Podcast Library
The DE Talk monthly podcast features honest and open dialogue between powerhouse industry experts on a variety of HR topics ranging from OFCCP compliance advice to emerging recruitment marketing trends, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and insightful solutions that help infuse new life into your HR strategies.
Latest Podcast
DE Talk | Board Takeover | The OFCCP Compliance Journey in 2024 & What’s Ahead in 2025
Season 6 • Episode 4
Join us for a special “Board Takeover” episode of the DE Talk podcast as members of the DirectEmployers Board of Directors discuss the evolving compliance landscape for federal contractors. This insightful conversation explores the challenges faced in 2024, including navigating complex OFCCP compliance requirements, adapting to regulatory changes, and fostering inclusive hiring practices. Looking ahead to 2025, the Board examines the potential impact of the new Trump Administration, anticipating shifts in compliance priorities and enforcement. From updates to affirmative action plans to strategies for strengthening workplace diversity, this episode provides actionable insights to help federal contractors stay prepared and compliant.
Subscribe links, guest bios, and full transcript available.
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DE Talk | Board Takeover | The OFCCP Compliance Journey in 2024 & What’s Ahead in 2025
Season 6 • Episode 4
Join us for a special “Board Takeover” episode of the DE Talk podcast as members of the DirectEmployers Board of Directors discuss the evolving compliance landscape for federal contractors. This insightful conversation explores the challenges faced in 2024, including navigating complex OFCCP compliance requirements, adapting to regulatory changes, and fostering inclusive hiring practices. Looking ahead to 2025, the Board examines the potential impact of the new Trump Administration, anticipating shifts in compliance priorities and enforcement. From updates to affirmative action plans to strategies for strengthening workplace diversity, this episode provides actionable insights to help federal contractors stay prepared and compliant.
Subscribe links, guest bios, and full transcript available.
DE Talk | Empowering Women Veterans: Navigating the Transition from Service to Civilian Success
Season 6 • Episode 3
Women veterans often face unique and overlooked challenges when transitioning from military service to civilian employment, as many veteran hiring programs are built with men in mind. In this episode, DirectEmployers Community & State Outreach Administrator Kim Lott sits down with Women Veterans Interactive Foundation Founder & CEO Ginger Miller to explore the roadblocks women veterans encounter, the resources they need, and how employers can build supportive recruitment and retention strategies tailored to them. Ginger shares her insights on connecting with veteran organizations and the importance of building an inclusive workplace that truly supports women veterans: “If you can’t reach women veterans, you can’t support women veterans.
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DE Talk | Using Programmatic Job Advertising to Elevate Candidate Quality and Optimize Costs
Season 6 • Bonus Episode 3.5
In today’s competitive hiring landscape, simply posting a job and waiting for responses is no longer effective. Companies need innovative, tech-driven approaches to reach and attract top talent. In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Rawlins, VP of Sales and Client Success at Nexxt, to explore the power of programmatic job advertising. Michelle explains how this approach differs from traditional, duration-based job postings and how AI and performance-based strategies can increase traffic, improve candidate quality, and reduce costs. Tune in to learn how programmatic advertising is reshaping the recruitment landscape for today’s employers.
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DE Talk | How SMBs Can Use AI Hiring Tech in Inclusive Ways
Season 6 • Bonus Episode 2.5
Businesses of all sizes are impacted by the potential benefits and possible harms of artificial intelligence (AI) in their recruiting and hiring technologies. While some may consider the HR tech space “too technical” or beyond their current capabilities, this mentality can cause them to lose job candidates with the skills they need to succeed. In some cases, small and midsized businesses (SMBs) may already use AI-enabled hiring technologies without knowing it. In this session, Our Ability’s CEO, John Robinson, and the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology’s Director of Communications, Lex Huth, team up to show how people with disabilities are leading the way to more inclusive AI in hiring technologies — and how SMBs can maximize the benefits they get from these AI-powered tools.
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DE Talk | Using Employment Networks to Connect with Individuals with Disabilities in an Ever-Changing Workforce
Season 6 • Episode 2
With an unemployment rate nearly twice that of the national average, individuals with disabilities continue to face barriers to employment that prevent them from sharing their unique skills and talents with the workforce. In this episode we sit down with EmployReward Solutions Project Director Tripp Carter for a discussion on employment networks — what they are, how employers can connect with them, and how they can benefit from their services. Tripp also shares success stories of how DirectEmployers Members have found success in working with EmployReward Solutions, and offers humbling advice on how to create inclusive and accommodating hiring programs that attract and retain talent within the disability community.
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DE Talk | If It’s Not in Writing, It Never Happened: Applicant Tracking & Recordkeeping Strategies to Ensure OFCCP Compliance
Season 6 • Episode 1
For federal contractors, a major component of OFCCP compliance hinges on recordkeeping as proof of their processes and efforts in the event of an audit. Fortunately, your applicant tracking system (ATS) can be a great tool for keeping you on track. In this episode, we sit down with Momolu Cooper, OutSolve’s Director of Operations and Team Lead, to discuss what exactly the recordkeeping requirements are under OFCCP regulation, the key components of an effective ATS for ensuring OFCCP compliance, common mistakes employers make in applicant tracking that can lead to non-compliance, and strategies companies can implement to ensure they’re retaining records properly and securely.
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DE Talk | Resiliency & Determination: The Military Spouse Employee Makeup
Season 5 • Episode 11
Known as Military Appreciation Month, May also marks Military Spouse Appreciation Day – a day to acknowledge military spouses’ significant contributions, support, and sacrifices. In this episode, we sit down with Evie King, recruiter, Executive Director of the military spouse wellness nonprofit InDependent, Inc., and 2023 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. Tune in as we discuss her experience growing up in a military family and now as a military spouse, working for a military spouse-supportive employer, the challenges she sees military spouses facing as they seek employment, and ways employers can better attract and accommodate these invaluable individuals within their workforces.
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DE Talk | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Progress Amidst Opposition within Corporate, Political, & Social Spheres
Season 5 • Episode 10
2024 has brought forth many challenges for diversity and inclusion efforts, and at DirectEmployers’ recent Annual Meeting & Conference, we addressed those setbacks and emphasized the importance of progress amidst opposition. Tune in to this powerful conversation as diversity activist and strategist Torin Ellis and Principal Financial Group’s Chief Inclusion Officer Miriam Lewis spotlight the importance of resilience, knowledge, and tangible progress in the pursuit of creating more inclusive environments within corporate, political, and social spheres.
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DE Talk | Beyond the Workplace: The Camaraderie & Meaningful Impact of Veteran ERGs
Season 5 • Episode 9
With DEI a high priority in today’s work environment, many companies are establishing employee resource groups (ERGs) to bring people together in celebration and support of both their commonalities and their differences. In this episode, we sit down with Dave Erdmann, United States Marine Veteran and Valvoline’s Director of Incubation Enablement, and Eric Bevevino, United States Navy Reserve Veteran and Valvoline Global Operations’ Senior Director, Channel Partner & Heavy Duty Sales to discuss their roles as co-leads of their organizations’ joint Veterans ERG, the benefits and barriers faced while working to gain momentum for this initiative, tips for gaining buy-in from employees and leadership, and honoring the true spirit behind your program to go beyond the workplace and make a meaningful impact in the lives of your employees.
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DE Talk | The Platinum Rule of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Season 5 • Episode 8
Studies show that diverse teams who feel safe to contribute in a meaningful way outperform teams who don’t have that same level of diversity. The question is, are you truly doing everything you can to get the most out of your people? In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Adeniyi, Author, CEO and Founder of AAA Solutions, and first generation Nigerian American, to discuss the three Ps of creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable culture in the workplace. Andrew also shares his insight on the importance of belonging and how it plays a role in employee engagement, satisfaction, and turnover, as well as how the “platinum rule” of DEI has the potential to change the way we view diversity.
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DE Talk | Excitement, Turbulence & Confusion: The Top 10 Employment Law Issues That Affected Federal Contractors in 2023
Season 5 • Episode 7
Our compliance experts John C. Fox and Candee Chambers are back for their highly-anticipated recap of all things employment law from the past year. As they look back, they’ll chat about the top 10 issues affecting federal contractors as directed by government regulatory agencies, and give hints as to what may be to come in 2024.
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DE Talk | Embracing Generational Differences at Work
Season 5 • Episode 6
For the first time in history, five generations are working simultaneously in the workplace. As a result, tensions arise as work trends shift in ways older generations have never seen, and fear-based differences create gaps among employees that may seem impossible to close. In this episode, we sit down with certified coach and trained speaker Lindsay Boccardo to discuss the four factors of employee engagement, and how humanizing your workforce and learning to manage emotional labor through self-awareness and regulation are the first steps to bridging the generational gap. In addition, we discuss the value of mentorship in preventing the retirement brain drain and how authenticity may be the key to attracting younger generations.
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DE Talk | Navigating the AI Landscape in Recruitment Marketing
Season 5 • Minisode
With the emergence of artificial intelligence automation like machine learning and ChatGPT, AI is rapidly permeating the human resources/talent acquisition world, in hopes of making work life easier for HR professionals while simultaneously creating faster, more streamlined processes for job seekers.
As exciting as it is, the information on this technology can be overwhelming and fraught with some difficulties and unforeseen pitfalls. Join Elliott Obermaier and Ruth Toombs from Recruit Rooster as they discuss what AI in the HR space is, how it works and some current obstacles.
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DE Talk | A Focus On Veterans: Supporting Compliance, Recruitment, Candidate Experience & Beyond
Season 5 • Episode 5
With roughly 250,000 servicemembers transitioning to civilian life each year, veteran hiring initiatives have become an essential focus for employers. In honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month, this episode shares how DirectEmployers and its family of brands support employers in attracting and hiring veterans. Hear how VetCentral supports veteran representatives across the country, straight from an Indiana-based disabled veterans outreach program specialist; how the Partner Relationship Manager (PRM) guides outreach efforts to organizations serving veterans, transitioning servicemembers and spouses; and finally, insights from United Rentals on how their veteran-focused career site has created a unique candidate experience for veterans.
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DE Talk | Registered Apprenticeships: Building Inclusive Programs for the Future
Season 5 • Episode 4
The reality of today’s labor market indicates that there aren’t enough college graduates and experienced workers to meet market demands. Apprenticeships are working to steady the gap by incorporating hands-on learning with education and life experience. In today’s episode, Joshua Johnson from Jobs for the Future (JFF) shares the seven components of Registered Apprenticeships, how to engage with your state apprenticeship system, what apprenticable occupations look like in fields that would surprise you, and the benefit this type of employment offers for employers and apprentices.
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DE Talk | From Human “Doing” to Human “Being”: Transforming to Own Your 50
Season 5 • Episode 3
Leaders often have a lot on their plate, but their biggest challenge? Workplace drama. In this episode, we sit down with award-winning host of The Conscious Habit podcast, certified meditation coach, and President of Sandler Training Trustpointe, Amy Woodall, to discuss how calming the mind and focusing on the things we can control will help us own our part in the challenges we face, and get to the root of where results begin. She also shares her favorite podcasts and books to start your consciousness journey.
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DE Talk | Myths & Barriers: Helping Individuals Who Are Blind Find Their Place in the Workforce
Season 5 • Episode 2
With over 20 million Americans who are blind or visually impaired and a 70% unemployment rate for these individuals, it’s clear that much work remains to help them find their rightful place in the workforce. In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Mittman and Brandon Wells of Bosma Enterprise and its Visionary Opportunities Foundation, an Indiana-based organization providing solutions and creating opportunities for those who are blind or visually impaired, to discuss the barriers to employment these individuals face and the common myths and misconceptions that prevent them from being hired. They also share advice for employers to help attract blind or low vision individuals and what they can do to accommodate these employees to help them succeed in the workplace.
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DE Talk | Uncovering the Non-Traditional Workforce: Recruiting & Retaining Talent in Addiction Recovery
Season 5 • Episode 1
It’s estimated that between 22-28 million Americans live in recovery from substance abuse but these individuals often struggle to maintain employment despite its proven role in successful recovery, placing them within the “anonymous and available” workforce. In this episode we sit down with Mike Thibideau of Invest Hamilton County to discuss how the addiction epidemic is quickly becoming a workforce issue, best practices for developing second chance policies for those who relapse, advice for employers looking to hire, accommodate, and retain employees suffering from substance abuse, as well as how this issue falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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DE Talk | Moving Off the DEIB “Treadmill” & Onto Progressive Change
Season 4 • Episode 9
Workplaces are changing to focus on the strengths of more diverse and inclusive hiring. But how do you move past performative and into progressive change to create a space of belonging? Tune in to hear guidance from diversity strategist and activist Torin Ellis from t ellis brands and Errin Braddock, Enterprise’s Chief Diversity Officer, as they share how to move off the DEIB “treadmill” activity that may make you feel good but doesn’t lead to transformation, and shift to actual progress forward. From training and accountability to AI and ChatGPT, these two cover the gamut of topics to discuss what’s impacting the diversity and inclusion landscape today.
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DE Talk | Top 5 Actions to Take After You Complete Your Affirmative Action Plan
Season 4 • Minisode
What comes next after you file your annual affirmative action plan? In this episode of the DE Talk podcast, experts from OutSolve provide practical guidance on the most important actions to take and the importance of compliance as a year-round focus, not just a one-time and done activity. Tune in as they share real-world, actionable advice related to adverse impact analysis, outreach strategies, organizational training, and much more!
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DE Talk | The Value of ERGs: Building a Trustworthy Environment for ID&E Conversations
Season 4 • Episode 8
In recognition of Ramadan and Arab American Heritage Month in April, we sat down with Raheef Alturkmani, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist for Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (ID&E) at Dow, to discuss best practices for building employee resource groups (ERGs) that thrive. In addition, he shares details of the organization’s Middle East & North Africa (MENA) ERG and how having passionate leaders and planning activities and initiatives around employee interests are key to their success.
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DE Talk | Skilled, Vetted & Ready: DEIA at the Heart of Veteran & Military Spouse Hiring
Season 4 • Episode 7
Conversations surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion remain a focus in 2023 – but where do veterans fall into these plans, and how can employers keep them included in these discussions? Tune in as DirectEmployers Kim Lott and Denise Lewis of VetJobs get down to the heart of veteran diversity, and share how these men and women who bravely served our country represent one of the most diverse hiring groups spanning culture, race, gender, disability, sexuality, age, nationality and more.
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DE Talk | Your HR-Exclusive Guide to EEO, DEI, and OFCCP Policy Changes in 2023
Season 4 • Episode 6
After months of quiet, government agencies are gearing up for budgetary and policy changes affecting EEO, DEI, and OFCCP efforts. Tune in to this episode as Candee Chambers and employment law expert John C. Fox share their HR guide for 2023, outlining everything federal contractors need to be mindful of in the coming year.
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DE Talk | The Year of Degree Deflation: Transforming Your Workforce through Skills-Based Hiring
Season 4 • Minisode
Since the start of the pandemic, the role of human resources has been turned on its head, leaving talent leaders to pivot and rethink their well-established best practices in order to attract and retain diverse talent. In this DE Talk minisode, we sit down with Cappfinity’s Global Head of Marketing La Toya Hodge to chat about these changes, whether they’re here to stay, and how skills-based hiring can transform the talent acquisition process to widen the talent pool for the benefit of employers and workers alike.
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DE Talk | Pro Tips for Celebrating Holidays Inclusively at Work
Season 4 • Episode 5
How your organization celebrates holidays at work impacts your culture and employee experience. When you recognize your employees’ backgrounds, you help create a culture of belonging, whereas ignoring your employees’ identities may lead to disengagement and increased turnover. Tune in to today’s podcast as DirectEmployers’ Candee Chambers and Mikey Meagher share practical tips and guidance on how to show employees you value differences and welcome them to bring their whole selves to work – holiday celebrations and all.
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DE Talk | Building Foundational Relationships in Native American & Tribal Communities
Season 4 • Episode 4
Many barriers to employment exist for millions of Americans, and one subset remains vastly underserved – Native American veterans and tribal communities. Tune in as Christopher Key from Hesperus shares more insight into cultural differences, as well as how Hesperus is investing in the next generation of Native American and Alaska Native leadership, and creating pathways to education and employment through training, workforce development, and technology.
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DE Talk | Fostering Intentional Workplace Inclusion through Vocational Rehabilitation
Season 4 • Episode 3
Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have gone from nice-to-have to must-have over the last few years, but creating a diverse workforce involves more than just race, ethnicity, and gender. It also includes individuals with disabilities, the largest minority group in the world. Listen in as DirectEmployers Disability & Community Outreach Specialist Christa Martin chats with CSAVR CEO Steve Wooderson about how employers can foster intentional inclusion through utilization of vocational rehabilitation services to better employ and advance individuals with disabilities in the workplace and beyond.
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DE Talk | The Hidden Benefits of Remote Work
Season 4 • Episode 2
Recruit Rooster is back with another DE Talk takeover! While remote work has historically had a bad reputation, the last few years have changed both employer and employee views, making it a shining light in the midst of the pandemic. In this episode, Sales Manager Ruth Toombs and Senior Sales Engineer Steven Apostolidis sit down to chat about the hidden benefits of remote work that are changing workers’ lives for the better, while also leading to positive results for employers. They also share where the U.S. sits currently in terms of remote job availability, reasons why some employers are resistant to remote work, and things to consider when determining if remote work is right for your workforce.
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DE Talk | Tips & Tricks for Mastering the “Deep Dredge” Audit
Season 4 • Episode 1
Over the last few years, OFCCP has initiated fewer audits than ever before, but each audit has become alarmingly more complex. So how can you ensure you remain in compliance without letting the agency take advantage of your rights? Listen in as OFCCP compliance experts John Fox and Candee Chambers discuss the latest trends in audits and what OFCCP can and can’t request, how to know when outside counsel is needed, as well as tips and tricks to help ensure a positive outcome from various types of audits you may be required to undergo.
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DE Talk | Employment Branding Trends & Tactics in the Midst of a Pandemic
Season 3 • Minisode
In this special edition episode of the DE Talk podcast, Recruit Rooster’s Ruth Toombs and Rob Cox are taking over! Listen in on this lively conversation as they dive in to current industry trends related to unemployment, labor shortages, remote work and budgeting tactics, and how these ultimately affect your employer brand to make you the employer of choice for candidates. They also share how they’ve helped employers with specific hiring needs during the pandemic to help them fill urgent positions, and how they’ve helped companies use their current employees to find their next great talent.
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DE Talk | Shifting from the Great Resignation to the Great Retention
Season 3 • Episode 8
The Great Resignation continues to affect employers large and small as they grapple with how to address this ongoing talent concern. Tune in as entrepreneur, author, and podcaster, Lorraine Ball, discusses how focusing on culture-building, connection, and proactive recruitment can prevent the churn of employee turnover and create a place where people want to work.
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DE Talk | From Public Service to Corporate America: Lived Experiences of an LGBTQ Employee in the Workplace
Season 3 • Episode 7
Courageous conversations begin when you’re willing to share vulnerabilities, stand in those insecurities, and become relatable to those around you. For the internationally awarded public speaker, author, first responder, and LGBTQIA+ activist Samantha Smith, that began when she recited her powerful speech, Last Call. Tune in to this episode as Samantha shares her experience first as a police officer in the field and then as an out employee in corporate America. From guidance on supporting LGBTQ employees to the power a simple EEO statement offers, Samantha shares how being an ally is not a choice but a must for workplace diversity and inclusion.
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DE Talk | OFCCP in 2022: Lean Staff, Big Goals & New Changes Afoot
Season 3 • Episode 6
The federal contractor community has taken note of the quiet demeanor of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) since the Biden Administration took office. However, amongst the quiet comes big changes ahead – many of which might cause a stir for the federal contractor and subcontractor community. Tune in as DirectEmployers Executive Director Candee Chambers and employment law expert John C. Fox of Fox, Wang & Morgan discuss the undoing of all things Trump, the OFCCP’s upcoming priorities, and the new AAP verification program coming in February of 2022.
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DE Talk | Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Workforce – Cultivating At-Risk Talent
Season 3 • Episode 5
There’s no denying that today’s youth are tomorrow’s future, and sometimes, they just need a second chance and some guidance to set them on the track to success. In this episode of the DE Talk podcast, we sat down with Denny Armington, President of Youth Opportunity Foundation (YOF), to discuss how they work with disadvantaged and post-adjudicated youth to mentor, educate, and train them as they prepare for a stable and rewarding future in the workforce.
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DE Talk | Combatting the “She-cession”: Creating Equitable Opportunity for Women
Season 3 • Episode 4
The pandemic changed the U.S. workforce virtually overnight. More than a year later, its impact lingers on, continuing to drive more women out of the workforce. Decades worth of slow progress made by women to catch up to men evaporated in just one year – and the question remains, how many women will return to work? And how does this threaten our economic recovery? Tune in as gender economist Katica Roy, CEO and Founder of Pipeline, shares the setbacks women’s labor force participation has experienced and how equitable skilling and opportunity in the workforce can aid in providing a way for the 2.6 million women to return to the workforce.
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DE Talk | Reality Check: The Role of Employers In Employee Mental Health
Season 3 • Episode 3
For years, employers have recognized the need for mental health support. Now, thanks to the pandemic pause in 2020, employers are looking to break the stigma of mental health care, assess how to make positive strides forward, and create an open dialogue in their workplaces. How can employers create a work culture that supports mental and emotional well-being? Tune in as psychiatrist Dr. Chris Bojrab unpacks the importance of mental health, how it affects the workplace, and steps needed to prioritize mental health and well-being as a business imperative.
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DE Talk | Navigating COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates: Employer vs Employee Rights
Season 3 • Episode 2
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, employers around the globe will soon face new challenges: will they require employees to be vaccinated? To get down to the legal nitty gritty, we sat down with employment law expert Jay Wang of Fox, Wang, & Morgan to provide guidance on vaccine mandates, the recent FDA approval, and what this means for employers and employees around the nation.
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DE Talk | Redefining Work: Breaking the 8-to-5 Culture with Remote Work & Future Hiring
Season 3 • Episode 1
There’s no question that the pandemic has changed our outlook on remote work, and redefined many things in our daily lives, including our relationship with work and the future of the workplace itself. For many, this was swift and transformed the way we in human resources recruit, hire, onboard, train, and engage. With employers having to adapt to the profound change, two questions bear consideration — how do employees feel about remote work, and what impact does that have on employers? Dive into this podcast, as Scott Sendelweck of Community Health Network shares insights into tech, remote work, and the future of work as we know it.
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DE Talk | Improving Disability Employment Outcomes
Season 2 • Episode 7
Gaps in employment continue to exist for individuals with disabilities. The National Organization on Disability (NOD) has dedicated its existence to moving the workforce inclusion needle forward by creating resources like the Disability Employment Tracker, Corporate Leadership Council, and the Disability Inclusion Executive Briefing for employers to utilize. NOD President Carol Glazer joined the DE Talk podcast to discuss the organization’s history and how we can improve disability employment outcomes as a community of employers. Tune in to discover how far the disability employment landscape has come in the last five years and how employers have moved through the maturity curve past basic compliance to competency, creating inclusive workforces that attract all skills and abilities.
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DE Talk | Pushing Creative Limits: Using Vibrant Photos & Video to Showcase Your Employer Brand
Season 2 • Episode 6
Over the last year, we have all had to adapt our ways of doing, and creativity has quickly become a lifeline for standing out — especially in today’s competitive workforce. That’s why representing your unique company culture on your website and social media platforms is more critical than ever. In this episode, Drew Palmer and Jordan Hartman of the Recruit Rooster Creative Services team sit down to chat about all things creative in the HR space, and how it can positively impact your recruitment efforts. Listen in as they walk you through the creative process, how to take control of your employment branding, and ways to stay creative during the pandemic.
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DE Talk | Naming, Claiming, & Aiming Your Strengths in 2021
Season 2 • Episode 5
Studies suggest that people spend around eighty percent of their time focused on fixing weaknesses, and only twenty percent of their time trying to build upon strengths in most workplaces. However, we achieve excellence most often when using our strengths—enter the CliftonStrengths assessment. In this episode, Jen Polcer chats with JoDee Curtis from Purple Ink LLC to discuss how CliftonStrengths can transform workplaces from weakness-fixing to strengths-based cultures and use those strengths as a roadmap to becoming our best selves.
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DE Talk | Political Party Changes & OFCCP Compliance: What’s Expected in 2021?
Season 2 • Episode 4
Curveballs have been thrown left and right during 2020, but many transformations remain for the OFCCP, and subsequently federal contractors, as a new administration transitions into power. During this podcast, I sat down with employment law expert John C. Fox of Fox, Wang & Morgan to discuss what contractors need to be mindful of in 2021 and the regulatory agenda the Biden Administration is set to enact in its first term. This is an episode you don’t want to miss as it’s filled with intricate details of the White House transition of power and the emphasis that will soon be placed on pay inequality, nondiscrimination protections for individuals with disabilities, and much more!
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DE Talk | The Weight of Honor: The Story of Military Caregivers
Season 2 • Episode 3
For many, the story of America’s wounded servicemembers is a reminder of the perils of war and uncertainty that exists for those individuals serving. What about the story of the resilient men and women who take on the role of nurse, caregiver, and medical advocate after their wounded loved ones return home? Tune in as Stephanie Howard, the executive producer, director, and writer of the documentary film, The Weight of Honor, discusses this one-of-a-kind documentary and sheds light on the underserved community of 1.1 million post-9/11 military caregivers.
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DE Talk | Disability Education & Accessibility: Overcoming the Digital Divide
Season 2 • Episode 2
When hitting a roadblock, Janet Fiore’s motto is always, “We can figure this out,” and that’s precisely what she did in the realm of disability education. Having a fear of getting it wrong or trying to figure out where to start was a challenge, and the results often lead to overcompensating or overreaching. Janet has cultivated a safe space for learners in The Sierra Group’s DisabilityEtiquette© course and DisabilityRecruiter© Certification. During this podcast, Janet discusses her initial draw to assistive technology, the work of The Sierra Group and its foundation and role in the disability space, and how employers can remove the obstacles to have a fully inclusive workforce.
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DE Talk | Is the Future of Talent Acquisition Human or AI-Driven?
Season 2 • Episode 1
Talent acquisition is rapidly changing at an unprecedented rate. The use of advanced technology and artificial intelligence is quickly becoming the industry standard. But how do we keep humans in the loop to ensure that the human factor remains in human resources, while also embracing AI? Tune in to see what Peter Weddle, CEO at TAtech, predicts for the future of talent acquisition, how you can address change now by embracing technology and automation, and what, in his opinion, is the greatest danger that exists for the field. (Hint, it’s not what you think it is!)
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DE Talk | Recruit Rooster + RocketBuild: Together, We’ll Achieve New Heights
QuaranDEAM Edition • Episode 2
As many of you know, the work of Recruit Roosters by DirectEmployers would not be possible without stellar technology and development taking place behind the scenes, and in April, they announced the acquisition of RocketBuild. Today, Recruit Rooster COO, Heather Hoffman, is sitting down with Jason Ward of RocketBuild to discuss their work and position as Indy’s premier software and application development house–and most importantly, what this means for DirectEmployers and Recruit Rooster’s future tech and development.
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DE Talk | Preparing for a Reduction in Force
QuaranDEAM Edition • Episode 1
While no one looks forward to a reduction in force (RIF), it is a fact of life for many organizations today in order to meet strategic goals and business needs. Taking time to carefully plan and prepare can make the difference between a successful transition and a disaster. Tune in to this conversation as Dana Deason of ArcBest and I discuss the nuts and bolts to help ensure your organization implements a RIF successfully and in a manner that is compliant and respectful of the individuals involved.
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DE Talk | Empowering Women in Leadership Roles
Season 1 • Episode 6
Women represent nearly 50% of the US workforce, yet only occupy 10% of the top management positions in S&P 500 companies. To discuss how female executives can empower one another in the workplace, I sat down with Elizabeth Jennings, Acting Executive Director of the National Disability Institute, and Heather Hoffman, COO of Recruit Rooster, to talk about closing the gender gap that exists in leadership and how mentorship shaped their careers.
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DE Talk | The ROI of D&I Is Greater Humanity
Season 1 • Episode 5
Diversity and inclusion is not just a function of talent acquisition, it’s a company-wide effort that needs to take place in all areas of business to be successful. Our team sat down with leading diversity strategist, Torin Ellis, to discuss the importance of D&I and the foundational steps companies need to take to show real commitment to diversity.
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DE Talk | Ask the OFCCP Experts: What’s to Come in 2020
Season 1 • Episode 4
For government contractors, the regulatory landscape is always changing, and navigating these changes takes a careful understanding of the current requirements and a forward-looking view. I sat down with employment law expert John C. Fox of Fox, Wang, & Morgan to identify what you should be doing to prepare yourself for the coming year and how to position your company for successful compliance in 2020!
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DE Talk | Understanding Accessibility for Compliance & Recruitment
Season 1 • Episode 3
Many organizations are working hard to create an inviting culture for individuals with disabilities, but sometimes fall short when it comes to the application process. In this episode, Jennifer Polcer and Ruth Toombs share tips and takeaways for creating an attractive career site that is OFCCP compliant and accessible to all.
Subscribe links, guest bios, and full transcript available.
DE Talk | Veteran Underemployment with David Muir
Season 1 • Episode 2
The veteran unemployment rate is now at an all-time low, but studies reveal that nearly ⅓ of veterans are underemployed. To better understand how employers can connect with veteran job seekers, our team sat down with David Muir from Easterseals Veteran Staffing Network to discuss all-things veteran hiring.
Subscribe links, guest bio, and full transcript available.
DE Talk | Invisible Disabilities with Haley Moss
Season 1 • Episode 1
With October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we really wanted to hit home with invisible disabilities in the workplace. I sat down with Haley Moss to start a conversation about workplace obstacles, triumphs, and the neurodiverse community.
Subscribe links, guest bio, and full transcript available.