The hottest Work Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

The Fight Begins

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. The person has chosen to take on a challenging project at work instead of accepting a severance package. They see it as a chance to learn and grow.
  2. Feedback from both their boss and a senior engineer highlighted areas for improvement, making them realize they need to change their approach to work and learning.
  3. They are making a conscious effort to balance work and life, treating this project like a marathon where pacing and focus will help them succeed.

There’s actually a good reason work is so family unfriendly

Sex and the State • 23 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Work Culture
  1. Work culture is not very friendly to families, which affects fertility rates. It often targets women as if they are the only ones responsible for family matters.
  2. Business strategies that claim to be 'family-friendly' are often not profitable, meaning companies may avoid them to keep costs down.
  3. Finding solutions for work-life balance really requires looking beyond just employer policies; it involves understanding broader economic trends and societal changes.

On Work.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 27 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Work Culture
  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.

Sunsetting Downshift

David Spinks' Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. The team decided to pause the Downshift project to prioritize personal alignment and well-being. It's important to take time for ourselves and reflect on what truly matters.
  2. Collaboration and genuine connection among teammates were key to creating a positive work environment. Real fun and honesty helped them grow both personally and professionally.
  3. The focus moving forward is on helping community builders and leaders find balance and mindfulness in their work. Supporting others in navigating their challenges is a priority.

Culture as a Driver of Success (or Failure)

peoplefirstengineering • 14 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Work Culture
  1. Workplace culture is complex and hard to define, but it affects how we feel and perform at work. Everyone experiences it differently based on their individual stories.
  2. Culture is built through the interactions of team members and can change over time. It’s not something that can be easily controlled or fixed with a simple solution.
  3. Everyone at work plays a role in shaping the culture. By being aware of our behaviors and choices, we can create a positive environment together.
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2024: the year in review

The Engineering Manager • 13 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🕹 Technology 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.

Power

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 10 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💼 Business Work Culture
  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.

Your Career Is Stuck Because You’re a Doer, Not an Owner

The Software Engineering Times • 4 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. Stop just doing tasks; think like an owner who cares about the bigger picture. Focus on how your work impacts the company, not just on finishing assignments.
  2. To grow in your career, take initiative and ask questions. Don't wait for someone to tell you what to do; look for problems and suggest solutions.
  3. People who want promotions are those who act like owners. They show leadership by thinking about outcomes and how to improve things, not just completing tasks.

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
  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.

#41: Surrendering control

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 59 implied HN points • 12 Aug 20
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. Sharing unfinished ideas can feel uncomfortable, but it helps improve them. Getting feedback from others is a valuable part of developing your thoughts.
  2. Leaders often hesitate to let go of control because of a fear of failure. Recognizing this fear is the first step to allowing innovation to thrive in an organization.
  3. Creating boundaries and instructions can help leaders let their team innovate without interference. Sometimes, all they need to do is step back and trust their team.

#48: How to design remote work

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 19 implied HN points • 30 Sep 20
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. Teams should have flexible roles that can change and adapt over time. This helps employees fit their work to their growing skills and the team's needs.
  2. Regularly evaluate each team's work through small, low-stake tests. This makes it easy for team members to show their abilities and helps build stronger connections.
  3. It's important to accept that some remote meetings might seem inefficient. They allow teams to grow together and can lead to better collaboration.

Living Evil: How North Americas Greatest Esports Brand Became A Nightmare

Richard Lewis • 1 HN point • 25 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Work Culture
  1. Evil Geniuses faced financial struggles under new ownership, leading to a decline in performance and brand reputation.
  2. The takeover by Peak6 brought in new management, leading to a shift in company culture and a focus on rebranding.
  3. Former and current employees reported negative experiences, citing a lack of care for staff well-being and a culture of intimidation.

TBM 277: Bring Back Fun

The Beautiful Mess • 3 HN points • 12 Mar 24
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. Working with interesting people in a fun environment can make solving challenging problems exciting and rewarding.
  2. Many people in product making industries find joy in solving fun problems with diverse and engaging teams.
  3. The current tech landscape is becoming more serious and competitive, with a focus on efficiency, but there is a strong desire to bring back fun, creativity, and collaboration in workplaces.

Recap: October 2024

Creative Destruction • 1 implied HN point • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. Technology should focus on making our lives more meaningful, not just convenient. By choosing better tech options, we can create a more joyful and fulfilling life.
  2. Business can be redefined to feel more human and less stressful. Embracing mindfulness and playfulness can help us find more meaning in our work.
  3. It's important to rethink our connections to the world around us. Finding balance in our lives can lead to deeper relationships and a more satisfying experience.

Teams are more than just a collection of the best talent

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. Teams should not be selected solely based on individual talent, but on their ability to work collectively.
  2. Research shows that emotional intelligence, equal speaking behavior within a team, and gender balance all contribute to higher team performance.
  3. For businesses to succeed, it is essential to value team collaboration over individual performance and to prioritize hiring practices that reward team players.

Little Tasks, Little Trust

Rethinking Software • 1 HN point • 11 Oct 20
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. Breaking work into small tasks can make workers feel like they have no creative control. When given bigger responsibilities, they feel trusted and more motivated to contribute ideas.
  2. Focusing too much on metrics and small tasks can take away from the bigger picture of a project. It can lead to a lack of respect for individual skills and creativity.
  3. Estimating small tasks accurately is tough. It's easy for simple tasks to become complicated, leading to time wastage and misunderstandings in the project.

Do What You Love.

Design is Love • 0 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. Being an entrepreneur is messy and unstructured. It's about exploring your interests and letting your creativity flow, even if it feels chaotic.
  2. There are no guaranteed outcomes in creation. You must start from inspiration and be open to changing your ideas as you go along.
  3. Doing what you love should also connect to helping others. Sharing your passion can bring joy to both you and those around you.

Bi-Weekly Notes

Rethinking Software • 0 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Work Culture
  1. Reaching consensus in teams can be difficult, often leading to tension. It's better to allow differing opinions and find a way to move forward, rather than forcing everyone to agree.
  2. Many workers are stuck using tools like Microsoft Teams, which can be frustrating for coders. It raises the question of whether companies are prioritizing cost savings over better options, like Slack or Discord.
  3. There's a concern about the 'Agile Industrial Complex' imposing rigid processes on developers. It's important to remember that agile methods should be flexible and designed based on the team's needs, not forced upon them.

DMV

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Work Culture
  1. People can show kindness and support in unexpected places, like the DMV. The interactions between the attendants and the customers can really brighten someone's day.
  2. Teamwork and communication are important in the workplace. It's vital to listen to everyone's ideas and find common ground for the best solutions.
  3. Sometimes, changing the name of something can lead to better agreement and collaboration. Being flexible in discussions can help achieve a desirable outcome.

Deadline and Redline

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Work Culture
  1. Friendship and support can really help during stressful times. When you lose something important like your laptop, it's great to have friends who can lend a hand.
  2. Working relationships matter, and they can help boost productivity. Sometimes informal chats during meetings can lead to faster approvals and better understanding.
  3. It's okay to have tough days, but focusing on the positives can shift your mindset. Embracing nature and good company after a weary week can really uplift your spirits.

Moonlighting in Indian IT 🌚🌝

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 0 implied HN points • 05 Sep 22
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. Moonlighting in Indian IT has become a hot topic, with many people questioning its ethics. Some believe it's unfair to have multiple jobs while others see it as a necessity.
  2. Wipro's chairman made headlines for calling moonlighting 'cheating', sparking strong reactions in the tech community. This shows how divided opinions are on this issue.
  3. The Indian IT sector is currently facing high attrition and a talent shortage, making it more complicated to discuss practices like moonlighting. People are looking for ways to secure their income during uncertain times.

RDEL #20: What type of work leads to the most burnout, and how can technology help?

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 0 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Work Culture
  1. Improving employee well-being is crucial for team performance. Factors like organizational culture, stability, job security, and knowledge transfer can significantly reduce burnout.
  2. Underrepresented groups, especially women, tend to experience higher levels of burnout. They often do more repetitive work that may not be recognized or aligned with their skills.
  3. To combat burnout, teams can focus on distributing non-promotable work evenly, streamlining code writing and review processes, and prioritizing a healthy culture which leads to improved productivity.

The Jelly of the Month Club

The Radar • 0 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. Recognize and reward employees with monetary gestures instead of empty symbols like donuts, t-shirts, or pizza parties.
  2. Employees deserve fair recognition and appreciation for their contributions to the company.
  3. By properly acknowledging employees' efforts and value, companies can increase job satisfaction, reduce turnover costs, and boost overall performance.

Does your company need the very best people?

Respectful Leadership • 0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. Don't always aim to hire the best of the best. Many companies do well with average workers who can still contribute positively.
  2. If money is your only selling point, you might have to pay a lot. Think about other benefits you can offer to attract candidates.
  3. People often care more about the company mission and the work environment than just salary. Show your commitment to helping them grow and respect the values they stand for.

Don't Fall for Cultural Compromise

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🎭️ Culture Work Culture
  1. It's important to communicate directly, even if it goes against someone's cultural norms. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps projects on track.
  2. Sticking to your values can lead to better outcomes in work and relationships. Directness and transparency are often more effective than sugarcoating things.
  3. Being a tech advisor means you need to model the behavior you want to see in a productive work culture. You can't promote direct communication if you're not practicing it yourself.

What "Ownership" Means at Work

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 27 May 25
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. Being an owner at work means taking responsibility and being proactive. It's not just about doing what you're told; it's about caring about the company's success.
  2. True ownership involves having a say in decisions. If you have no authority to influence outcomes, you're not really an owner, just someone helping out.
  3. Not being an owner can actually be beneficial. It allows you to focus on your strengths without getting into conflicts over business decisions, making it easier to do a good job.

The Quiet Power of Humble Leadership

Voohy Leadership Insights • 0 implied HN points • 31 Aug 24
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. Humble leaders are open about their mistakes and limitations. This honesty helps build trust with their team and encourages a culture of learning.
  2. They celebrate their team members' strengths and contributions, which boosts morale and fosters collaboration. Giving genuine praise is key to creating a positive atmosphere.
  3. Humble leaders listen to others and are willing to adapt based on feedback. This willingness to learn makes their teams more engaged and adaptable to change.

Personal Memoirs of a Silicon Valley Tech Whore: Part 3

Noematic Ruminations • 0 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Work Culture
  1. The author faced challenges dealing with inappropriate behavior and micromanagement in the workplace.
  2. Facing personal attacks and project sabotage can result in significant emotional distress and professional repercussions.
  3. Handling difficult situations with toxic colleagues and supervisors can ultimately lead to making tough decisions like leaving the job.

9 Steps To Hire The Right Designer

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
🪑 Design Work Culture
  1. It's important to hire based on shared values and character, not just skills. People can learn skills, but their attitude and fit with your team are crucial.
  2. Ask candidates about their life goals and mindset. Understanding what drives them helps ensure they align with your company's vision and culture.
  3. Communication is key in a design role. Look for designers who listen well and empathize with clients, as it leads to better designs and relationships.

I love working in tech, even on my hardest days.

CAUSL Effect • 0 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🕹 Technology Work Culture
  1. Working in tech can be tough, but it's important to appreciate the opportunity it provides. Many people struggle in different jobs, and it's good to remember the positives.
  2. Having a tough background can give perspective on work. Reflecting on family struggles can help find gratitude even on hard days.
  3. It's okay to feel stressed and overwhelmed at work. Loving what you do doesn't mean you can't have tough moments; it's all part of the experience.

Some initial thoughts

The Supermesh Blog • 0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 24
💼 Business Work Culture
  1. Collaboration in teams is becoming more complex and requires clear communication. As work structures change, it's important to be adaptable and aware of each other's roles.
  2. The traditional job descriptions and org charts are outdated, as they don't reflect the fluid nature of modern work roles. New tools are needed for better clarity and cross-functional collaboration.
  3. Belonging and consensus in teams are crucial for productivity. This can only happen through transparency and effective communication among team members.