Episode SummaryIn an era where HR is often reduced to compliance checklists and legal risk management, Kenneth brings a bold, refreshing reminder: people will always be human—and HR should never forget that. With nearly 30 years of experience across manufacturing, healthcare, and now global leadership at Symphonic Distribution, Kenneth has developed a philosophy that puts people before policy, without sacrificing strategy.In this episode of Built by People, he shares how a "hospice approach" to employee relations transformed his HR practice, why he proactively recruits from WARN Act layoff notices, and how asking the right personal questions builds trust—not liability. Kenneth also opens up about a mental health support program that helped retain a struggling employee and ultimately led to that person’s promotion. If you're in HR or people leadership, this episode will reframe how you think about empathy, accountability, and the true role of HR in today’s workplace.Key Timestamps[00:45] – Kenneth’s 30-year HR journey: from union floors to global strategy[02:53] – Supporting an employee through mental health struggles—without forcing them to choose between healing and work[04:20] – How the WARN Act became a creative talent pipeline[06:03] – Why HR must stop avoiding personal conversations with employees[07:23] – How dignity-first immigration support shaped Symphonic’s culture[08:25] – The AI era and why humanity must stay at the heart of HRTakeawaysUse empathy strategically—the “hospice approach” can transform employee relations and retentionDesign HR systems that treat people with dignity, from onboarding to exitLeverage WARN Act data to recruit laid-off workers and fill hard-to-staff rolesDon’t fear personal conversations—they’re key to understanding and supporting employeesCreate psychological safety around sensitive topics like immigration and mental healthStay human in the age of AI—technology can’t replace trust, respect, and compassionOur SponsorPrevi is an employer network that provides private pricing for employees. Joining the Previ network allows employees to save on necessities they already pay for, such as cell phone service and insurance. Previ saves the average employee $2,200/year. ⁠Join at no cost to the company.⁠

Ver todos los episodios