WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when employees stop asking and start telling?In this episode, Jenny and Sarah unpack a growing workplace trend they have been seeing with small business owners: employees announcing schedule changes, cutting their hours, demanding remote work, and assuming the answer will be yes.The bigger issue is not employee boldness. It is leadership hesitation.They dig into why so many leaders struggle to respond in the moment, how unclear expectations create bigger problems later, and why avoiding uncomfortable conversations often creates legal risk, resentment, and confusion across the team.This conversation covers the real difference between being flexible and being run over.In this episode, they cover:Why employees are increasingly telling leaders what they will do instead of askingThe difference between a reasonable request and an unreasonable demandWhy small business owners often struggle more with boundaries than corporate leadersHow unclear expectations create confusion, inconsistency, and frustrationWhy avoiding hard conversations almost always makes the problem worseHow to think through requests for schedule changes, reduced hours, and remote workWhat leaders should do before saying yes to a request tied to stress, family needs, or medical concernsWhy documentation matters more than most leaders realizeThe role of boundaries, accountability, and clear communication in healthy workplacesKey takeaway:Employees do not get to decide how the business runs.Leaders have the right to set expectations, communicate clearly, and decide what works for the business. Employees can absolutely advocate for what they need. The conversation just has to start there.If you are leading a team and feel frustrated, avoid reacting in the moment. Get curious first. Ask questions. Get clear on what the role actually requires. Then make the decision from there. Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailA team gets invited to a "free" lunch with a consultant, and it ends up costing the company six months of peace.Jenny and Sarah unpack a "WTF" moment where a simple midday meeting turned into a spiral of written statements, HR investigations, and a team that stopped speaking to each other. It’s a look at how a lack of curiosity and a surplus of ego can turn a minor oversight into a total relationship wrecking ball.Spoiler: When leaders choose "investigation mode" before asking a single question, everyone loses.They dive into the ripple effect of a leader who skipped the facts to go straight for the jugular, and a leader whose "I’d tell you if you sucked" management style left her team feeling like cogs in a machine.In this episode, you’ll get:The Anatomy of "Lunch-Gate": How a tiny miss in communication led to half a year of resentment and "mechanical" one-on-ones.The Ego Trip: Why "hot and emotional" leadership is a recipe for collateral damage.The Power of the Non-Apology: Why it’s so hard for leaders to just say, "I forgot, and I’m sorry this landed on you."Assuming Negative Intent: How we "stack" stories in our heads until our bosses look like villains and our office doors stay closed.The Empathy Deficit: A reality check on why being "black and white" at the top leads to a very grey future for your culture.Whether you’ve been thrown under the bus or you’re the one driving it, this episode is a mirror moment for anyone who’s ever forgotten that HR stands for Human Resources.Hit play. Bring your own lunch—just make sure you run it by the head honcho first. Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailRebroadcast: It’s graduation season, and we’re dusting off one of our all-time fan favorites! Whether you’re tossing your cap, building a team, or guiding the next generation, this episode is essential listening for navigating the transition from campus to career.______Gen Z has officially entered the chat and corporate America isn’t ready.Jenny and Sarah rip into the chaos (and low-key brilliance) of the newest generation in the workplace. Are they entitled job hoppers with no soft skills… or the only ones brave enough to call BS on burnout culture? Spoiler: it’s complicated — and very, very human.They unpack everything from Gen Z’s allergy to fake leadership to why they’ll quit faster than you can say “circle back.” Plus, the hosts drag every generation (including their own) through the mud for good measure.You’ll get:The truth about Gen Z’s “bad attitude” and why it’s actually a boundaryHow pandemic schooling and parenting styles rewired workplace expectationsReal talk on feedback, flexibility, and why managers need to grow up tooThe tension between “just do your job” and “I need meaning in my job”A mirror moment for HR pros who keep trying to lead with policies instead of peopleBecause every generation swears the next one’s the problem, but maybe Gen Z’s just the first one bold enough to say the quiet part out loud.Hit play.Laugh a little, cringe a lot, and maybe rethink how you talk about “kids these days.”Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailThis week, Jenny and Sarah break down one of the most misunderstood workplace complaints:“You lack initiative.”But what does that actually mean?Because to employees, it often sounds like:Work more. Stay later. Do extra. Don’t get paid for it.And to leaders, it usually means something completely different.This episode unpacks the gap between those two interpretations—and why it’s creating frustration on both sides.Using simple, real-world scenarios, they show the difference between task-based thinking and outcome-based thinking, and why that shift is what leaders are actually looking for.They also get into where things go wrong: unclear expectations, over-structured environments, and managers who forget they need to teach—not just expect.And yes… the Gen Z stare makes an appearance.What’s inside this episode:[00:00] What leaders mean when they say “initiative”[03:00] The viral example that perfectly explains task vs. outcome thinking[06:20] Why employees hear “initiative” as unpaid extra work[08:45] The role leaders play in setting clear expectations (“paint it done”)[10:00] How school and parenting shape workplace behavior[12:30] When initiative goes too far (and hurts your reputation)[15:30] The “Gen Z stare” and what it really signals[18:30] Interpersonal conflict: handle it yourself or escalate?[22:00] The difference between tattling and professional communication[24:45] Why managers hate the “boomerang” problem[27:30] Problem-solving: don’t bring just problems—bring thinking[31:00] When leaders say they want solutions but reject all of them[33:30] Why none of this is easy—and how it gets better over timeThis episode is about clarity. Because most people aren’t failing due to lack of effort.They’re failing because no one clearly defined what “good” actually looks like.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailThis week, Jenny and Sarah follow a strange rabbit hole that started with a podcast about the history of meth.Yes, really.The episode explored how stimulants were once used to push soldiers, pilots, and workers to stay awake longer and produce more. And it sparked a bigger question: why has the workplace always been obsessed with squeezing more productivity out of humans?More with less.Work harder.Sleep less.Grind.Sound familiar?What’s inside this episode:[03:30] The surprising history of productivity drugs and why they were originally used[06:45] Why workplaces have chased “more with less” for decades[10:20] The Uber leadership philosophy that openly promotes grind culture[15:10] When transparency about workload actually helps employees self-select out[18:40] The dangerous expectation that employees should care as much as founders[21:15] The difference between working hard and sacrificing your entire life to work[24:30] Why “work as hard as I do” is a flawed leadership mindset[27:00] The reality of corporate workloads and why “more with less” usually means something else gets dropped[30:15] The two leadership lessons every company should take from this conversationThis episode isn’t about avoiding hard work.It’s about being honest about what work actually demands, and remembering that the people doing it are human.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan Mail This week, Jenny and Sarah lean into the weird.They kick it off with an AI interview note-taker that accidentally sent a candidate the hiring team’s unfiltered commentary about other applicants. Yes, really. Including the not-so-flattering parts. It’s a cautionary tale about AI tools, privacy, and why you should absolutely lock down your settings.They also get into:Employees being “forgotten” but still collecting paychecksWhy keeping money you know you shouldn’t have never ends wellThe awkward rise of team lunch contributions and workplace gift pressureCompanies letting employees pull paychecks “on demand”And the employee who asked a wildly off-topic sustainability question in an all-hands meeting… and was quietly gone weeks laterThe throughline? Just because you can say something doesn’t mean you should. Just because AI spits something out doesn’t mean it’s true. And just because nobody noticed doesn’t mean it won’t catch up to you.There’s humor. There’s mild outrage. There’s a reminder to make good choices.If you’ve ever sat in a meeting thinking, “WTF is happening right now?” this one’s for you.And if you’ve got your own workplace WTF moment, send it in. We’ll keep it anonymous. Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailThis week, Jenny and Sarah tackle the HR landmines small businesses step on all the time.They break down three compliance issues that quietly turn into very loud, very expensive problems: employee misclassification, messy PTO policies, and unpaid interns who legally aren’t interns.First: employee misclassification. Paying someone a salary does not make them exempt. Titles don’t matter. Good intentions don’t matter. If someone should’ve been earning overtime and wasn’t, the Department of Labor is not interested in your logic. They’re interested in back pay and penalties.Then: PTO policies. That “use it or lose it” language still floating around in Colorado? Illegal. Accrued PTO is earned wages. You cannot wipe it out at year-end. They also break down accrual vs. lump sum, payout rules, and why negative PTO feels generous until someone quits and payroll gets messy.Finally: unpaid interns. The “it’s for experience” kind. The “my friend’s kid needs exposure” kind. The rules are stricter than people think. If the company is benefiting more than the intern, you likely have an employee. And that risk adds up fast.If you think “we’ve always done it this way” is a solid strategy, this episode might stress you out a little. In a good way.What’s inside this episode:[03:12] Why paying someone a salary does not automatically make them exempt[06:45] The real difference between exempt and non-exempt under FLSA[10:18] How misclassification turns into back wages, penalties, and audits[15:02] Why independent contractor status isn’t a “mutual agreement” situation[19:37] What the Department of Labor actually looks at[24:11] Why “use it or lose it” PTO policies are illegal in Colorado[28:26] Accrued vs. lump-sum PTO and where companies get into trouble[32:54] The negative PTO trap no one thinks through[36:40] The strict rules around unpaid internships[41:12] How to structure internships so they’re actually compliantHit play. Fix what needs fixing. Then send it to the friend who still thinks titles determine exemption status.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan Mail This week, Jenny and Sarah tackle a topic that somehow manages to be both extremely relatable and extremely lawsuit-y: swearing at work.It starts with a law update that made both of them do a double take. Turns out, “letting an F-word fly” at work is no longer just a culture question. In some cases, it is a legal one. And in 2024 and 2025, the courts made that line a lot thinner than it used to be.What’s inside this episode:[05:32] Why swearing can make you seem more authentic and more trustworthy, according to research[12:17] Why that same swearing can still get your company sued[14:56] The court cases that changed the rules around hostile work environment claims[15:55] Why one single comment can now be enough to trigger serious legal trouble[25:09] The difference between swearing at the printer and swearing at a person[17:17] Why gender-specific and identity-based slurs are basically a career-ending choice[18:13] How different industries and different countries treat workplace language very differently[28:31] The impossible spot employers are in between the EEOC and the NLRB[34:25] Why “that’s just how our industry is” is not a legal defense[35:48] What new grads and early-career employees should do about swearing at work (hint: don’t)[39:03] How much these lawsuits actually cost companies when things go wrong[40:30] Why culture always starts at the top, for better or worseJenny and Sarah are not here to pretend nobody ever swears. They are here to explain why the workplace is a different arena, why intent does not protect you from impact, and why “we’ve always done it this way” is a very expensive strategy.Hit play for some uncomfortable truths, a few wild stories, and a very clear explanation of why the law does not care how authentic you feel. Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailThis week, Jenny and Sarah start the year by doing what they do best: collecting a pile of workplace nonsense from the internet and asking the uncomfortable question.Why are we still building work like people are machines?They bounce through everything from four-day workweek studies to open offices, from job hunting on dating apps to LinkedIn slowly becoming Facebook with certificates. Somewhere in the middle, they land on the real issue: work keeps taking more, and nobody seems able to say “that’s enough.”This episode is a grab bag of trends, but the throughline is simple. We are tired. And the system is pretending that’s a personal problem instead of a design flaw.What’s inside this episode:Why working less shouldn’t just make you a better worker, but a better humanThe real reason open offices exist and why nobody can focus in themWhy people are using dating apps to find jobs nowHow LinkedIn lost the plotWhat “ghost promotions,” “career shrekking,” “midlife collision,” and “culture rot” actually meanWhy some countries are making after-hours work illegalThe uncomfortable conversation about unions and power at workWhy “just set boundaries” sounds great and works terribly in real lifeJenny and Sarah don’t pretend there’s an easy fix. They do argue that modern work is slowly eating everything else and calling it ambition.If you’ve ever looked at your job and thought, “This is too much, but I don’t see a way out,” this one will feel uncomfortably familiar.Hit play. Then go close your laptop.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailRebroadcast: We’re bringing back one of our favorite episodes as hiring ramps up in the new year—and it’s just as relevant now as ever!In this laugh-and-learn episode, Jenny and Sarah take you inside the beautiful mess of modern recruiting. From jaw-dropping candidate missteps to the surprising rise of parental involvement in job applications (yes, it’s happening), they break down what’s really going on behind the interview screen. With plenty of humor and hard-earned HR wisdom, this episode serves up real talk on how to stand out—in a good way. Whether you're hiring or job hunting, you'll leave with practical tips, a few "you can’t make this up" moments, and a better sense of what professionalism actually looks like today.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailDevelopment planning is the most ignored, and most misunderstood, part of performance management.In this episode of WTF is Business Casual, HR consultants Jenny Levy and Sarah Burston break down why development planning deserves its own lane and why bundling it into performance reviews quietly wrecks employee growth, engagement, and retention.This is Part Two of their performance management series, focused on the forward-looking side of work.What’s inside this episode:Why development planning deserves its own conversation separate from performance reviewsWhy tying development to compensation creates false expectationsWhat Individual Development Plans are supposed to do versus what they usually becomeWhy training is the smallest piece of real developmentHow on-the-job learning actually builds skills leaders care aboutThe problem with leaders deciding career paths without asking employees what they wantWhy succession planning often ignores human realityHow lateral moves develop people without inflating titlesWhy growth doesn’t look the same in every season of lifeWhat leaders owe employees when they say they “care about development”Listen to Part 1: Performance Reviews Are Broken (Part 1): The Messy Reality of Workplace EvaluationWant Practical Tools Without Corporate Jargon?Jenny and Sarah also share details about upcoming free HR training sessions through Rise HR, focused on continuous feedback, development tools, and modern performance management for small and mid-size businesses.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailThis week, Jenny and Sarah drag the workplace ritual everyone hates: performance reviews. They open with a simple truth HR has known forever. Nobody likes them, nobody trusts them, and nobody thinks they actually work. Managers dread writing them. Employees dread reading them. Yet here we are, still clinging to a system that feels older than a fax machine.And yes, they get into the cultural shift that has managers terrified to say anything direct, the rise of “triggered” responses in the workplace, and the confusion leaders feel when employees treat normal feedback like a personal attack. The conversation gets honest about accountability, psychological safety, and why discomfort is not the same as danger.What’s inside this episode:Why everyone complains about performance reviews but nobody changes themThe four pieces of performance management that companies mix up constantlyWhat continuous feedback actually looks like when it’s not performative nonsenseWhy managers need to stop blending praise, coaching, and conflict into one chaotic meetingThe problem with leaders who want to fire someone but never documented a thingWhen corrective action is appropriate — and why clarity matters more than comfortThe real difference between doing your job and “going above and beyond”Why market adjustments, merit, promotions, and bonuses should never be lumped togetherHow generational shifts and therapy language have changed workplace conversationsWhat managers owe employees, what employees owe themselves, and what HR is tired of explainingJenny and Sarah don’t pretend performance reviews are going anywhere tomorrow. But they do challenge the entire way we think about them, and push for a version that’s clearer, kinder, and way less convoluted.Hit play for unfiltered HR truth, some laughs, and the reassurance that if you hate performance reviews, you’re not alone, and you’re not wrong.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailCold and flu season has arrived, and Jenny and Sarah have officially reached their breaking point. This week, they break down the circus of people dragging themselves into the office sick, logging onto Zoom while sweating through a fever, or insisting it’s “just allergies” in the middle of December.From vomiting kids to adults powering through meetings mid-retch, this episode gets blunt about how unhinged workplace culture has become around “pushing through.” The hosts explain why showing up sick isn’t brave, why it’s often selfish, and why everyone else is tired of catching your germs.This week’s chaos includes:A car ride that felt like a biohazard eventA client who tried to finish a Zoom call while actively throwing upKids who refuse to drink water and are confused when their throat hurtsAdults claiming “winter allergies” while running a feverJenny’s emergency plan for vomiting during a video call (step one: slam laptop shut)How France sees working sick as selfish while the U.S. calls it dedicationThe badge-of-honor culture that keeps people working when they should be in bedThe germ gauntlet of parenting small childrenPeople with paid sick leave who refuse to take itA reminder that potluck food handled by children should be illegalJenny and Sarah say it plainly:If you're too sick to be in the office, you're too sick to “just check email.”Take the day.Drink some water.Stop distributing your germs like confetti.Key takeaways:Your company can replace you faster than it can fix your immune system.Rest is essential, not optional.No one is impressed when you show up sick.Closing your laptop immediately removes you from a Teams call. Use that information wisely.Listen in for an unfiltered breakdown of why sick-at-work culture makes no sense, why boundaries matter, and why rest is part of being a functioning adult human.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to WTF is Business Casual, where HR consultants Jenny Levy and Sarah Bursten roast, rant, and reality-check the weird stuff that somehow passes for “normal” in the workplace.This week we’re calling out all the things people still think are fine at work, but absolutely aren’t.From awkward hugs to speakerphone oversharers, cubicles that look like dorm rooms, and the office “Happy Birthday” song no one actually enjoys, Jenny and Sarah break down what’s WTF-acceptable and what’ll get you side-eyed by HR.WTF Moments & Hot Takes:Hugging at work. Friendly or lawsuit waiting to happen? (Hint: keep your hands to yourself.)Cubicle clutter. Your desk isn’t a daycare or a personal museum.Being BFFs with your boss. How “we’re just friends” turns into “why did HR call me in?”Reply All crimes. Stop hitting that button, Sally. Just. Stop.Forced birthday singing. Why workplace celebrations feel more like hostage situations.Speakerphone culture. If we can hear your conversation, it’s already gone too far.The unspoken workplace rules. The stuff you’ll never find in an employee handbook (but should).Jenny and Sarah also unpack how corporate culture has shifted from “we dealt with it” to “I’m reporting you,” and why that might be both progress and a buzzkill.Because let’s be honest. We can’t have nice things anymore.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailGen Z has officially entered the chat and corporate America isn’t ready.Jenny and Sarah rip into the chaos (and low-key brilliance) of the newest generation in the workplace. Are they entitled job hoppers with no soft skills… or the only ones brave enough to call BS on burnout culture? Spoiler: it’s complicated — and very, very human.They unpack everything from Gen Z’s allergy to fake leadership to why they’ll quit faster than you can say “circle back.” Plus, the hosts drag every generation (including their own) through the mud for good measure.You’ll get:The truth about Gen Z’s “bad attitude” and why it’s actually a boundaryHow pandemic schooling and parenting styles rewired workplace expectationsReal talk on feedback, flexibility, and why managers need to grow up tooThe tension between “just do your job” and “I need meaning in my job”A mirror moment for HR pros who keep trying to lead with policies instead of peopleBecause every generation swears the next one’s the problem, but maybe Gen Z’s just the first one bold enough to say the quiet part out loud.Hit play.Laugh a little, cringe a lot, and maybe rethink how you talk about “kids these days.”Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailEmployers love to say they support work-life balance and encourage you to take your PTO. But here’s the workplace reality: when employees actually unplug, they’re often seen as less committed, and less promotable. Welcome to the detachment paradox.In this episode of WTF is Business Casual?!, Jenny and Sarah unpack the HR bias that rewards “always on” employees and punishes those who set healthy boundaries. It’s the messed-up cycle that fuels employee burnout, slows career growth, and leaves leaders scratching their heads about why people keep quitting.Drawing from corporate HR experience, research from Harvard Business Review, and their own stories, the hosts get candid about how organizations really evaluate “commitment” at work—and why leaders need to rethink what performance looks like.In this conversation, you’ll hear:Why workplace detachment (logging off, PTO, boundaries) helps performance but hurts promotionsHow unconscious HR bias still favors visibility and “green dot” culture over resultsReal stories of burnout, PTO guilt, and leaders who say “set boundaries” but expect 24/7 availabilityThe generational clash over hustle culture, career growth, and work-life expectationsWhat France’s “Right to Disconnect” law shows us about protecting employee wellbeingHow commitment bias skews performance reviews and promotability decisionsJenny and Sarah also get personal about their different leadership styles. One is wired to respond immediately, the other is comfortable letting things wait, and how those differences play out when managing clients, careers, and sanity.If you’ve ever been penalized for taking a vacation, wondered why promotions go to the loudest hustlers, or debated whether “healthy boundaries” and “career growth” can actually co-exist in today’s workplace, this episode is for you.We want your take. Have you seen the detachment paradox play out in your own company? Or caught yourself judging employees (or yourself) for unplugging? Share your story with us on Instagram @wtfisbusinesscasual.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailJenny and Sarah rip into the black hole of modern work life: meetings. Endless updates, back-to-back Zooms, and “quick syncs” that somehow eat your entire day. It’s no wonder productivity is tanking.They break down:Why update meetings are the real productivity killersThe hidden cost of meetings when you factor in salaries (spoiler: it’s a lot)How stripping recurring meetings off the calendar could actually fix workplace cultureWith plenty of side-eye for the corporate “I’ll give you three minutes back” lie, Jenny and Sarah also share horror stories of leaders who confused talking with working.If your team’s working nights and weekends because their days are filled with meetings, you’re not leading, you’re clogging the damn pipes.And if your meeting could’ve been an email, it probably should’ve been.Highlights:[01:57] The one-hour meeting that inspired this rant[04:39] What if meetings had a running cost ticker?[09:45] Dropbox’s 3D model for meetings (debate, discuss, decide—or don’t meet)[13:49] The “no update meetings” rule every workplace needs[17:27] A company that wiped all meetings—and only brought back what mattered[23:34] Why recurring meetings are the productivity death spiral[30:36] Your end-of-year challenge: cancel everything and start fresh🎧 Hit play, because your workplace culture isn’t broken, it’s just buried under bad meetings.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailJenny and Sarah lay down the leadership boundaries that keep their teams sane, their workdays functional, and their patience intact.From bosses who brag about “open door” policies but vanish when the tough stuff hits, to leaders who think skipping lunch is a sign of commitment (spoiler: it’s not), they’re calling out the habits that quietly wreck morale, and the ones that actually build trust.You’ll get:Boundaries that protect your time and your credibilityHow follow-through turns you from “just a manager” into a trusted leaderHR horror stories about leaders who couldn’t manage a coffee order, let alone a teamRespecting your boundaries is the first step to getting anyone else to respect them too.Highlights:[00:02] “Non-negotiables” without the corporate handbook jargon[08:15] When “availability” turns into a 24/7 leash[19:45] The follow-up that shifted team trust overnight[34:20] Why skipping lunch is a terrible leadership flex[47:10] Red flags that scream “don’t follow this person”What’s your leadership non-negotiable? DM us @‌WTFisBusinessCasual or send a voice note, we might share it in a future episode. Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailJenny and Sarah get real (and a little vulnerable) about what it actually looks like to build something together when your brains couldn’t be wired more differently.From inner monologues that never shut up to brains that see zero pictures when they read (yes, it’s a thing), they unpack how wildly different mental wiring shows up at work, in friendships, and in every tense “are you mad at me?” conversation they’ve ever had.They talk through:Why friction between “big‑picture idea people” and “process‑first planners” isn’t a flaw, it’s the secret sauceHow knowing each other’s operating systems changed the way they brainstorm, decide, and stay (mostly) saneWhy psychological safety isn’t just a buzzword, and why your team won’t share their best ideas without itAnd yes, there’s laughter, a few cold‑plunge confessions, and plenty of “holy crap, you see it THAT way?” moments.Great teams aren’t made of clones. They’re built on trust, tension, and a lot of honest conversations.Highlights:[00:02] Inner dialogue, color‑coded days, and the shock of finding out not everyone pictures an apple in their head[25:10] Why Jenny blurts ideas like fireworks and Sarah needs two hours (and a spreadsheet) to process them[39:45] That time Sarah felt squashed and Jenny felt shut down and why naming it mattered[52:00] Quick starts vs. deep thinkers and why teams need both[1:04:20] What Clifton Strengths taught them about each other (and why “restorative” isn’t just being negative)[1:15:00] Cold plunges, last‑minute chaos, and how showing up late can still get the job doneTell us:Are you the big‑idea quick‑start or the thoughtful process‑first type?DM us! We love seeing how real teams actually work.Hit play! Because it turns out, opposites don’t just attract… they build some pretty badass businesses too.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailJenny and Sarah get real about how the pressure to always exceed expectations at work is quietly fueling burnout, quiet quitting, and toxic workplace culture.They swap HR stories (some hilarious, some horrifying) about leaders who demand 24/7 peak performance, and the human cost that follows. It’s messy, honest, and painfully relatable for anyone who’s ever felt PTO guilt or caught themselves trying to be “on” all the damn time.Inside, they break down:A reality check on why “exceeds expectations” has replaced “meets” as the new normal, and why that’s a problemWhat marathon training can teach us about peak performance, recovery, and sustainable success at workTips for actually taking PTO without guilt (and why your boss emailing on vacation screws everyone)This one’s for you if:You’re burned out from always overperformingYou feel guilty about using your PTO (stop that)You lead a team and secretly worry they’re about to ghost youBecause guess what? Showing up, doing your job, and then going home? That’s actually enough.Highlights:[00:02] School drop-offs, chaotic mornings, and why women’s mornings hit different[12:30] The corporate hamster wheel: no valleys, only endless peaks[25:10] Marathon training as a metaphor for work (and why it matters)[39:45] Why “meets expectations” should actually be the goal[52:00] Leaders, boundaries, and taking real time off (yes, actually unplugging)[1:04:20] Why people quit without another job lined up and why that should scare companies[1:15:00] Sarah’s surprise party, Diet Coke bets, and husbands who think sweaty gym clothes are dinner-readyTell us your story_We know we’re not the only ones. Tell us your own ‘meets expectations’ moment or the time you realized exceeding expectations was slowly killing your soul. __DM us on Instagram. _We might share it (names changed, obviously).Do this one thingBefore you jump back into your inbox, do a quick gut check: Where could you pull back to ‘meets expectations’ this week and still be a damn good employee, friend, or parent? Start there. Small shifts matter.Take the conversation furtherIf this episode hit home, share it with a coworker who’s stuck on the hamster wheel. Or better yet, play it at your next team meeting (we dare you!)and see what comes up.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailJenny and Sarah get into the HR trenches to talk about every people leader’s favorite nightmare: managing performance issues without a single documented conversation, aka zero receipts!From the leader who drops a “we’ve got to let them go” bomb via text, to the one with a novel-length complaint file (and zero follow-up), they break down the real reason performance management so often goes sideways and how to stop making it harder than it needs to be.This isn’t about paperwork for paperwork’s sake. It’s about protecting your team, your company, and your own reputation.Inside the episode:The three manager types that derail performance conversations (Avoider, Documenter, Talker)The low-lift documentation system to track conversations without creating more workHow to actually say the hard thing with clarity and kindnessTips for using AI as your HR sidekick, not a crutchA spicy reminder that facts > feelings (especially in court)Documentation doesn’t have to be scary. But skipping it? That’s what gets you sued.Highlights:[00:02] Oversleeping, storms, Post Malone, and bad kid karma[18:15] “I need to fire her yesterday!”... but no one’s talked to her yet[24:40] Documenters, Avoiders, and Talkers—pick your manager archetype[37:18] The “SBI” method: Situation. Behavior. Impact. (Facts, not feelings.)[45:22] Using AI (yep!) to clarify your language, remove bias, and stay human[58:10] What HR wishes every leader knew and why feedback is a love language[1:05:30] “I hope every time you hear Bon Jovi, you think of performance management.” You're welcome.Pro Tip:If your performance conversations live in your head and not on paper, you’re not leading, you’re guessing.Need help having the hard conversation? Slide into our DMs with your workplace dilemma, we just might unpack it on the show.Resources:SBI Method (Situation – Behavior – Impact): Use this as a framework for informal documentation and feedback conversations.CPR Framework for crucial conversations: Content → Pattern → Relationship – useful for evaluating when a situation moves from a one-off to a larger issue.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of WTF is Business Casual?!, Jenny and Sarah go full rogue with a chaotic, hilarious deep dive into the strange world of workplace shenanigans. The pranks that made the office fun… until they didn’t.This episode is a tribute to the coworker chaos that somehow made your 9-to-5 bearable.You’ll hear:💻 Why “lock your computer” is more than just IT’s favorite slogan🧀 The cheese prank that cleared a whole office🌶️ A popcorn machine saga featuring jalapeño drama and The Corn Stars™🤮 The fake vomit prank so real it almost got Jenny fired (by herself)💬 The signs that say “please stop talking to me,” and why some of us need them dailyBecause in HR, it’s all fun and games… until it’s an incident report.Highlights[00:01] Jenny and Sarah introduce “shenanigans”[05:12] Coffee plug? Yes! But also, lock your damn screens, people.[13:40] IT threats, fake emails, and one panicked new hire[20:55] Pranks that aged poorly (but still kinda funny)[31:22] Jalapeño popcorn: the crime, the all-caps email, the apology from The Corn Stars™[42:03] Vomit phobia + Oscar-worthy performance = prank perfection[57:44] Spray bottles, whipped cream, and a workplace almost-wet-t-shirt-contest[1:08:30] Sticky notes, ceiling cheese, and the great Babybel Cheese War[1:16:10] Submit your own shenanigans for a future episode!We want your prank stories!DM us on Instagram @‌WTFisBusinessCasual with your favorite office pranks (the wins and the ones that went too far). Bonus points for photos, trauma, or HR investigations.Get yourself some freshly roasted coffee - I finally tried it, and it’s amazing! (tell them we sent you!)Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailIn Part Two of our deep dive into the WorkHuman Conference, WTF is Business Casual hosts Jenny and Sarah pick up where they left off—this time digging into the big, bold conversations around AI, leadership, and what it really takes to build a human-centered workplace.Trevor Noah set the tone with humor and heart, reminding us that curiosity isn’t optional—it’s essential. And while AI dominated the agenda, the real takeaway? It’s not about replacing humans. It’s about empowering them.In this episode, they tackle:How AI is already shaping team dynamics (for better or worse)Why HR should be steering the AI conversation, not just reacting to itHow curiosity, resilience, and re-skilling are muscles every leader needs to strengthenLess hype, more human. And maybe a few laughs along the way.🎧 Hit play—because the future of work isn’t waiting, and neither should you!Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailIn Part One of our two-part deep dive into the WorkHuman HR conference, Sarah and Jenny unpack their favorite moments, biggest surprises, and most impactful insights from the event. They tackle some provocative HR realities—like why your team might be spending a staggering 2.5 hours every day just complaining—and explore eye-opening advice from thought leaders like Adam Grant, who reminds us why simply putting in effort doesn’t always merit an 'A.'Along the way, Sarah and Jenny discuss:Why face-to-face interaction still matters in a virtual-first worldHow cultural differences can make or break workplace communication (including some hilarious and surprising examples!)Why vulnerability from leadership isn't weakness—it's a superpowerHow giving actionable feedback (not sandwiches!) can transform your teamPacked with real stories, candid reflections, and practical tips, this episode will challenge your assumptions and spark ideas for creating a more human workplace.Hit play and join the conversation!Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailIn this laugh-and-learn episode, Jenny and Sarah take you inside the beautiful mess of modern recruiting. From jaw-dropping candidate missteps to the surprising rise of parental involvement in job applications (yes, it’s happening), they break down what’s really going on behind the interview screen. With plenty of humor and hard-earned HR wisdom, this episode serves up real talk on how to stand out—in a good way. Whether you're hiring or job hunting, you'll leave with practical tips, a few "you can’t make this up" moments, and a better sense of what professionalism actually looks like today.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailJenny and Sarah tear into the corporate phrasebook, dissecting the BS behind sayings like "work hard, play hard" – which usually translates to the soul-crushing reality of the Hotel California of the workplace ("you can check out any time you want, but you can never leave"). They dig into the eye-rolling phenomenon of forced "fun" and just come right out and say that instead of "work hard, play hard," they're definitely more the "play medium and take a nap" type. Plus, they'll raise a collective middle finger to the "fun fact" icebreaker. Clearly, the mastermind behind this exercise in awkwardness needs a serious lesson in what "fun" actually means.Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan Mail“Who the F*ck stole my sandwich?!” Join Jenny and Sarah as they hilariously dissect the wild world of workplace food culture in “Taking the Cake." From stolen lunches to the mystery of the missing cake, no crumb is left unturned.Ever had a potluck disaster or a coworker who treats the office kitchen like an all-you-can-eat buffet? Jenny and Sarah get it! In this episode they share their strong opinions on potlucks, the perils of communal eating, and offer survival tips for navigating the office foodscape.  If you've ever silently judged someone's potluck contribution or grieved the loss of your carefully prepared meal, this podcast is for you. Tune in for a light-hearted take on the universal truth: food in the office is serious business... but also seriously funny! Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual

Send us Fan MailGet ready to dive into the hilarious and often unbelievable world of HR with your new favorite podcast, WTF is Business Casual?! Hosted by friends and business partners Jenny and Sarah, this is episode one, and they're not holding back.    In this inaugural episode, Jenny and Sarah introduce themselves and share the story of how they met and decided to start their own HR consulting company after becoming "fed up with the world of corporate."  They promise to bring their years of experience and countless crazy HR stories to the masses, with a disclaimer that names might be changed to protect the innocent (or not-so-innocent!).    Find out:How Jenny and Sarah became partners in crime.    Why "WTF is Business Casual" is the perfect name for a podcast about the absurdities of the workplace.    Hilarious dress code stories, including a "resort casual" sales meeting in flip-flops and a swimsuit.     The hosts' unfiltered thoughts on workplace behavior and why they believe the work world is basically "junior high" in business casual attire.    What you can expect from future episodes, including discussions on feedback sessions gone wrong, how to properly fire someone, bad email addresses, and more.    Jenny and Sarah aim to be "HR in your pocket," offering a mix of education and humor as they share their unedited inside voices on the daily insanities of the HR world.  Tune in for the laughs, stay for the HR insights (but remember, it's not legal advice!). Visit our website: RISE Human ResourcesBook a  call: 30 Min HR ConsultationFollow us on Instagram: WTF is Business Casual