The HR Hub

You think you have an HR strategy but you don't. Because strategy is not a list of programs. You have a strategy when you create something aimed at concrete business outcomes like risk reduction, market growth, and core operational productivity. In this discussion, Ranya Nehmeh, founder of Elevar HR Advisory, shares her framework for escaping operational traps and building sustainable partnerships with senior leadership. Key Takeaways: - The Blueprint: A real strategy must outline exactly where the business is going, the specific capabilities required, and what operational elements must change. - Language Barrier: HR teams often focus on framework completion and engagement scores, while business leads focus strictly on revenue, risk, and productivity. HR needs to shift. - The Agility Trap: Constant structural reorganization without foundational operational stability breeds severe change fatigue across teams and doesn't create business results. - Manager Accountability: Middle managers account for roughly 70% of the variance in team engagement, making them the literal execution point of your strategy. 00:00 Intro 01:53 Speak the language of your business leaders 05:32 Avoiding the Agility Trap 08:48 When Engaged Employees are Leaving 10:50 Managers' Role in Team Engagement 12:47 Audit Your Strategy **Find Ranya** Website: https://elevare-hr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranyanehmeh/ **Find Andrea (me)** Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

HR is failing when we look at problems narrowly: accepting a manager's convenient opinion that the employee is the problem. This episode looks at how human resources professionals can properly diagnose whether a team issue stems from the employee, the manager, or the system they both work within. Debbie Pearmain and I look at what actually works to improve the performance of a manager. I meant most managers work 10 years before they ever get any training. And training alone is questionably effective. So key takeaways: - Look for systemic patters: Individual issues point to the employee, but multiple struggling teams indicate systems. - Three lenses for assessing: Always evaluate leadership challenges through capability, capacity, and the system. - The problem with off-the-shelf training: A single supervisory course probably isn't going to be enough. - Old methods: Old training methods are unlikely to work because things have changed. Now managers have cognitive overload, AI disruption, emotional fatigue, and hybrid workplace complexities. - Pair training with coaching: True behavioral modification happens when educational training is reinforced with ongoing, personalized executive coaching. We've tried turning the managers into coaches and that didn't really work. 00:00 Intro 01:13 Holding the Mirror Up to Leaders 02:24 Subtle Indicators of Poor Team Trust 04:21 Thinking about the Systems 07:47 Using Team Engagement Surveys Well 10:06 How to Assess Leadership Capability 12:40 Tailoring Coaching to Low Medium and High Performance 15:21 The Failure of Generic Courses 19:18 Modern Leadership Challenges 20:48 Combining Training and Coaching 25:10 Connecting Leadership Vitality Programs to ROI **Find Debbie** Website: https://www.onestophr.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-lang-pearmain-116551/ **Find Andrea (me)** Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Most of us spend our days heads-down focusing on our immediate work - compensation, hiring, performance management, employee issues... But HR leaders need to look up - and out. To build a strong workforce strategy, we must look beyond organizational boundaries to anticipate macroeconomic, political, and technological shifts. In this episode, former Vice President of HR Jim Utley shares how to successfully transition your human resources function from purely operational to deeply strategic. Key Takeaways 1) Look Outside the Building: Operational HR is necessary, but managers and leaders must lift their heads to track external economic, social, political, technological, and environmental forces. 2) Use the five external pillars to organize your thoughts around external risk 3) Use frontline intelligence - after all they interact with our clients and products all the time 4) Read broadly. 5) Be active in industry groups OUTSIDE of HR And much more. 00:00 Intro 01:44 The external influences 04:11 The five core strategic planning categories 08:37 Gathering data from the frontline 11:07 The case for being well-read 13:07 Example 1: Technological change 15:20 Example 2: Climate change 19:21 How to do this 24:21 One tool: black swan scenarios 25:53 Connecting with Jim Utley **Find Jim or his book** Website: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000607247171/James-Utley-People-Working **Find Andrea (me)** Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Performance management conversations can be stressful. This video should help. If you are nervous about it, you have probably been avoiding it and avoidance will not solve the problem. This video will help you prepare for and execute difficult workplace conversations without watering down your core message. So learn how to address behavioural issues constructively while maintaining professional boundaries and respect. Key Takeaways - Be Prepared: Consider specific 'evidence because general impressions or vagueness will cause defensiveness. - Prioritize Clarity: Avoid softening the message so much that the employee leaves under the impression everything is fine. - Explain the Business Impact: Connect the performance issue directly to how it hurts the team or goes against organizational values. - Invite Real Dialogue: It will help build engagement and ownership in the improvement plan. And don't forget the consequences. If you have been avoiding it, it is probably serious. Let the employee know early so they have a hope of fixing it. 00:00 Intro 00:47 Gathering your facts 01:23 Be clear (don't water down your message) 03:13 Explain the impact 05:13 Listen 06:34 State the consequences 07:56 Avoid these traps 09:41 Handling the emotions 10:26 Why early, honest conversations prevent escalation **Find Andrea (me)** Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Research reveals a worrying trend regarding the wellness of HR. While HR professionals are tasked with managing company culture and supporting workforce wellness, the vast majority of us lack adequate support. Clinical psychologist Dr. Jo Burrell shares insights from three years of research to highlight how organizational systems can better HR from chronic stress. Here are some of what she had to share: - Only 13% of HR professionals feeling well-supported at work and this metric has not moved. - But HR professionals who feel supported experience fewer mental health issues, take less sick leave, and are far less likely to leave the profession. - While chatting with friends helps, formalized systems like peer supervision and coaching make sure we move the dial. - Connecting with others in HR normalizes our challenging professional experiences. - Action needs to come from three places: individual, employer, and associations. 00:00 Intro 00:59 The numbers aren't changing 03:40 Support matters 06:30 Our normal approaches don't work 08:58 Formal versus informal support 11:33 Support frameworks 14:06 When you don't trust your manager 15:39 Three levels of responsibility 20:26 Facilitation compared to DIY 22:32 If you're solo 25:13 Connect with Jo and learn more **Find Dr. Jo Burell** Website: https://www.ultimateresilience.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jo-burrell-04901a96/ **Find Andrea (me)** Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Building a positive work environment requires more than just corporate perks or collaboration values on a wall. Josh Block, President of Block Imaging, joins the show to discuss how focusing on "Together, Thoughtful, and Transparent" transforms company culture and employee ownership. How the "Together" principle improves major business decisions. Moving from the Golden Rule to the Platinum Rule Why pay attention to the lighting The importance of constant feedback. The 3 C's of hiring and exiting: Character, Competency, and Chemistry. 00:00 Intro 00:46 The 3 T's as a foundation 01:35 Together: Making decisions together 02:10 Thoughtful: Considering the needs of others 02:27 Transparency: Starting the trust cycle 03:33 Moving beyond silos and dictatorships 04:47 Sharpening the final 10 percent 07:03 Applying the Platinum Rule at work 07:43 Why compensation and workspace matter most 10:04 Overcoming the urge to hide information 12:31 Why clear feedback is actually kind 16:15 The 3 C's of employee exits 18:35 Transparency vs. complaining in the chain 19:32 Where to start with People Matter Find Josh Website: https://www.peoplematterwork.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-block-9a84275/ Book Titles: People Matter at Work Find Andrea (me) Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Constructive dismissal is an often-discussed but rarely-realized part of employment law where fundamental changes to a role can lead to significant employer liability. This episode breaks down what counts as a unilateral change and how employers can navigate restructuring without triggering valid legal claims. Defining the "unilateral and fundamental" test for dismissal. Why salary reductions and demotions are primary triggers. The role of "reasonable notice" in changing contract terms. How "consideration" and signing bonuses can mitigate risk. The employee’s duty: choosing to accept or resign. The legal concept of "condoning" changes by staying too long. 00:00 Defining the concept of constructive dismissal 00:41 What constructive dismissal is not 01:31 Common triggers for valid legal claims 03:00 Performance management vs. constructive dismissal 04:48 Most common mistakes made by employers 06:02 How to restructure without legal risk 08:27 Using amendment letters and consideration 10:52 Is unilateral change ever legally defensible? 12:09 Employee options: resign or accept 13:56 Contract language and legal limitations Find Brady Website: https://www.matthewndinsdale.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-farmer-077235108/ Find Andrea (me) Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Implementing AI is different than other types of software. Globalization Partners (G-P) Head of HR Laura Maffucci shares her lessons from navigating an AI mandate, handling employee fear, and building a cross-functional AI governance council. Listen to hear how we transition from informal employee experimentation to structured, agentic workflows that enhance productivity without removing the human in the loop. Key takeaways from the discussion: Why bolting generic AI tools onto existing, broken workflows fails to deliver much results How an internal cross-functional AI council enables employee use The difference between executive perceptions and employee realities Enabling the desired behaviour Being real 00:00 Lessons from early enterprise AI implementation 01:13 Scope of AI deployment at GP 02:17 Managing employee fear of job replacement 04:31 Moving from unstructured to structured automation and the change implications 06:00 The differing implementation needs: deep versus broad 08:41 The failure of bolting on AI 10:43 Purpose-built compliance and agentic data scraping 12:43 Managing shadow AI and workflow fragmentation 13:46 Structuring a corporate AI policy council 15:10 Creating positive energy around governance rules 16:40 Executive delusions vs employee realities 18:37 Why rising quality standards impact efficiency 19:21 The role of HR in change management 20:52 Balancing personal skepticism with strategic adoption 22:05 Finding non-technical AI champions in house 24:22 The power of authenticity over corporate jargon 25:27 Where to connect with Laura and G-P Find Laura Website: https://www.G-P.com/ or https://www.globalization-partners.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-maffucci/ Find Andrea (me) Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Implementing a clear progressive discipline policy ensures that your organization handles employee performance issues fairly and legally. This episode covers this essential HR topic which I have avoided for over 5 years. 😬 The purpose of discipline, though, is to address workplace conduct AND provide the individual with a genuine opportunity to improve. Key Takeaways - The True Intent: Progressive discipline provides a fair, structured path for improvement, rather than acting as a fast track to termination. - Verbal Warning: The initial conversation must clearly state the required change and document potential consequences - but no letter. - Written Letters: Formal letters must reference past discussions, outline precise performance expectations, and explicitly state what happens if the improvement is not enough. - Investigations are Mandatory: Your termination won't hold if you didn't ask questions and listen to the answers. I also talk about the the difference between discipline and PIPs. AND I see the irony of having avoided the topic so long. LOL 00:00 Defining Progressive Discipline 01:21 Mindset Shifts for Effective Management 02:29 Step One: The Verbal Warning Conversation 03:22 Step Two: The Written Warning Letter 04:00 Step Three: Final Warning 05:05 Step Four: The Terminations 05:28 Investigating Misconduct Before Issuing Discipline 07:43 Overcoming Manager Avoidance 10:10 Progressive Discipline vs Performance Plans 11:15 Legal Risks in With-Cause Terminations 12:27 Core Takeaways for Modern HR Leaders Find Andrea (me) Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Calculating severance pay in Canada requires understanding the difference between statutory minimums and common law reasonable notice. In this episode, employment lawyer Brady Farmer explains how age, position, and length of service determine what an employee is truly owed. Key Takeaways: - The difference between the "floor" of statutory law and the "ceiling" of common law. - Why the "one month per year" rule is actually a myth. - How the duty to mitigate can lower an employer's total payout. - The stark contrast between Canadian notice requirements and US "at-will" employment. 00:00 Defining statutory vs common law severance 02:13 How common law fills legislative gaps 03:15 Debunking the one month per year myth 03:56 Four factors for determining notice periods 05:54 Understanding the employee duty to mitigate 08:23 Strategies to encourage employee mitigation 11:13 Are termination clauses actually enforceable? 17:42 Why releases require extra consideration 19:04 Anatomy of a proper termination letter 23:41 Canada vs US employment law differences **Find Brady Farmer** Website: https://www.matthewsdinsdale.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-farmer- **Find Andrea (me)** Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Many professionals wonder why others with less technical skill seem to get further in their careers. The answer often lies in their ability to build influence and trust through emotional intelligence rather than relying on formal authority. In this conversation, Jen Shirkani explains how to use the "Three Rs" of EQ—recognizing, reading, and responding—to connect your goals with what your stakeholders actually care about. Whether you are delivering bad news or trying to change a leader's mind, these insights help you navigate tough workplace dynamics. Key Takeaways: The "Three Rs" of emotional intelligence: Recognizing, Reading, and Responding. How to identify what a leader truly cares about to frame your pitch effectively. The critical role of trust deposits in building long-term influence. Why sarcasm and "experiential empathy" can backfire during stressful conversations. Navigating the "Badzilla" trap when enforcing unpopular policies. Moving from defensive rule-following to consultative partnership. 00:00 Why some people have more influence 01:05 Defining the Three Rs of EQ 01:52 Connecting ideas to what others care about 03:10 How to identify individual motivations 06:07 The role of trust in building influence 08:27 Starting with an EQI assessment 10:00 Delivering bad news using EQ 14:44 Cognitive vs. experiential empathy 16:14 Balancing employee advocacy and business needs 20:10 Common mistakes when trying to influence 22:56 Where to find EQ and influence resources Find Jen Website: https://www.penumbra.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenshirkani/ Book Titles: Ego vs EQ and Choose Resilience Find Andrea (me) Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Workplace friendships are pretty important: they are a primary driver of employee engagement and retention. And, of course, just a nice workplace where people actually want to be. In this episode, Ryan Jenkins explains how modern technology is leading us us to prioritize convenience over connection, inadvertently increasing professional isolation. Which we can't ignore because it undermines organizational performance. We explore the "Team Connection Model" and discuss how HR leaders can move beyond ho-hum team building toward meaningful team BINDing. You will learn about the role of synchronization in team health, why Gallup has refused to remove the "Best Friend at Work" survey question , and practical ways to foster connection in remote or hybrid environments. It's not at all impossible and, now, it's more important than ever. 00:00 The decline of workplace connection 01:32 Choosing convenience over connection 03:50 The lake village vs ocean community - the setup matters 06:56 Why Gallup asks about best friends 09:09 Communication vs true connection 11:21 Scaling connection with technology 16:13 The three psychological 'nutrients' 20:06 Team building vs team binding 21:48 The See, Sync, Support model 23:40 Why synchronization matters for teams **Find Ryan Jenkins** Website: https://www.ryan-jenkins.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjenkinskeynotespeaker/ His book: https://www.amazon.com/Connectable-How-Leaders-Move-Teams-Loneliness-Connection/dp/1400232231 **Find Andrea (me)** Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

When an employee responds to a performance improvement plan with a formal complaint, it can feel like a calculated move to avoid accountability. This video explains why these counter-complaints happen and how small business owners can manage the investigation without derailing their performance management process. You will learn how to protect yourself from liability while ensuring that legitimate grievances are heard. We break down the procedural steps to take when timing feels suspicious but the law requires action. Key Takeaways: Why employees use complaints as leverage during performance reviews. The legal risks of continuing performance management during an open investigation. How to properly document a "pause" in the disciplinary process. Why "unsubstantiated" does not always mean the employee was lying. Resuming accountability once an investigation is closed. The danger of letting a complaint permanently stop necessary performance management. 00:00 Managing the dreaded counter-complaint 00:52 Why you can't ignore suspicious timing 01:56 Why employees file complaints during PIPs 02:50 When to pause performance management 04:47 Getting investigations done quickly 05:40 Resuming the process after unsubstantiated findings 07:22 Preventing complaints from derailing accountability Find Andrea (me) Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Conducting a workplace investigation is about much more than finding someone guilty. To protect your organization, you need a defensible, neutral process that can withstand the scrutiny of a courtroom or an arbitrator. In this episode, Bob Stenhouse from Veritas Solutions joins me to break down the six essential components of a high-standard workplace investigation. We explore how to handle initiating events (including social media triggers), the nuances of gathering sufficient evidence without a "smoking gun," and the legal standard of the balance of probabilities. Whether you are dealing with a formal complaint or a high-risk harassment allegation, these insights will help you ensure your investigative findings are objective and legally sound. 00:00 The goal of neutral workplace investigations 01:04 Six components of every investigation 04:15 Can the news trigger an investigation? 06:06 Harassment vs. bullying: the legal difference 07:36 Using a risk-informed approach for complaints 11:12 When is your evidence actually sufficient? 14:59 Explaining the balance of probabilities standard 17:32 What makes a solid investigation report? 20:07 Aggravating vs. mitigating factors in discipline 21:42 When to hire an external investigator Find Bob Website: https://veritassolutions.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobstenhouse/ Find Andrea (me) Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Pay transparency is no longer just a "nice to have" feature for job postings: in many provinces and states, it is now a legal requirement. It's not enough to add the numbers to a posting - consider what your other employees will think when it shows up on a posting for a job similar to theirs and - wow! - it's more than they are paid! This shift will force an overhaul of internal compensation structures. In this episode, I speak with Sean Raible, founder of Game Plan Total Rewards, to break down the actual work required to stay compliant without totally eroding trust. We discuss: - The layers of legislation across BC, Ontario, and the US. - The 5-step framework for implementing a transparent pay program. - How to handle "compression" when new hires expect more than current staff. - Why 'crawl, walk, run' is a good approach to this work - The surprising impact transparency has on applicant volume. 00:00 The reality of pay transparency laws 01:10 The implications of 2026 deadlines 02:35 Building a compensation philosophy from scratch 04:10 Why pay discussions trigger high emotion 05:30 Regional nuances 07:10 More on the variation between jurisdictions 09:15 How transparency increases applicant resumes 10:45 Five steps to implement transparency 13:10 Sustaining your compensation program long-term 16:30 Avoiding the "New Hire" pay trap 18:50 Timeline: How long implementation takes 21:50 Managing high-salary demands from candidates **Find Sean Raible** Website: https://gameplantotalrewards.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanraible/ **Find Andrea Adams (me)** Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Company culture is ignored too often as a focused activity of HR. And it's rare to find someone who has a system for intentionally shaping culture. Nadia Uberoi, Head of People at Garner Health, is that person. She argues that shaping culture is one of, if not the most important activity we do in HR. In this episode, we break down: 🤷🏻‍♀️The difference between organic and intentional company culture. 3️⃣ Nadia’s three-part framework for systemizing culture: Expectations, Mechanisms, and Enablement. ❗️ And a bonus: How to build a "high candour" environment where thoughtful feedback is a requirement, not an option. 🤔 Practical ways to assess if your team is actually living your values. 00:00 Intro 01:36 Why culture is the foundation of HR 02:30 What it means to systemize culture 03:25 The three-part culture framework explained 04:13 Defining cultural competencies and expectations 06:14 Designing mechanisms into the flow of work 08:52 Training and enabling your people 11:21 Using real case studies for onboarding 12:25 How to accurately assess culture 15:33 The truth about feedback and mindset 17:48 Candour with decency **Find Nadia** Website: https://www.getgarner.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-uberoi/ **Find Andrea (me)** Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Managing employee complaints in a small business can quickly become a demanding role that drains your decision-making energy. If you find yourself frustrated by constant venting about co-workers or office lighting, it is a signal that you may need to shift how you respond to complaints. In this episode, I break down how to differentiate between complaints that require your intervention and those that serve as coaching opportunities for your team. I explore the importance of written policies for predictability, how to handle feedback regarding your managers, and the specific questions you can ask to return responsibility to your employees. Running a productive business does not mean an environment free of friction, but it does require helping your people navigate that friction themselves.00:00 Managing normal complaints01:10 Why frequent complaints wear you out02:02 Balancing policy and nimbleness03:22 Deciding when to get involved04:38 Respecting employees through their own problem-solving05:30 Handling complaints about your managers07:08 Using coaching questions instead of fixing08:44 Calibrating realistic workplace expectations10:06 Support for small and medium businesses**Find Andrea (me)**Website: https://thehrhub.ca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/Email: andrea@thehrhub.ca

Stop hiring for the wrong things. When you hire, are you actually screening for success, or just a polished resume and a good interview that ticks the experience and credentials boxes? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nita Chhinzer (University of Guelph) who challenged my perspective on recruitment. And as a bonus, what's happening in the market.It turns out, most of us are looking at the wrong things and asking the wrong questions. While technical skills get someone through the door, the evidence indicates that three "hidden" traits actually predict long-term performance: 1. Professional Maturity: Can they handle the sometimes unspoken realities of work?2. Attitude (The Useful Kind): Do they have genuine ownership, are they resilient, or are they just clocking in?3. Feedback Receptivity: Can they hear feedback without becoming defensive? Then will they actually use it to improve? Because if they can't take feedback, they won't grow as much.Ad despite what your client says they want, these three qualities are what they actually want according to the evidence and research. Once the basic skills pass a screening.So what soft skills do you include in your screening? Leave a comment. Has a "great on paper" hire ever failed because they lacked one of these three? *Find Dr. Nita Chhinzer in the following places* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitachhinzer/https://nitachhinzer.com/https://www.uoguelph.ca/lang/people/nita-chhinzer*Find Andrea Adams in the following places*https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/https://thehrhub.ca/

Emotional labour is the unwritten work of managing your feelings and the emotions of others to be effective in the workplace. HR professionals and leaders often act as "toxin handlers," absorbing organizational frustrations and conflicts without a formal strategy for recovery. In this episode, executive coach and author Dina Denham Smith breaks down why emotional labour feels like pushing a beach ball underwater and how to prevent it from leading to compassion fatigue. We explore the difference between emotional and cognitive empathy, the physical toll of suppressing true feelings, and practical ways to "metabolize" the stress of leadership. Key takeaways include: - The definition of a "toxin handler" and why this role is vital yet undervalued. - The three components of an emotion: behavior, physiology, and mental interpretation.- How to use the "Three Rs" (Reflect, Reframe, Restore) to recover your energy. - Why cognitive empathy is a protective strategy for those in high-conflict roles. **Find Dina Denham-Smith** Website: https://dinadenhamsmith.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinadenhamsmith/ Book Titles or other links: Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work **Find Andrea (me)** Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/

Complaints from employees can be intimidating for any leader, but especially in an SMB where you don't have HR or anyone in HR with this kind of depth. This episode breaks down the immediate steps you must take when an employee brings forward an alarming complaint to avoid legal issues and protect your organization. You need to know which kinds of complaints come with legal obligations and which don't and then how to avoid making the situation worse. Key Takeaways: 5️⃣ 5 steps during the initial complaint meeting. 🇨🇦 vs 🇺🇸: Key differences between Canada and the US around which complaints trigger your obligation to investigate 🤔 How to determine if you can handle an investigation internally or if you must hire an outside expert. 🙅🏻‍♀️ Common mistakes leaders make, including "gut-feeling" decisions and mediation traps. 00:00 Five steps for the initial meeting 01:25 Categorizing the three types of complaints 04:00 US vs. Canada: Legal trigger words 05:18 When you are obligated to investigate 08:40 Formal vs. informal complaint triggers 09:30 Internal vs. external investigator criteria 12:45 Advice for self-led investigations 13:40 Common mistakes to avoid **Find Andrea (me)** Email: andrea@thehrhub.ca Website: https://thehrhub.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-adams1/