The hottest Workplace Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics
The Generalist 5063 implied HN points 30 Jan 25
  1. Start your day by choosing three important tasks to focus on. This helps keep your day organized and priorities clear.
  2. Try speaking your emails instead of writing them. It saves time and makes responding easier, especially for tricky messages.
  3. Use tools like Claude to help take notes while you read. It saves you time and keeps your information organized for later use.
Chartbook 386 implied HN points 08 Feb 25
  1. Office vacancies are at a record high, with about 20.4% of office space in major US cities empty. This shows a big change in how people work now.
  2. The idea of 'Peak McDonald's' suggests that the fast-food giant may have reached its highest point in growth and popularity. It's interesting to think about how even big brands can change over time.
  3. The story of Ferdinand Piëch and the case of Ireland may provide lessons on leadership and innovation in business. These narratives help us understand how organizations can evolve or face challenges.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 1057 implied HN points 22 Jan 25
  1. The show 'Severance' highlights the frustration many people feel about their jobs, especially the long hours spent in a dull office.
  2. In 'Severance', employees have a procedure that separates their work and personal memories, creating two different versions of themselves.
  3. The concept of 'severance' raises an interesting question: Would you want to forget your work life completely if you could?
Original Jurisdiction 479 implied HN points 09 Oct 24
  1. A recent study found that about 24% of lawyers faced bullying in just a year. That's a pretty high number for a profession where respect is key.
  2. Bullying affects certain groups more, like women and people of color. This shows some ongoing challenges in promoting equality in the legal field.
  3. Many lawyers don't report bullying because they fear backlash or think nothing will change. Employers need to take this seriously and create a safer workplace culture.
High Growth Engineer 866 implied HN points 19 Jan 25
  1. Don’t start writing your performance review from scratch. Create a separate document summarizing your work to help you organize your thoughts and provide a clear overview.
  2. Avoid assuming that everyone knows the details of your work. Write your review in a way that any reader, even a senior leader, can easily understand the impact of your contributions.
  3. Use specific numbers and clear statements to show your impact. Instead of vague phrases, quantify your achievements and relate them to team goals for better clarity.
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One Useful Thing 2199 implied HN points 24 Nov 24
  1. Most people struggle to use AI correctly because they treat it like a search engine. Instead, it works better when you give it detailed tasks and prompts.
  2. Getting to know AI takes time; spending about 10 hours using it can help you figure out what it can do for your work or daily tasks.
  3. Think of AI as a patient coworker who forgets everything after each chat. Be clear about what you want, ask for many variations, and have a conversation to get the best results.
FutureIQ 1 implied HN point 13 Jun 25
  1. Work tends to fill the time you give it, so if you set a shorter deadline, you'll likely finish faster. This is known as Parkinson's Law.
  2. Setting tight deadlines can actually improve quality instead of harming it. It helps you avoid distractions and keep your focus where it matters.
  3. Finding the right balance in deadlines is key. They should be tight enough to challenge you but not so tight that you feel overwhelmed.
One Useful Thing 1256 implied HN points 04 Nov 24
  1. AI technology is rapidly evolving and can already perform many tasks that humans do, like monitoring and analyzing work environments. Even today, AI can help identify issues that need attention.
  2. Using AI for management and analysis can make work easier, but there are risks too. If not handled well, AI could lead to constant monitoring rather than support for workers.
  3. The choices companies make about AI right now will greatly impact how we work in the future. It's important to ensure that AI helps people, rather than replacing their skills or judging them unfairly.
L'Atelier Galita 59 implied HN points 05 Oct 24
  1. A lot of people feel they lack control in their work lives. This shows that many want more mastery over what they do each day.
  2. Many people would choose to do different things if money wasn't a factor. It suggests that financial pressures limit personal freedom and choices.
  3. Developing your skills and expertise can actually lead to more autonomy. It's like turning your skills into a form of currency that gives you more freedom.
Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence 244 implied HN points 26 Dec 24
  1. The traditional CV might become outdated as AI changes how candidates are matched with jobs. Instead, more creative and personalized profiles may take their place.
  2. Imagine a future where jobs aren't the focus anymore. Instead, people might find new ways to create value and purpose without the traditional job structure.
  3. AI will allow people to build their own digital workforce. This could change productivity and how we think about work by using AI to assist in tasks.
Sex and the State 29 implied HN points 31 Jan 25
  1. Many feminist writings are often repetitive and less engaging. It's common to feel this way about similar genres, such as libertarian or academic writing.
  2. Examining your work through Attachment Theory can reveal deeper insights about your relationship to it. Personal reflection can help uncover self-deceiving thoughts.
  3. It's important to engage with other writers in your niche. This can improve your own work and provide new perspectives.
Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence 244 implied HN points 04 Dec 24
  1. In 2024, there were a lot of layoffs, mainly justified by technology and AI, which made the job market more competitive for workers.
  2. Freelancers became more common as many companies turned to them instead of hiring full-time staff, which made rates for their services drop.
  3. The debate about working from home shifted back to office work as companies started requiring employees to return to the office, which changed how people view remote work.
Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence 293 implied HN points 20 Nov 24
  1. Voice AI is changing how we work by making it easier to interact with technology using natural speech. This means less typing and more talking, similar to how we chat in real life.
  2. There are great uses for voice AI at work, like in training for customer service and leadership. It helps people practice important conversations in safe environments, leading to better performance.
  3. Implementing voice AI takes effort and thought. Companies need to find ways to use it effectively while also considering privacy and ethical issues. It’s about fitting the right tool to the right job.
The Beautiful Mess 608 implied HN points 26 Dec 24
  1. Having deep knowledge in one area can make people think their ideas will work everywhere. But different situations need different approaches.
  2. People with broad, but shallow knowledge might see patterns everywhere but miss the unique details that influence outcomes.
  3. It's good to mix deep and broad experiences. Reflecting on your past can help you understand where your beliefs come from and how they fit into different contexts.
Voohy Leadership Insights 79 implied HN points 11 Aug 24
  1. High performers tend to be positive and proactive. They actively look for challenges and always want to get better.
  2. Resilient people learn from tough experiences by reflecting on them. They see these moments as chances to grow.
  3. It's important to have a support system in place. High achievers feel they have good support from others, which helps them succeed.
Leading Developers 98 implied HN points 10 Dec 24
  1. Setting deadlines helps teams focus and improve productivity. When there’s a finish line, people are more likely to get things done quickly.
  2. Involve your team in setting deadlines to avoid frustration. If they help decide what's realistic, they'll feel more committed to meeting the goal.
  3. It's okay to be flexible with deadlines. Sometimes things change, and what's important is clear communication with the team about any adjustments.
My Home Office Hacks 5 implied HN points 10 Feb 25
  1. Using AI tools like ChatGPT for invoicing is useful and doesn't feel like cheating. It can save a lot of time and effort.
  2. You can create a personalized invoice template just by asking ChatGPT for specific details about your company and billing needs.
  3. If you have back pain, using adjustable workstations like Altwork can help you work comfortably, even while lying down.
AI Supremacy 845 implied HN points 10 Jan 24
  1. Generative AI has various impacts on human welfare, rights, and mental health that need careful consideration.
  2. The integration of generative AI into society and culture raises concerns about bias, discrimination, and misinformation.
  3. The rise of generative AI affects the labor market, potentially leading to job displacement and impacting the quality of professional skills and critical thinking.
Make Work Better 92 implied HN points 26 Nov 24
  1. Microsoft's Copilot AI has faced serious criticism recently, with many users finding it unreliable and disconnected from actual business needs. Less than 4% of IT leaders reported that it provided significant value, raising concerns about its effectiveness.
  2. There are issues with Copilot accidentally accessing and sharing sensitive company information. This has created trust problems, as employees worry about privacy and data security.
  3. Next year, companies are moving towards 'agentic AI', where AI not only assists but takes on tasks autonomously. This shift aims to improve efficiency, but it's crucial to ensure these systems remain secure and trustworthy.
The Beautiful Mess 595 implied HN points 18 Oct 24
  1. Being a glue person means your achievements are often overlooked, but your mistakes are very visible to others.
  2. You have to balance many expectations, which can be stressful and sometimes put you in difficult positions.
  3. It’s important to recognize your own successes, set boundaries, and take care of yourself to avoid burnout.
The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past 30 implied HN points 05 Jan 25
  1. Companies today need to handle both Fragmentation and Integration to succeed. They should adapt to different types of workers and resources while ensuring everything works together smoothly.
  2. Fragmentation comes from having diverse employee types and many ways to reach customers, making it important for companies to simplify how they manage these aspects.
  3. To compete effectively, companies should create seamless services and use data smartly to combine insights, while also offering some customization without overwhelming customers.
A B’Old Woman 479 implied HN points 10 Mar 24
  1. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is hiring a Principal DEI Advisor who will integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within its policies. This role aims to apply various Māori worldviews alongside DEI concepts.
  2. There are concerns that implementing DEI may restrict freedom of speech in the workplace. Some employees feel pressured to conform to specific beliefs and are hesitant to share differing opinions.
  3. The effectiveness of DEI initiatives at the Reserve Bank is questioned, with calls for solid evidence to prove their benefits. There are doubts about whether these programs truly improve workplace culture and productivity.
Make Work Better 103 implied HN points 14 Nov 24
  1. Most companies use their office space less than three days a week and are planning to reduce their office size in the near future. This change is a response to new work habits formed during the pandemic.
  2. Employees can be happy with hotdesks, but it's crucial to have a variety of workspaces available. A diverse range of settings helps them feel productive and satisfied.
  3. Some workers struggle more than others in hotdesk environments, indicating that not everyone adapts the same way. Companies should consider individual needs, like having good booking systems for personal spaces.
In My Tribe 364 implied HN points 02 Dec 24
  1. Teamwork relies on everyone doing their part. If some people don't contribute, it can hurt the whole team's chances of success.
  2. Hiring people who are responsible and committed can help encourage teamwork. When employees feel connected to their mission or colleagues, they're less likely to slack off.
  3. Measuring how well employees cooperate can improve teamwork. Giving clear examples of what good teamwork looks like can help everyone understand how to contribute.
Singal-Minded 1728 implied HN points 24 Jul 23
  1. Workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are facing challenges and skepticism.
  2. DEI interventions should be seen as psychological interventions and held to appropriate standards to ensure they do not cause harm.
  3. There is a lack of formal and rigorous evaluation of DEI programs, which hinders the ability to determine their effectiveness.
Paroxysms 798 implied HN points 19 Apr 23
  1. The term "elite" carries multiple and complex connotations, reflecting a historical evolution from positive to negative associations.
  2. New elites are often misunderstood and oversimplified, leading to challenges in addressing the broader issues they represent.
  3. The new elite class navigates complex dynamics of power, ethics, and cultural influence, reshaping corporate and institutional landscapes in response to societal demands.
Rethinking Software 149 implied HN points 10 Jan 25
  1. Shadow projects are personal work you do on your own time, outside of your usual tasks. They allow you to explore your interests and improve your skills without having to ask for permission.
  2. Working on shadow projects can help you fill gaps that your regular work might overlook. This makes your job more enjoyable while also providing value to your organization.
  3. There is some risk in doing shadow projects, as not all ideas will be accepted. However, they can lead to big opportunities and help you take control of your career.
peoplefirstengineering 12 implied HN points 15 Jan 25
  1. Engineering culture is really important. It can help teams work better together and overcome tough times in the industry.
  2. Improving team dynamics and culture is hard work, but it pays off. When people feel motivated and safe, they can contribute more effectively.
  3. Since there's no one-size-fits-all approach, leaders need to pay attention to what works for their specific teams and focus on building supportive environments.
State of the Future 39 implied HN points 12 Mar 25
  1. People might react strongly to job losses caused by AI. Some may feel despair and turn inward, while others might fight back and protest.
  2. History shows that when people feel powerless due to industrial changes, they often rebel. This could happen again with the rise of automation in the workforce.
  3. To move forward, we need to find new meaning and purpose in our lives that aren't tied to work. Embracing community and personal connections may be key to thriving in a future with less traditional employment.
The Ruffian 393 implied HN points 28 Feb 24
  1. Understanding the cultural and political worldview of staff compared to users is critical for companies, especially in today's politicized environment.
  2. AI companies need to consider and be transparent about their cultural politics to address the challenge of aligning AI values with those of society.
  3. The alignment problem for AI companies extends beyond just aligning values with humanity, and it involves understanding different clusters of values and varying cultural perspectives.
Consciousness ∞ The Doorway to Human Evolution 176 implied HN points 25 Jan 24
  1. Integrating consciousness in the business world can lead to personal growth and benefit society.
  2. Bringing mindfulness into the workplace can improve business outcomes.
  3. There is a growing intersection between consciousness and business, with more innovations expected in the future.
Anxiety Addiction & Ascension 138 implied HN points 05 Dec 23
  1. Annual compliance training can be tedious but necessary to adhere to workplace rules and ideologies
  2. New compliance modules focusing on topics like sexual harassment may have controversial or biased content
  3. Increased push for women and underrepresented groups in leadership roles in corporations may be linked to workplace dynamics and the evolving corporate agenda