The biggest HR mistakes businesses don't realize they're making

In this episode, employment attorney Joel Greenwald explains why compliance works best when it reinforces culture instead of feeling like a penal code. For founders and operators, the message is simple: strong values, clear policies, trained managers, and fast escalation pathways reduce legal risk and help teams perform better. Joel shares practical systems leaders can put in place now, especially for remote teams and growing companies navigating more complex state and local rules.

Key Takeaways

• Write policies that reinforce the culture you actually want: Embed company values upfront and present policies as part of your culture, not arbitrary rules.
• Train managers to apply rules consistently and escalate early: Managers often lack the knowledge to enforce fairly or recognize when to escalate. Proper training prevents unfairness and catches complex issues like accommodations before they become problems.
• Use company values to evaluate behavior, not just performance numbers: Values serve as a code of conduct for assessing toxic behavior, especially high performers who undermine culture.
• Audit remote-work practices for state and local law exposure: With employees across multiple states, the law where employees sit, not headquarters, applies. Ensure policies account for varying jurisdictions to prevent compliance gaps.

Episode Highlights

02:36 The connection between legal risk, compliance, culture, values, and mission.

04:02 Company values are the foundation of culture and help address toxic high performers.

07:40 Remote work and the complexity of multi-state compliance.

09:45 Employee handbooks as the bridge between policy, compliance, and inclusive company culture.

12:48   How people should be thinking about how AI is changing the workforce

About the Guest

Joel Greenwald is a widely published author and distinguished employment attorney with over two decades of speaking experience to business and professional organizations internationally and across the US. As founder and managing partner of Greenwald Doherty LLP, he treats employment law as a strategic asset, focusing on proactive legal counsel, immersive management training, and innovative solutions that help employers prevent problems before they start. He holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been consistently recognized as a Super Lawyer.

More About Joel Greenwald

Connect with Joel on LinkedIn

Check out Greenwald Doherty

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