Employees are valuing career development more than ever—it’s a sign that the company is willing to invest in their future. How are businesses approaching training today? What are their pain points, and what topics are being addressed in training?
Culture isn’t a document or a mission statement at an organization—it’s how people behave when no one’s watching. Because it’s built over time, reshaping culture can feel like turning a cargo ship: slow, sensitive, and full of resistance. But it can be done. Here are four business leaders who faced the challenge head-on—and came out […]
There are five common pitfalls that prevent well-meaning recognition programs from connecting with employees in meaningful ways. I explore that topic in Part 1 of this article series. Now it’s time to shift gears and explore what does work. Based on decades of research into motivation, emotional needs, and applied neuroscience, these five practices will […]
Middle managers occupy a unique and often challenging position within organizations, bridging between upper management’s strategic directives and the operational realities faced by their teams. Despite this critical role, middle managers frequently encounter numerous obstacles that can hinder their effectiveness. Since they can often be one of the most important roles in the company, it’s […]
If you’re reevaluating your employee recognition system, you’re not alone. Many HR leaders are confronting a hard truth: the traditional models of praise and reward aren’t landing the way they used to—or worse, they’re demotivating the very people they were meant to inspire. As a social psychologist, I’ve spent my career studying emotional needs, motivation, […]
With remote and hybrid models as part of the workplace norm, companies face the challenge of how to sustain—and evolve—company culture without the daily rituals of shared office life. With employees dispersed across cities, time zones, and even continents, many organizations are working to redefine how connection, trust, and shared values show up in a […]
In many companies, “career advancement” is a buzzword thrown around in onboarding packets, only to gather dust as employees linger where they are. The promise of upward mobility—promotions, new responsibilities, a clear path forward—often clashes with reality: opaque processes, favoritism, or a simple lack of opportunity. But fostering internal growth isn’t just a perk; it’s […]
Leaders understand financial debt and technical debt. But many overlook a more subtle, equally corrosive liability: culture debt. Culture debt accumulates when leadership delays difficult conversations, ignores misaligned behaviors, or fails to reinforce company values. It’s not always visible right away—but it compounds. Left unchecked, it erodes trust, weakens engagement, and increases turnover. What Culture […]
What does it take to lead a team with five different generations? It’s a question every HR professional is grappling with. This infographic provides essential guidance, featuring insights from Reggie Willis, Chief Diversity Officer at Ally Financial, and speaker at Spark HR 2025. Discover how to move beyond generational stereotypes, foster collaboration, and build a […]
How employees learn at work is changing fast, and as an HR professional, you need to keep up. Traditional training methods are fading, and online learning is taking center stage. It offers flexibility, personalization, and easy access to skill-building opportunities. However, education goes beyond career growth—it’s a major driver of engagement. When your team has […]
Employers spend a lot of time thinking about how to boost employee morale. The solutions range from bonuses to better benefits to recognition awards. But there’s a simpler and more effective way—namely, conducting a regular “check-in” with your employees or colleagues and “tap-in” to what they are doing. Check-in, Tap-in Solution In her article “The […]