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Whether you’re buried in paperwork or just looking for a break from the grind, we’ve got your back with HR Mixtape. Tune in each week to hear thought-provoking interviews with industry leaders, compliance tips, coffee chats with human resources trendsetters, and the latest HR-related news. It’s like nothing else out there: it’s the perfect mix of practical advice and stories that just hit different so that work doesn’t have to feel like...well...work!
HR Mixtape is a weekly human resources and business leadership podcast for HR professionals, people leaders, and executives navigating the real work of managing people. Episodes cover human resources strategy, HR compliance, workplace culture, leadership development, employee experience, payroll and HR technology, and the future of work.
Whether you work in HR, talent management, people operations, or business leadership, HR Mixtape offers practical insights, expert conversations, and real-world perspectives to help you lead with confidence in today’s evolving workplace.
Episodes
Tuesday Feb 10, 2026
Tuesday Feb 10, 2026
In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Laura Varn about the unique challenges and opportunities of building HR from the ground up in the manufacturing sector. Listeners will learn about the importance of establishing a strong culture, the role of HR in startups, and practical strategies for engaging hourly workers. Laura shares insights on how to create a people-first environment that fosters growth and compliance while addressing the specific needs of the manufacturing workforce.
Listener Takeaways
- Understand the critical role of HR in shaping company culture from the start.
- Learn how to effectively engage hourly workers in a manufacturing setting.
- Discover practical strategies for implementing benefits that resonate with employees.
- Explore the importance of leadership visibility and communication in HR initiatives.
- Gain insights into the value of stay interviews and pulse surveys for employee feedback.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to the episode
00:34 – The excitement of building HR from scratch
02:26 – Where to start when building HR
03:58 – The importance of HR in startups
04:58 – HR's role in manufacturing environments
06:06 – Culture as a strategic lever
07:04 – Leadership's role in shaping culture
09:15 – Creative benefits in manufacturing
10:54 – Approaching skills development in manufacturing
12:57 – Learning from past HR challenges
15:16 – The importance of marketing in HR
16:27 – Building cohesive teams across departments
18:01 – Creating a culture of feedback
20:33 – Implementing stay interviews for engagement
Guest(s): Laura Varn is the founder of Laura Varn and Associates, specializing in helping organizations build practical HR foundations that support growth, compliance, and a healthier culture.
HR in manufacturing, building HR, company culture, employee engagement, manufacturing workforce, benefits strategies, leadership in HR, skills development, feedback culture, HR startups