The HR Digest

09/11/2025

Having great employee benefits is a matter of pride for any organization, but what happens when employees are reluctant to use them? 🫩🤷

Taking time off is treated as taboo, but increasing PTO participation can be very crucial to improving the health of the organization.

09/09/2025

From AI-motivated cuts to the sweeping changes made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), there are many factors to blame for the mounting job losses that have come at the cost of many careers. The August job losses have workers alarmed for what’s to come as unemployment rises in 2025, but there’s a lot that HR teams can do to make the most out of a bad situation.

The US August jobs report suggests job cuts reached pandemic-level highs last month. It’s time for HR to step up and set things right with employees.

09/03/2025

Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon, has been pushing his employees to their limits to establish a business that operates “like the world’s largest startup.” From strict RTO policies that broker no discussion, to a flattening of the management layer at the organization, there are many changes that have been directed at re-establishing what the company is about.

The noteworthy Amazon culture reset has involved a considerable changes to help it operate “like the world’s largest startup.”

09/02/2025

The sudden dismissal of Laurent Freixe as Nestle’s chief executive has once again turned a spotlight on the uneasy terrain of workplace relationships and power. The HR Digest dissects this timely wake-up call that once again screams that unchecked power rarely ends well.

Beyond today’s headlines reading Nestlé CEO inappropriate relationship or Nestlé CEO dismissed over affair is a hint at an imbalance that goes beyond personal indiscretion.

09/01/2025

And the award for that one Employee with the World's Most Resurrected Granny goes to Kevin. 🏆

08/28/2025

A drop in the bucket for Uber Eats, but a life-changing payout and victory for thousands. Following investigations by the Seattle Office of Labor Standards, Uber Eats has agreed to a settlement of $15 million after it was allegedly in violation of two key ordinances in the region. This settlement is more than just a fine; it is a powerful reminder that prioritizing compliance and transparency is a cornerstone consideration for any organization keen on finding success long-term. It is a wake-up call for HR and legal teams everywhere to ensure their policies are always aligned with the rights of their employees.

Uber Eats is set to pay out a landmark settlement of $15M following allegations of worker rights violations.

08/28/2025

In her latest column, our resident HR advisor Jane Harper talks about the Gen Z stare that often unsettles most veteran interviewers. Drawing on the psychology behind the stare and how often it's misread, Jane explains why this neutral, blank stare is less about disinterest and more about authenticity in the workplace.

Does Gen Z stare simply mean disengagement, disdain or something else? Jane Harper draws on the psychology behind it in this Q&A With Jane.

08/27/2025

Is success measured solely by GDP or is there a case to be made for the happiness and well-being of the citizens that help the country thrive? For the third year in a row, New Zealand has topped Remote’s Global Life-Work Balance Index for offering its residents the best “life-work” balance. This is not just a statistic, it is a testament to a culture that values family, rest, and a life well-lived. The country’s consistent presence on top serves as a reminder that a better quality of life is possible when prioritizing people along with profit.

New Zealand’s work-life balance sets the standard, showcasing how it is still possible to prioritize employees in the modern world.

08/26/2025

When CARL, a Japanese stationery company, was honored with an Honorable Mention in the RedDot Award: Product Design 2025, few were surprised. This is, after all, the country where even the smallest tool is approached with imagination, precision, and an endless commitment to refinement. It is also no wonder that Japan holds more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the world. Even pizza has found its best expression in Osaka and Tokyo, where Japanese chefs have studied, practiced, and perfected their craft until their creations now rank as the best on the planet.

No one does it like the Japanese when it comes to continuous improvement in day-to-day life. And this philosophy is exactly what the modern workplace can adopt to transform in 2025 and beyond. The question is: How to create a culture of continuous learning that feels natural and deeply human?

How to create a culture of continuous learning that feels natural and deeply human? Why not take a leaf or two from the Japanese playbook?