According to the American Psychological Association, toxic workplaces leave employees sick, scared, and looking for an exit. The stress caused by toxicity doesn’t stay at work; it seeps into employees’ personal lives, affecting their mental health, relationships, and even physical well-being. If you’re looking to lead or be a part of a healthy work environment, …
Mark Zuckerberg’s recent comments on Joe Rogan’s podcast that “a lot of the corporate world is pretty culturally neutered” and could benefit from more “masculine energy” sparked a conversation that feels straight out of a dystopian satire. This notion of injecting more masculinity into leadership isn’t just eyebrow-raising—it’s a glaring reminder of how skewed our …
Bias is a subtle but powerful force shaping how decisions are made, relationships are formed, and opportunities are distributed in the workplace. It often operates beneath the surface of our awareness, influencing actions in ways that can undermine fairness and inclusivity. Tackling bias doesn’t require sweeping overhauls or complicated systems—it starts with understanding what bias …
The reversal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in some organizations has evoked a range of emotions—frustration, relief, confusion, and everything in between. For many employees, it’s disheartening to see progress stall. Yet, for others, particularly those who felt sidelined during the rise of DEI initiatives, this shift may come as a source of …
Soft skills are often misunderstood. The term “soft” suggests they’re secondary or easier to acquire than technical, “hard” skills. But anyone who has navigated a complex team dynamic, mediated a conflict, or guided a group through change knows the opposite is often true: soft skills are among the hardest to develop. Their importance, however, cannot …
Conflict at work is inevitable. Whenever people with unique perspectives and differing experiences collaborate, tensions can arise. The goal isn’t to avoid conflict, it’s to navigate it effectively. Healthy conflict can lead to innovation, stronger relationships, and better decision-making. The key is creating a culture where disagreements are seen not as threats, but as opportunities …
Inclusion is the intentional effort to create and transform workplaces into spaces where everyone—regardless of their background, role, or perspective—feels like they have a place and a voice. A truly inclusive work environment encourages everyone to contribute meaningfully and supports a culture where everyone feels respected, where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to show …
Inclusive hiring practices eliminate biases and provide fair opportunities so that the best, most qualified person gets the job. But how can you effectively implement them? We’ll cover practical strategies such as writing inclusive job descriptions, using nontraditional sourcing methods, and implementing standardized interviews to help you build a workforce that’s reflective of your culture, …
Accountability is one of the most essential aspects of effective leadership, yet it’s often the hardest to get right. Holding yourself and others accountable can bring up discomfort, especially when it involves difficult conversations, power dynamics, or mistakes that reveal vulnerabilities. It’s even more challenging when accountability is mismanaged, leaving employees feeling targeted or unsupported. …
Every company claims to have values, but how often do those values truly guide actions and decisions? Consider this: a growing tech startup, once lauded for its collaborative culture, faced mounting employee turnover and a declining sense of unity. The culprit? A disconnect between its stated values and everyday practices. By intentionally recommitting to its …
Thanksgiving is this week in the United States. As we’ve been doing for the past few years, we’re approaching this holiday as our annual opportunity to rethink what, how, and why we choose to celebrate this holiday season. To read a collection of our thoughts on this holiday from the past few years, you can …
Commitment to employee well-being has transcended from a mere organizational benefit to a fundamental pillar of sustainable business success. Effectively communicating this commitment is paramount because it not only promotes trust and engagement but also enables a culture where employees feel valued and supported. Let’s dive into actionable strategies to articulate and embody your dedication …