The hottest Human Resources Substack posts right now

Compensation is a clear signal from an employer to an employee, offering insights into future viability with the company and helping individuals frame expectations and make decisions.
Organizational cultures often hide true intentions behind layers of confusing messaging, especially regarding compensation, which may not necessarily reflect individual performance but rather the company's desire for retention.
Understanding the true meaning behind raises can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their future within a company, recognizing signals of either retention or potential exit based on financial health and performance evaluations.

Interests often outweigh values in the corporate world, leading to a lack of loyalty towards employees.
Companies may claim to value employees, but continue laying off staff even when profitable, showcasing a lack of genuine care.
Value systems in corporations may be used to shape employee behavior rather than protect their experience, highlighting a shift towards instrumental use of values.

Everyone has some level of political awareness in the workplace, but it varies in understanding and application.
Reading involves understanding the external world and organization, while carrying focuses on ethical behavior versus manipulation.
Owls are wise in politics, balancing awareness, integrity, and interpersonal skills.

Being named a 'Top Employer' by the Top Employer Institute involves a process audit - it doesn't necessarily reflect on all aspects of being a great place to work.
The certification criteria for 'Top Employer' mainly focus on HR processes and branding, leaving out key factors like employee sentiment, safety, turnover, and retention.
The process of getting certified as a 'Top Employer' raises questions about transparency and whether the opinions and experiences of employees are truly being considered.

Reverse Imposter Syndrome is when you feel like a fraud, even if you're successful.
Wealth and entitlement can make mediocre individuals think they belong in elite spaces.
In times of crisis, companies need wartime leaders who can focus on the mission, not just talk.

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Company reorganizations are cyclical, going through phases of growth and downsizing.
Reorganizations are like operating on a living creature - complex and challenging.
Approaching reorganizations as an engineering problem does not consider the human element.

A recession impacts startups significantly, affecting growth, fundraising, and hiring - requiring adjustments in strategy and operations.
During a downturn, funding becomes scarce and expensive for startups, necessitating better metrics and more time for fundraising.
Hiring becomes easier for startups during a downturn as talent floods the market, enabling better negotiation on salary and equity demands.

A well-crafted follow-up message reinforces your interest in the job and company.
Following up helps you build a personal connection with the HR team and stand out.
Using proper grammar and avoiding pushy behavior in follow-ups is important for professionalism.