What really keeps good employees happy at work? Money? The right compensation might keep them on the payroll, but it won't actually make them happy. Flexibility? Sure, everyone wants that these days. But it's not the end-all. Happiness comes from…
Leadership & Strategy
A toxic culture isn't always obvious. In fact, it's usually the dark side of the workplace that leaders don't see, or worse, turn a blind eye to. But employees notice and feel it. According to data from SHRM, employees see…
Arguments are inevitable at work. The hope is they're all healthy arguments that spark creativity or higher productivity. Unfortunately, some arguments go sideways. Or backwards. Or back and forth ... much like an argument ping-pong. Avoid the Argument Ping-Pong Communicating…
You might call it constructive feedback when you have to correct an employee. But to the employee, it sounds like negative feedback. Despite your best intentions, that's usually the reality. Of course, you want to find a way to deliver…
Productivity for the sake of productivity can be toxic in a workplace. It creates divides between team members, fosters a competitive workplace culture and leads to employee burnout. If you’re unsure if your workplace promotes toxic productivity, continue to read…
Five years ago, we were told to go home. Work there. Leave the workplace we knew behind. As an HR pro, you're probably the one who had to send that edict in the shadow of what would become a pandemic…
From high-end fashion to dollar stores, merchandisers are masters at enticing people to respond, act, and ultimately spend. As a leader, you can put a few of retailers' promotional strategies to boost morale and engagement and inspire your people to…
In HR, effective communication has always been the key to navigating difficult conversations— especially when emotions run high. But somehow, many leaders across the lines of business sometimes turn to commonly used phrases that don’t help the situation. Those phrases…
In memory of Pope Francis, whose recent passing has touched hearts around the world, we look back on a story from the early days of his papacy. His leadership lessons hold just as true today as they did 10 years…
You pride yourself on having an open door policy. After all, employees know you’re receptive to their needs and can talk to you about anything. That's great, right? But what sounds like workplace nirvana can turn into a nightmare. If you’re…
In recent years, quiet quitting went viral, literally and figuratively. Mercifully, we might be hearing the term less. But make no mistake, the underbelly of that quiet rebellion is alive and strong. Gen Z might have brought the label to…
Most leaders rise to the top because they excel at their work. But the most successful leaders stay at the top – and set the bar for others – because they balance certain leadership traits that others struggle with. “Great…
Congratulations! You were an employee. Now you're the new boss. You can stop the celebration because this is where it gets complicated. It’s a challenge for most managers: What do you do when people who used to work with you…
Companies, HR pros and employees around the world can use International Women’s Day as a catalyst for workplace equity. The annual recognition day is March 8, but it can be celebrated the entire month. The holiday is focused on celebrating…
Leaders depend on team members as much as they depend on you. The productivity, innovation and personality of leaders can create a culture of trust in a team and drive success. And if employees feel like they're part of a workplace…
Elections and inaugurations may be over for now, but you likely still hear political discourse in the workplace. And it might not be pretty. Political conversations can make people uncomfortable. Worse, politics can actually have an impact on business. In…
