People Person

When is an Employee's Private Life HR's Problem?

August 11, 2026·32 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

On this episode of People Person, host and Morning Brew Inc.'s SVP Head of People Operations Kate Noel, speaks with Sarah O’Melia, VP of Talent at Cisive, and co-host of their podcast "Don't Get Played", about what elements of an employee’s personal life, actually affects the professional. From background checks during the hiring process to social media activity, we learn when HR has to step in, and when it’s better for them to step back.  00:00: Intro  02:25: HR business or Mind Your Business   05:50: Deciding what is personal information vs. a business risk  08:20: Informal background checks  15:00: Having written and unwritten guidelines and policies  17:00: Addressing “Open to Work” on an employee’s LinkedIn 21:00: Establishing trust in the workplace   This episode is presented by Equifax. For more information, go to equifax.com/hrbrew  Listen to the Cisive Podcast "Don't Get Played": https://www.cisive.com/dont-get-played-podcast For all upcoming HR Brew events: https://www.hr-brew.com/events  Subscribe to the HR Brew newsletter: https://www.hr-brew.com/subscribe Watch People Person on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@hr-brew Follow HR Brew: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hr_brew/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hrbrew/ Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to peopleperson@morningbrew.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices People Person is a candid and conversational show where People Professionals can feel seen and heard, and learn from fellow experts in their field. Host and SVP, Head of People Operations at Morning Brew Inc, Kate Noel, brings years of expertise and a healthy sense of humor to discussions about the latest developments and insights that can help others enhance their workplace and their careers.  Biweekly episodes will feature Kate speaking with entertaining and experienced professionals about everything from holidays to healthcare, and AI to onboarding, in compelling episodes available everywhere you get your favorite Morning Brew podcasts.

Podzilla Summary coming soon

Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

Listen to This Episode

Get summaries like this every morning.

Free AI-powered recaps of People Person and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.