Quirky HR

Embark on a journey to the heart of nonprofit innovation with Stacy Lowry, CFO of Waterford Country School, who masterfully bridges the gap between finance and human resources. Learn how progressive HR strategies, such as employee referral programs and bonus vacation systems, aren't just buzzwords but are critical components in the retention of a passionate workforce. Stacy's candid sharing of the recent revamp of their employee handbook to address employee burnout is a testament to the...

Dr. Khalilah Olokunola, Sr. Advisor, Talentnova, known to many as KO, joins us to share her pivotal role in reimagining human resources for justice-impacted individuals. Her transformative journey from event and set design to spearheading HR innovation demonstrates a steadfast commitment to championing marginalized talent. Through her collaboration with True Colors and establishment of the Disrupt You onboarding program, KO illustrates how HR can serve as a catalyst for genuinely inclusive, p...

HR virtuoso Sally Loftis from Loftis Partners shares the "Secret Sauce" of fair compensation and the evolving landscape of pay equity. Our enriching conversation transitions from understanding the nuances of pay equity, pay parity, and pay transparency to the societal shifts in discussing compensation. We dissect what fair compensation really means in today's workforce, emphasizing the importance of living wages and the implications of thriving wages in a post-pandemic era. As we ...

Have you ever found yourself stifling a yawn during yet another monotonous meeting, wondering if there's more to the workday than just deadlines and dreary tasks? Our latest guest, Jeff Harry of Rediscover Your Play, brings a whirlwind of energy as he champions injecting play into the workplace, transforming it into a hub of creativity and fulfillment. This episode is not your typical business talk; it's an exploration of how integrating play can nurture mental health and skyrocket employee e...

In this episode guest Rebecca Hawkins joins Dana to discuss the culture of the Regenerative Workplace. What is a Regenerative workplace you may ask? It is an organizational culture that recognizes and meets the core needs of their employees as human beings. People have been studying human needs and how they translate to the workplace for a while now. You've probably heard of Maslow's needs hierarchy of needs or McGregor's theory X and theory Y. Maybe you are familiar with more recent takes fr...

Join your host Dana Dowdell and guest Fletcher Wimbush as they dive into the mission vision and values of talent acquisition. If you think talent acquisition is a painful process, you are not alone. Fletcher share's through his experience, a secret to becoming good at talent acquisition is learning from those painful moments. Imagine a recruitment strategy so compelling, it not only attracts the best candidates but also aligns with their deepest aspirations. We delve into the powerful draw of...

Discover how the very foundation of your work life is shifting in an enlightening discussion with Stela Lupushor and Dr. Solange Charas, leaders in reshaping the workforce. Our conversation peels back the layers of the employee experience, revealing its critical impact not just on personal well-being but on a company's financial performance as well. Delve into how the management of human capital can no longer be seen as a mere good practice, but rather as a driver of significant value. Stela ...

Facing the loss of a loved one is a harrowing journey that doesn't pause at the office door, a truth Kate Mollison knows all too well. After her world was shaken by personal tragedy, she encountered the chill of an unsympathetic workplace. Our conversation with Kate uncovers the deep need for workplaces to weave compassion into their fabric, something she passionately advocates for through her initiative "On Tuesdays, We Wear Black." As she shares her story, we explore the stark reality of gr...

Unlock the potential within your business by embracing the untapped talent of individuals with disabilities and some resources that may help along the way. Listen in as Alicia Kucharczyk from the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services and Dana discuss the transformative power of Vocational Rehabilitation (VocRehab) on this episode of Quirky HR. Alicia brings a wealth of knowledge, sharing how VocRehab’s counseling, job training, and tailored programs not only empower th...

This week we are joined by Major Kevin Kane of the Connecticut Army National Guard and Director of Enterprise Systems at Wesleyan University. We discuss bridging the gap between military service and civilian employment, sometimes simultaneously. In this episode Major Kane shares how to look beyond a service members battle hardened resume, to the soft skills underneath, and the potential benefits to employers. Transitioning from the battlefield to the business fie...