Survive HR

Most companies expect employees to go beyond their job descriptions — but is that fair, or is it setting a dangerous precedent? Anna Vinson and Steve Nail dive into the evolving workplace expectations across generations, revealing why understanding these shifts can make or break your career. You'll discover how different perspectives on boundaries, compensation, and growth influence work attitudes today—and why bridging generational gaps isn’t just ideal, it’s essential for success.In this candid conversation, Anna and Steve explore the nuances of workplace boundaries, from baby boomers’ tendency to do everything asked of them without complaint to Millennials’ push for clear career maps. You'll also uncover surprising insights into Gen Z’s priorities—why their focus on purpose and learning challenges traditional company metrics—and how organizations can meet these demands without sacrificing productivity.Learn how empathy, clear communication, and aligned expectations can bridge the generation gap, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for growth. Because in the end, success comes from working smarter—and understanding each other better.As always, huge thank you to our sponsors RWP Lead and Proactive Response Group. Learn more about RWP Lead: RWP Lead specializes in leadership training, HR consulting, and legal compliance support, helping individuals and teams perform with excellence and lead with clarity. They have an exciting training coming up in Nashville on August 26-27. Learn more here: https://rwplead.com/programs-events/Learn more about Proactive Response Group:The unsettling truth is that it is impossible to predict exactly when a life threatening event could occur. ProActive Response Group’s founders are well-trained veteran SWAT team leaders with first-hand experience in hostage rescues and high-risk dignitary protection. Since 2015 ProActive Response Group has trained thousands of individuals how to Survive violent encounters in their workplace, schools, and places of worship. Learn more at https://www.proactiverg.com/.

In this episode, Anna Vinson and Steve Nail discuss the latest trends in HR, workplace culture, and the financial challenges employees face today. They explore how inflation, remote work, and talent acquisition are reshaping the workplace landscape, offering practical insights for HR professionals and employees alike.Key topics: Impact of inflation on wages and employee moraleRemote work and hybrid models as solutions to financial strainAI's role in talent acquisition and its challengesFinancial wellness and employee benefits in a shifting economyStrategies for HR to retain and engage employeesAs always, huge thank you to our sponsors at RWP Lead and Proactive Response Group! More about RWP Lead: RWP Lead specializes in leadership training, HR consulting, and legal compliance support, helping individuals and teams perform with excellence and lead with clarity. They have an exciting training coming up in Nashville on June 9-10. Learn more here: https://rwplead.com/programs-events/About Proactive Response Group: The unsettling truth is that it is impossible to predict exactly when a life threatening event could occur. ProActive Response Group’s founders are well-trained veteran SWAT team leaders with first-hand experience in hostage rescues and high-risk dignitary protection. Since 2015 ProActive Response Group has trained thousands of individuals how to Survive violent encounters in their workplace, schools, and places of worship. Learn more at https://www.proactiverg.com/.

This week on the podcast, Anna and Steve were happy to talk with their sponsors, Chad and Andy from Proactive Response Group about what it looks like for businesses to be prepared for anything - not paranoid. Steve and Anna talk with Chad and Andy about their WHY at Proactive and learn more about their services and training. Proactive has services and training in Active Shooter Response, Workplace Violence Prevention, and even Security Assessments, taking potential victims and turning them into empowered leaders. ALL organizations can benefit from such training, including medical emergency response.To learn more about proactive and their services go here: https://www.proactiverg.com/

This week on the podcast, Steve Nail and Anna Vinson give an outlook of HR for 2026 and insight into what HR leaders must know. HR has never had more visibility or accountability - are you ready to lead differently? Shoutout to our 2026 sponsors, RWP Lead and Proactive Response Group. About RWP Lead: RWP Lead specializes in leadership training, HR consulting, and legal compliance support, helping individuals and teams perform with excellence and lead with clarity. They have an exciting training coming up in Nashville on February 18-19. Learn more here: https://rwplead.com/programs-events/About Proactive Response Group: The unsettling truth is that it is impossible to predict exactly when a life threatening event could occur. ProActive Response Group’s founders are well-trained veteran SWAT team leaders with first-hand experience in hostage rescues and high-risk dignitary protection. Since 2015 ProActive Response Group has trained thousands of individuals how to Survive violent encounters in their workplace, schools, and places of worship. 

This week on the podcast, Anna Vinson and Steve Nail discuss hybrid and remote work, and ask the question - will companies ever go back to being fully in office? As always, huge thank you to our sponsors at RWP Lead - they do various HR training events and custom HR consulting work for businesses across the country!

This week on the podcast, psychotherapist, author, and Yale clinical instructor, Leah Marone, joins Anna and Steve to talk about her new book, "Serial Fixer." As HR professionals, we can often feel like we are the ones always stepping in, fixing things and holding it all together. On this episode we talk about Leah's book and some of its key concepts, including: learning to support without solving, staying connected without self-sacrifice, and reclaiming your energy, clarity, and peace.Leah's book is out TODAY! Buy on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DR5Z2BRX/?bestFormat=true&k=serial%20fixer&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_k0_1_12_de&crid=1VY2D8HYXOIFT&sprefix=serial%20fixerAs always, huge thank you to our sponsors, RWP Lead! Their website is www.rwplead.com.

In this episode of Survive HR, Anna and Steve dive into the evolving landscape of remote work and its impact on productivity. They explore the challenges and benefits of hybrid work models, discuss the importance of flexibility, and consider the future of work in a post-pandemic world. Tune in to hear insights on how companies can balance organizational needs with employee preferences, and why hybrid work might be here to stay. Don't miss this engaging conversation on the future of work! #RemoteWork #Productivity #HybridWorkAs always, huge thank you to our sponsors at RWP Lead. www.rwplead.com To sign up for a single course or all courses in their leadership webinar series, sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leadership-training-webinar-series-7-course-series-tickets-1100152308169?aff=oddtdtcreator

In this conversation, Anna and Steve discuss the importance of non-verbal communication and presence in the workplace, particularly for HR professionals. They explore various aspects of how to command a room without speaking, including self-awareness, body language, and the significance of dressing appropriately. The discussion emphasizes the need for confidence, engagement, and the ability to ask questions as key leadership traits. Takeaways: HR professionals often have more to offer than they realize.Self-awareness is crucial for effective communication.Avoiding a victim mentality is important for personal growth.Fidgeting can signal nervousness and lack of control.Maintaining eye contact shows engagement and confidence.Asking questions demonstrates leadership and a desire to learn.Body language and posture can convey authority.Smiling makes you more approachable and likable.Dressing appropriately can impact first impressions.Curiosity and engagement are essential for effective leadership.Sound Bites: "Don't be a victim.""Asking questions shows confidence.""Dress for the job you want."As always, we would like to thank our sponsors at RWP Lead! Learn more about their upcoming leadership trainings here: www.rwplead.com.

This week on the podcast, Anna and Steve discuss Trump's newest executive order, and how this could be the end of disparate impact. As always, we want to thank our sponsors, RWP Lead who have a few leadership and HR trainings upcoming. Go to their website, www.rwplead.com to learn more.

This week, another Nail joined the podcast - Michael Nail! He is Steve's son and Anna's brother. Michael is a shareholder at Ogletree Deakins, and an expert in employment law. This week we talk about what to expect under the next Trump regime when it comes to HR and employment law.

This week on the podcast, we talk with the CEO of Jumpstart, Cary Sanders. He shares his personal story and provides insights to employers on how to hire those who have been previously incarcerated. Learn more about how your company can get involved: www.jumpstartvision.org

This week on the podcast, Anna and Steve are joined by their friend Keith Williams who is the Senior VP of the CIE, Center for Independent Employees. The Center for Independent Employees (CIE) is a 501(c)(3) legal defense foundation that provides free legal representation and aid to independent employees who are opposed to union oppression in their workplaces. Check them out at: https://www.centerforindependentemployees.org/ And as always, we are thankful for our friends and sponsors at RWPLead. Their upcoming 2-day leadership training simulation is on March 13th & 14th at Anderson University in Anderson, SC! Go to www.rwplead.com to learn more!

This week on the podcast, Steve and Anna talk about questions to ask yourself at the midpoint of your career! As always, huge thank you to our listeners and our sponsors at RWP Lead. To sign up for their upcoming webinar series, go here*: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leadership-training-webinar-series-7-course-series-tickets-883651353987?aff=oddtdtcreator There are single course options available as well here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rwp-leadership-webinar-series-single-webinar-course-tickets-895406774767?aff=oddtdtcreator *Each participant will get a certificate to share on Linkedin as well as 1 hour per course towards their SHRM and HRCI credits.

This week on the podcast, Anna and Steve talked about the updated EEOC guidelines and what this means for employers in regards to the LGBTQ community, religion, etc. As always, we would like to thank our sponsors at RWP Lead and our faithful listeners. RWP Lead's premiere event for Leaders, A "Leaders' Challenge" is coming to Greenville, SC on June 18-20! We would love for you to join us! Contact Renee Ahrens at [email protected] to learn more. If you are unable to join RWP Lead in person, they also have their Summer-Fall webinar leadership certification training starting on July 10! Here is the link to learn more & sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rwp-lead-leadership-certification-series-all-7-webinars-tickets-883651353987?aff=erellivmlt

This week on the podcast, Anna and Steve talked about recruiting issues and why recruiting matters for your brand.

This week, Anna and Steve talk about an article about how employee happiness at work hits a 4-year low. They talk strategies on how HR professionals can try to improve employee happiness levels at work.

This week, Roger Allain joins us and this time he acts as a union organizer and tries to convince us to join a union! This is an episode you do not want to miss! Special thanks to our sponsors RWP Lead. www.rwplead.com

This week on the podcast, Steve and Anna are joined by Roger Allain, a former union organizer with the Teamsters organization. Roger currently works as a consultant with RWP Labor where he helps companies win when the union is trying to organize. If you would like to work with Roger, please email [email protected]. If you have ever wondered about the inner workings of a labor union, this podcast is for you! Sponsored by our good friends at RWP. Below are upcoming events through RWP that you will want to be a part of: Leader's Challenge in Nashville on March 19-21 ACT Training in Orlando on April 10-11 To learn more, go to ww.rwplead.com

This week, Steve and Anna discuss 2024 goals for HR professionals. They focused on the following - Onboarding processes, coaching & mentoring, employee development, personal development, and reducing screen time! Shout out to our sponsors at RWP - Their webinar certification series just started! It is not too late to sign up for future training as part of the series,go to www.rwplead.com to learn more!

This week on the podcast, Steve and Anna discuss kindness at work and how it goes a long way! As always, thank you to our listeners and our sponsors, RWP Lead. To sign up for their webinar series, go here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rwp-leadership-certification-all-7-webinars-tickets-754843305647?aff=oddtdtcreator

This week, Anna and Steve discuss company benefits that are outside of the normal realm of what companies offer! Having a unique benefit package is essential to hiring in today's workforce. When it comes to your organization's benefits package, make sure to think about what makes sense for your organization. As always, we would like to thank our listeners and our sponsors RWP Lead! RWP Lead's Certification webinar series starts on January 10. To learn more and sign up, go here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rwp-leadership-certification-all-7-webinars-tickets-754843305647?aff=oddtdtcreator Consequences of a flawed investigation puts your company's reputation and finances at risk. RWP Lead's investigations team can mitigate that risk. Learn more here: https://rwplead.com/success-stories/

This week on the podcast, Anna and Steve discuss corporate social responsibility during hard economic times. Steve gives suggestions to companies on how to save money outside of laying off valuable employees. As always, we would like to thank our listeners and our sponsors at RWP Lead! RWP Lead has a series of 7 webinars coming up on leadership! Steve and other experts in the field of HR, manufacturing, and the service industry will be discussing topics such as adaptive leadership, employee engagement and generational leadership. Participants will receive an RWP leadership certification and will be eligible for SHRM & HRCI credits. To sign up, go here:

This week, Anna and Steve talked about how many people are getting promoted and quitting shortly after. As always, we would like to thank our faithful listeners and our sponsors, RWP! To learn more about RWP and their upcoming offerings go to https://rwplead.com/.

This week Anna and Steve talk about a hot topic - college degrees and their importance in the current workforce. As always thank you to our sponsors, RWP Lead! Learn more about them here: www.rwplead.com

Today on the podcast, Steve and Anna discuss the biggest untapped workforce - older workers! Also, we announced our new sponsor - RWP! RWP has three parts of their business, all related to helping those in HR and labor law become better leaders. Led by those with 30+ years of experience in leadership training and development, labor union law, and investigations, you want RWP to be in your corner - www.rwplead.com.

This week, Steve and Anna discuss an article they read about how to increase productivity. The article suggest that people only put in 85% effort - yep, you read that right! Listen to hear Anna and Steve's thoughts. As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please share with your network and give us a 5 star rating!

We are BACK! Steve is joined by his new co host, his daughter, Anna Nail, to talk about compensation, benefits and what employees are really looking for in 2023.

This week we are joined by Lori Mihalich-Levin to talk about organizational do's and don'ts when it comes to how to handle parents' return to work after parental leave. She gives great insight into how to be an understanding and empathetic manager while also continuing to have high performing employees.  As always, thank you to our sponsors Haynsworth, Sinkler, Boyd and to our listeners. Without you, this podcast would not be possible! More about Lori:  Lori K. Mihalich-Levin, Esq., believes in empowering working parents. She is the CEO and Founder of Mindful Return, a program that guides new parents through the transition back to work after maternity and paternity leave. 77 companies currently offer their employees her 4-week online program as a parental leave benefit. Lori is also the author of the book Back to Work After Baby: How to Plan and Navigate a Mindful Return from Maternity Leave, and is co-host of the Parents at Work Podcast. She is mama to two wonderful red-headed boys and is a lawyer in private practice. Her thought leadership has been featured in publications including Forbes, The Washington Post, New York Times Parenting, Thrive Global, and The Huffington Post. Lori founded a boutique law firm, The GME Group, PLLC, where she counsels hospitals, health systems, and academic medical centers on Medicare graduate medical education (GME) payment issues. She holds a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center and completed her undergraduate studies at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. She can be reached at [email protected] and [email protected].

This week on SurviveHR, Kelly and Steve talk about employee benefits and culture with Laura Camacho of the Mixonian Institute. This week's episode is one you do not want to miss! To learn more about Laura and the Mixonian institute, visit www.mixonian.com. 

This week on the podcast, Steve and Kelly discuss the future of human resources - where we are and where we are headed. 

Most of us know how it feels to be "burnt out." I mean, think about the number of emails you receive each day! However, are we creating more productive employees by allowing them to work from home versus working in the office? Is there less burnout when people work at home?  Our friend, Ben Fanning, joins us this week to discuss employee burnout and ways for employers to get ahead of it. 

This week on survive HR, Kelly and Steve discuss HR and AI (Artifical Intelligence) and ask themselves the question is AI the future of HR? 

For our first episode of 2022, we once again discuss the Great Resignation! In 2021, companies experienced a huge amount of resignations from employees for various reasons. Joining us this week are our friends, Chis and Perry from Hansworth Sinkler Boyd to discuss the legal implications that come with resignations. 

For our last episode of 2021, we talk about tech and non-tech ways to be more efficient in the workplace and in everyday life. We hope you enjoy our last episode of 2021!  As always, huge thank you to our sponsors Haynsworth, Sinkler, Boyd and to you, our listeners!  Have any ideas for what you would like to hear in the future? Send us a note at [email protected] or [email protected]. 

This week, Steve and Kelly discuss tips & tricks for more effective meetings, thus increasing productivity for you and your employees.  As always, we are so thankful for our sponsors at Haynsworth, Sinkler, Boyd and to you, our listeners!  Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! 

This week on Survive HR, Kelly and Steve talk about productivity in the workplace, specifically how to create a deep work culture when there are many things grabbing for our attention all at once.  This is episode 1 of a new series about Productivity in the Wokplace.  As always, thank you to our listeners and our sponsors at Haynsworth, Sinkler, Boyd. 

Working moms and working parents in general face many unique challenges. This week, we talked with special guest Brandon Miller about how to not get stuck in comparison and play to your strengths effectively in the workplace.

Employee retention is difficult in the current market, and this week on Survive HR - Kelly and Steve talk about some of the craziest benefits! Some are crazy good, and some are just well, crazy!!!  If your company has a really interesting benefit that they would like to share, email us at [email protected].  As always, huge thank you to our listeners and sponsors, Haynsworth, Sinkler, Boyd. 

Recruitment marketing - Now, more than ever, how you market your company and its brand is an important aspect of bringing qualified and committed candidates through the door. However, building a brand is not something they usually teach HR professionals in school.  This week, Kelly and Steve talked with Giovanni Calise, the associate dean and graduate director at Anderson University's college of business and marketing professor.  This is a week you do not want to miss with clear guidelines and steps to build your company's brand and increase the number of candidates entering your pipeline. 

This week on Survive HR we take a break from our usual discussions for a light hearted conversation! Our wonderful listeners sent in their funniest HR stories. Trust us, there are some good ones. Not our fault if you bust out laughing at work today! As always, thank you to our wonderful sponsors at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd and to our listeners - we could not do it without you!

Join Kelly, Steve and their friend Chris from the law firm, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd as they discuss the rules and regulations surrounding the vaccine mandate and the effects it has on your business.  Sponsored by our friends at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd.  Like what you hear? Rate us on apple podcasts and let us know what you would like to hear more of in the future. 

Join Kelly, Steve, and their friends, Chris and Perry from Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd as they discuss equal pay and the laws surrounding it. 

Join Kelly Scheib, Steve Nail, and their friends Chris and Perry from Haynsworth, Sinkler, Boyd as they discuss the COVID vaccine mandate and what it means for your business.

This week on Survive HR we talk about stress with our good friend and psychotherapist, Leah Marone.  Leah gives us her 4 S's of structure to have LESS stress. We can't promise that all of your stress will go away, but at least this may help! We know it has helped us!

This is a really good question and the answer is, that it depends.  We certainly feel HR can be an unhealthy profession.  All HR professionals want to serve others and their differing positions or needs.  Typically, HR is put in the position of not being able to make everyone happy, which results in constant conflict much of the time.  The HR professional always seems to have a daily, unexpected crisis to deal with as nothing ever goes as planned. Steve notes that he was never able to get a big project, requiring dedicated time done in the office, and found himself doing those projects at home on weekends. Kelly has struggled to find the right balance of having her bucket full, but not overflowing. Many jobs are stressful, but none more than HR, especially the past 18 months. Always remember these things: HR certainly can be an unhealthy profession. We must discipline ourselves to block time to focus on what is truly important. We must find time to relax, whether that is reading a book, taking a long walk, or whatever other activity works for you. We must find time and discipline ourselves to sleep. Make and organize lists and then get them done. (Kelly mentioned that she uses an app called Notability, from Apple, to help keep herself organized). Let’s face it, there is going to be stress in our lives.  We can’t control all the things that happen at work or in life, however, we can control how we respond and our attitude towards it.  Thanks for listening to Survive HR!

Join Kelly and Steve on this week's podcast as they discuss recruiting and finding the right fit for your organization.  Every organization is looking for talent and every hiring manager wants the “perfect” fit. Many hiring managers have a “wish list” of competencies and experience they want the candidate to have, but the truth is, the “wish list” is often different from the true needs for the position and results in over hiring. Over hiring results in the new hire becoming quickly disengaged from their work, creating disenchantment and turnover.  All good HR professionals should take on the responsibility of really understanding what is minimally necessary to perform the position adequately, determining and advocating for position descriptions that truly fit the needs of the organization.

Join Kelly and Steve this week as they discuss turnover with #1 Best Selling Author, of the “Quit Alternative”, Ben Fanning. Turnover is rapidly increasing, primarily because job-hopping is rewarded. On average, employees receive an 18-20% pay increase by changing jobs and only 3%, on average, as an annual salary adjustment with current their employers. There is also a growing negativity towards organizational loyalty, due in large part to employer layoffs, or downsizing, at the slightest hint of a bad economic quarter ahead. Turnover costs can be very high and according to Ben consist of four buckets: 1) Rehiring and training 2) Lost productivity (average time to fill is 68.5 days) 3) Increased base salary rate 4) Ramp up period Ben says that on average the cost of turnover, per employee, is $235,975.  HR must first be a business partner to help resolve this issue. They also need support systems and must be prepared not getting caught flat footed when employees leave. HR must have a plan. This week’s podcast addresses this issue. If you want to know more about Ben, order his book, listen to his podcast (CEO Podcast), or schedule him to present at your organization, he can be reached at: https://www.benfanning.com/ Thanks for listening to Survive HR and please rate us on iTunes!

SHRM reported that in April 2021, 4 million employees (2.7% of workers in America) quit their jobs and that the US is seeing record turnover. 25% of employees plan to leave their job in 2021, according to SHRM. According to SHRM, 36% of those changing jobs are doing so for better compensation. The war for talent is real and almost every employer in the country is desperate to find and keep qualified and competent employees. Ghosting is common and many recruiters are scheduling twice as many candidates for in person interviews, in an effort to have a full slate of candidates. This week, Kelly and Steve discuss counter offers and the pros and cons of such a practice. Kelly makes an excellent point that, in her opinion, a salary offer should be non-negotiable, to establish credibility as an employer. This requires organizations to have a well thought out, researched, structured and constantly updated compensation plan. Otherwise, that firm, non-negotiable offer will not be competitive and you risk losing the candidate. When an organization makes counter offers to new hires, or to retain employees who submit their resignations, they should do so judiciously, since it could be training potential and current employees that this is the organizations standard operating procedure. Sponsored by our friends at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd

Join Kelly Scheib, Steve Nail and their friends Perry and Chris at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd as they discuss the laws surrounding marijuana in the workplace and the biggest question of all - to test or not to test? 

Join Kelly and Steve on this week's podcast as they discuss the most creative ways to recruit and retain top talent.  Sponsored by Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd