This episode of I Hate It Here is getting spooky with a second edition of HR Horror Stories! 

Last year, we dove into tales that had us shaking our heads, and this year? 

Let’s just say my jaw’s still on the floor after these submissions. 

I’ll be reading these stories exactly as they were submitted, and trust me, they’re a reminder that nobody outside of HR quite understands the unique trauma we face. 

Tune in to hear about The Bad Employee, The Unhinged CEO, and yes, even a Rubber Duck and Plastic Dinosaur making their grand entrance.

00:02:09 - The Tale of the Bad Employee

00:05:33 - The Tale of the Interesting Meeting

00:08:30 - The Rubber Duck and Plastic Dinosaur

00:10:35 - The Tale of ‘Do Not Disturb’

00:11:55 - The Tale of Lack of Gratitude

00:12:51 - The Tale of the Group Text

00:16:10 - The Tale of the Unhinged CEO

00:19:02 - The Tale of Bad References

00:20:50 - The Tale of the Mediator

00:22:29 - The Tale of the Pervert

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out  https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

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 Got an HR horror story of your own? Submit it here!

What does it really take to make HR more human?  

Today, we’re exploring that question by diving into the concept of the zone of genius—that flow state where you’re most creative and impactful. 

Joining me is Demario, a powerhouse connector, community builder, and unofficial HR bestie. 

We talk about everything from leading with authenticity to why curiosity is the key to shaking up HR (yes, we need more people asking “why”!). 

Demario opens up about his journey in building inclusive spaces, fostering a genuine culture, and why the future of HR is all about connection. 

Whether it’s building strong relationships with your team, manager, or broader community, Demario shows us how human connection is at the core of it all. 

Now, Working Not Working is helping to keep that talent with NTRNL— the new platform that unlocks employee passions and ignites productivity. So you can see your people as they see themselves: as humans, not headcount. Visit seeyourpeople.com to learn more or book a demo.

00:04:14 - Something That HR Folks Should Rethink

00:06:23 - How Demario Became a Connector of People and What That Means

00:15:20 - How to Connect People From Different Backgrounds and Walks of Life

00:22:40 - Building an HR Community Without an HR Background

00:32:56 - Bridging the Gap Between Conceptual HR Ideas and Directly Practicing in the Field

00:41:55 - How Leading an HR Community for the First Time Influenced Demario’s Perspective

00:46:16 - Demario’s Culture First Community

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

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When was the last time you felt truly creative at work? If your answer is "uh… never," then this episode is for you!

Today, we’re shaking up everything you thought you knew about HR. 

We talk about how HR can move into the future by embracing creativity, joy, and collaboration. 

My guest, Justin Gignac, is the ultimate collaborator and brainstorming guru, and we dive deep into how we can stop recreating the same old things in HR and start thinking outside the box. 

We tackle why HR is often too self-conscious and fearful to take risks, and how bringing joy and bold ideas into the mix can transform how we connect with people and create better workplaces.

For more than a decade, the world’s most innovative brands and companies have trusted Working Not Working to help them discover and hire top-tier Creative talent. 

Now, Working Not Working is helping to keep that talent with NTRNL— the new platform that unlocks employee passions and ignites productivity. So you can see your people as they see themselves: as humans, not headcount. Visit seeyourpeople.com to learn more or book a demo.

00:02:19 - Something That HR Folks Should Rethink

00:05:48 - Justin’s Zone of Genius Explained: Brainstorming and Collaborating

00:08:27 - How Did Justin Discover His Zone of Genius?

00:12:43 - How to Create an Optimal Environment for Effective Collaboration

00:18:27 - Why People Are Afraid to be Themselves at Work

00:23:12 - Approaching Collaboration in Remote and Hybrid Settings

00:31:56 - Ensuring That Everybody’s Voice is Heard in a Collaboration

00:34:43 - Common Barriers That Happen During Brainstorming

00:37:49 - Determining Which Ideas to Pursue or Abandon

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Justin:

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In every generation, there’s a “chosen one”—but I’m not talking about Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Right now, we’ve got five generations working side by side: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. So yeah, managing this mix isn’t exactly a walk in the park. 

This week, Dave Garcia has returned to dive into the wild world of multi-generational workforces and bring some clarity to it all. 

We’re busting some myths, breaking down what each generation really wants (spoiler: it’s not all about avocado toast), and exploring how to lead a team that spans decades. 

Whether you’re trying to figure out how to get everyone on the same page or just curious about which generation started the job-hopping trend, this episode is packed with insights.

00:02:50 - How Many Companies Are Still Working With the Traditionalist Generation?

00:06:12 - Challenges With Managing a Multi-generational Workforce

00:10:30 - Using ChatGPT to Better Understand Generational Stereotypes

00:21:55 - Did Gen X Start the Trend of Job Hopping?

00:30:22 - Dave’s Take on Gen Z

00:38:03 - How to Create an Inclusive Culture Among Such Diverse Generations

00:45:30 - Benefits of a Multi-generational Workforce

00:50:26 - The Best Leadership Style for Managing a Multi-generational Workforce

00:55:20 - How to Future Proof Your Organization 

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Dave:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nycddg/

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Why are leaders so damn difficult to deal with sometimes? 

It all comes down to "The Shadow of a Leader"—the unseen influence leaders have on workplace culture, performance, and relationships. 

In this episode, Dave Garcia joins me to unpack this concept. 

We dive into how every word, action, and decision from leaders impacts teams, often more than they realize. 

We’ll discuss why communication is a leader’s most important tool, the nonverbal cues that leaders send, and how HR can help leaders recognize their blind spots. 

Plus, Dave shares his personal experience with confronting his own leadership shadow.

00:01:41 - The Key to Maintaining Strong Relationships at Work

00:04:50 - The Shadow of a Leader Concept, Explained

00:09:37 - How The Shadow of a Leader Impacts Culture and Performance at Orgs

00:20:30 - Common Positive/Negative Shadows That Leaders Cast

00:26:43 - Why is Information so Inaccessible at Some Orgs?

00:32:23 - Examples of Leadership Shadows That Strongly Influenced Teams

00:42:15 - How Leaders Can Be More Aware of the Shadows They Cast

00:46:07 - A Time Dave Had to Confront His Own Leadership Shadow

00:56:00 - How Orgs Can Encourage Leaders to be Mindful of Their Shadows

01:01:16 - Advice For Emerging Leaders and The Shadows They Cast

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out  https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Dave:

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People are at the core of everything we do at HR, but let’s face it people—can be DIFFICULT. 

Not because they have difficult personalities, but because no two people you meet are the same.

Eventually, the things that make us different can create problems if we’re not aware of how to exist across differences. A lot of the conflict at work can simply be between people who are just different.

That complexity is exactly what we're unpacking today with Jennifer Laurie.

In this episode, we're exploring how the things that make us all different can sometimes lead to workplace conflicts, and what HR can do to help everyone not just coexist but truly thrive together. 

We’re talking about fostering inclusive, equitable environments and how HR can bridge gaps and manage conflicts when personalities and perspectives clash.

From discussing how to maintain strong relationships at work to handling power imbalances and supporting marginalized employees, we've got a lot to cover. 

Jennifer shares her insights on why recognizing differences is crucial and offers practical advice for HR professionals navigating the evolving landscape of workplace diversity.

00:01:45 - The Key to Maintaining Strong Relationships at Work

00:04:08 - What Does Existing Across Differences Mean?

00:07:25 - Why Recognizing Differences is So Important Today

00:10:10 - How Does HR Help Employees Exist Across Their Differences?

00:12:50 - How to Learn Conflict Management, Even Without Resources

00:16:35 - How HR Can Address Power Imbalances Across Differences

00:20:00 - Supporting Employees Who Feel Marginalized

00:25:25 - Bridging the Gap Between Employees With Different Worldviews

00:29:42 - Common Obstacles With Building an Inclusive Environment

00:34:08 - Advice for HR Professionals New to Dealing With Diversity

00:37:42 - How Diversity is Evolving With the Addition of Global Employees

00:40:25 - What Initiatives Will Help HR With Diversity in the Coming Years?

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Jennifer:

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Growing up, I heard about how often my sister was the only woman in some rooms. She is an electrical engineer and her field was heavily dominated by men.  

The lack of diversity isn’t just a numbers issue—it affects how tech solves problems and perpetuates existing biases.

So on today’s episode, we're diving into a hot topic with Marissa McNeelands: tackling gender diversity in tech and its impact on building equitable systems. 

Marissa is on the frontline, championing the push to level the playing field in tech. We're exploring why having a diverse team isn’t just good ethics, it’s smart business, sparking innovation and creativity. 

Join us as we discuss the challenges, the victories, and why every step toward diversity is a step toward better technology.

00:03:45 - The Key to Maintaining Strong Relationships at Work

00:06:37 - The Origin Story Behind the Creation of Toast

00:11:24 - Transitioning From Project Management to Tech

00:14:37 - Common Challenges Women Face in the tech Industry

00:20:53 - Why Gender Diversity in Tech Creates a More Innovative Culture

00:24:03 - How to Motivate Companies to Prioritize Diversity 

00:31:20 - Trends Emerging Between AI and HR in the Next Few Years

00:35:25 - Advice for Women in Tech Who are Struggling to Integrate

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out  https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Marissa:

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Let’s be real, HR doesn’t exactly scream creativity to most people, right? 

But, are we selling it short by overlooking all of the hidden opportunities? 

Could HR actually be a secret powerhouse of creativity, ready to lead the charge in fostering a culture of innovation within organizations?

I’m here to tell you that is possible to carve out that creative space in your role as an HR leader, and Cassidy Edwards is here to break down the many ways HR can lead the charge in fostering a culture of creativity and innovation within your company.

Cassidy will also dig into how HR can work hand-in-hand with marketing to craft stories that resonate with employees, the role of curiosity in driving creative thinking, and tips for keeping team relationships vibrant and productive—you’ll also get her take on the coolest sneakers out there.

00:02:280 - Cassidy’s Current Favorite Pair of Sneakers

00:03:45 - The Key to Strong Work Relationships

00:04:48 - Defining Creativity in Work and Personal Life

00:06:34 - What Inspires Cassidy’s Creativity?

00:013:12 - Inspiring Creativity Through Photography Books

00:15:46 - Why Creativity Matters in HR Roles

00:19:11 - Creative Best Practices for Day-to-day Duties

00:25:33 - Fostering Creative Cultures to Keep Employees Satisfied

00:31:12 - Injecting Creativity into Employee Training

00:36:50 - How to Foster a Creative Environment in Your Team

00:41:47 - Cassidy’s Advice for Unlocking Creative Potential

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out  https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Cassidy:

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We hate so much about things he chose to be.

Let’s get into it once and for all: was Toby Flenderson the worst HR representative in the history of TV? Or was he just trying his best to preserve his mental health from the wild antics of Dunder Mifflin?

Hebba and special guest Kim Roher discuss some of television's best (and worst) portrayals of HR. Which fictional universes could have benefitted most from an HR rep (*cough* Silicon Valley *cough*)? And which real-life work sets were desperately in need of a decent CPO?  

Yeah, Joss Whedon we’re pointing a well-deserved finger at you. Maybe Buffy didn’t need to slay demons when the real monsters were the humans all along…

00:00:14 - Parenting and Pop Culture with Kim Rohr

00:07:04 - “The Office”- Uncanny HR Valley? 

00:18:32 - Michael Scott's Insensitivity in "The Office"

00:23:46 – Silicon Valley

00:37:15 - Exploring Buffy's Impact on HR

00:38:38 - Hollywood's Broken HR System Exposed

00:47:18 - Leadership in HR: Impactful Behind-the-Scenes Work

00:48:20 - Exploring Pop Culture in HR

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out  https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Kim:

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There’s nowhere safe you can go to avoid politics anymore. Social media? Forget about it. Family holidays? Highly unlikely. Work? Definitely not.

So when, if ever, is talking politics at work a problem? And how should HR professionals handle the upcoming elections? Hebba and Jessica Winder (Senior VP of People at CoLab Software) break down how to handle the upcoming election season— how much is too much when it comes to allowing employees to talk about politics? And is there such a thing as workplaces not allowing employees to talk about politics enough?

From the impact of political decisions on HR practices to creating a more respectful and inclusive culture, Jessica and Hebba also explore how to handle differing political opinions and the importance of aligning with company values.

And stay tuned because later, they’re dishing out some of the juiciest stories about social media political posting gone completely haywire… You won’t want to miss this insanity!

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out  https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Jessica:

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