The Future of HR

Happy Wednesday, Besties!

Jamie starts us off with a story that will make you thankful that you don’t have to work for the same CFO she did (unless you work at Jamie’s old company… and if so, our condolences!). She was checking her inbox when yet-another novel from the CFO lands. We're talking paragraphs. Multiple scrolls. Paragraphs within paragraphs. Jamie had enough and, in true Bestie form, shut it down - but you’ll have to listen to find out how.

This week, we’re talking about the future of HR (and why HR is needed), the fine line between informative and unbearable emails, and yes - what not to do on your next trip to the beach. Because is our meeting, where we always bring business & BS.

In this episode:

• Intro Story: The time Jamie had to (nicely) rein in the CFO’s “War & Peace”-length emails to the company. TL;DR: Please don’t do this.

• Corporate Cringe Speak: The passive-aggressive phrase you may have heard and even said - especially when you're being “reminded” about something you never saw in the first place.

• Hot Topic: The Future of HR - We’re joined by special guest Matt Taylor, President of Guardian HR, to talk about why HR’s needed and what’s next for the profession - from compliance trends to culture shifts, and how HR leaders can prepare now. And if you don’t know Guardian HR, it’s an amazing service that can help out your HR team including unlimited consultations, and more. AND we want your CFO to love you, so check out the cool page (with an exclusive deal) they made just for HR Besties listeners: https://guardianhr.com/ghr-besties/

• Questions & Comments: We talk about dream vacation spots, but one Bestie had a bit of a nightmare at hers…

Discussion Guide – For Your Next Podcast Group or Team Chat:

• Inbox Ignored: How do you follow up with someone who didn’t read your email - without sounding like a robot or resorting to guilt?

• Make It Stick: How can we teach our teams to write emails that people actually read (and remember, for only positive reasons)? What are tips you use, like including the short answer at the top?

• The Future of Work: How are you thinking about the next few years? What should we be doing now to prepare—whether we're in HR, leadership, or just trying to keep our calendars under control?

ChatGPT Prompts of the Week

Professional Prompts

• What are tips I should know about my writing style and how to improve it?

• What are emerging topics in the future of [insert your role] that I should start learning about now?

Personal Prompt

• Based on what you know about me, what would be an ideal vacation for me?

Whether you're future-focused or just a Bestie trying to get through the day, this one’s for you. We’ll always keep it real, keep it useful, and keep it just at or under 1,000 words. (You’re welcome).

Want to support us (“Yes, Besties!”)? Three ways! 1) Check out the Guardian HR page and set up a free demo - it's a great way to support us and make your work life easier (a win-win). 2) While you're listening to the podcast, we'd love it if you gave us a quick rating and review, and 3) follow us on social @hrbestiespod. We’ll all three be together in Denver next week at the Workhuman Live conference, so get ready for some fun content!

Thank you for reading and blue skies always,
Your HR Besties

Click here to reach out to is with your questions and comments. We love anonymous intro stories!