Communication

How to say ‘I’m sorry’

09/02/2025

Effective apologies clear the air and set the tone. They help build a new risk-taking climate as employees realize that mistakes—yours and theirs—are not the end. But if you don’t make your apology the right way, it can go unnoticed or even backfire.

6 communication gaffes even smart people make

06/02/2025

Here are six common communication mistakes that can undercut HR professionals’ credibility in the workplace, according to communications consultant Colette Carlson (colettecarlson.com).

10 ways to overcome ‘negative vibes’ among your staff

05/23/2025

Every manager must deal with a certain amount of pessimistic, hostile or uncooperative behavior at times. But a hard-core negative attitude that starts with just one employee can infect an entire department (or a whole company) if the manager doesn’t rein it in quickly.

9 surefire morale deflators–and how to avoid them

05/09/2025

With everything on your radar during the workday, it’s easy to forget about employee morale. But keeping the team engaged isn’t something that can be ignored or postponed. To keep morale on your radar, be aware of some of the common management mistakes that undermine it. Here are nine main deflators of employee morale, plus tips on avoiding them:

8 steps to becoming the manager your employees need

04/23/2025

In an effort to “empower” their staffs, too many managers take a completely hands-off approach, leaving employees alone unless they really need help. But this can create a rudderless ship, says management expert Bruce Tulgan. That’s not leadership! Here’s how effective managers provide genuine support to their employees.

How to bridge the gap between listening and action

04/02/2025

The numbers tell a troubling story: While 95% of organizations maintained or increased their employee listening efforts last year, HR leaders’ confidence in these programs has plummeted from 43% to just 27%. This stark decline signals a critical challenge facing HR departments today—not in collecting employee feedback but translating it into meaningful action.

Toxic positivity: How HR can foster an authentic culture

02/26/2025

Toxic positivity functions as a destructive force in workplace environments. When employees express legitimate concerns, toxic positivity responds with empty platitudes: “You’ve got this!” “Stay positive!” These responses invalidate employees’ experiences and suggest that their struggles stem from poor attitudes rather than real problems.

Finding the right way to say ‘thank you’ to employees

02/12/2025

With Employee Appreciation Day approaching on March 7, now is the perfect time to plan meaningful ways to recognize your team’s hard work.

How to manage remote workers with eroded social skills

12/20/2024

A study of 1,000 remote workers uncovered critical insights into the interpersonal challenges of digital work environments. The statistics paint a stark picture of social skill erosion.

Prepare to manage election-related workplace tensions

11/01/2024

Political tensions are running just as hot at work as they are on cable TV and the internet. A new survey by ResumeBuilder.com reveals worrisome workplace trends tied to next Tuesday’s election. Many of the 1,000 managers who responded to the survey expect those tensions will continue to intensify even after the votes are counted.