Favoritism and Nepotism at Work

Hey Besties!

Happy Wednesday! Ever stumble across something at work that just makes you do a double-take? We’ve all been there, right? This week’s HR Besties is serving up one of those “wait, what?” moments courtesy of an expense report that left us shook. It’s a wild one, so grab your coffee (or emotional support water bottle), and listen up:

In this episode:

• Intro Story: You think you’ve seen it all, and then BAM - a line item on an expense report that leaves you wondering if you’ve been pranked. Spoiler: it wasn’t a prank. (And yes, it’s definitely worth a read.)

• Corporate Cringe Speak: Okay, real talk… who came up with “dry run”? And what exactly is the opposite of that? Moist jog? Ew. (Let’s just call it a “practice” and leave it at that, okay?)

• Hot Topic - Favoritism at Work: Whether you’re the manager’s pet or just another face in the crowd, favoritism can jack up team dynamics. We’re diving into what to do if you’re the favorite (hint: don’t let it go to your head), and what to do if you’re not. We don’t leave out nepotism, and have tips for leaders on how to keep things fair.

• Questions & Comments: Would you sit next to a coworker on a flight? For some, it sounds like an easy “sure, why not?” - and for others (ahem Leigh), it’s a hell to the no.

Discussion Guide - For your next HR Besties meetup or team huddle:

• Expense Reports: Do we have clear guidelines on expense reports? Could they be clearer?

• Dry Run: Do you practice on your own for presentations? Could we help each other by practicing with someone else (for support, not embarrassment!)

• Favoritism: Do some people feel treated better - like new hires or different departments? What steps can we take to ensure fairness in the workplace?

Hit that link below to listen, and don’t forget to share your wildest work stories with us. We’re all ears - and yes, we’re happy to be anonymous - we get it!

Your HR Besties

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