We provide a roadmap for your business's future, with detailed reports pinpointing strengths and areas for improvement. Save time, money, and mitigate risk with our expertise. Constantly evolving laws and limited HR staff can leave you vulnerable to fines and lawsuits. Protect your business - schedule your audit now at AIMHRSolutions.com!

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