How to Handle Complaints

Hey Besties!

This week’s episode has us rolling up our sleeves (or pants?) for some HR best-ish practices, starting with a story about Ashley’s “holy pants.” Does that mean religious garb, or a fashion faux pas? You’ll have to listen to find out. From there, we take on corporate lingo that brings memories of summer camp, and a full discussion about why HR seems to catch every single random workplace complaint - and what to do about it.

Grab your chai latte (nothing smells better!), the last good pen on your desk (we’re TUL fans after being influenced by friend-of-the-pod Michelle Strowhiro), and tune in for the laughs, lessons and workplace tea.

In This Episode:

• Intro Story: Ashley shares the story of “the holy pants” - that caused her to walk like a Lego figurine. (For those who have to drive to/from work - you’ll appreciate the reference to how commutes can impact your decision-making)

• Corporate Cringe Speak: Let’s just say it involves a flagpole, some imaginary salutes and a phrase that originated from the 1950s (this part of the podcast may make you wanting to watch “Parent Trap” or “Troop Beverly Hills”).

• Hot Topic: HR, the complaint receptacle of the workplace. From “The printer keeps jamming” to “My coworker uses too much cologne,” we’re “unpacking” why these random gripes come to HR and how to handle them without pulling your hair out - or losing your job.

• Questions & Comments: Including our best practices of how to turn those workplaces complaints into a helpful resource.

Discussion Guide – For Your Next HR Besties Podcast Discussion Group or Team Chat:

1. How Can I “Help” (Like, Literally, What Can I Do)? What’s the most random workplace complaint you’ve ever received, and how did you handle it? Was it something you could resolve, or did you have to redirect the person to a better resource (or just listen and nod)?

2. Is This a “Me” Thing? When dealing with unusual questions or complaints, how do you decide whether to solve the issue yourself or involve someone else who might know more?

3. For the Thousandth Time: How can we recognize that people coming to HR can be a good thing, and what questions do we get a lot that would be helpful to create a resource for? How do we then publicize it so people know it’s there and use it?

Whether it’s pants with holes, phrases from another era or solving “problems” you didn’t know existed, HR always keeps us on our toes. Thank you for sharing your stories, laughs, and insights with us each week. If you’re loving the pod, let us know by sharing it with a friend or leaving a review - it’s the podcast equivalent of singing “Happy Birthday” in the office (but less awkward) - and happy belated birthday to Jamie this week!

Here’s to a day with no dress code complaints (about holy pants or otherwise),

Your HR Besties

Click here to reach out to is with your questions and comments. We love anonymous intro stories!