There’s a moment every HR professional remembers — that first email, that first conversation, that first tremor in the air when “return to office” stopped being a policy discussion and started being personal. Three years ago, the message was simple: Stay home, stay safe. Now it’s: Come back. And in between, everything about how we work — and what we value — has changed.
In this episode of Human Solutions, Pete Wright sits down with AIM HR Solutions’ Tom Jones and Annette Dupree to explore the strange, often uneasy middle ground between flexibility and structure, empathy and compliance. It’s a story about the quiet negotiations happening in every workplace — between leaders trying to rebuild culture and employees trying to preserve the balance they finally found.
Annette starts with something deceptively simple: mindset. What if return-to-office isn’t about control, but reconnection? What if the message isn’t we need you here, but we miss you here? From that shift, a thousand possibilities open up — from reimagining flexibility to reframing belonging.
Tom, meanwhile, brings the legal lens: what happens when compassion meets compliance? When a doctor’s note becomes a line in the sand? He explains the fine print of the interactive dialogue — that delicate conversation between employee, manager, and HR that determines what’s possible and what isn’t. It’s the kind of process that sounds bureaucratic but, done right, can restore trust instead of eroding it.
And then there’s the harder truth: sometimes, it isn’t about coming back. It’s about who comes back. Reductions in force test the soul of an organization. Tom and Annette walk through how to make those decisions — how to document criteria, avoid bias, and resist the all-too-human temptation to let frustration drive strategy. Because when layoffs happen, the work doesn’t end. It shifts.
This is an episode about the messy, necessary work of being human at work — and the leaders who try, every day, to get it right.
We like to think numbers are neutral. Post a range, satisfy a rule, move on. But in practice, a salary range is a story: a public promise about who you are as an employer and how decisions get made when nobody’s in the room.
With the October 29 go-live for Massachusetts pay transparency, that story becomes visible. In this conversation, Kyle Pardo and Dan Baker map the terrain employers actually face on deadline day—what must change in your postings and internal moves, what “good-faith” looks like in the real world, and why “set-and-forget” quickly unravels once hiring pressure shows up.
Then we zoom out. Because transparency is both a superficial checkbox, and also a organizational mirror. Handle it well and you compress time in your hiring funnel, reduce second-guessing inside teams, and earn the trust that makes retention boring—in the best possible way. Handle it poorly and you invite the kind of quiet churn that never announces itself until it’s expensive.
This is a practical briefing—mechanics, messaging, and a short countdown plan—but it’s also an invitation to use a mandate to make your culture sharper, fairer, and easier to believe.
Links and Notes
We like to think the workplace is a place of routine—a clock in, clock out kind of world. But for many immigrants, and for the employers who hire them, work has become a legal maze. Today, we look at what it means to operate in the shadow of ICE, to lead in the face of changing rules, and to humanize the labor force behind the policy headlines.
Welcome to this special episode of Human Solutions: Simplifying HR for People who Love HR from AIM HR Solutions. I’m Pete Wright, and today, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood and under-discussed aspects of the American workplace: immigration. Our focus is on just policy, sure. But even more important: it's people. It’s fear. It’s the daily decisions business leaders have to make without a clear map. Joining us to help navigate this are two remarkable experts: Ana Cristina Chavez, Corporate Engagement Specialist at MIRA, and AIM's Senior Vice President Employer Services Terry Cook.
Links & Notes
AI is already showing up in HR, whether it’s writing job posts, drafting performance reviews, or powering employee chatbots. But when does it actually help, and when does it cross the line into risk? In this episode of Human Solutions, Pete Wright sits down with Kyle Pardo and Terry Cook to talk through the real-world ways AI is being used in HR today—and the very real challenges it brings with it.
Kyle shares where AI shines in everyday workflows—first drafts, checklists, and summarizing feedback—while Terry highlights the legal and ethical traps that can follow, from biased algorithms in recruiting to compliance errors that could land an employer in hot water. Together, they unpack why “human in the loop” isn’t just a catchphrase, but the key to making sure AI adds value without undermining trust.
The conversation also digs into guardrails every HR team should be thinking about: data security, identity verification, and building living AI policies that evolve with the technology. Whether you’re experimenting with new tools or worried about shadow AI use in your company, this episode offers a grounded look at how HR leaders can embrace the benefits while avoiding the pitfalls.
Links & Notes
This one’s a little different. You asked what’s keeping you up at night—and Pete, Sarah, and Terry actually answered.
From the deceptively simple (Can someone choose unpaid time off?) to the maddeningly vague (How do we roll out new policies when everything’s constantly changing?), Terry Cook brings the practical, and Sarah Piscatelli brings the legal. Together, they walk a clean line between “it depends” and “you’d better document that.”
Topics include:
In classic Human Solutions fashion, it’s fast, useful, and just human enough to make you feel like you’re not alone out there!
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:
Links & Notes
AIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277, online, or via email at 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.
When we talk about workplace culture, we often focus on perks—remote work, flexible schedules, and ping-pong tables in the breakroom. But underneath it all, there’s something far more consequential that speaks volumes about what an organization truly values: how openly it talks about pay.
Pay transparency has moved from taboo to table stakes. As new laws roll out for us in Mass... and in states beyond... and as employee expectations evolve, you might be feeling pressure to adapt policies, retrain managers, and communicate with clarity—all while maintaining fairness, trust, and compliance. It’s no longer about being reactive; it’s about being strategic.
To help us navigate this changing landscape, we’re welcoming back Kyle Pardo, friend of the show and Executive Director at AIM HR Solutions. With over two decades of experience supporting organizations through HR transformation—especially around compensation, compliance, and culture—Kyle is the person we turn to when we need to learn how to make these difficult conversations practical and she’s back with us today to unpack the realities of pay transparency, from practical implementation to culture change.
AIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277, online, or via email at 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.
There’s a particular moment—somewhere between noticing a scent that shouldn’t be there and sitting someone down to talk about it—that HR becomes more than just policy. It becomes anthropology.
This month on Human Solutions, Pete Wright sits down with Terry Cook and Tom Jones for a course in navigating the most uncomfortable corners of professional HR—body odor, domestic violence, and workplace impairment. But this isn’t just an etiquette tutorial for the brave and the nose-sensitive. This is about the human—and legal—implications of what happens when our personal lives collide with professional expectations.
How do you handle body odor without turning empathy into accusation? What does it mean when you suspect domestic violence, and the person across the desk trusts you enough to say, “Yes”? And where exactly is the line between suspicion and assumption when you think an employee might be impaired?
This is an episode about silence—what it costs to break it, and what it costs when we don’t. It’s about the limits of policy and the power of institutional empathy. And it’s about the people on the other end of the phone—the Terrys and Toms—who make it their job to sit with discomfort long enough to make something useful out of it.
Because sometimes, the most powerful tool in your HR arsenal after a good policy is the courage to say, “Let’s talk.”
Links & Notes
AIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277, online, or via email at 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.
Think about trust. Trust is the invisible currency of the workplace. It’s the unspoken agreement between employer and employee that we’ll act in good faith, that we’re all playing by the same rules. But what happens when that trust is tested?
Imagine this: An employee requests bereavement leave, but the employer isn’t sure if the request is genuine. Can they ask for an obituary as proof? Or picture this—an employee hands in a doctor’s note that just doesn’t seem right. Can an employer challenge it? And then there’s the secret recording: a conversation captured without consent, used as evidence in court. In Massachusetts, a two-party consent state, how does that even happen?
These are not hypothetical situations. These are real, messy, and sometimes uncomfortable questions that employers face every day. And today, we’re unpacking them.
Joining Pete Wright this week are Tom Jones and Terry Cook from AIM HR Solutions. They spend their days in the trenches of workplace policy, helping employers navigate the gray areas of HR with clarity and confidence.
In this episode, we’ll explore how businesses can balance compliance, fairness, and trust in the workplace. From bereavement policies to questionable doctor’s notes to the new realities of workplace surveillance, we’re diving into the tough questions—and the answers you need to know.
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.
Links & Notes
AIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277, online, or via email at 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.
In this episode of Human Solutions, Pete Wright sits down with two seasoned HR professionals—Lucille Ward from Package Steel Systems and Terry Cook from AIM HR Solutions—to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in human resources for the manufacturing industry.
As manufacturing faces a shortage of skilled workers, companies are struggling to find the right talent to fill positions like machinists, welders, electricians, and maintenance personnel. Lucille and Terry dive into the reasons behind this skills gap, including shifts in vocational education and societal pressures pushing students towards four-year degrees.
However, as college costs soar and the value of certain degrees comes into question, there may be a pendulum swing back towards vocational training. Lucille shares her company's innovative strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining employees, such as partnering with local organizations, offering on-the-job training, and investing in employee education.
The conversation also delves into the importance of workplace culture, particularly the differences between office and factory floor environments. Lucille candidly discusses the daily challenges of managing diverse teams, implementing HR systems, and keeping employees engaged and motivated.
Throughout the episode, Pete, Terry, and Lucille explore the evolving landscape of HR in manufacturing, offering insights, anecdotes, and practical advice for companies looking to attract and retain top talent in a competitive industry. Tune in to learn more about the creative solutions and strategies being employed by these HR leaders on the front lines of the manufacturing sector.
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Ready to unlock your team's full potential? AIM HR Solutions, rooted in the heart of Massachusetts, brings you tailored coaching and talent development services designed to elevate your business. With our personalized approach, you're not just investing in HR services – you're investing in the growth of yourself and your team. Discover the power of personalized coaching at AIM HR Solutions. Head to AIMHRSolutions.com to learn more and start your journey toward success today.
How much money do you make? If just hearing that question makes all the little hairs stand up on the back of your neck, you might be a Gen X HR manager.
This week on the show we’re talking all about Pay Equity and and the proposed legislation on Pay Transparency that might just have an impact on the way we talk about pay at work. Joining us are our own industry experts Kyle Pardo and Sarah Piscatelli to help you plan for the coming changes — and challenges — in recruitment and beyond.
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In a world where businesses face constant change, there's one partner ready to tackle any HR challenge with you. AIM HR Solutions. We're not just any HR firm; we're your personalized problem-solving team, dedicated to customizing solutions just for you. From talent management to compliance, training to onsite services, our approach is tailored to meet your unique needs. With AIM HR Solutions, you're backed by a powerhouse of professionals, ready for proactive planning and immediate challenge. Learn more at AIMHRSolutions.com.
Are you making use of all the development resources available to your organization? Based on the questions we get from our members, the answer is probably “no.” Today, we’re going to give you a new direction for workforce training just for our local Massachusetts member companies.
Rob Duncan is the Director of the Workforce Training Fund Programs at Commonwealth Corporation, and Jen Moff is Vice President of Learning and Development at AIM HR Solutions. They join Pete Wright this week to help us all understand how to take advantage of Massachusetts grants and how you can level up your corporate training initiatives as a result.
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HR professionals, safeguard your business from compliance risks! AIM HR Solutions offers crucial compliance audit services tailored to your needs. Led by expert consultants, our audits ensure full compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. We provide a roadmap for your business's future, with detailed reports pinpointing strengths and areas for improvement. Save time, money, and mitigate risk with our expertise. Constantly evolving laws and limited HR staff can leave you vulnerable to fines and lawsuits. Protect your business - schedule your audit now at AIMHRSolutions.com!
This week, Pete Wright digs into the complex and sometimes contradictory world of workplace wellness programs with guest Jen Moff, VP of Learning Development at AIM HR Solutions.
Pete and Jen examine a controversial study from an Oxford researcher who found that, with the exception of volunteer work, most workplace wellness initiatives provide little to no benefit for employees' wellbeing. The study suggests companies should instead focus on core practices like schedules, pay, and performance reviews.
Who are these programs really serving? How can companies authentically embody the values behind their wellness offerings? And is it possible to build an impactful program that employees will actually engage with?
The study, and this episode, challenges assumptions about the role and efficacy of workplace wellness programs. It also offers more questions than answers, but a frank discussion is key for any HR professional grappling with these complex issues themselves.
Links & Notes
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Step into HR success with AIM HR Solutions! As your trusted partner, we're here to empower you on your HR journey – whether your team is small, in transition, or simply seeking extra support. Introducing our dynamic contract HR services, designed to bring ease and efficiency to your operations. Imagine the peace of mind knowing you have a dedicated partner handling compliance, employee relations, and more. Let AIM HR Solutions be your guiding light toward HR success. Visit AIMHRSolutions.com for more information.
What do you know about coaching? If you’ve never taken part in a coaching relationship, you just might be carrying around some assumptions based more on myth than reality, and today, we’re going to help you see the light. It’s an often-misunderstood practice that can help high-potential employees mature in your organization and seasoned pros through big career transitions.
To help us better understand the real power of coaching, Pete Wright is sitting down with Jen Moff VP, Learning and Development at AIM HR Solutions, and Scott Loomer, Director of HR Services at AIM. So lace up — and let’s get in the game.
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Revolutionize your recruitment strategy with AIM HR Solutions! Headquartered in the heart of Massachusetts, our dynamic team offers cutting-edge recruiting services tailored to meet the needs of HR professionals anywhere. Say goodbye to the endless cycle of candidate searches – let our seasoned experts streamline the process for you. With a deep understanding of industry trends and a vast network, we're here to connect you with top-tier talent. Explore the possibilities of our recruitment services at AIMHRSolutions.com.
Ever wonder what the most common questions HR professionals grapple with are? In this episode Pete sits down with AIM HR Solutions team members, Tom Jones and Terry Cook, who bring their expertise to the forefront on pressing HR issues. The discussion is centered around the popular topics we often hear about on our helpline.
We navigate topics like understanding Massachusetts's PFMLA and its implications for employers, including how to handle leave requests and navigate adverse actions. Discover effective strategies for managing layoffs while exploring alternatives like the Work Share program. Plus, unravel the complexities of drug testing in the workplace, especially in the era of legalized marijuana.
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Ready to unlock your team's full potential? AIM HR Solutions, rooted in the heart of Massachusetts, brings you tailored coaching and talent development services designed to elevate your business. With our personalized approach, you're not just investing in HR services – you're investing in the growth of yourself and your team. Discover the power of personalized coaching at AIM HR Solutions. Head to AIMHRSolutions.com to learn more and start your journey toward success today.
In the rich tapestry of today's workforce, the threads of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are not just woven in; they're becoming the very fabric of organizational culture. It's a bold experiment that promises to reshape the corporate landscape, but what does it really take to dye these threads into the cloth of our companies?
Imagine a workplace where the mosaic of its people's backgrounds isn't just celebrated on special occasions but is the cornerstone of every policy, every team, every decision. We're venturing beyond the buzzwords and diving into the marrow of what DEI truly means for the heartbeat of a company.
In the wake of seismic shifts such as the latest Supreme Court decisions, we'll probe into the tectonic impacts on recruitment, internships, and mentorships—confront the myths and misconceptions that cloud the DEI landscape—as we bring the truth into sharp relief.
And who better to guide us on this exploration than Karen Wallace, Executive Vice President of Economic Inclusion at AIM? Karen stands at the vanguard of championing inclusive growth and understanding the economic imperatives of DEI and she sits down to share her perspectives with Pete Wright this week.
Links & Notes
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In a world where businesses face constant change, there's one partner ready to tackle any HR challenge with you. AIM HR Solutions. We're not just any HR firm; we're your personalized problem-solving team, dedicated to customizing solutions just for you. From talent management to compliance, training to onsite services, our approach is tailored to meet your unique needs. With AIM HR Solutions, you're backed by a powerhouse of professionals, ready for proactive planning and immediate challenge. Learn more at AIMHRSolutions.com.
What should HR professionals be thinking about from a compliance/best practice standpoint for 2024?
In the fast-paced world of HR, juggling today's challenges while anticipating tomorrow's trends is crucial.
This week, we cut through the noise, offering a blend of expert predictions and actionable insights. Kyle Pardo and Tom Jones join Pete Wright to tackle everything from the intricacies of current compliance issues, such as FLSA and leave laws, to the emerging trends of AI, skills-based hiring, and the transformative power of mindful leadership.
What should HR pros be thinking about for 2024? It's all about getting equipped with the foresight to navigate the complexities of the HR landscape. Stay informed, stay prepared, and shape the future of your HR practice with us.
Links & Notes
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HR professionals, safeguard your business from compliance risks! AIM HR Solutions offers crucial compliance audit services tailored to your needs. Led by expert consultants, our audits ensure full compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. We provide a roadmap for your business's future, with detailed reports pinpointing strengths and areas for improvement. Save time, money, and mitigate risk with our expertise. Constantly evolving laws and limited HR staff can leave you vulnerable to fines and lawsuits. Protect your business - schedule your audit now at AIMHRSolutions.com!
Turn on those podcast notifications beacuse Human Solutions is about ready to launch Season 5!
This week, we aim to explore the legal implications of AI in human resources. Our guest is employment lawyer Bryn Goodman, partner at Fox Rothschild, and she brings our focus to recent regulations and what HR teams need to know as our industries enter the AI era.
Pete and Bryn dive into the key laws and guidance around AI that HR teams need to follow. The EEOC, FTC, and other federal agencies released a joint statement putting companies on notice about their AI use. States like New York, California, and Illinois have also passed laws regulating the use of automated decision-making tools in hiring and employment.
Questions we answer in this episode:
Key Takeaways:
This episode provides a look at the emerging legal landscape for AI in HR. Pete and Bryn outline the compliance steps HR teams should take today to integrate AI ethically and minimize risks. Their discussion makes it clear that while AI tools offer opportunities, they require diligent governance within HR.
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Step into HR success with AIM HR Solutions! As your trusted partner, we're here to empower you on your HR journey – whether your team is small, in transition, or simply seeking extra support. Introducing our dynamic contract HR services, designed to bring ease and efficiency to your operations. Imagine the peace of mind knowing you have a dedicated partner handling compliance, employee relations, and more. Let AIM HR Solutions be your guiding light toward HR success. Visit AIMHRSolutions.com for more information.
One year ago, as we recorded this conversation, a chatbot named ChatGPT debuted and shook our technological assumptions. Developed by OpenAI, the artificial intelligence tool ignited debate on the future of work, creativity, and what it means to be human. But the story of AI stretches far beyond any single innovation.
As companies race to harness AI, what legal realities must they confront? How do these powerful tools reshape the employer-employee relationship? And in automating tasks once reserved for humans, what deeper human values are at stake?
Today, we explore this unfolding narrative, guided by employment lawyer Bryn Goodman, partner at Fox Rothschild, and our own Terry Cook. Together, they’re going to help us separate AI fact from fiction with insights gleaned from businesses on the frontlines of adoption. Make no mistake: there are human impacts—both promising and perilous—of entrusting technology with more of our working lives. However uncertain the path ahead, one thing is clear: the tools changing work are here. How leaders engage them now will shape the future. So let's rethink some assumptions assumptions, weigh risks, and see if we can move thoughtfully into the AI era.
Links & Notes
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Revolutionize your recruitment strategy with AIM HR Solutions! Headquartered in the heart of Massachusetts, our dynamic team offers cutting-edge recruiting services tailored to meet the needs of HR professionals anywhere. Say goodbye to the endless cycle of candidate searches – let our seasoned experts streamline the process for you. With a deep understanding of industry trends and a vast network, we're here to connect you with top-tier talent. Explore the possibilities of our recruitment services at AIMHRSolutions.com.