The hottest Workplace culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Business Relationships

In My Tribe • 607 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Workplace culture Career development Professional relationships
  1. Your job should be seen like a relationship that you can move on from, not as a marriage. It’s okay to leave a job when you’ve learned what you can and want to grow elsewhere.
  2. Selling a business can feel like watching your child grow up and become independent. You may feel lost afterward, but it’s a chance to explore new passions.
  3. Consider what you enjoy outside of work. If your job isn’t your true passion, find ways to express those interests in your free time instead.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #29

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Organizational Design Innovation Workplace culture
  1. OpenAI has introduced a new AI called o3, which is really good at solving math and science problems. It even did better than its previous version in many tasks.
  2. Companies will start changing how they work by using AI more in their structure. This can help teams work better together and boost productivity in the workplace.
  3. AI is becoming an important part of how organizations will operate in the future. Successful companies will mix human skills with AI to improve their processes and create more value.

How to handle an IT escape room

Bad Software Advice • 82 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🕹 Technology IT Management Software Development Organizational Behavior Problem Solving Workplace culture
  1. Working in IT can feel like being in an escape room, where you face unexpected challenges and obstacles every day.
  2. There is often tension between teams, like developers and IT, due to their different goals and priorities.
  3. To solve problems, it's important to be creative and strategic, whether by asking for help or figuring out other ways to get the job done.

The victim trap of engineering managers

Leading Developers • 160 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Workplace culture Professional development Emotional Intelligence
  1. The Drama Triangle explains how people fall into three roles during conflicts: Victim, Villain, and Hero. Recognizing these roles can help people avoid feeling powerless.
  2. When faced with challenges, it's important to shift focus from blaming others to understanding their perspective. This can help resolve issues more effectively.
  3. Concentrating on desired outcomes instead of problems can lead to better solutions. A positive mindset can transform frustration into productive action.

Fox Sports Mess Yields Era of #SheToo?

House of Strauss • 27 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Media Harassment Lawsuit Gender Issues Workplace culture
  1. There are sexual harassment allegations happening at Fox Sports, which are causing a big stir. Many are curious about how this will affect the people involved, especially Joy Taylor.
  2. The situation highlights a larger issue in the workplace, showing that women often face challenges and harassment. This is sparking discussions about the need for change, similar to the #MeToo movement.
  3. It's important for companies to take these allegations seriously and create safer environments for everyone. The hope is that transparency and accountability will lead to improvements.
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6 reasons why the senior leadership doesn't take you seriously

Leading Developers • 130 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Career development Workplace culture Soft skills
  1. 1. Being careful with how you communicate is important. Saying things in a sensitive way, especially when delivering bad news, can make a big difference in how people perceive you.
  2. 2. It's crucial to present yourself confidently, regardless of age or experience. When you're sure of your abilities, others will trust you more and you will be taken more seriously.
  3. 3. Clearly explaining what you expect from your team helps them perform better. Being explicit in your communication can support them in achieving their goals without confusion.

Where New Engineering Managers Fail

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 179 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Human Resources Career development Workplace culture
  1. New engineering managers often struggle with accepting their new role. It's important to embrace this change or else it confuses the team and weakens your leadership.
  2. Many new managers make the mistake of telling their team too much instead of listening. Encouraging team members to share their ideas leads to better solutions and shows that you value their input.
  3. It's common to hold on to tasks instead of delegating them. Letting your team handle their own work not only helps them learn but also frees you up to focus on management responsibilities.

Worker Autonomy: A Natural Law of Labor

Rethinking Software • 199 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Labor Rights Workplace culture Management Practices Corporate Governance
  1. Workers should have the freedom to choose how they do their tasks. This independence is important for their dignity and should be respected by employers.
  2. The relationship between workers and management should be based on trust and mutual benefit, not fear. Workers are not property and should not be treated as such.
  3. Economic dependence makes it hard for workers to stand up for themselves. To create a better workplace, we need to help workers feel more secure and empowered.

The 3 top mistakes of managers under 30

Leading Developers • 103 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Career development Workplace culture Professional Growth
  1. Young managers often worry about their age and try too hard to prove themselves. It's better to ignore age and focus on maturity and confidence.
  2. Trying too hard to be liked can backfire. It's important to give honest feedback and set clear expectations without being overly apologetic.
  3. Making quick decisions can be risky. It's wise to consult team members, especially those with more experience, before deciding on important matters.

The Employee’s Dilemma

peoplefirstengineering • 7 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💼 Business Workplace culture Employee Relations Game Theory Organizational Behavior Human Resources
  1. When employees feel supported by their company, they're more motivated to do great work. But if the company doesn't keep its promises, employees might just do the bare minimum.
  2. This situation can lead to what's called the 'Employee's Dilemma,' where both the worker and the employer end up not trusting each other, creating a sad work environment.
  3. To break this cycle of unhappiness, companies need to build trust and show they care. If they do, it can improve the workplace for everyone.

Participatory Capitalism

Rethinking Software • 99 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Management Entrepreneurship Corporate Governance Workplace culture
  1. Many workers struggle to make ends meet while business owners and entrepreneurs often gain wealth and freedom. This gap shows that capitalism isn't working equally for everyone.
  2. Imagine creating small business environments within big companies where employees can act like owners. This could help employees gain wealth without facing the full risks of starting their own businesses.
  3. We should focus on supporting companies that empower their workers and create employee-owners. A better capitalism means more people directly benefiting from their work.

Staying Calm When You Want to Disappear

Leading Developers • 103 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Leadership Career Personal Development Workplace culture Stress management
  1. When faced with pressure, pause and take a deep breath. It helps calm your nerves before responding.
  2. Always evaluate the situation by asking yourself questions about what's happening and what you know versus what you don't.
  3. After assessing, respond clearly and confidently. It's important to communicate what you understand and seek help if needed.

The Parable of the Startup

Rethinking Software • 149 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Equity Management Workplace culture
  1. The founder promised each employee a share of ownership to create a feeling of equality. This made everyone feel included and valued in the startup.
  2. Everyone received the same amount of shares regardless of how long they had been there. This caused some confusion and frustration among long-term employees who expected more.
  3. In the end, the founder showed that he also valued his contribution by only taking one share like everyone else. This helped unite the team under a common goal and ownership spirit.

in-office work > remote work

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 07 Sep 24
💼 Business Workplace culture Remote work Career development Team Collaboration Productivity
  1. In-person work helps teams connect better and communicate more effectively. Many important interactions happen non-verbally, which can be lost in remote settings.
  2. Working in an office allows for quick collaboration and faster problem solving. Teams can discuss ideas and make decisions on the spot, speeding up project timelines.
  3. Remote work may suit experienced professionals or those prioritizing personal life. However, junior developers may benefit more from in-office environments to grow their careers.

Solving employee loneliness is the first step to better teams

Make Work Better • 114 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Workplace culture Employee engagement Leadership Organizational Behavior Remote work
  1. Employee loneliness is common at work, with many workers lacking real friends in their workplace. This loneliness can impact team dynamics and overall job satisfaction.
  2. Simply working in a team or attending the office more days doesn’t automatically reduce loneliness. Real connections need to be actively fostered during work hours.
  3. Companies can improve employee connection by allowing time for social interactions, like team lunches or casual meetings. These small initiatives can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness among coworkers.

RTO mandates tend to follow poor results

Make Work Better • 125 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Workplace culture Remote work Mental health
  1. Return-to-office rules often happen after companies see bad results. This suggests that there might be a link between poor performance and the push for employees to return to the office.
  2. Many people are facing burnout in their jobs, which can lead to serious thoughts about life. It's important to talk about mental health and the pressures of work.
  3. Companies are starting to pay more for jobs that require workers to be in the office, with some salaries increasing by around 20%. This shows a shift in how businesses value in-person work.

Not the best, not the worst

City Quitters • 519 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Achievement Workplace culture Social norms Mental health
  1. Our culture often pushes us to constantly achieve and compete, but this can lead to burnout and unhappiness. It's okay to not always strive to be the best.
  2. Instead of focusing on individual success and status, we should value relationships and collaboration. A shift towards caring for each other can be more fulfilling.
  3. Giving up the pressure of achievement can be freeing. Embracing who we are, with all our flaws and feelings, can lead to a more authentic and enjoyable life.

Quitting & Returning To Work (Guest Post by Tom Grundy)

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 89 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💼 Business Workplace culture Career development Mental health Entrepreneurship Work-life balance
  1. Sometimes, taking a break from work can help you recharge and find clarity. It allows you to step back and see what you really want in life.
  2. Returning to the same job after a break doesn't mean you're going backwards. It can give you a fresh perspective and a healthier relationship with work.
  3. Your mindset about work is powerful. Changing how you look at your job can lead to more happiness and satisfaction, even without changing your role.

Merit First, Diversity Second

Kartick’s Blog • 35 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Inclusion Meritocracy Bias Workplace culture
  1. Merit should come first when hiring or building teams. If you focus only on diversity without considering skills, you may end up with less qualified candidates.
  2. It's important to recognize and address our own biases. We should judge people based on their abilities rather than their background.
  3. While diversity and inclusion efforts can be positive, they can also go too far and lead to unfair quotas. It's better to promote a merit-based system instead of rigid percentages.

It takes 23 mins to recover after an interruption

Elevate • 616 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Productivity Mental health Workplace culture Time management Self-care
  1. It takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back on track after an interruption, impacting productivity significantly.
  2. Context switching involves more than just changing tasks; it's like asking your brain to switch languages, leading to cognitive drain.
  3. Strategies for managing context switching include understanding task importance, using tech tools wisely, and fostering a workspace culture that respects deep work.

What we publishing people can learn from that Cloudflare layoff TikTok brouhaha

How to Glow in the Dark • 359 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Publishing Media Workplace culture Social media Organizational Culture
  1. Lesson from Cloudflare layoff: There are useful lessons for everyone in handling layoffs and difficult conversations professionally.
  2. Lesson from Brittany's experience: Be prepared, question feedback that doesn't make sense, and stand up for yourself in professional settings.
  3. Lesson on organizational culture: Though industries may differ, there can be overlap in challenges like attracting talent and handling social media crises.

✅ The market for public relations talent levels off

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
💼 Business Public Relations Talent Management AI Integration Workplace culture
  1. The public relations job market is steady, with most salaries staying the same and only slight decreases for some roles. Both employers and employees feel cautiously positive about this stability.
  2. There is a growing need for AI skills in public relations jobs, so it's a good idea to learn about AI to stay competitive in the field.
  3. Employers are focusing more on personalized benefits and inclusive hiring practices to attract and retain talent, making work environments better for everyone.

Modern Leadership.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 56 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Human Resources Workplace culture Career development
  1. Anyone can be a leader; it's about how you act, not just your job title. Being a boss isn't the only way to show leadership.
  2. Good leaders focus on their influence and connections rather than just controlling everything. They see the big picture and adapt to change.
  3. For leaders to grow, they need to be open to learning and transforming themselves. This process needs support and new ways to encourage growth.

It's Companies' Fault we don't want to Return to the Office

startupdreams • 1165 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
💼 Business Workplace culture Remote work Corporate Responsibility
  1. Open office floor plans were introduced to reduce costs but can be detrimental to employees' performance.
  2. Working from home brought autonomy and productivity to many employees, making them reluctant to return to the office.
  3. Companies that force employees back to the office may face consequences like decreased productivity and losing top talent.

Creating a Laboratory for Work 🧪

Game of One • 216 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💼 Business Career development Workplace culture Entrepreneurship Education Innovation
  1. Reframe work as a series of experiments rather than a predetermined job trajectory
  2. There are three common narratives of success: early commitment, late bloomer, and mastery through uncertainty and career changes
  3. Experimentation with work is crucial, but modern work structures often make it difficult to explore new opportunities

Weekly Notes

Rethinking Software • 49 implied HN points • 30 Sep 24
💼 Business Workplace culture Management Practices Innovation Software Development
  1. Building successful work teams is like creating a strong community, and it takes good advice to do it well.
  2. Too many rules in software development can stifle creativity and innovation. Developers should choose their own processes to thrive.
  3. Workers are often seen as tools to achieve executives' dreams, so we need more self-managed and cooperative workplaces.

Vitamin C for Engineering Teams: Building Resiliency through Compassion

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 39 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
💼 Business Leadership Teamwork Communication Emotional Intelligence Workplace culture
  1. Compassion helps build strong and resilient teams, especially during tough times. Just like Vitamin C boosts our health, compassion boosts team spirit.
  2. Good communication is crucial for leaders. By talking openly and listening to team members, leaders can create a safe space where everyone feels valued.
  3. Giving teams time and freedom to recharge can make a big difference. Leaders should encourage breaks or fun activities to help everyone cope with stress better.

The Brilliant Jerk vs. Team Performance - Problem #3

Fish Food for Thought • 11 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Team Dynamics Workplace culture Leadership Employee engagement
  1. Brilliant jerks might deliver great results, but their bad behavior can really hurt team morale and performance. Focusing on team success is way more important than tolerating toxic individuals.
  2. Toxic employees can create a fearful environment where others don’t share ideas or take risks. This stifles creativity and can lead to poor overall performance.
  3. Companies need to set clear behavior expectations and not let talented individuals hurt team dynamics. Prioritizing collaboration and respect helps everyone do their best work.

How To Fix DEI

The Ruffian • 233 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
💼 Business Diversity Inclusion Workplace culture Social justice
  1. Define Your Goals clearly for your DEI program to ensure it meets tangible needs and is not just a checkbox exercise.
  2. Focus on Actions Over Symbols in your DEI efforts by making substantial changes like Saatchi and Saatchi's talent pool expansion initiative.
  3. Simplify Ruthlessly and favor Universal Solutions to avoid getting lost in complexity and ensure the maximum impact while cutting across identity boundaries.

Re-release: ‘Scrum is an awful project management methodology’

Ageling on Agile • 139 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💼 Business Management Product Development Team Collaboration Workplace culture Process Improvement
  1. Consider re-evaluating your project management methodology if it is causing stress and hindering productivity. It is important to adapt and make radical changes when necessary.
  2. Embrace an iterative approach in your product delivery process, especially in unpredictable environments. Small steps, clear goals, and team collaboration can lead to valuable results.
  3. Empower your team by giving them ownership of the backlog, focusing on iteration goals, and encouraging discussions and improvements during demos and retrospectives. Allow flexibility and adaptability in your work processes.

The Daily Scrum

Rethinking Software • 29 HN points • 25 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Project management Agile methodologies Team Dynamics Workplace culture
  1. Daily Scrum meetings can feel like micromanagement and add stress to developers. It often makes people feel pressured to justify their productivity.
  2. Development work is not always linear, and sometimes progress takes time. It’s okay if some days don’t yield immediate results.
  3. Scrum's requirement for daily check-ins suggests a lack of trust in developers. It would be better if teams could choose when and how to meet, respecting their autonomy.

How To Swear At Your Coworkers

The Ruffian • 288 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Crisis Management Workplace culture Decision-making
  1. The use of swearing in the workplace can indicate a lack of self-discipline and quality of thought.
  2. Swearing, when used strategically and thoughtfully, can be a powerful tool for impactful communication.
  3. Maintaining a balance between reasonableness and assertiveness is crucial, knowing when to speak up even if it requires using strong language.