Bugle #22: Use Radical Candor to Be a Great Boss

Friday is today! You probably already knew that. I’m sure you’ve also been patiently awaiting this week’s Bugle. Well here it is – the week’s best HR, leadership and policy management articles just for you! Have a wonderful weekend.

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Article of the Week: This week’s highlighted article (look for the below) is a bit of an oldie but it’s more than a goodie – it’s a greatie. Did I just invent a new word? Anyways, if you read anything this weekend, READ THIS ARTICLE!!!

Lessons from Terminations Gone Wacky

Happy Friday! You know what that means – the week’s best HR, leadership and policy management articles are here! Enjoy, have a great weekend, and for our American readers: Happy Independence Day. For those of you in the UK, sorry to throw that in your face. We still love you.

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Article of the Week: We chose this week’s highlight (look for the below) because it’s a fun read and Friday is a great day for fun reads. Plus, there are also some great lessons to be learned!

Change Company Culture With a Movement

Summertime, and the livin’s easy! Or so they say. What could be better than spending your first Friday of the summer with the week’s best HR, leadership and policy management articles? Don’t answer that, it’s supposed to be rhetorical. Have a great weekend!

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Article of the Week: We chose this week’s highlight (look for the below) so we could remind you to not forget about “loss” during change. Anytime a change happens, employees are losing what they’re used to. Helping them feel better about that loss will make change management easier for you!

Change is not just a business term; it affects employees on a personal level. It is essential to guide employees through transitions by acknowledging their feelings of loss. This approach enhances morale and fosters a sense of belonging, ultimately leading to a more adaptive organizational culture. For instance, when a company shifts to a new software, providing comprehensive training and support can alleviate the anxiety related to learning something new. Furthermore, open communication about the reasons for the change can help employees understand the bigger picture, making them more receptive to new systems and processes.

Show Employees You Care

In today’s competitive job market, showing employees that you care goes beyond offering just salary increases. It encompasses providing mental health resources, flexible work hours, and opportunities for professional development. For example, companies that implement wellness programs can significantly reduce stress levels among employees, fostering a healthier work environment. Furthermore, recognizing employee achievements, whether through awards or simple acknowledgments, can greatly enhance job satisfaction and loyalty.

Protect Your Company

Maintaining a strong company culture involves ensuring that all employees are aligned with the company’s values and goals. Identifying low performers is crucial; however, it should be done tactfully. Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions can help in this regard. For instance, a company might implement a 360-degree feedback system that encourages constructive criticism, which can motivate underperformers to improve. Creating a culture of accountability and support enables all employees to thrive, thus protecting the integrity of the company.

State Specific Protection

As state laws evolve, businesses must stay informed about regulations affecting company culture and employee rights. For example, Arizona’s mandatory paid sick leave law necessitates that employers adapt their policies accordingly to avoid penalties. Similarly, Delaware’s law addressing the gender pay gap compels organizations to reassess their pay structures and ensure equitable compensation. Being proactive in understanding these changes not only protects the company legally but also enhances employee trust and loyalty.

Become a Better You

Personal development is an integral part of company culture. Employees should be encouraged to pursue continuous learning and self-improvement. Offering workshops, mentorship programs, and resources can help individuals grow professionally and personally. For instance, a company could host weekly lunch-and-learn sessions where employees share insights on topics ranging from time management to technical skills, fostering a community of growth. This investment in employee development not only enhances individual capabilities but also strengthens the overall company culture.

In conclusion, transforming company culture is a multifaceted endeavor that requires commitment from leadership and buy-in from employees. By showing employees you care, protecting the company, adhering to state-specific regulations, and encouraging personal growth, you lay the groundwork for a thriving workplace. Remember, a positive company culture is essential in attracting and retaining talent, ultimately driving organizational success. Join the Blissbook movement and prioritize fostering a strong Company Culture.

Bugle #19: The Emotional Support Pig Edition

Friday is here! Time to wrap up all those things you were trying to finish up this week and then spend some time with The Bugle. We’ve gathered the week’s best HR, leadership and policy management articles for you to enjoy. Have a great weekend!

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Article of the Week: We chose this week’s highlight (look for the below) because, well, the headline is very clickable. That said, there is great advice throughout on how to handle the situation without getting in ADA trouble.

Bugle #18: Does Diversity Training Encourage Bias?

It’s Friday – toot toot! The bugle is here with the week’s best HR, leadership and policy management articles. Enjoy!

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Article of the Week: We chose this week’s highlight (look for the below) because it’s surprising at first glance, but then not so surprising once you read what makes the answer to the headline “yes”. Humans are weird.

Bugle #17: The Sexual Harassment Edition

Happy June! We’re back from our Memorial Day weekend vacation and we’ve compiled the best HR, leadership and policy management articles from the last 2 weeks – just for you!

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Articles of the Week: This week we’ve packaged together a few articles (look for the below) on sexual harassment. These articles will help you get your harassment policies in order and help you coach employees if (or when) the time comes. Enjoy!

Bugle #16: Is Your Employee Handbook Illegal?

Hi Friend, Happy Friday! It’s time for another installment of the week’s best HR and policy management resources – we hope you enjoy them! Have an incredible weekend… see you next time!

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Article of the Week: This week’s highlighted piece (look for the below) describes a few ways in which the NLRB deems your Employee Handbook to be illegal. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to update it and push it out to employees instantly? Hmm, I wonder how you could do that…

Bugle #15: How to Manage Millennials

Happy Doce de Mayo! We have a special newsletter this week. Sometimes a piece of content is so valuable it deserves undivided attention. Today, we’re sharing a video from Simon Sinek about technology, millennials, and the importance of practicing empathy. Enjoy!

Become a Better You

Simon Sinek discusses the millennial generation, how they aren’t prepared for real life, and why it’s important that we help them instead of denigrate them.

Watch now

Bugle #14: Discover Your Blind Spots

Happy Cinco de Mayo! May the 5th be with you! Did we do that right? No? It doesn’t matter – it’s time to read the week’s best HR, policy management, and self-improvement articles! We put ’em together just for you.

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Article of the Week: It’s self-improvement week here at Blissbook HQ. This week’s highlighted piece (look for the below) is about recognizing your blind spots. The key? Listening. Here’s to shutting our yappers!

Need Help Writing Your Employee Handbook?

If you don’t already have an employee handbook, writing one can be difficult. What policies do you include?  How serious should it be? Should you include cultural information? If so, what? How do you make it not boring? How do you distribute it?