Over the past months, people with seemingly nothing in common bonded together in grassroots efforts across the country over an out-of-control pandemic that is perpetually “rounding the turn”. One thing’s for sure: This has united the masses in ways not seen since the civil-rights movement and there is no turning back. I am the head of HR for a very …
The Election Edition of the HR Circus
Anyone following me knew I would be back with a pre-election special edition of the HR Circus. We are only a couple of days away from election day, and for some you have already cast your vote. Literally and figuratively. So, what is at stake for the HR community? Let us start with the National Labor Relations Board, that organization …
Your Organization Is On A Political Rollercoaster, Hold on Tight
From the boardroom to the men’s room; from the chat features of Zoom and Skype to text, employees are engaging in a political jousting of sorts. Unbridled pandemics and ongoing global social injustice protests have changed the rules of political correctness in the workplace. As organizations are declaring their position on racial and social injustice, they have invited more sharing …
WELCOME BACK TO THE CIRCUS, HR – JULY 4TH EDITION
I ended 2019 (literally) with my new years’ eve post that Politics has now arrived for all of us in HR. And now it is time for an update. What a month so far! Two of the biggest Supreme Court decisions this century – adding LGBQ protection to Title 7 and DACCA relief, racism taking center stage, and John Bolton’s …
The S-Storm Trifecta of 2020 (for HR and Everyone Else)
So here we all are, this is really happening. A pandemic response of historic significance, social unrest like we haven’t seen since the 1960’s, and it’s less than six months until we have an election that promises to provide an explosive outcome – no matter who is found to be the victor. That’s one huge matzah ball. If it wasn’t …
March Madness Part 3: The “Dear Mark, You Are No Longer An HR Influencer” Episode
Each year I do a post on March Madness and bring you a kaleidoscope of issues and musings across the HR landscape. Of course, I mingle in politics and the college basketball tournament to lighten things up. This year my post is a little darker than usual, as we see the effects of “the Circus” in Washington D.C. rattle all …
Dear Staff, Just Because It’s Legal, Doesn’t Mean You Can Smoke It At Work – Sincerely, HR
I have known that distinct smell of marijuana ever since I was in middle school. The year was 1975, and I was spending the night at my very popular older brother’s house (known for his infamous parties). I happened upon that plate beneath to sofa that contained, among other things, a pack of funny little thin papers, little round seeds, …
Duck Season, Wabbit Season, Conference Season, and March Madness: Part 2
Yes, it is time for March Madness. Spring is definitely in the air. About this time last year, I departed from my political and assertive writing to do a mash-up of topics impacting the HR and Talent community. Well, It’s time for a “Part 2,” so hold on to your hats and college basketball draw sheets, here we go! First, …
The Politics of HR – Whose Side Are You On?
Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., HR’s largest membership organization’s CEO has been catching a lot of flack lately. In fact, a band of HR innovators and outliers have pushed the #fixitSHRM hashtag for a while in their displeasure with the CEO’s actions on behalf of the society. It’s even getting some press and blog play in the HR and talent space …
Can HR Truly bring Their True Selves to Work?
One of my favorite songs on The Who’s magnificent rock opus Quadrophenia is The Real Me. It asks the question “Can you see the real me?” over and over as the central character, Jimmy, asks his doctor and others for clarity about his issues. Well, HR has some new issues to contend with too. Can HR bring their true selves to …