RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_fac3fc48-02bd-485f-862e-9c8e43e2e14e -- Rendered At Thu, 28 May 2026 05:23:23 +0000 Beyond the Handbook https://redcircle.com/shows/beyond-the-handbook en-US All rights reserved. Christopher Scott Beyond the Handbook is a practical, fast-moving podcast for employers, HR professionals, risk managers, and anyone responsible for navigating the messy overlap between real-world workplace issues and the laws that govern them. Hosted by Chris Scott of Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP, each episode takes one HR or employment topic and breaks it down into what actually matters: what the law requires, what the handbook doesn’t tell you, and what you should be doing before Monday morning. From ADA accommodations to disciplinary policies, workers’ compensation intersections, FMLA surprises, and multi-state compliance challenges, Beyond the Handbook focuses on real strategies, not theory. Every episode includes a “Tool of the Week”—flowcharts, templates, scripts, or practical guides—to help you navigate the gray areas with confidence. Beyond the Handbook — where policy ends and the real work begins. fac3fc48-02bd-485f-862e-9c8e43e2e14e Beyond the Handbook is a practical, fast-moving podcast for employers, HR professionals, risk managers, and anyone responsible for navigating the messy overlap between real-world workplace issues and the laws that govern them.

Hosted by Chris Scott of Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP, each episode takes one HR or employment topic and breaks it down into what actually matters: what the law requires, what the handbook doesn’t tell you, and what you should be doing before Monday morning.

From ADA accommodations to disciplinary policies, workers’ compensation intersections, FMLA surprises, and multi-state compliance challenges, Beyond the Handbook focuses on real strategies, not theory.

Every episode includes a “Tool of the Week”—flowcharts, templates, scripts, or practical guides—to help you navigate the gray areas with confidence.

Beyond the Handbook — where policy ends and the real work begins.

]]> episodic no Christopher Scott chrisscott8@gmail.com no full How to Conduct a Workplace Investigation: The 5-Step Framework for Employers How to Conduct a Workplace Investigation: The 5-Step Framework for Employers Christopher Scott One wrong question cost an HR director her job. Workplace investigations are where good companies quietly create their biggest legal exposure. In Episode 5, Chris Scott walks employers through the 5-step framework for running investigations that are prompt, impartial, documented, and defensible without turning a complaint into a lawsuit. When to investigate, who should run it, the five interview questions that matter, credibility assessment, and the five mistakes that cost companies the most. For HR professionals, business owners, and in-house counsel.

]]> <p>One wrong question cost an HR director her job. Workplace investigations are where good companies quietly create their biggest legal exposure. In Episode 5, Chris Scott walks employers through the 5-step framework for running investigations that are prompt, impartial, documented, and defensible without turning a complaint into a lawsuit. When to investigate, who should run it, the five interview questions that matter, credibility assessment, and the five mistakes that cost companies the most. For HR professionals, business owners, and in-house counsel.</p> d3a9c80c-8b06-4a28-97eb-7e59aba93b2b https://redcircle.com/shows/fac3fc48-02bd-485f-862e-9c8e43e2e14e/episodes/fe3a0ab8-9916-4f14-b58f-7cabb19ade6f Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:17:16 +0000 1377 no full Episode 4: The Performance Improvement Plan Episode 4: The Performance Improvement Plan Christopher Scott Performance Improvement Plans: Are they genuine coaching tools or just countdown clocks? Chris Scott breaks down the framework for PIPs that work.

]]> <p>Performance Improvement Plans: Are they genuine coaching tools or just countdown clocks? Chris Scott breaks down the framework for PIPs that work.</p> 5b07617e-d5af-47e5-aa95-bfb2fd524d7c https://redcircle.com/shows/fac3fc48-02bd-485f-862e-9c8e43e2e14e/episodes/4d5669a8-0662-41e6-9878-486638e8c796 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:37:23 +0000 715 no full FMLA: No Magic Words, Two Ways to Lose and Supervisor Liability FMLA: No Magic Words, Two Ways to Lose and Supervisor Liability 3 1 Christopher Scott FMLA problems rarely start with a formal request—they start with an employee saying, “I need time off,” and someone missing the cue. In this episode, we break down the real-world risks of FMLA interference vs. retaliation, why there are no “magic words” required to trigger protections, and the plot twist many employers overlook: individual supervisors can sometimes be personally liable. Practical examples, clear takeaways, and a quick tease for next time: Performance Improvement Plans—how to use them as a tool, not a countdown clock.

Visit US at www.tthlaw.com

]]> <p>FMLA problems rarely start with a formal request—they start with an employee saying, “I need time off,” and someone missing the cue. In this episode, we break down the real-world risks of FMLA interference vs. retaliation, why there are no “magic words” required to trigger protections, and the plot twist many employers overlook: individual supervisors can sometimes be personally liable. Practical examples, clear takeaways, and a quick tease for next time: Performance Improvement Plans—how to use them as a tool, not a countdown clock.</p><p>Visit US at www.tthlaw.com</p> 25c55846-8ea9-4981-bcd8-c1e019e4b5d4 https://redcircle.com/shows/fac3fc48-02bd-485f-862e-9c8e43e2e14e/episodes/a069a6c4-a4b5-45dd-9130-26f00d136995 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:25:46 +0000 806 no full Episode 2: Employee Handbooks Episode 2: Employee Handbooks 2 Christopher Scott Every employer has a disciplinary policy; not everyone has one that actually helps. In this episode, we look at how discipline can protect you in litigation, when it should give you room to act fast, and how the beloved 90-day probationary period manages to confuse everyone equally. Plus, a one-page corrective action script and documentation tool to keep “verbal warnings” from disappearing into the void.

]]> <p>Every employer has a disciplinary policy; not everyone has one that actually helps. In this episode, we look at how discipline can protect you in litigation, when it should give you room to act fast, and how the beloved 90-day probationary period manages to confuse everyone equally. Plus, a one-page corrective action script and documentation tool to keep “verbal warnings” from disappearing into the void.</p> 91c9fc16-6cc4-46e5-ad3b-42ff04ec5882 https://redcircle.com/shows/fac3fc48-02bd-485f-862e-9c8e43e2e14e/episodes/9eb218dd-eb81-4822-8f19-53a232dc5f2e Wed, 03 Dec 2025 22:20:27 +0000 898 no full Episode 1: The Interactive Process Episode 1: The Interactive Process Christopher Scott The ADA says “interactive process,” but most handbooks stop at “good luck.” In this episode, we walk through the five steps HR actually needs, the traps employers fall into, and why an under-desk bike might save you from litigation. Includes a free flowchart to help you handle accommodation requests without losing your sanity.

]]> <p>The ADA says “interactive process,” but most handbooks stop at “good luck.” In this episode, we walk through the five steps HR actually needs, the traps employers fall into, and why an under-desk bike might save you from litigation. Includes a free flowchart to help you handle accommodation requests without losing your sanity.</p> 57faa61f-bdbb-48a3-8040-344c4b3042bd https://redcircle.com/shows/fac3fc48-02bd-485f-862e-9c8e43e2e14e/episodes/b97f75ed-2c75-40d7-bca7-043cef028adf Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:59:10 +0000 900 no