This weekend I was featured in the New York Times article, “So Human Resources is Making You Miserable.” And NGL… I may have ruffled a few feathers. But let’s face it— the CPO/CHRO role is one of the hardest jobs out there, and there’s going to be plenty of bad days to go around.

BUT that doesn’t mean HR can’t have a brat girl summer. 

Rebecca Taylor (Chief Customer Officer and Co-Founder of SkillCycle) joins me to discuss the state of HR and chat about how we’re fighting to battle old perceptions of HR on the daily. What lessons are worth taking away from the NYT article? And is it possible that this mutual frustration will eventually pave the way for innovation?

Yes. ENTHUSIASTICALLY YES.

So let’s channel that frustration with HR into positive change— don’t miss out on this super special bonus episode! And don’t forget to read the New Times article here.

Follow Rebecca:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccataylor2/

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

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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!

What shapes who we are at work?

Join Hebba and her guests, Catalina Colman (COO and Co-Founder of Peak HR), and Morgan Williams (CEO and Co-Founder of Peak HR), as they dive into the factors that shape our work personalities.

From upbringing and education to work experience and more, they discuss the challenges and lessons they've learned along their storied HR career paths. How has the immigrant experience shaped Catalina’s journey? She reveals the true effect of assimilating into American culture from a young age and explains how it shaped her HR career.

Catalina and Morgan also discuss how their backgrounds shaped their views on fairness and how they managed to navigate corporate America despite feeling like outsiders to the system. How did empathy and understanding help them to ultimately succeed in their careers and find happiness?

Tune in now to find out.

00:00:20 - Factors Influencing Identity in Workplace

00:01:24 - Supporting Growing Businesses with Progressive HR

00:02:39 - Empathy and Understanding Key Leadership

00:04:13 - Kat's Immigrant Journey to Success

00:07:04 - Transition from Psychiatry to HR Success

00:10:03 - How Immigrant Parents Influenced Their Philosophy

00:11:56 - Push Towards Education: A Personal Journey

00:21:09 - Navigating Life as a First-Gen

00:22:28 - Challenges in Corporate America

00:27:37 - Navigating Pressure to Conform at Work

00:32:14 - Career Challenges in Uncertain Times

00:40:19 - Impact of Upbringing on HR Leadership

00:42:46 - Equity in HR Leadership Strategies

00:46:26 - Navigating Workplace Fairness as an Immigrant Child

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 Catalina:

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

Follow Morgan:

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

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

Do you wear sweatpants all day and night? Do you find yourself going days without leaving the house? Is binge-watching 7 hours of “Pride and Prejudice” the only thing that seems to give you life?

Good news— you may not be a full-on Depressed Barbie just yet! You might just be the average remote worker.

In this ep, Hebba chats with Austen Tully (the SVP Director of Integration and Culture at Guided by Good) about the struggles of creating strong connections and relationships at work in an increasingly more remote environment. What can we do to alleviate loneliness? Austen and Hebba share their best strategies for accommodating both in-person and remote interactions (without making things feel forced or super awkward).

They discuss the power of one-on-one conversations, the impact of leaders’ behavior on team dynamics, and the need for empathy and inclusivity in the workplace. Plus, how can you create a culture audit? Austen gives her best tips for creating a culture audit of your own and explains the significance of communication, connection, creativity, and recognition in creating a positive work environment.

It's no surprise that I think HR and people leaders have one of the hardest roles at any organization.

For me, it feels like sometimes we're not seen as true organizational partners. Or our role is so diminished and viewed as not important, yet everyone else in a business performs better because of the work that HR does. Coincidence? I think not!

So, how can we finally be seen as key drivers to company growth, instead of the employee who puts out fires and pushes paperwork?

My guest, Chris Haygood of Astute Edge, is here to shine a light on just how pivotal HR is when it comes to tackling big organizational challenges, not just the compliance stuff. We’re diving into how the view of HR is changing, its strategic importance, and some hands-on tactics to help HR pros cement their role as key business influencers.

Our chat also touches on the next decade of HR, including the role of AI and the need for HR leaders to be considered for CEO positions. It’s time for HR leaders to finally be seen as strategic partners, because the success of our teams depend on it!

00:01:03 - Chris Hagood’s Introduction and Credentials

00:03:20 - What is the Key to Maintaining Strong Relationships at Work?

00:05:19 - Why HR Leaders Struggle to Be Seen as True Partners

00:12:40 - Common Misconceptions Other Executives Have About HR

00:16:34 - How Does Organizational Structure Impact HR Influence?

00:22:38 - When Do You Need a Senior People Leader?

00:31:49 - The Legal Misconceptions Around HR Duties

00:38:12 - The Exciting Potential of HR in the Next 10 Years

00:45:15 - How Organizations Should Perceive and Integrate HR Leaders

00:53:19 - Advice For HR Leaders Struggling to be Seen as Strategic Partners

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 Chris:

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

X/Instagram: @chrisrhagood @astutedge

Newsletter: https://astutedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Company LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/astutedge/

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

We all know TJ Lavin hates quitters.

But real life isn’t “The Challenge.” And sometimes, quitting is the only option when you’re burnt-out, stressed out, unacknowledged, and at your wit’s end.

So what leads employees to quit? More importantly, what’s the one thing a company could do to cause someone to hand in their two weeks notice without pause?

This past season, I’ve asked each of my guests one simple question to find the root cause of employee dissatisfaction— “What would cause you to quit?”

And in this episode, we’re taking a look at the best answers my all-star roster of HR experts had to give. From being unacknowledged to feeling like you’re stuck at a dead-end job, you don’t want to miss out on these red-flag warning signs.

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 Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

Get ready for a trip down memory lane as we relive some of the hottest, juiciest, takes from the last season of guests!

Jessica Winder, author of "The Hidden Gem Within," kicks things off discussing the issue of lack of growth opportunities and how HR teams can address this concern. She emphasizes the importance of data and people analytics in understanding and addressing employee needs.

Next, Tori Lazar shares insights on the value of facing challenges head-on and the rewards that come with it.

Adam Ryan, CEO of Workweek, shares his insights on the relationship between CEOs and Chief People Officers (CPOs). He emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency in resolving tensions and ensuring HR stays connected to the pulse of the company.

Steven and Daniel Huerta, hosts of the Modern People Leader podcast, share their insights and lessons learned from over 200 conversations with people leaders. 

Finally, Erica Spitale closes the conversation, highlighting the role of HR in promoting growth and development within organizations. She challenges the traditional hierarchy and advocates for rebranding organizations as hubs for growth and development.

00:00:38 - Jessica Winder, one of the most honest voices in HR, highlighting why transparency for growth opportunities is so important

00:03:01 - Tori Lazar shares how to turn career stalemates and challenges into personal growth

00:06:57 - Adam Ryan breaks down the complicated relationship between CEOs and CPOs

00:09:55 - Stephen and Daniel Huerta discuss the unique challenges facing HR today, using insights from 200 HR leaders

00:12:22 - Erica Spitale joins me for one of my favorite segments—answering audience-submitted questions

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: 

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

Follow Tori: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-lazar/

Follow Adam: 

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

Follow Stephen:

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

Follow Daniel: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-huerta-mpl/

Follow Erica: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-j-spitale-psyd/

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

“If you dislike the company so much, then why don’t you just leave?”

At some point, we’ve all been given that advice from a friend or a loved one about a job we couldn’t stomach. Yet, chances are good, we probably kept it for several months after that advice was doled out.

So why don’t employees leave when they’ve overstayed their welcome? And when is it time for HR to give them a nudge in the right direction?

Q Hamirani, an executive coach and advisor talks with Hebba about what happens when employees refuse to leave. How can leaders approach workers from a place of empathy and understanding when it’s obvious their career is on the wrong trajectory? Are there risks to asking employees to quit? And what’s the best way to frame such a difficult conversation?

Hebba and Q also dissect the value of offering company opt-out packages before exploring the importance of candid communication, personal growth, and finding joy in your work. Learn why strong relationships with employees are the key to unlocking their full potential and how you can build more satisfying relationships today.

Reach every worker with Firstup’s intelligent communication platform. Firstup helps you connect with your employees, deliver personalized communication, and gain engagement insights to deliver an exceptional employee experience. Visit firstup.io to learn more

00:02:25 - Transitioning to Executive Coaching and Advising

00:07:22 - Improving Communication to Retain Employees

00:10:47 - Encouraging Employees to Leave Gracefully

00:15:58 - Dealing with Underperforming Employees Effectively

00:17:28 - Navigating Tough Conversations in Leadership

00:24:16 - The Risks of Encouraging Employees to Leave

00:29:13 - Incentivizing Employee Departures with Packages

00:36:50 - Encouraging Employee Growth and Retention

00:45:16 - Exploring HR and AI Intersection

Follow Q:

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

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

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!

If anyone preaches to you about the power of authenticity in the workplace, pay attention when it’s coming from an ex-Enron employee who has a few thoughts about how a little honesty can go a long way for a company. 

Needless to say Nicole Alvino knows a thing or two about the value of authentic leadership, thanks to her early Enron experience. As the current CEO and Founder of Firstup, she’s on a mission to revolutionize intelligent, personalized employee communication and to deliver a phenomenal employee experience.

She chats with Hebba about how personalization can make or break employee engagement rates and explains why individualized processes are the key to preventing burnout and producing more meaningful interactions.

Plus, how can you implement video and omnichannel communications to improve workplace culture? Learn how HR leaders can use technology and automation to scale personalized experiences and create a culture of connection and authenticity.

Reach every worker with Firstup’s intelligent communication platform. Firstup helps you connect with your employees, deliver personalized communication, and gain engagement insights to deliver an exceptional employee experience. Visit firstup.io to learn more.

00:00:06 - Balancing Personalization and Scale in Company Growth

00:03:35 - Career Lessons from Enron's Downfall

00:04:46 - Firstup: The Personalized Workplace Communication Tool for HR

00:08:49 - Bridging Consumer and Employee Experiences

00:11:50 - Personalized Experience's Impact on Employee Engagement

00:14:27 - Struggling HR Leaders Seek Personalization Solutions

00:18:53 - Deciding Right: The Key Step

00:23:12 - Getting C-Level Executives Onboard for Personalized Workplace Culture

00:25:10 - A Tool for Creating Authentic Workplace Connections

00:26:10 - How to Improve Work Emails

00:31:00 - Emerging Trends in Workplace Personalization

00:38:48 - Communication Solves Most Problems 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 Nicole:

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

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

With grandiose job descriptions, and rose-tinted portrayals of the workplace, is it really any wonder there are a lot of problems in recruiting boiling underneath the surface??

A lot of retention problems actually start in the recruiting process.. 

Is it that far of a stretch to understand why new hires are noping out of fresh jobs in the first six months?

Def not. 

In the quest to find the perfect hire, job descriptions and interview tactics often portray a false image of what the position actually entails. So why aren’t recruiters being more honest about the roles they’re hiring for? Hebba chats with Talent Acquisition Consultant and Content Creator Rhona Pierce about how the recruitment system is broken and what HR can do to fix it. How can recruiters be more honest about job descriptions and work culture in their hiring practices?

Hebba and Rhona debate if there’s a way to make employees understand the full scope of a job’s duties during the interview process before revealing some of the best practical strategies that can help retain, attract, and engage qualified talent. 

00:00:10 - Recruiting Misconceptions: Valuable Talent Acquisition

00:02:52 - Company Actions That Prompt Immediate Resignation

00:05:01 - Navigating the Gap Between Job Expectations and Reality

00:09:28 - Why People Quit

00:15:14 - Is Recruiting Broken?

00:19:26 - Truth in Interviews

00:23:47 - Asking Questions Before Accepting a Job

00:27:24 - Navigating the Current Job Market

00:36:51 - Transparent Recruiting: Setting Clear Expectations

00:39:35 - Aligning Job Expectations Through Communication

00:44:15 - Maximizing Preparation for Successful Hiring

Reach every worker with Firstup’s intelligent communication platform. Firstup helps you connect with your employees, deliver personalized communication, and gain engagement insights to deliver an exceptional employee experience. Visit firstup.io to learn more.

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 Rhona:

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4R6bJ4JZpqOlFdYelWwsBr?si=841dc4e5b2924a30

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

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

In HR, quitting is a part of the job. But no one talks about what happens when HR is ready to quit HR. 

RyanMae McAvoy, Senior Director of People Operations at Blackthorn.io, joins Hebba to unpack quitting from an HR-centric point of view. When is it time to call it quits? And what factors are the primary motivators behind discontentedness in HR? 

RyanMae and Hebba break down the emotional aspects of leaving a job, explain why community is pivotal in decision-making, and reveal the greatest challenges faced by HR professionals on a day-to-day basis. They also dive into the role of empathy, boundary-setting, and personal acknowledgment in creating a happier workplace. 

Why are so many HR professionals contemplating quitting? And why does it so often feel like HR is on an island of its own? Together, Hebba and RyanMae shed light on the often neglected aspect of HR professionals contemplating leaving the field.

Reach every worker with Firstup’s intelligent communication platform. Firstup helps you connect with your employees, deliver personalized communication, and gain engagement insights to deliver an exceptional employee experience. Visit firstup.io to learn more.

00:00:37 - Accidental HR Career Leads to Leadership

00:03:27 - Improving Employee Retention Through Acknowledgement

00:08:03 - AI vs. Human Touch in HR

00:09:27 - Reasons People Want to Quit

00:12:34 - Coping Through COVID

00:17:44 - Focusing on Mental Health in Workplace

00:21:51 - How to Prioritize Family Time

00:22:09 - Empathy in HR

00:27:40 - Why Setting Expectations is Key for Mental Health

00:31:49 - How to Handle Employee Resignations

00:36:37 - Understanding the Emotional Toll of HR

00:40:56 - Navigating Relationships When Leaving a Job

00:42:53 - Struggling with Authenticity in Workplace

00:48:12 - Balancing Humanity and Work Demands

00:52:17 - Advice for Dealing with Burnout

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 RyanMae: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rm80920/

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef