The hottest Work Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

The value of grunge work

Wednesday Wisdom • 56 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Agile Methodology Tech Debt Work Culture Engineering Practices
  1. Tech debt happens when we make bad decisions in software development. It can pile up, making fixing problems a big task for teams.
  2. Doing hands-on work, or 'grunge work,' helps deepen understanding of the tech systems. It’s crucial for maintaining and improving technology.
  3. To tackle tech debt effectively, it should be part of official job expectations. This way, everyone contributes and helps keep things running smoothly.

TBM 330: (Un)common Sense Playbook

The Beautiful Mess • 1018 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Team Dynamics Work Culture Organizational Behavior
  1. Getting to know your team is really important. When managers understand their team members, it helps everyone work better together.
  2. Clear communication about goals and priorities helps keep the team focused. It’s better to do a few things really well than to try and do too much at once.
  3. Sometimes, the environment can hold back good management practices. Creating a supportive atmosphere makes it easier for common sense leadership to succeed.

RTO's Dead Cat Bounce

Make Work Better • 87 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Work Culture Management Employee engagement Technology Adoption
  1. Many companies that push for office returns are being seen as out of touch, as employees are leaving in response to strict policies.
  2. New AI tools are emerging to help manage work, making it easier for people to keep up with meetings without attending them all.
  3. Investing in employee training and culture is key for business success, and companies need to adapt to modern work-life demands to thrive.

Part 2: Our Collective Order-Keeping Fictions

Holly’s Newsletter • 1071 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
💼 Business Work Culture Management Corporate strategy Data Privacy Technology Trends
  1. Many companies hire foreign workers, and there is a concerning lack of effective management. This is often due to too many people being in roles that don’t have real value.
  2. It’s scary how much bad coding exists, especially from those who think they’re experts but actually know very little. This can lead to bigger problems in tech environments.
  3. Data security is often not as strong as companies claim, and relying on tools like AI without proper coding knowledge can make things worse for everyone.

TBM 321: "Reducing Complexity"

The Beautiful Mess • 1480 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Productivity Work Culture Organizational Behavior
  1. Product work is naturally complex because it involves many changing factors and teamwork among different groups. This complexity isn't bad; it's just part of making meaningful products.
  2. A company operates as a complex system influenced by habits, processes, and people. This can lead to mismanagement and stress when priorities clash and workloads become heavy.
  3. Leaders should not try to simplify the work itself but instead create an environment where teams can handle their complexity efficiently. Reducing friction and improving communication can help people do better work together.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Power

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 8 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💼 Business Work Culture Leadership Career development Politics Networking
  1. Being friendly with your boss is often more important than just working hard. It's good to build relationships at work instead of only focusing on your tasks.
  2. Life is about connections and asking for what you want. If you want a raise, it's okay to ask, but it helps if you're friendly first.
  3. Social media can be useful for staying in touch with people and celebrating their successes. A simple click of 'like' can show you care and can have a positive impact.

Why True Friendship is Built on Unconditional Kindness

The Profile • 277 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Entrepreneurship Corporate strategy Work Culture Economic Trends
  1. Kindness can make a big difference in someone's life. Small acts of kindness can create lasting memories and connections.
  2. People often remember those who showed them genuine kindness over time. It's those warm moments that stand out in our hearts.
  3. Choosing kindness in tough situations is rare but important. It can help people feel seen and supported when they need it the most.

Wanna career? Move to the center!

Wednesday Wisdom • 132 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
💼 Business Career Advice Corporate strategy Work Culture Employee Development Remote work
  1. To boost your career, it's often best to move to the 'center' of power in a company. The best projects and biggest opportunities usually happen there.
  2. Being on the 'periphery' can lead to a satisfying career, but you may miss out on important projects and promotions. It might feel tough to get noticed from the outside.
  3. While working at the center can bring many advantages, it's important to choose what matters most to you. Sometimes a good quality of life is worth more than climbing the corporate ladder.

2024: the year in review

The Engineering Manager • 12 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Tools Software Engineering Productivity Leadership Work Culture
  1. Efficiency is really important now. Companies need to do more with less and find ways to be productive without hiring more people.
  2. AI tools are becoming essential. Embracing technology like LLMs can boost productivity and help engineers work smarter.
  3. There’s a generational divide. Staying updated with technology is crucial, or you risk being left behind, both personally and for your company.

My work-life under threat by Amazon’s return-to-office mandate

Sheep Code • 67 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
💼 Business Work Culture Employee Relations Remote work Career development
  1. Amazon announced that employees must return to the office five days a week, ending the hybrid work model. This change caused a lot of stress and uncertainty for many workers who had enjoyed remote work.
  2. The move to return to office signals bigger trends in the industry, with other companies likely following Amazon's lead. Many believe this decision might push talented employees to look for jobs elsewhere, but Amazon might prioritize diligent workers over talent.
  3. For those still working remotely at Amazon, it's important to plan ahead. If you want to stay in your role but can’t relocate, it's wise to think about your next steps and prepare for potential changes in your job situation.

Resisting the Enshittification of Work

Make Work Better • 157 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Work Culture Productivity Leadership Trends
  1. Enshittification is when a service becomes worse over time due to profit-focused changes, just like users notice on platforms like Google and Amazon.
  2. Many workers are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed by constant notifications and meetings, leading to a lack of satisfaction at work.
  3. Leaders need to actively improve workplace culture to combat this decline and make work a source of meaning instead of stress.

AI, Spud Club and the future of work

Make Work Better • 98 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💼 Business Work Culture Technology Adoption AI Trends Employee engagement Future of work
  1. Many workers feel lost about how their companies plan to use AI technology. This gap is leading to uncertainty as AI becomes more integrated into workplaces.
  2. There's been a rise in innovative team-building activities like 'Spud Club,' showing that simple, affordable lunches can create strong team connections and improve workplace culture.
  3. The future of work will focus on the human element, emphasizing teamwork and personal connections, even as technology advances.

So you want to be a pirate, eh matey?

Jeff Giesea • 558 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
💼 Business Employment Work Culture Remote work Gig Economy Career development
  1. Job-stacking is when people hold multiple full-time remote jobs at the same time, mainly in tech fields. Some think it's unethical because it can trick employers.
  2. Supporters argue job-stacking is okay as long as people do their jobs well and there are no secret issues. They feel the current job market is unreliable, so they find new ways to cope.
  3. The job landscape is changing, and job-stacking could be a sign that we need new work models. While not for everyone, it might push us to think differently about employment.

What Is Being An Engineering Manager Like

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 119 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Teamwork Career development Work Culture
  1. An engineering manager's role is more about teamwork than just giving orders. It's important to work together and support each other.
  2. The manager's job is like being a driver on a road trip. They navigate and ensure everyone is comfortable and safe along the journey.
  3. Being an engineering manager doesn't mean being smarter than everyone else. It means having different responsibilities while being part of the team.

The Libertarian Coder

Rethinking Software • 249 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Collaboration Work Culture Autonomy
  1. Working independently can be very rewarding, especially in coding. Some people thrive when they have control over their own projects and can focus deeply.
  2. There are different styles of collaboration in coding. Some prefer to share work with many people, while others like to work alone. Both ways can be valid and effective, depending on the person's preference.
  3. When you feel stuck at work, it's often not just your fault. It shows there might not be enough teamwork or communication. Asking lots of questions can help everyone succeed together.

We don't feel ready for what comes next at work

Make Work Better • 141 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Work Culture AI Impact
  1. Many workers today feel unprepared and untrained for their jobs, especially with new tools like AI. There’s a noticeable dip in how well people collaborate at work.
  2. New hires often come in with fewer skills and less confidence. Things like eye contact and proper dressing seem to be common challenges for recent graduates.
  3. Training is really important. Companies need to focus on teaching employees how to use new technologies effectively so they can perform better and feel more engaged.

crying in the coworking space that is our lives

Both Are True • 195 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Personal narrative Social Commentary Emotional Wellness Work Culture Friendship
  1. It's normal to feel overwhelmed and sweaty during busy days, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. Everyone has those moments of stress and anxiety.
  2. Talking to friends about your feelings can lead to emotional moments, and that's okay. Connecting over shared struggles can help lighten the load.
  3. It's important to embrace vulnerability and share personal stories, even if people sometimes criticize them. Those moments of honesty are what create real connections.

Founder Mode: Elevating Individual Contributors

Rethinking Software • 249 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Work Culture Entrepreneurship Organizational Behavior
  1. Founder mode empowers individual contributors by reducing management interference. It allows them to work freely, focusing on their tasks without being micromanaged.
  2. Good founders support and trust their teams instead of controlling them. They believe in hiring smart people and letting them decide how to do their jobs.
  3. Too many managers can create a bloated, inefficient system. Founder mode prevents this by maintaining a lean structure where everyone can contribute effectively.

What I Gave Up To Become An Engineering Manager

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 62 HN points • 29 Aug 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Career development Work Culture Team Dynamics
  1. Moving from individual contributor to engineering manager means letting go of past habits. You need to make room for new responsibilities and ways of working.
  2. As a manager, you won't build things directly. Instead, you'll help your team create and support multiple projects, shifting focus from personal achievements to team successes.
  3. Managers face longer feedback loops and must learn to communicate tough issues early on. This shift encourages patience and improves team dynamics.

Safe vs ALL-IN Engineering Management

Leading Developers • 70 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Team Dynamics Work Culture Career development
  1. There are two main styles of engineering management: Safe and All-In. Safe managers stick to the rules and like a structured work environment while All-In managers push for change and challenge the status quo.
  2. All-In managers are seen as demanding and sometimes annoying by others, as they constantly seek improvement and advocate for their team's needs. They care deeply about their team's success and fight for resources.
  3. The big clash happens because Safe managers prefer a calm, methodical way of working, while All-In managers bring energy and chaos. Both styles can struggle to cooperate effectively.

Think like a Plumber, not a CEO | LSW#58

The Leading Sapiens Weekly • 40 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💼 Business Work Culture Productivity Leadership Creativity Mindset
  1. Knowledge work shouldn't just rely on inspiration or perfect conditions. Showing up consistently, like a plumber, leads to real progress.
  2. Instead of waiting for creativity to strike, focus on making a routine and setting clear goals. This structure helps reduce stress and improves productivity.
  3. It's important to value practice and effort over perfection. Producing more often can actually improve the quality of your work over time.

Risk Tolerance is Earned

Superfluid • 92 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Career development Startups Personal Finance Risk management Work Culture
  1. Risk tolerance grows by taking small risks over time. You don't have to make huge moves right away; start with little steps to build your confidence.
  2. Working in a challenging environment, like a startup, can push you beyond your comfort zone. This can help you find what really matters to you in your career.
  3. Stability is often a goal for many, especially for those with immigrant backgrounds. However, it's important to aim high and take calculated risks to discover new opportunities.

On Work.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 27 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Work Culture Remote work Future Trends Leadership Organizational Design
  1. Work is a big part of our lives. It gives us money, identity, and community, plus it helps us grow and find purpose.
  2. We're going to see big changes in how we work because of technology and shifting mindsets. Many people will start freelance jobs or want more flexibility in their work.
  3. It's important for both employees and companies to rethink what work means and how they can adapt. This includes updating skills, structures, and strategies to thrive in the future.

Why Do You Work?

David Spinks' Newsletter • 44 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
💼 Business Work Culture Career growth Entrepreneurship Mental health Personal Development
  1. Success can feel like a mountain made of layers, built from our experiences and beliefs about love and acceptance. Many people work hard because they feel they have to earn their worth.
  2. Realizing that you are already enough can be a powerful shift. It allows you to stop chasing external validation and allows a more authentic relationship with work.
  3. Working should bring you life and joy, not just security or status. It's important to focus on what truly fulfills you and aligns with your values.

Let down by our jobs we're ready to take control of our lives

Make Work Better • 54 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
💼 Business Work Culture Work-life balance Career development
  1. Workers really want flexibility in their jobs, especially young people and women. It's important for their work-life balance.
  2. There’s a lot of disappointment with jobs, and many workers feel overwhelmed by their workload. A toxic work environment is the main reason people would quit.
  3. While work used to be a place for friendships, most people feel it lacks social connection now. They hope it will improve in the future.

5 Ways To Say No, Elegantly and Effectively

Push to Prod • 19 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
💼 Business Work Culture Communication Productivity Leadership Career development
  1. It's important to set boundaries and learn to say no to extra work or distractions. This can help you stay focused on your own goals.
  2. Using clear and direct phrases when saying no can make it easier for others to understand your limits. This helps avoid long discussions about why you can't help.
  3. Saying no doesn’t make you a bad teammate. It's about prioritizing your tasks to be more effective and contributing to your own success.

Spotify Technology Career Steps

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 19 implied HN points • 25 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Career development Work Culture Human Resources Professional Growth Corporate Structure
  1. At Spotify, career growth is flexible and based on your interests. You can explore different roles and skills without being stuck on a strict path.
  2. Career steps at Spotify focus on teamwork and impact. Employees are encouraged to prioritize team success and think about how their work affects the business.
  3. Promotions at Spotify depend on consistently showing a higher level of impact and behavior. They aren't tied to a specific timeline, so discussions with managers are key.

The curse of conscientiousness

Optima & Outliers • 219 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
💼 Business Career development Work Culture Self-help Psychology Professional Growth
  1. Being very organized and responsible can sometimes be a hindrance, especially if it makes you stick to a job that isn't right for you. It's important to know when to quit and move on.
  2. Young people should be open to exploring different jobs instead of sticking to one path just because it's familiar. Trying new roles can lead to greater happiness and success.
  3. It's better to think of your career like a scientist experiments: test a job for a while and see if it fits you. If not, don't feel bad about quitting and finding something that works better.

Happy "Only Day I Can Get Any Fucking Work Done" Day to All Who Celebrate

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
😂 Humor Work Culture Thanksgiving Productivity
  1. Many people find they can get a lot more work done in a quiet office, especially after a holiday. This calm time can help avoid distractions like complaints and unnecessary conversations.
  2. Modern workplaces can be bogged down by excessive emails and team chat messages. It's important to keep communication focused and relevant to avoid overwhelming everyone.
  3. There's a need for better office etiquette regarding communication. Personal updates and excessive replies can disrupt productivity and should be minimized.

4 lessons I learned giving 2 million to small businesses

Kenny’s Sub • 259 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Small business Grants Funding Work Culture
  1. People often feel too scared to ask for what they want, but pushing through that fear can lead to success. It's important to be respectful when following up and seek solutions when faced with a 'no.'
  2. Making mistakes is a part of learning and won't ruin a business if there’s a solid financial backup. It's wise for businesses to have enough savings to cover expenses in tough times.
  3. Prioritizing getting actual customers is more important than focusing on future revenue hopes. It's better to earn money now than gamble on uncertain future profits.

Is the market really saturated?

Kenny’s Sub • 239 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Freelancing Economics Personal Development Work Culture
  1. Blaming external factors for challenges is just a way to avoid taking responsibility. It's important to focus on what you can control to improve your situation.
  2. The difference between blame and responsibility matters a lot. Instead of making excuses about the economy or competition, focus on the steps you can take to move forward.
  3. A positive mindset and determination can help you overcome tough circumstances. Hard work and grit can lead to success, even when the odds seem against you.

Office Armageddon

Diane Francis • 639 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
💼 Business Real Estate Urban planning Finance Work Culture Government Policy
  1. Many big city offices are empty now because a lot of people are working from home. This change is hurting banks and city budgets as tax revenues drop.
  2. Cities are losing population for the first time in decades, which is causing more vacant shops and offices. This could lead to financial trouble for local governments.
  3. Turning empty office buildings into homes could be a solution, but it’s complicated and expensive. Cities need to rethink their spaces and invest in community facilities to attract people back.

Bullshit jobs

Logos • 39 implied HN points • 09 May 24
💼 Business Work Culture Economic Theory Corporate Structure Employee Satisfaction
  1. Bullshit jobs are roles that seem pointless or don't add real value to society. People often feel their job is useless because they don't see how it benefits others or the economy.
  2. Many jobs that seem pointless actually exist because of unnecessary processes or rules. For example, lawyers might just deal with silly lawsuits instead of making real progress.
  3. Some jobs can be damaging because they make workers feel unproductive and trapped. It's important to find jobs that give a sense of purpose and real impact.

The Subtle Art of the Grind

Andriy’s Stack • 59 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Work Culture Personal Development
  1. Building something new is hard and often lonely, but it's worth it for those who want to make a difference and support their families.
  2. It's important to find joy in the process of working on startups instead of just focusing on success or money.
  3. Connecting with others and sharing experiences makes the journey in the startup world more enjoyable and meaningful.

Productivity theater is hard to kill

Public Universal Friend • 2 HN points • 03 Sep 24
💼 Business Productivity Management Work Culture Human Resources Corporate strategy
  1. Many workers spend a lot of time showing they're busy instead of focusing on real results. This 'productivity theater' makes work feel less meaningful.
  2. Using knowledge management systems can help improve teamwork, but they often lead to clutter and repetition instead. This makes it hard for teams to find useful information.
  3. It's important for companies to focus on the impact of work rather than just the effort put in. Trusting employees can lead to better performance and less stress.

F**k personal branding

inexactscience • 79 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Branding Social media Creativity Work Culture Mental health
  1. Personal branding is often about looking busy, not actually doing good work. It turns everything into a competition for attention rather than focusing on the work itself.
  2. Being authentic should not feel like branding. If you're just being yourself, that's not branding; it's living.
  3. Having a personal brand can be important for some people, but not everyone needs one. We should celebrate real work and not just the image people project online.

Bare Existence

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Political theory Social Critique Work Culture Power Dynamics
  1. People in low-status jobs often experience 'bare existence,' where their work feels repetitive and lacking in connection. This can lead to a dehumanizing feeling in the work environment.
  2. Power isn't just about money or social class; it shapes how people experience their lives and work, often pushing them into roles that feel empty or robotic.
  3. The struggle for status in society can be brutal, as people fear being reduced to a state of 'bare existence,' leading them to chase power and privilege, even in jobs that don't truly fulfill them.