Episode 250: HR News: Politics, Mental Health, and the Future of HR with Justin Dorsey

by | Apr 30, 2026 | Episodes | 1 comment

In episode 250, Coffey talks with Justin Dorsey about recent HR-related new items including navigating politics, mental health, employees’ sometimes inflated compensation expectations, and the most in-demand HR skills. They discuss managing political conversations and ideological conflict in the workplace; balancing employee expression with productivity and respectful communication; how HR leaders can create psychologically safe but performance-focused cultures; generational differences in resilience, stress, and mental health expectations; the growing importance of employee assistance programs and mental health leave awareness; how poor sleep hygiene and digital overload impact employee productivity and wellbeing; handling difficult compensation conversations and unrealistic salary increase demands; avoiding emotional decision-making during employee relations conflicts; why culture fit should evolve into culture add during hiring decisions; the increasing demand for HR technology, people analytics, and change management expertise; how artificial intelligence is reshaping HR roles and workforce management; and the future convergence of HR leadership with operational leadership responsibilities. Media mentioned in this podcast:
The End of “No Politics at Work” and What Comes Next
Mental health leaves are rising. How can organizations reduce and better manage leaves? | Idaho Statesman
The 2026 Workplace Mental Health Annual Report | Spring Health
Employee demands a near 50% raise : r/managers
HR Career Outlook 2026: Is Your HR Career Future-Proof? – AIHR

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Justin Dorsey

About Justin Dorsey

Justin brings a background of psychology and sociology into the world of HR. He is currently a fractional HR consultant for the Texas HR Team where he provides strategic HR support for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. With extensive experience in a variety of industries, including retail, healthcare, distribution, and engineering, His expertise includes employee relations, talent acquisition, training, compensation, benefits, and employee engagement. He holds both a Senior Professional and Global Professional certification in Human Resources. Outside of work, Justin is a dedicated volunteer at his church and other community organizations including Junior Achievement and F3. He’s a past president of Fort Worth HR and was recognized by the Fort Worth Business Press in their Top 40 Under 40 program. More importantly, he’s a husband of 1 and father of 2. Don’t get him started talking about chickens or Texas Tech sports.

Contact Justin Dorsey

justin@texasHRteam.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-dorsey-sphr

 

1 Comment

  1. Deirdre Pattillo
    Deirdre Pattillo on May 12, 2026 at 11:27 am

    So much valuable information! Key gems I’m taking away today:
    – If you can live our values, you’re a cultural fit.
    – The future of the COO/CHRO and key skills: How to get along with people, how to understand people, and how to get the job done.
    Like Justin, I appreciate your efforts and generousity in elevating the HR conversation. Thank you Mike!

    Reply

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