A CEO hosts a party to boost morale—and ends up with a workers’ comp claim. A casual breakroom conversation erupts into political tension. A flexible work request triggers a ripple effect no one saw coming. In this episode, Tom Jones and Steve Pangione of AIM HR Solutions join us to unpack the hidden risks HR professionals face in the name of employee engagement.
We explore the legal implications of workplace events, the cultural fallout of unchecked speech, and the delicate art of ADA accommodations in a world that expects flexibility. Tom shares the hard legal lines every organization should understand, while Steve dives into the human side of these challenges: morale, inclusion, and the ever-shifting definition of “reasonable.” If you’ve ever tried to do the right thing and ended up with an HR headache, this one’s for you.
Topics Covered:
- How offsite company events can open the door to legal liability
- What “voluntary” really means when leadership gets involved
- Where employee speech is protected—and where it isn’t
- Coaching managers through sensitive political and cultural conversations
- Understanding ADA obligations and building a culture of good-faith flexibility
Links & Notes
- AIM HR Solutions Training Catalog
- AIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277 or helpline@aimnet.org for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours.
What is Human Solutions: Simplifying HR for People who Love HR?
Welcome to Human Solutions, a show that simplifies HR for people who love HR. Each week, we’ll showcase a bite-sized conversation dedicated to helping you get your arms around an HR challenge. Who are we? From talent management, training, and compliance to compensation analysis and onsite services, AIM HR Solutions is committed to meeting you and your organizations where you are. The people on this show have decades of experience developing solutions for the issues you’re facing right now. This show is their chance to share.