Welcome back to HR Confessions Season 2! In our premiere episode, Rebecca and Kim dive into a wild story from the world of higher education featuring Chloe, a leadership team member at a closing nursing school. When a farewell party combines an open bar, glass doors, and a lapse in workers' compensation policy, things get complicated quickly. Join us for a cautionary tale about risk management, workplace friendships, and why HR professionals can never truly relax at company events. Plus, the hosts spiral into the fascinating world of workers' comp insurance (because that's what HR people do for fun).
Episode Highlights:
- Season 2 Premiere - Rebecca and Kim return after their hiatus with fresh stories and insights
- Setting the Scene - A nursing school within a hospital system facing closure due to declining enrollment post-COVID
- The Farewell Party Setup - Staff gathering for dinner and dancing with an open bar on a weeknight
- The Incident - Wanda, a 30-year employee, walks directly into a glass door while heading to the restroom
- The Complication - VP of Finance Jennifer reveals the school's workers' comp insurance has lapsed
- Ethical Dilemma - Jennifer asks her best friend Wanda to lie about where she got injured
- Risk Analysis - Deep dive into workers' comp implications, liability waivers, and what could go wrong
- The Resolution - Nothing happens! Wanda doesn't file a claim, protecting her friend
- Key Takeaways:
- Never let insurance policies lapse
- Company events are still "work" for liability purposes
- HR must balance protection of employees, company, and themselves
- The anxiety of "what could happen" vs. what actually happens
- Memorable Quote: "When one door closes, you can just walk right into it" - Chloe