Budget-Friendly Ways HR Can Celebrate Festivals Inclusively
Festivals bring people together—but when handled insensitively, they can also divide. In a multicultural, multifaith workplace, HR plays a key role in celebrating inclusively without breaking the bank. Here’s how to make it meaningful and mindful: 🎨 1. Celebrate Cultures, Not Just Calendars Instead of grand celebrations for only major festivals, consider rotating cultural spotlights […]
What HR Should Do When a Complaint Is Against a Senior Leader
When a complaint is filed against a senior leader, it puts HR in one of its most delicate positions. Power dynamics, politics, and fear of retaliation often make it difficult for employees to come forward, and even harder for HR to act objectively. But the stakes are high—not only for justice but for preserving trust […]
Are Your Diversity Initiatives Performative or Productive?
In today’s work culture, “diversity and inclusion” has become a popular phrase. But as HR professionals, the real question is—are our diversity initiatives truly productive, or are they just performative? Performative diversity looks good on paper: social media campaigns, stock photo diversity on career pages, and a polished DEI statement. But scratch the surface, and […]
Gratitude Fatigue: Are We Overdoing Recognition?
We all know recognition matters. Employees want to feel seen.But somewhere along the way, recognition became routine. “Employee of the Week.” “Great job, team!” “Keep it up!” — said over and over without depth or sincerity. Welcome to gratitude fatigue — when recognition starts to feel like noise. Over-recognition can backfire when: It’s not tied […]
The Danger of ‘Cultural Fit’: Why It’s Time to Hire for ‘Cultural Add’ Instead
“Cultural fit” has become one of the most overused — and misunderstood — terms in hiring. On the surface, it sounds harmless: we want someone who aligns with our values. But when misused, “fit” becomes a gatekeeper for sameness. It rewards those who look, speak, and think like the existing team — and sidelines those […]
“No, We’re Not a Start-Up Anymore — HR’s Role in Growing Up Company Culture”
There’s something magical about the start-up stage — the energy, the speed, the messy creativity. But what happens when the company grows? When the team triples, processes need structure, and founders can’t personally onboard every new hire? Many businesses try to hold onto their “start-up culture” like a badge of honor. But without evolving it, […]
“When Policy Fails Culture: What HR Should Do in the Gray Areas”
Policies are important. They provide clarity, consistency, and protection. But in every workplace, there are moments that don’t fit neatly into the policy binder. Moments where human emotions, power dynamics, or ethical dilemmas exist in the gray zone — not technically wrong, but definitely not right either. This is where HR earns its title as […]
“Why HR Should Care About the Break Room (And Other Overlooked Culture Touchpoints)”
Culture isn’t built in boardrooms. It’s built in the break room.In the hallways, during chai breaks, beside the printer, and in those in-between moments that never make it to a spreadsheet. These are the places where employees drop their guard, speak freely, and show you what the company really feels like — not what the […]
What Happens When HR Isn’t in the Room?
Every decision made in a company leaves a footprint — whether HR is there to witness it or not. From hiring calls and promotion choices to budget discussions and team restructuring, the absence of HR in key conversations is more than just a scheduling miss — it’s a cultural risk. When HR isn’t in the […]
Toxic Positivity in HR: When Encouragement Feels Like Pressure
You’ve probably heard these phrases — maybe even said them. But in the workplace, especially from HR, what starts as encouragement can quickly become toxic positivity. Toxic positivity is the insistence on optimism no matter how someone actually feels. It’s the pressure to smile through burnout. To “be grateful” while struggling. To bounce back instantly […]